Horseriding to the Andes Plane Crash Site

A horseback adventure full of history by las Lágrimas valley

  • Start Date : 2024-Apr-05
    End Date: 2024-Apr-07
  • Hora Inicio: 8.30 am
    Hora Fin: 5 pm
  • Meeting Point:El Sosneado, Mendoza
    End: El Sosneado, Mendoza
  • Duration:3 days
    Availability: 20 spots
Horseback riding Expedition to the Andes Survivor Crash site

Proposal

Season 2023/ 2024:
  • December: 8 to 10
  • December: 27 to 29
  • January: 5 to 7 / 19 to 21
  • February: 11 to 13 (XXL holiday) / 23 to 25
  • March: 8 to 10
  • Trekking option (walking): normally they are the same dates starting one day before. Consult trekking calendar
A touching story…

On Friday, October 13, 1972, a Uruguayan plane, carrying 45 passengers to Chile, many of whom were students and players from a rugby team, crashed in the Andes Mountains.
Twelve died from the impact and those who survived had to endure, among other things, the fearsome Cordillera with its thirty degrees below zero at night and the scarcity of food reserves.
Finally, fed up with the extremely low temperatures, the threatening avalanches and anguished by the continuous death of their companions and the slow wait for rescue, two boys decide to cross the immense mountains in order to reach Chile.
On December 22 of that same year, after having remained isolated from everything for 72 days, the world learns that sixteen defeated death. These events gave rise to the book and later to the film "Alive".

Our tour invites you to visit this miraculous place that, on the other hand, has a very important landscape content.

 

Itinerary:

RECCOMENDATION: It is convenient to stay the previous night in the city of San Rafael.

Day 1: Meeting at El  Sosneado. From there we will take a 3- hour trip up to the mountain by transfer. Once there the baqueanos will begin to set up the horses and to prepare the loads that will go with the mules.  On this first day we will cross the rivers Atuel, Rosado and Barroso. After 4 hours riding, we will arrive at our base camp , El Barroso. Lunch. Afternoon free to relax and enjoy the landscape. Dinner.

  • Approximate riding hours : 4 - 5 hs.

Day 2: After breakfast begins our longer and challenging day of our trip towards las Lagrimas valley.After 4 hours approximately, we will finally arrive at the  "Las Lagrimas Glacier", reaching the 3.700 msnm, on the border between Argentina and Chile. We will ascend walking up to the commemorative cross where in a respectful silent we will honor the victims. Then, in company of our guides, we will walk along the area doing a local recognition of the rest of the plane , dozens of crosses, epitaphs, flags, offerings, and the monument to the victims. After lunch , we will  return to our camp site.  Farewell dinner.

  • Approximate riding hours: 5 - 7 hs

Day 3: After breakfast we wil prepare the horses and the loads for the return. We will ride up to  El Sosneado. Lunch. End of our services.

  • Approximate riding hours : 4 - 5 hs

Note

Note 1: All horses are properly trained and prepared to ride in the mountain and our baqueanos have the best conditions and local knowledge. It is not necessary to have previous experience.

Note 2: Active program with middle-hard difficulty suitable from 13 to 60 years old (cases outside these age range will be evaluated).Suitable for people up to 100-110 kg, given the load resistance of our horses. There are steep ascents and descents but there are no places with significant risk.

Note 3Program subjected to weather, poltical and geographical conditions. Modifications may occur. Decisions will be taken exclusively by the guides, mountain guides and coordinators

Included Services
  • Entrance permit to Valle de las Lagrimas
  • Transfers in and out to El Sosneado
  • 02 (two) nights of camping.
  • Tents for 2 to 3 people
  • Kitchen equipment 
  • Tents with table, chairs, lights.
  • Personal tableware
  • All meals during from breakfast on day 1 to breakfast on day 3.
  • Specialized guides and baqueanos
  • Horses with saddle.
  • Mules for general equipment
  • First aids equipment
  • Satellite telephone for emergencies.

 

Services NOT included
  • Trip to El Sosneado (flight or bus tickets)
  • Sleeping bag and insulated sleeping pad (request for rental)
  • Expenses caused by the abandonment of the program
  • Tips
  • Services not detailed in included services

Photo and Video Gallery


Where do you sleep

Both nights we slept at Camp Barroso. There we have big tents which have tables and chairs for meals.
Overnight is in these large tents with the sleeping bag on the floor, or in igloo tents for 2 or 3 people, also on the floor, using insulators and a sleeping bag.

Faq

Do we ride a lot every day?

On the first day we ride between 3 to 4 hours. On the second day, 6 hours. On the last day , another 3 -4 hours.

Do I have to know how to ride a horse and / or have previous experience in the activity?

Definitely not. Horses are prepared to receive people who have never ridden and the learning process is significantly fast. The modality is "on the way",  one horse behind the other.

What if I have previous experience riding horses?

Those who have experience will also have the possibility of riding horses according to her/his experience.

Where do we spend the night?

Being a tour that goes through unspoilt nature and whith no existence of vehicular road , overnights are in comfortable igloo-style tents for 2/3 or 4 people. Those who want to sleep outdoors (bivouac) with his/her sleeping bag and insulated sleeping pad, under an unforgettable starry sky , are able to do it in this campsite.

What happens if someone needs to be evacuated for any reason?

Almost all the camps have escape routes to be able to be in a few hours in the vehicular road. Our baqueanos and guides are trained to solve first aid and / or evacuation issues, which are very infrequent.

Is there signal for my cellphone?

No. Cell phones in this area end up becoming useless elements. 

What kind of backpack or luggage should I take?

Everyone must carry their personal possessions in a bag or a large backpack up to El Sosneado. All these belongings will be carried in a bag  by the mules (according to the list required). You will also have saddlebags where you can place those things you need during the day.

What is the menu during the trip?

Our mountain menus are varied. From pastas with tasty sauces to stews or grilled meats (chivito argentino). Antipastos, salads and fast digestion meals are common at noon. It is necessary to complete the personal / medical file to clarify if someone has a special diet (celiac, vegetarian ,among others).

Difficulty graduation

Caballo: Duración de la Jornada.

Exigencia Física

Técnico: Dificultad en el Terreno / Equipo.

Fortaleza Psicológica

Exposición a la Altura

Horse Riding (C)

This point has to do with the weight that we must carry in our backpacks. Trekkings or crossings where we have pack animals allow us to bear less weight on our backs. And the multi-day journeys in Patagonia (without the option of having pack mules) generally make us carry more weight, especially in the early days.

20% of a day, without unevenness or requirement. Example: Pampas horseback riding, initiation workshop

40% horseback riding in the sierras, one or more days: Córdoba, San Luis.

60% Horseback riding in the mountains for 3 or 4 days or in the north of Argentina for several days.

80% Andean Crossing Horseback riding up to 3000 meters (double crossing x Las Loicas).

100% Andean Crossing Horseback Riding up to more than 4000 meters. (Sanmartiniana Los Patos).

Fitness (F)

We consider physical demands to the wear that we can suffer both aerobic (climbs = possible shortness of breath) and muscle (resistance = many hours walking) and of legs and joints (descents = knees / ankles).

20% half a day or less with little unevenness.

40% more sustained unevenness and longer working days

60% Long ascents and descents with a longer duration.

80% Demanding effort of legs in resistance. Very long days.

100% Maximum demand. Aerobic and constant force leg work

Technical (T)

The technical difficulty is mainly based on the handling of the horse and the actions to be performed.

20% prairie / pampa.

40% trails with moderate ups and downs.

60% Steeper slopes and trails.

80% Steep descents and ascents.

100% Very steep descents and ascents.

Psycho (P)

We maintain that this point, the psychological factor, represents a relevant factor. Each one needs a factor of conviction, confidence, self-control and will power to achieve a goal. And depending on the attitude with which we face distances, slopes, terrain and many other objective factors, we can achieve performance with very different results.

20% We will not be much affected.

40% This is a normal level of attention.

60% We require more motivation, enthusiasm and concentration.

80% The activity will require us to be very connected and convinced.

100% Maximum control and emotional-psychological performance.

Adventures (A)

It is the factor that, the height above sea level, influences us depending on the activity we carry out. Managing and overcoming symptoms caused by altitude is the key to this point

0% + sea level.

20% Up to 2000 masl.

40% + 2000 masl.

60% + 4000 masl.

80% + 5000 masl.

100% + 6000 masl.

Gradual Adventure Activity Difficulty System designed by Leandro Scheurle.
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Required equipment

MANDATORY REQUIRED EQUIPMENT *** (If this equipment is not taken, the guides reserve the right to define your participation)
  • Warm sleeping bag (minimum -10 degrees comfort) ***
  • Parka jacket (waterproof and windbreaker)  ***
  • Sun Glasses (recommended with UV protection, with protective strips). ***
  • Warm Gloves. (ski or mountain type) ***
  • National ID or Passport (as applicable) ***
CLOTHES
BASE LAYER
  • 2 pairs of high socks
  • 1 long sleeves shirt 
  • 1 buff / multifunctional headwear
  • 1 pair of thermal leggings (it can be made of lycra).
  • 2 short sleeve t-shirts

 

MIDDLE LAYER
  • 1 long pair of trousers, if possible, fast dry (trekking trousers without zippers and long thermal trousers or trousers - NO JEAN, NO CORDEROY)
  • 2 sweaters or sweatshirts (recommended 1 thin fleece+ 1 thick fleece) ***
  • 1 fleece or  wool cap ***
  • 1 pair of fleece gloves
OUTER LAYER
  • Parka jacket / Gore-tex Jacket ***
  • Warm Gloves. (ski or mountain type) ***
Others
  • 1 swimsuit
  • 1 pair of footwear to rest your feet. (crocks, flip flops, alapargatas)
  • 1 pair of high-top trekking shoes or riding boots, in case you do not have boots get leather spats ***
  • Front flashlight or small flashlight w / spare batteries ***
  • Sun Glasses (recommended with UV protection, with protective strips) *** ***
  • Bottle or container for water up to 1 liter, to drink.
Hygiene elements and personal care
  • Sunscreen (factor 40 or higher) ***
  • 1 small towel
  • Wet wipes for sanitizing.
  • Personal medication
  • Moisturizing lotions
  • Lip balm
  • Brush and toothpaste set.
  • A small soap / shampoo
  • Toilet paper.

 

PERSONAL ELEMENTS
  • National ID ***
  • Medical insurance***
  • Full personal file online ***
OPTIONAL, not mandatory (see space and weight)
  •  Feather coat jacket.
  •  SILVER TAPE , for repairs.
  •  Steel thermos
  •  Monocle. Photographic or video equipment
  •  Book, notebook, travel diary, pencil, 
NOTE

1. Do not take insulated sleeping pad

2.First aids: only bring personal medication.

3. Personal bags, with the rest of the luggage that does not go to the ride, can be left (safely) in the meeting pont to withdraw it upon return.

Rental Equipment

Trekking sleeping bag

Booking in Advance

US$ 16 + options

Pair of Trekking Poles

Booking in Advance

US$ 10 + options

Rental mittens

Booking in Advance

US$ 8 + options

Pair of Crampons

Booking in Advance

US$ 15 + options

Rental : helmet, crampons and ice ax

Booking in Advance

US$ 36 + options

Combo Top: helmet, crampons, ice ax and full harness

Booking in Advance

US$ 50 + options

Category 3 sunglasses - Shepra Julbo Spectrom

Booking in Advance

US$ 5 + options

Backpack for trekking and mountaineering - Woman

Booking in Advance

US$ 10 + options

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Contact and Enquiries

RECOMENDACION: Pueden comunicarse de formar directa al 54 9 1173648678
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