Details
Trip Duration
3 days
Mountain Range
Andes
People per Guide
-
Trip Level
Easy
Offer Period
Jan, Feb, Dec
Type of Trip
Group
Highlights
- Explore the site where a miracle happened in 1972
- Discover the place in which 16 passengers from a plane accident survived
- Learn about their story and tales of their survival
Have you watched the movie Alive? It tells the story of 16 survivors that defeated the Andes against all ods, after their plane crashed. It is based on a book written by those same survivors on their fight to keep living.
This journey takes place in the area they had to conquer in the Andes, near Mendoza. Join us on this unique adventure through one of the most beautiful places of Argentina, as you learn about this miraculous story.
On October 13rd, 1972, an uruguayan airplane that was carrying 45 passenger to Chile, crashed in the Andes. Most passengers were students and rugby players. And when the accident occurred, twelve died during the crash. The rest survived. However, they had to face a living hell of hunger and low temperatures, sometimes more than 30 degrees below zero at nights.
Even though they fought hard to resist the conditions, they heard the rescue was called off, as no one believed there could had been survivors. So, tired of the harsh situation, two made the decision of crossing the impossing mountains to get help. After 72 days of hopelesnnes, on December 22nd, 1972, they were finally rescued.
On this fantastic traverse, we will pass by many of the places these survivors had to go through. And, as we advance, we will learn more about their fascninating and inspiring story, paying homage to the victims.
So don’t miss out on this marvellous opportunity to explore a magical place, that holds an incredible story. Follow one of our guides into this 3 day horseback riding adventure in El Sosneado near Mendoza.
Are you looking for a trekking trip? We also offer this El Siambon – Tafi del Valle 5-day trek.
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Accommodation
- All meals during trip
- Transport during the trip
- Luggage transfer during the trip
- Group equipment
- Permit and entrance fees
- Porters
What happens if I need to cancel the trip?
If you decide to cancel, you’ll get a 100% refund (minus fees) if the cancellation is notified up to 60 days before the start of the tour, a 75% refund (minus fees) if you cancel between 59 and 30 days before the start of the tour, and a 50% refund if you cancel between 29 and 21 days before the start of the tour. If you cancel less than 21 days before the first day of the tour, you won’t receive a refund.
Take into account, however, that if accommodation, flights or transfers were included in the trip you booked, then a different policy may apply as the guide will be bound by the provider’s cancellation policy.
What happens if the guide cancels the trip because of bad weather/unsuitable conditions?
If bad weather or unsuitable conditions force the guide to cancel the trip, he or she will: a) propose a similar activity at a different place where conditions are better, or b) propose to postpone the activity until a later date, or c) cancel. If you refuse option a), our cancellation policy will apply. Please note, however, that the call to cancel a trip due to bad weather can only be made by the guide (not the client).
What happens if the guide doesn’t show up or cancels for personal reasons?
If the guide cancels for reason of injury or other, you will get a 100% refund on your trip.
Itinerary
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Day 1:
El Sosneado
We can pick you up from San Rafael or meet directly at El Sosneado. Then, we’ll take a 3 hour ride on a vehicle up to the mountain. When we get there, we’ll get ready to get on the horses. Thereupon our adventure begins crossing the rivers Atuel, as well as Rosado and Barroso. After about 4 hours horseback riding, we’ll get to our camp base at El Barroso to grab lunch. Later the rest of the afternoon will be free.
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Day 2:
Valle de las Lagrimas
After a typical argentinian breakfast we’ll trek towards the Valle de las Lagrimas. We’ll ride for about 4 hours, until we arrive at the Las Lagrimas Glacier, right at the border with Chile. Then, we’ll ascend to a very solemn place where we’ll find a cross as a memory of the victims of the plane crash. Thereupon we will silently and respectfully explore the area finding remains of the airplane itself as well as offerings and monuments to the victims. After exploring there, we will have lunch and return to our campsite. Finally we’ll have a farewell dinner.
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Day 3:
Back to El Sosneado
We’ll begin our day with breakfast. Then, we’ll ride to El Sosneado.
Other details
Camping
We recommend you to stay at San Rafael the previous night, from where we can pick you up. You don’t require previous horseback riding experience. And the trip is suitable for adventurers from 13 to 60 years old. Please note the itinerary may change due to unforeseen circumstances.
About the Guide
Adventure tourism agency formed by ISAS, EPGAMT and adventure tourism guides.
Head guide is Leandro Scheurle, rock and ice climbing instructor, wild areas lifeguard (WFR), and ISAS trekking and adventure tourism guide. He is also Instructor and lecturer at the ‘Instituto Superior Andes del Sur’ (school of professional guides).
He made technical ascents in Argentina and South America, including solo new routes in Domuyo Volcano (Neuquén), and Cerro Bonete (Tierra del Fuego).
He also write articles for magazines, blogs and websites specialized in outdoors and mountain activities.