4-day Trek to the “Milagro de los Andes” site in the Valle de las Lágrimas, from El Sosneado
Join a unique 4-day trek to the Milagro de los Andes site, in the Valle de las Lágrimas, with Argentina Mountain Guides. Discover the history of the plane that crashed into the Andes in 1972, when 16 people miraculously survived.
Group
Andes
4 Days
Jan - Mar, Oct - Dec
High
Advanced
Highlights
- Trek to the place where survivors resisted for more than 2 months
- Go on a challenging trek to a unique sanctuary in the Andes
- Learn more about an inspiring and touching story
Description
This 4-day trek starting in Mendoza takes you to the “Milagro de los Andes” site, the crash site of the Uruguay AF Flight 571 in 1972, with 45 passengers onboard, most of them rugby players. The accident was later told by survivors in a book, and immortalized by the 1993 Ethan Hawk/John Malkovich film “Alive!”.
This trip is a tribute to those brave survivors. The plane was flying from Uruguay to Chile, but it crashed in the Andes Mountains. Twelve passengers died and the survivors resisted there for more than 2 months, experiencing thirty degrees below zero during the nights, hunger and death.
They tried to resist on the little food reserves they had, waiting to be rescued, but they lost hope when listening to a radio they learned their search had been abandoned. Finally, desperate because of the freezing temperatures, the menacing avalanches and distressed by the continued death of their companions, two of them decided to cross the immense mountains to reach Chile.
This is how on December 22, 1972, after having been isolated for 72 days, the world found out that sixteen of them had defeated death in the Andes. This was called the “Milagro de los Andes”(the Andes Miracle). This trekking tour takes you to the place of the crash, today a sanctuary.
We will meet in the city of Mendoza, and from there, we will transfer to El Sosneado village, where our adventure begins. You can check the day-by-day itinerary below.
Bear in mind this is challenging, truly demanding trek, so you need to have an excellent fitness level to join us, as we will be trekking for a total of 12 to 13 hours on the third day, with an elevation gain of about 1000m. We will be camping in the mountains, and trekking on rock terrain, over snow or ice during some sections, although without technical difficulty.
If you are in for this unique trek, just contact us and book your place. Come join us for a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the impressive Andes.
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
- Personal insurance
- Permit and entrance fees
- Porters
- Mountain guide expenses
- Luggage transfer
- Mules and horses
- Tents
- Tips
- Snacks
- Clean drinkable water
Price details
- The Price includes: Transfer from Sosneado to the Hotel Abandonado or Refuge Soler round trip – Accommodation in high mountain tents All meals, breakfasts, and snacks during the expedition from snack day one to lunch march day 4 -Guide, assistants and porters - Support horses for crossing rivers and Baqueanos -Transportation of up to 10 kg of personal equipment (will be controlled) - Complete height kit / Common use equipment (high mountain tents, heaters, pots) - Expedition meals: breakfasts and snacks (mate cocido, tea, bread and jam; dinners (soups, and main course); marching food (sandwich, fruit, cereal bars, chocolate) - Guide, assistant guide and cook in the mountains - Support horses for crossing the rivers and Baqueano/Transportation of up to 5 kg of personal equipment in mules (will be controlled) // The price does not include: Meals and transport in the city - Personal clothing (Ask for rentals) -Expenses caused by eventual abandonment of expedition and rescue and evacuation expenses -Meals outside the mountain itinerary.
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: El Sosneado
Welcome at the Sosneado, meeting with the guides. Individual equipment check. Transfer by vehicle through the Laguna del Sosneado, continuing up near the ruins of the Hotel Abandonado del Sosneado, or near the Soler Refuge. Camp Setting. Guidelines briefing for the upcoming days.
Day 2: Hotel Abandonado del Sosneado - Base Camp
From Hotel Abandonado del Sosneado, we trek to the base camp (2600m). We start hiking, crossing the Atuel, Rosado and Barroso Rivers. After an 8-hour approach trek we arrive at the place where we will build our base camp, next to the Barroso River. The crossing of the mighty rivers will be supported by guides, baqueanos and made on horses that the organization will arrange for the crossing. We set our camp at 2600m. This day we will travel approximately 13 kilometers. Elevation gain:400m.
Day 3: Base Camp - Trek to the Valle de las Lágrimas
At dawn we will start the trekking towards the Valle de las Lágrimas (Valley of Tears), reaching up to 3650 meters above sea level, we will arrive at the border between Chile and Argentina, where the remains of the Fairchild FH-227D plane are located. It is the sanctuary of the 1972 Andes tragedy. This day will require us about 12 to 13 hours of trekking (round trip). March lunch, return to the camp, snack, dinner. The Valle de las Lágrimas, still contains physical evidence of the plane crash. The plane was burned with gasoline after burying the victims. A memorial cross was also placed at this place. This day we will travel approximately 12 kilometers in ascent, with an elevation gain of 1000 meters, and the same 12 kilometers, descending 1000 meters.
Day 4: Base Camp - Trek to El Sosneado
We will trek back to the local post near the Hotel Abandonado of El Sosneado. Transfer to El Sosneado village and end of our tribute trip to the Uruguayan Airplane. On this day we will trek for about 5 hours.
Details
More info
Required clothing: Trekking pants, or comfortable walking pants- thermal pants or shoes- waterproof pants- 2 pairs of high mountain socks- 2 pairs of common trekking socks-waterproof trekking boots- spare shoes to use in the camp- lightweight old sneakers or espadrilles to cross the river on horseback (to get wet)- short-sleeved shirt- 2 long-sleeved shirts (better synthetic)- polar jacket or windbreaker- warm jacket (best of duvet)- waterproof jacket, gloves. First layer: thick coat gloves, better if they are waterproof- sun hat- polar hat or fleece- balaclava or multipurpose- Buff type scarf
Equipment: sunglasses- trekking poles- backpack- headlamp- sleeping bag for less of 15 degrees-two empty one-liter bottles to load water- personal medication- sunscreen, if possible total screen, or factor 60- lip balm- insulating neoprene for sleeping bag- personal medication- personal hygiene bag- deep plate, glass-fork, spoon- knife- 5 bags for waste.
Equipment you will need to bring
Water bottle
Backpack
Poles
Sunglasses
FAQs
What is the "Milagro de los Andes" and why is it significant?
The "Milagro de los Andes" (the Andes Miracle) refers to the 1972 crash of Uruguay AF Flight 571 in the Andes Mountains, where survivors endured extreme conditions for over two months. This trek is a tribute to their resilience and survival.
Where does the Valle de las Lágrimas trek start and what does it involve?
The trek starts in Mendoza, Argentina, and takes you to the crash site near El Sosneado village. It's a challenging trek requiring excellent fitness levels, involving camping, and trekking on varied terrain including rock, snow, and ice.
What fitness level is required for this trek to Valle de las Lágrimas?
You must have an excellent fitness level as the trek includes a demanding 12 to 13-hour hike on the third day, with an elevation gain of about 1000m.
Is there technical climbing involved in this trek?
While the trek includes sections over snow or ice, there are no technical climbing skills required.
What can I expect in terms of accommodations and meals?
We will be camping in the mountains, and all meals are provided during the expedition, including breakfasts, snacks, and dinners.
Are there any special considerations or preparations I should make before joining this trek?
Prepare for varying weather conditions and rugged terrain. Ensure you have appropriate gear and clothing for mountain trekking.
What is included in the cost of the tour?
The price includes:
- transfer from Sosneado to the Hotel Abandonado or Refuge Soler
- Accommodation in high mountain tents
- All meals, including breakfasts and snacks from day one snack to lunch on day four
- Guide, assistants, and porters
- Support horses for river crossings and Baqueanos
- Transportation of up to 10 kg of personal equipment (strictly controlled)
- Complete high-altitude kit and common use equipment (tents, heaters, pots)
- Expedition meals, including breakfasts and snacks (mate cocido, tea, bread, jam), dinners (soups, main course), and marching food (sandwich, fruit, cereal bars, chocolate)
- Guide, assistant guide, and cook in the mountains
- Support horses for river crossings and Baqueano, and transportation of up to 5 kg of personal equipment on mules (strictly controlled)
What is NOT included?
The price does not include:
- Meals and transport in the city
- Personal clothing (rental available upon request)
- Expenses due to potential abandonment of the expedition and rescue/evacuation expenses
- Meals outside the mountain itinerary
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
What people are saying about Argentina
Bassel
Pablo was excellent as always and put us in touch with Julian Lopez who organised 4 days of splitboarding in North Patagonia. His knowledge as a guide and as an Argentine were thoroughly appreciated. Highly recommended.
Becky
I spent three days on the glaciers above Chamonix with Jeremias at the beginning of July 2015, preparing for a three week tour with him to Patagonia. I cannot recommend Jeremias' guiding highly enough. He is highly expert in everything concerning the mountains and was truly excellent company throughout. I cannot wait to go again!
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