Join a unique 4-day trek to the Milagro de los Andes site, in the Valle de las Lágrimas, along local EPGAMT guide Claudio, from el Sosneado, Mendoza. 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Meeting point
Water bottle
Backpack
Poles
Sunglasses
Headlamp
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:
-Round trip transfer from Hotel Abandonado or Refuge Soler
What is NOT included?
The price does not include:
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
Trekking Guide
I am an EPGAMT certified trekking guide. I look to share my experience and to provide a safe and unique experience to my clients. I prepare each expedition with all the effort, professionalism and passion for what I do. We know how rewarding it is to reach your expedition goals and objectives, so we work professionally, responsibly, and in maximum safety to provide you the best experience in the mountains. Safety is always our main concern.
We offer all the services and logistics you need for your trip: transfers, hostels, hotels, shelters, food, high mountain tents, mountain kitchen equipment, mules, porters, VHF communication, GPS satellite security, and monitoring of expeditions day by day by on-line Satellite Spot and all the extra service you need for a great experience in the mountains.
Certificates
EPGAMT
Man
5
Climbing with guide Guillaume was absolutely a highlight of my 2-week Europe vacation. Originally, we were planning on climbing in the Calanques, but the park was closed due to wind and fire danger. Guillaume chose another amazing location (Pic de Bretagne) based on my climbing abilities and preferences and kindly offered train station pick-up and hotel drop off, which I appreciated very much. The multi-pitch route we did was not only fun but also the right amount of challenge, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The communication from the team (Gauthier) was prompt and clear—highly recommend!
Maxine
5
Luis Silva was a great climbing guide and belayer! He taught me how to do moves that were difficult and encouraged me to try routes that were challenging for me! Because of his encouragement, I managed to complete these routes! I really enjoyed the climbs and completed 8 routes in the Sesimbra/Azoia area. The weather was perfect, no direct sun and cool enough to enjoy the climbs. Explore-Share made booking an outdoor climbing experience in Lisbon extremely easy. Luis, our guide, was fantastic, and the platform’s organization was flawless.
Valeriya
5
You’re simply the best!!! :))) Explore-Share made everything easy and stress-free. Will definitely use again.
Joshua
5
We had Léo as a guide for our day climb in Fonty. We were blessed with a knowledgeable, warm, and instructive guide. Communication with Léo and Ivan was smooth and swift. Explore-Share was excellent in arranging everything for our day climb. The communication was quick, and the platform was easy to use, making our adventure stress-free.
Cami
5
Patrick was a great guide. He took us on an intermediate Via Ferrata at Passo Sella. Renato was quick to respond with any outreach on the Explore-Share platform. The booking process was straightforward, and once Patrick was confirmed, all went well. It was a wonderful experience, and I’d highly recommend the platform.
4.8
Read all our verified reviews
Stay up-to-date on the best adventures.