6-day Andean trek from Mendoza to Santiago

The full mountain crossing is approximately 65 km, spread over 5 trekking days. The daily distances are about 14 km on Day 1, 12 km on Day 2, 9 km on Day 3, 11 km on Day 4 and 19 km on Day 5. The first trekking day starts at around 3,900m and reaches Portillo Argentino at about 4,300m, with roughly 400m of ascent before a long descent. Walking times vary according to weather, trail conditions, river crossings, mule logistics and group pace. This is a real Andes crossing, so distances and times should be understood as mountain estimates rather than exact city-walking numbers.

You should have previous hiking or trekking experience, ideally with at least one overnight trek or several long mountain hikes. You do not need to be an athlete, but you do need good cardiovascular endurance and the ability to walk several hours per day at altitude, sometimes in cold, windy or snowy conditions. The trip can be suitable for children and older people if they already have outdoor experience and good fitness. We have had participants as young as 10 years old and as old as 78 years old, but this should not be someone’s first serious trek.

The meeting point is Mendoza, Argentina. You should arrive in Mendoza on Day 1 of the itinerary. Our team will meet the group there, check equipment and help with any last rental needs. The next morning, we provide private transport from Mendoza towards the trailhead area, including the approach to Portinari and Yaretas. The trek finishes on the Chilean side, near Termas del Plomo, where our private transport will be waiting to take the group to Santiago de Chile.

Outside Mendoza and Santiago, all accommodation and meals are included. During the mountain section, we sleep in tents in all camps, usually with 2 people per tent. We also provide a dining tent and toilet tent in the camps. All meals during the trekking days are prepared by our team, including breakfast, packed lunches, snacks and dinner. You do not need to bring your own food, although you may bring a few personal snacks if you want something extra during the walking days.

No special vaccines are required for this trek. However, this is an international border crossing, so we must organize the exit from Argentina and entry into Chile in advance. You must send us a photo of the valid passport or travel document you will use for the crossing. The same document must be used during the expedition; please do not change documents after sending us the information. We handle the border paperwork with the Argentine and Chilean authorities. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

The best time for the Cruce de los Andes is during the Southern Hemisphere summer, when the high mountain passes are more likely to be open and conditions are generally more stable. We normally run this itinerary twice per season: one group around New Year and another departure in February or March. Even in summer, the Andes can be cold and unpredictable, with wind, snow or sudden changes in weather, so proper mountain clothing is still essential.

Yes. You can join one of our scheduled group departures. The New Year 2026/2027 departure is already confirmed and currently has 4 participants. Joining a group is usually the best option for solo travelers or smaller parties, as it allows you to share logistics, guides, mule support, camps and transport with other trekkers.

In 19 previous Cruce de los Andes trips, we have never had to cancel or completely change the expedition because of bad weather, even during snowstorms or landslides. The route is remote, but our team knows the area well and makes decisions according to safety, trail conditions and border access. If a serious event makes the planned crossing impossible, we will adjust the itinerary and dates as needed to accommodate the group and keep the trip safe.

Yes. There are river crossings during the trek, so you must bring water-resistant sandals or Crocs. Flip-flops are not recommended because they can come off easily in moving water. Crocs or secure river sandals are the best option because they stay attached to your feet while crossing.

You will only carry a daypack, usually around 6 to 10 kg. Your personal overnight gear, sleeping equipment and most of the heavier items are transported by mules. This makes the trek much more enjoyable and allows you to focus on the walking, the scenery and the experience rather than carrying a heavy expedition backpack.

Yes. We officially exit Argentina at the Portinari police station and enter Chile later on the Chilean side of the route. You must carry your original valid passport or travel document. Please make sure it is the same document you previously sent us for the border paperwork. Because this is an international crossing, you must not carry any illegal or restricted items.

Yes. Our team carries VHF radios to communicate with local authorities, as well as satellite communication for emergencies and logistics. We also use satellite tracking, and you can share the tracking link with your family so they can follow the group’s progress and feel more reassured during the expedition.