Trek to the Valley of Tears in Mendoza, Argentina
Join us on a trekking journey to the crash site of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571, nestled in the heart of the Andes mountains. Walk in the footsteps of those who braved the elements among the towering peaks of the Andes, risking everything for a chance at survival.
TRIP TYPE
Group
MOUNTAIN RANGES
Andes
DURATION
4 Days
OFFER PERIOD
Jan
FITNESS LEVEL
high
SKILL LEVEL
Intermediate
PAYMENT METHODS
Credit Card, Wire Transfer and more!
- Visit the crash site of the Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571
- Pay tribute to the resilience of those who survived and the memory of those who perished.
- Witness the vast, imposing beauty of the Andes firsthand
Description
Description
On October 13th, 1972, disaster struck in the Andes. A Uruguayan plane carrying 45 passengers, many of them young rugby players, plunged into the Andes mountain range. 12 lives were lost instantly, leaving the survivors facing a brutal reality: sub-zero temperatures, scarcity of food supplies and the ever-present threat of avalanches.
Faced with the loss of their companions and the seemingly endless wait for rescue, two survivors made a daring decision. They would attempt the unthinkable - a treacherous trek across the Andes, a journey that could mean life or death.
On December 22 of that same year, after having been isolated from everything for 72 days, the world learned that sixteen had conquered death. These events gave rise to the book and subsequently the movie "Alive" and 2024 Oscar nominee "Society of the Snow".
Join us on a journey to this extraordinary site. Witness the breathtaking beauty of the Andes, a stark contrast to the harrowing survival tale that unfolded there.
This is a tour that not only delves into history but also celebrates the unyielding spirit of humanity.
Price includes
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transportation start and back
- Group porters
- Permit and entrance fees
- Camping equipment cooking utensils
- Camping equipment tents
- Personal insurance
Price details
Included in the price are:
- Transfer from and to El Sosneado for the beginning and end of the journey.
- Local guides and pack animals up to Barroso camp (up to 5 kg per person). Important: Due to weather conditions, pack animals are not available during Holy Week.
- Pack horse to cross the river in case it is high.
- Professional mountain guides.
- Mandatory permit for entry and ascent in the Valley of Tears.
- Full board in the mountains (breakfasts, energy snacks, lunches, snacks, dinners).
- General cooking equipment (pots, heaters).
- Main first aid kit and equipment.
- Emergency communication devices: VHF, Satellite Phone.
- Bedroom tents.
- Dining tents at the El Barroso base camp (with chairs, tables, tableware, and kitchen).
- Pre-trip informational meetings.
- Personal accident insurance.
- Continuous assistance and coordination.
Secure your spot with just 25% payment
48-hour free cancellation with 30-day advance booking
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1: Meeting at El Sosneado
Meeting at El Sosneado after midday (approximately 3:30 PM). Transfer by vehicle towards the west along the road leading to Soler Shelter and the National Gendarmerie. Past the old abandoned thermal hotel, we will reach the Araya livestock post and then the shelter where we will spend the night.
Day 2: Crossing the Atuel River
On this day, we will head to the El Barroso base camp. We will first cross the Atuel River, either on foot or with the assistance of horses. Lunch on the go. After, we'll have the rest of the afternoon to enjoy the surroundings.
Estimated hiking time: 7 hours. Elevations: 350 meters in total ascent (500 meters ascent / 150 meters descent). Starting altitude: 2200 meters above sea level. Camp altitude: 2550 meters above sea level.
Day 3: Glaciar de Las Lágrimas
Early departure towards the Glaciar de Las Lágrimas. This day's expedition poses a considerable challenge, involving a three-hour hike followed by a crossing of the Río de Las Lagrimas (River of Tears). Then we will ascend for an additional two and a half hours to the site where the remains of the plane are located.
We will pay silent tribute to the victims, followed by a reconnaissance of the area. Descent to the camp.
Estimated hiking time: 7 hours to the destination, 5 hours for the return. Total = 12 hours. Elevations: 1050 meters ascent and 1050 meters descent. Starting altitude: 2550 meters above sea level. Maximum altitude: 3600 meters above sea level. Camp altitude: 2550 meters above sea level.
Day 4: Return to El Sosneado.
Breakfast and disassembly of the camp. We will walk back, descending to Puesto Araya. Return to El Sosneado. End of our services. Return home.
Estimated walking time: 6 hours. Elevations: 350 meters in total descent (500 meters descent / 150 meters ascent). Starting altitude: 2550 meters above sea level. Final altitude: 2200 meters above sea level.
Equipment you will need to bring
Equipment you will need to bring
GENERAL EQUIPMENT (If you don't have this equipment, the guides reserve the right to deny participation in the trekking) Trekking-expedition backpack (60 to 80 liters) - Note on backpacks: CLICK HERE Sleeping bag for trekking (temperature range 0 to -5°C) (e.g., 600g down or good synthetic). Insulating sleeping pad (10 to 15mm). A pair of trekking poles Physical Fitness (where your primary care physician indicates that you are fit for this activity). Water-resistant plastic bags to store all clothing inside the backpack. CLOTHING Socks: several pairs of trekking socks Underwear 1 pair of trekking boots (in good condition) . (Keep in mind that in December there is snow at the top) 1 second pair of lightweight shoes for wading (crossing rivers) and getting wet. Running shoes - (NO CROCS - NO SANDALS) Long trekking pants (NO JEANS) Long underwear or leggings (not mandatory) Short-sleeved synthetic dry-fit shirts Long-sleeved shirt Outerwear: Fleece sweatshirt and down jacket (feather) Waterproof jacket (also ideally breathable and windproof) 1 hat-cap for the sun (with flaps) 1 scarf to cover the neck from the sun (multifunctional scarves like Buff) Warm gloves. Warm hat PERSONAL ITEMS Identification document. Medical insurance, health insurance. MISCELLANEOUS Headlamp with batteries (Batteries) Mountain sunglasses. Sunscreen (not less than factor 45). Lip balm Toilet paper. Tissues. Baby wipes. PERSONAL USE KITCHEN Containers for water, at least 2 liters (can be a plastic bottle) Cutlery / Plate or Tupperware (no glass or aluminum) / Plastic or enamel cup or mug (no glass, no aluminum). OPTIONAL, not mandatory (considering space and weight) SILVER TAPE for blisters and repairs. Mate (traditional South American drink), straw, and yerba mate leaves Steel thermos Binoculars, monocular. Photographic or video equipment. Book, notebook, travel journal, pencil, pen. Games; cards, dice, etc. Pocketknife
FAQs
FAQs
Do I need previous trekking experience?
Some level of experience is required. Having completed at most a one-day mountain trek and overnight camping with a sleeping bag is recommended.
How fit do I need to be for this trekking journey in Mendoza?
It is advised to have good physical fitness and understand that the format is a trek, where you walk during the day with a backpack and camp in a rustic setting.
How much weight will I have to carry?
Each person must carry their backpack with personal equipment. However, on the day we go to the plane wreckage, the ascent is done without weight. Only essentials for the day are carried.
Where will we stay overnight?
Overnight stays occur in mountain camps in dormitory-style tents (structural type) or igloo-type tents for 2/3 or 4 people, depending on availability.
Do we need to bring a tent?
Tents are included in the price.
Will there be bathrooms available?
There are no bathrooms or portable toilets. Everything is in nature, with designated areas. It is necessary to maintain cleanliness by taking away used paper.
What is the minimum age range for this trip?
While typically suggested for individuals aged 13 and older, feel free to reach out for personalized advice. Suitability depends on factors such as physical fitness and enthusiasm, as this trek is considered demanding.
Where will we meet at the start of the trip?
We'll meet in El Sosneado, Mendoza.
How can I get to the meeting point in Mendoza?
If you're traveling by car, proceed 140 km after passing the city of San Rafael and make your way to a rest area on Route 144. This serves as a convenient spot to leave your car during the trek. GPS coordinates: -35.080516, -69.582824.
About the guide: Argentina
About the guide: Argentina
Argentina
Tour Operator
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.
The lead guide for AEX expeditions to Aconcagua is Daniel Adrián Cangiani, better known as "Roger". He is an EPGAMT mountain guide, WFR, rock climbing and mountaineering instructor, and professional photographer.
Languages
English
Certificates
EPGAMT | ISAS
What people are saying about Explore-Share
What people are saying about Explore-Share
Kumari
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Lesley
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Thank you explore-share for a wonderful via feratta experience. We have been wanting to learn for a long time but don't have the facilities in Scotland. The guide Mitja was extremely helpful and knowledgeable, answering all my many questions and providing advice. On the day head to take another group but he quickly arranged another guide Borut, who was brilliant. We had a fantastic morning learning via ferrata at Hvadnik in the gorge. It gave us the confidence to later hire our own equipment and go out in Mojstrana. Altogether a five star + experience. Thank you.
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