About this tour
When Sarah from our team tackled this seven-day mountain crossing, she was retracing the route of San Martín's legendary liberating army through the spine of the Andes. You're riding mules across high passes, wild weather, and genuinely remote terrain between Argentina's valleys and peaks—camping in basic mountain refuges the whole way. It's a proper expedition, not a trot. The landscape is immense and the historical weight of what happened here sits heavy. Summer season only (December to March), groups capped at 14, and your legs and lungs need to be genuinely fit.
Highlights
- Mule-backed crossing of the actual Sanmartiniano pass used by independence fighters
- Seven nights camping in mountain refuges with full meals included
- Guides and baqueanos (local mountain experts) navigating technical terrain daily
- Dramatic Andean scenery—ravines, valleys, exposed ridges, changeable weather
- Walking the same routes as historical liberating forces; tangible sense of place
- Small groups (max 14) mean genuine connections with guides and fellow trekkers
- Air-conditioned vehicle for approach and return segments
What to expect
Day one preps you with a vehicle transfer and acclimatisation; days two through seven are all saddle time and mountain camp life. You'll wake early, ride for 5–7 hours with breaks, arrive at camp by mid-afternoon, and share meals with your group and the crew. Weather shifts fast at altitude—expect sun, wind, and occasional rain, sometimes all in one day. The riding isn't technical but it's relentless; your core and legs take a beating, and mules don't follow smooth paths. Camps are simple: canvas, bedding, a cook preparing hot meals. There's no mobile signal or comfort padding, but that's the appeal for Sarah—you disconnect and focus on the mountains, the guides' stories, and the historical narrative woven through each day's landscape.
Good to know
If you're drawn to horsing through wild country with real historical resonance, this delivers. The crew (guides, baqueanos, cooks, mule handlers) are skilled and attentive. Meals are included and surprisingly hearty. Groups stay small, so you're not in a cattle-run. It's summer-only and weather-dependent, so conditions are generally stable, though prepare for cold nights and intense sun.
This is genuinely hard physical work—six days of seven-hour saddle days will humble you. Not suitable if you have spinal issues, cardiovascular concerns, or are pregnant. Kids under 12 aren't recommended; older kids must be confident riders. Gratuities aren't included (tip your guides). Air evacuation isn't covered, so travel insurance with high-altitude medical is essential. Minimum group size is six; maximum 14. Peak demand December–January, so book ahead. Bring tough riding clothes, sunscreen, a warm layer for nights, and realistic expectations about comfort.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.