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Mountains and Wine Country Ride
Cordoba/Mendoza
Argentina
We will ride into the impressive Mount Aconcagua region - here you will find the tallest mountains in America, including the highest peak, the Aconcagua (23 200 ft.). This is a mecca of mountaineering as you ride at 10 000 ft. high, through narrow trails, past unspoiled valleys and colorful creeks. It is in these uninhabited and isolated places, only accessible by horseback, where huge herds of furry guanacos roam freely and the imposing Andean condor nests. Only in the most remote places like these you can enjoy the privilege of watching these native animals at complete ease.
This is also a place of great historical merit. In 1817, the Los Andes Army crossed through this exact location. They traveled from Argentina to liberate the people of Chile from the Spanish Conquistadors. We will take a glimpse into the titanic effort our Fathers of Independence provided towards their freedom.
As the sun sets, the spectacular stars of the southern hemisphere will begin to cover the sky. Relaxing at the mountain lodge with its peaceful atmosphere as you share an intimate cup of coffee, tea or Argentine mate with fellow travelers. Together it all creates the most ideal ambiance, allowing us to feel the timeless spirit of nature and the wilderness around us.
Our last day will be purely gourmet: wine making and tasting and a superb lunch. We will visit Luján de Cuyo, an area is now known worldwide for producing several of Argentina’s very best wines, including malbec.
"We reach the hotel after a day in the wilderness. We will never forget
our new friends and the horses. The evening star comes out as night
shows up. It is only the first of the million stars that lighten the clearer
sky of the southern hemisphere. Long conversations recreate the
incredible day gone by".
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Camping Ride with pack horses
Progressive Ride (no camping)
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Meeting:
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Upsallata
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Airport:
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Mendoza
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Transfer:
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Mendoza Airport
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Riders:
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Min
6 riders
Max
12 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
Accommodations - 3 nights mountain lodge and 3 nights camping, all meals and beverages (excluding alcohol), 5 full riding days, wine tasting, English speaking guide, transfer from Mendoza airport, all camping equipment necessary
| A | 2013 | 7 day ride, AP | 7d / 6n | $1750 |
| Small group supplement (2-3 riders) | $390 |
| Small group supplement (4-5 riders) | $190 |
| Single supplement for 3 hotel nights | $290 |
| B | 2013 | 4 day ride, AP (rate TBA) | 4d / 3n | $0 |
| C | 2013 | 4 day ride, AP - Easter Ride (rate TBA) | 4d / 3n | $0 |
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Transfer from Mendoza Airport included
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$0
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2013
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Transfer from Buenos Aires Int'l airport, per car, each way (1-3 pax)
This is a "Group Rate"
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$50
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Included from Mendoza Airport.
Tour Dates for 2013
Additional dates can be arranged for groups of 4+
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Rates do not include:
Travel and medical insurance, gratuities, alcoholic beverages, Buenos Aires airport transfers
Day 1: Arrive at the Mendoza city airport. Transfer to the town of Uspallata (1.5 hrs drive), located right in the middle of the Andes Mountains and very close to Mount Aconcagua. Check in at the Uspallata Hotel. This mountain lodge is like a throwback to the 30s and 40s. Enjoy a welcome dinner.
Day 2: After breakfast we will have the first chance to ride these massive mountains. We will ride well into the Tiger Range. It is considered to be the backbone of the Andes.Moving upwards with our horses to 3000 meters – 9000ft. high we reach the viewpoints from where there is a great view of Uspallata Valley. Night at camp at Chacay, barbecue dinner
Day 3: After breakfast we start a 9hs. day outdoors. On horseback we will ride upstream the Ranchillos Creek to La Gloria (the Glory). Night at camp at Cueva de la Bruja (Witch Cave). The massive rock wall in front of it houses condor nests. If lucky, we will have the chance to watch them close by.
Day 4: We ride along the Durazno stream downwards to Uspallata. Its sandy river bed makes it a perfect place to try cantering. It is an unforgettable experience to run your horse into town. Are you willing to give it a try? Dinner in town. Night at hotel.
Day 5: Today we will ride the Bonilla Range through the Quebrada de Santa Helena and towards Agua de la Cueva (7hs ride including lunch outdoors). The same unspoilt trail used in 1817 by the army sent to free Chile from the Spaniards. On this virgin land, we will have a feeling of the titanic efforts of the task. When we reach Agua de la Cueva, we will have majestic views of the Aconcagua. Its 6 962 mts. – 21 000 ft. make it the highest peak in America. This was their camping grounds two centuries ago. On our way, we will stop at the abandoned mine Rivadavia and explore its tunnels. We have a barbecue dinner there. Night at camp at Mina Rivadavia.
Day 6: Our last riding day will go through Pampa de Canota (7hs ride including lunch outdoors). This area is known because of its herds of guanacos and the Andean condor. At sunset we reach Uspallata. Feel free to gallop back into town. Say farewell to your horse and get ready for dinner. Night at hotel.
Day 7: Mendoza wines - This day will be very gourmet: wine making and tasting and a superb lunch. From Uspallata we leave early to Luján de Cuyo. This area is now known worldwide for producing several of Argentina’s best wines. Each night during your ride you have been enjoying a different wine from this terroir. Your visit to Mendoza would not be complete without a visit to the famous Club Tapiz boutique winery. During this private visit, we will have the chance to taste their premium wines directly from the oak casks. Lunch at the winery. Transfer to Mendoza city airport. End of program.
Meeting:
Upsallata
Airport:
Mendoza
Transfer:
Mendoza Airport
Included from Mendoza Airport.
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Tack:
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South American recado saddles
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Horses:
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Criollo and Peruvian Paso crosses, mountain trained
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Pace:
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Slow mountain riding, but there will be opportunities for those who like to canter and gallop. 5 to 6 hrs in saddle per riding day.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(2.5
to
4
out of 5) Low Intermediate+
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Weight:
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Max
250 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
6 riders
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Max
12 riders
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Included: 3 nights Uspallata Hotel or similar (basic mountain lodge) in Uspallata. 3 nights camp. All meals and beverages (excluding spirits). Hot meals at dinner and pic nic at lunch. English speaking guide, gauchos, horses, pack mules, camping equipment. First aid kits for people and horses. Iridium satellite phone for emergency calls. Mendoza Airport transfers. All others indicated in program.
Not included: flights, Buenos Aires International airport transfers, travel and medical insurance, gratuities and all others not indicated
Extra day:
We can add on a day of rafting for you: Rafting on the River Mendoza, the region’s best. 5-7 miles on the rapids surrounded by awesome scenery. The level of difficulty of this river is OK for everyone (level 2.5-3), thus combining adventure with safety.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in chart. The minimum passport validity is equivalent to the time granted by the immigration authorities.VisasNot required by nationals referred to. more
The weather is awesome because it is dry and rain is very unlikely.
This program is subject to the natural weather contingencies of any mountain environment.
The climate in Mendoza is moderate-temperate, though its mountains provide a certain degree of aridity.
Weather: Summer Hi 30°C (86ºF) - Lo 0°C (32ºF). The program is subject to the natural weather contingencies involved in any environment like this
During the ride it is much better to keep your personal clothing and items light! Normally, you only use half of what you take along.
As these are pack trips we provide saddlebags to place your personal items.
You can leave everything you will not need at the starting point and pick it back upon return.
Clothing and Luggage
• Sleeping bag: Comfort at 0º C, and -10º C for the Crossing of the Andes ride. We do not provide camping sleeping mats but in Argentina, we normally use the saddle sheepskins which are available. In Chile, due to the type of saddles, you will probably want to use sleeping mats
• Two changes of clothes: loose pants, long sleeve shirts which protect better from the sun than t-shirts. For the cold weather it is better to carry along a few thin warm clothes (t-shirts, undershirts, etc) than only one thick garment. Polar sweaters do well both in summer and winter
• Warm undershirt and underpants
• Waterproof jacket and/or poncho
• Hat (not a cap) and riding helmet
• Neckerchief
• Gloves (optional)
• Swimsuit
• Trekking shoes or riding boots
• Half chaps
• Sneakers (the ones that can get wet)
• Rain cape.
Hygiene
• Personal hygiene items such as soap, shampoo, toothbrush, tooth paste, etc, in small packaging
• Small towel
• Larger towel to leave at the base camp
• Wet tissues (optional)
Health
• No specific vaccine is mandatory in this region but as for any outdoors activity we recommend tetanus vaccine
• Personal medicine
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent (optional)
• Sunglasses
• Prescription glasses or contact lenses
• Water bottle
Accessories
• Small flashlight and batteries
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera and/or filming machine, batteries and film. There is no chance to recharge batteries during ride
Documentation
• Medical and accident insurance details
• Photocopy of documents. For the Crossing of the Andes: original IDs or passport with corresponding visas.
Others
• We provide all required camping equipment (tents, cookware, first aid kit, eating utensils, etc.) and saddle bags.
In case you do not have some of the items below, our partner in Argentina will be happy to help you get them locally.
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This list is only a guideline for you
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Travel documents and Voucher
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Flight tickets
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Passport
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Visa (check with your consulate)
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RIDING GEAR
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Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!)
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Riding boots (waterproof) + Minichaps
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Riding helmet (recommended for all trips)
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Riding gloves
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Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection
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Lightweight Rain coat
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PERSONAL CLOTHING
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Jacket or sweater for cool evenings
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Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts
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Jeans
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Shorts
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Underwear and socks
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Pajama
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Bag for dirty clothes
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Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes
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Swimsuit
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ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING
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Personal Toiletries
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Insect protection
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Personal medications
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Sore cream (for the emergency)
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Sewing kit
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Handkerchiefs
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Adapter for electric appliances (optional)
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Sun glasses with strap
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Sun tan lotion and lip balm
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Binoculars
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Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips
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Tack:
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South American recado saddles
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|
Horses:
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|
Criollo and Peruvian Paso crosses, mountain trained
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|
Pace:
|
|
Slow mountain riding, but there will be opportunities for those who like to canter and gallop. 5 to 6 hrs in saddle per riding day.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(2.5
to
4
out of 5) Low Intermediate+
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Weight:
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Max
250 lbs
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Riders:
|
|
Min
6 riders
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Max
12 riders
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Included: 3 nights Uspallata Hotel or similar (basic mountain lodge) in Uspallata. 3 nights camp. All meals and beverages (excluding spirits). Hot meals at dinner and pic nic at lunch. English speaking guide, gauchos, horses, pack mules, camping equipment. First aid kits for people and horses. Iridium satellite phone for emergency calls. Mendoza Airport transfers. All others indicated in program.
Not included: flights, Buenos Aires International airport transfers, travel and medical insurance, gratuities and all others not indicated
Extra day:
We can add on a day of rafting for you: Rafting on the River Mendoza, the region’s best. 5-7 miles on the rapids surrounded by awesome scenery. The level of difficulty of this river is OK for everyone (level 2.5-3), thus combining adventure with safety.
Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in chart. The minimum passport validity is equivalent to the time granted by the immigration authorities.
Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for either business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days (extensions for a further 90 days are possible for some nationals; contact the consulate for details). \
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements.
Visa Note
Argentine minors traveling to or from Argentina, if unaccompanied by their parents or traveling with a single parent, must carry their parents’ or legal guardian’s authorisation to travel, which must be certified by an Argentine Consul if issued abroad. Fines will be levied if passengers do not comply with immigration requirements and passengers will be deported.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Mountains and Wine Country Ride
Tour Code:
IT-ARRT21
7 days /
6 nights
~$1,750.00
Dates :
Oct to March
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner
 | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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