Trek from Argentina to Chile Across the Andes

This trip visits locations which can be considered to be remote, where the travel time to the nearest medical facility is likely to be above 12 hours, even with outside assistance. Outside communications in some locations may be limited. An evacuation may require a change of route from the originally planned one and the use of a support vehicle, either privately owned or public transport by land, air or water, to reach a point of medical care. Additional consideration should be given by and to those with pre-existing medical conditions with specific care needs and should be raised with your host before the trip. Those with pre-existing medical conditions should also seek guidance from a health professional prior to travelling. Should you experience health issues during your trip you should inform your guide immediately so the proper care can be provided. All travellers should have suitable and adequate travel insurance in place to provide cover for potential additional costs.

Like crossing any other international border, you will have to pass through immigration and customs in both countries. The difference here is that the neighbouring border offices are located on either side of a huge mountain range!

You'll complete the Argentine formalities on Day 2 - shortly after beginning the trek you’ll arrive to a place called Refugio Portinari, a gateway point to the Andes crossing trails where a small border outpost guarded by the 'National Gendarmerie' border force is located. It is here that you’ll pass through the Argentine customs and passport control. Your trekking guide team will of course be on hand to assist with any help or translation needed.

You’ll step foot on Chilean soil for the first time on Day 7, crossing the border line dividing the country's territories. After finishing the trek there is a short vehicle transfer to the nearest Chilean immigration office (run by ‘Los Carabineros de Chile’) which is a roadside office in the small town of San Gabriel. Here your passport will be checked again, stamped for entry into Chile, and you'll be on your way.

Tips for the guiding team are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however we suggest the below as a guideline per person:

• $5-10 (USD) per day, per guide (or equivalent in Argentine pesos)
• $3-5 (USD) per day for 'muleteer' porters

Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality – a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

During the trek, safe drinking water can be sourced directly from mountain streams and rivers. The guiding team will have water purification options should you wish to use them.

If bringing your own filter bottle, then check out our guide to the best water filters.

As this is a linear trek, you won't be returning to Mendoza as part of the trip, so should factor this into your packing. We recommend packing lightly without too many unnecessary items. If you plan to return independently to Mendoza after the trip then you can use the option of leaving excess luggage with the host for collection later on. For this service, they charge USD $20 per person, payable locally in cash.

Yes. Our host works only with well-respected local mule handlers known as 'arrieros' who care for the mules throughout the journey. The welfare of the animals is paramount and taken very seriously by the handlers who make a living working with expedition groups. Pack mules are traditionally used in this part of the world for transporting goods slowly over mountainous terrain, using their robust strength and balance. A weight limit of 60kg per mule is strictly observed, which is well below the weight that mules are typically comfortable carrying.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.

Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).

For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.

We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way. Check out our Community Values – a shared code to make sure that everyone's experience is safe, inclusive and brilliantly unforgettable.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

• 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
• 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
• 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

Departures are scheduled throughout the summer season only (Nov-Mar). Typical summer weather conditions in this part of the central Andes of Argentina are dry, clear and warm during the daytime, with the temperature dropping significantly at night. During the trek, whilst at high altitudes, you can typically expect daytime temperatures to reach approx. 25 ºC but at night it can be as low as -2 ºC. There are two high passes during the crossing (Portillo Pass and Piuquenes Pass) where wind conditions can be a factor, and earlier in the season there can still be a snow covering. Your guides monitor the conditions via specialist websites in order to stay prepared and share information.