Trek from Argentina to Chile Across the Andes

This is a challenging trek that takes place in a remote area of the Andes and involves physical exertion at high altitude (see the altitude FAQ for more info). A good level of fitness and previous trekking experience is required (although no technical mountaineering experience is needed). You'll be trekking for approx 6-9 hours per day covering distances of up to 16km, and elevations of up to +/- 1000m. Day 4 in particular involves a large ascent over a high pass, followed by a large descent. The high passes may involve walking through snow, depending on the conditions at the time.

Your host in Argentina recommends that all participants conduct an ECG (Electro Cardiogram) scan and blood pressure check within the three months prior to the trip, to check for any hidden heart irregularities. Presenting these to the host is not mandatory however we recommend taking these precautions in advance of any high-altitude trek to be certain of your fitness levels. In the weeks leading up to departure, and especially in the preceding days, it is recommended that you do some aerobic exercise, eat healthily, rest and avoid alcohol or smoking in order to approach the trek in good shape.

The distances and stats mentioned in the day-to-day itinerary are given as an approximate guide only. The guide will take into account the local conditions and the strength/speed of the group when determining the exact distance and route each day.

There are 2 high passes during the trek that exceed 4000m, on Day 4 and Day 7.

You will camp at an altitude of over 3000m on Day 3 and Day 6.

• Day 1: Highest point and sleeping altitude of 750m
• Day 2: Highest point and sleeping altitude of 2665m
• Day 3: Highest point and sleeping altitude of 3260m
• Day 4: Highest point of 4380m and sleeping altitude of 2870m
• Day 5: Highest point and sleeping altitude of 2870m
• Day 6: Highest point and sleeping altitude of 3027m
• Day 7: Highest point of 4030m and sleeping altitude of 1260m

When you trek in the mountains, there is always the risk of getting altitude sickness, regardless of how old, young or fit you are. We would expect most trekkers to feel some mild symptoms of altitude sickness (headache, sleeplessness, heavy breathing) when over 3500m. Our guides are trained to identify the symptoms and if more serious ones are noted, there is a strict procedure regarding extra care or even a rapid descent if needed. All of our trips have been designed with altitude best practice in mind, so acclimatisation days have been built in and our experienced guides follow advice to ‘walk high and sleep low’.

This is a multi-day linear hike, and all luggage needs to be carried during your trek. You'll have porterage of one bag weighing up to 10kg included (the support staff includes working mules to carry some luggage and equipment for camping and cooking).

You'll need a backpack to carry personal items during each day of hiking, and large enough to accommodate any weight over the 10kg being portered for you.

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). Approx 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.

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

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 here https://www.muchbetteradventures.com/magazine/7-of-the-best-water-filters-for-adventurers-a-guide/

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.

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 USD20 per person, payable locally in cash.

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

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.

Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.

Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.

We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!

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 (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.

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.

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.

Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.

Our team of Adventure Hunters create exclusive adventures with highly vetted, specialist hosts. We only work with independent, local in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. See here for more info about the local teams we partner with.