The San Martín Route | 6-Day Andes Horseback Crossing >

Outdoor cooking during the San Martín Route horseback expedition

Horseback riding through the Andes on the San Martín Route

Horseback caravan during the San Martín Route Andes crossing

Group horseback ride on the San Martín Route in the Andes

Ride on horseback along the historic San Martín Route during a six-day Andes crossing to the Chilean border. This immersive journey combines history, high-altitude landscapes and gaucho traditions, guided by expert baqueanos and designed for safe, responsible travel in the heart of the Andes.

We invite you to ride on horseback along the same route chosen by General José de San Martín and the Army of the Andes during their return in 1823, following one of the most significant crossings in South American history. This path was historically used by the Huarpes, Araucanos, Jesuits, baqueanos, and criollos, and even by Charles Darwin during his anthropological studies on the marine origin of the Andes.

Crossing El Portillo, we reach the Alto Valle de Tunuyán, a high-altitude valley traditionally used for summer grazing. Accompanied by expert baqueanos and equipped for safe travel, we ride deep into the Andes and into the living traditions of Argentine gaucho culture, reaching elevations of up to 4,300 meters.

Join us for a six-day horseback journey at the top of the Andes, where vast landscapes, pure mountain air, and a profound sense of freedom define every day of the crossing.

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Included

✔️ Lunches/ Dinners/ Breakfasts/ Snacks
✔️ Drinks with and without alcohol
✔️ Tableware
✔️ Thermal sleeping bag
✔️ Polar blanket
✔️ Rain coat
✔️ Recado
✔️ Saddlebags
✔️ Gaiters
✔️ Tents
✔️ Protective bag for jackets
✔️ Satellite phone for emergencies
✔️ Personal accident insurance

Not Included

❌ Tips
❌ Extras
❌ Any other service not listed in the inclusions of the trip

Food preferences or restrictions

Don’t forget to tell us about this! We have vegetarian, vegan and celiac options available.

Sustainability

At SAK Wine & Travel we create transformative, sustainable journeys that respect nature and help protect Mendoza’s vital water resources.

Accessibility

If you have any questions or special accessibility requirements, don’t hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to help you!

Itinerary

We head to Tupungato Winelands to meet the group, then travel to the Manzano Histórico and cross to the Alférez Portinari Refuge. From there, we begin our journey on horseback, reaching Real de Yaretas for an overnight stay, enjoying a snack and a group dinner.

We head towards Portillo Argentino, crossing streams and taking in stunning views. We reach the Real de la Cruz refuge, where we enjoy a snack and prepare for the night in the refuge.

We ride to Cerro Mesón San Juan, cross the Tunuyán River, and arrive at Real de Contreras to rest and have dinner. We spend the night under the stars or in tents.

We depart early towards the Chilean border, passing through mountainous landscapes until we reach the landmark at Paso Piuquenes. After a break, we return to Real de Contreras for a dinner around the campfire.

This day is dedicated to rest and walks around the area of Real de la Cruz, enjoying the surroundings and relaxing.

On our last day, we ride once again through Paso El Portillo and, after a final snack at Yaretas, we return to Mendoza, arriving around 8:30 pm.

What do you need for this tour?

✔️ Personal medications (we carry a very large and very complete first aid kit, but everyone should carry their personal medications and instructions for administration).
✔️ Sunglasses and SPF50 sunscreen
✔️ Headlamp

Clothes and elements
✔️ 2 comfortable field pants
✔️ 2 long thermal tights
✔️ 2 long sleeve thermal T-shirts
✔️ 2 short sleeve t-shirts or sweatshirts
✔️ 1 long sleeve shirt or t-shirt
✔️ 3 pairs of warm socks
✔️ 1 pair of trekking shoes
✔️ 1 pair of espadrilles, flip flops or crocs
✔️ Underwear

Note: The best clothing for mountain activities is wool or synthetic materials in layers, as they dry quickly and keep warmth better. We suggest a base layer, then a middle layer, such as a light fleece coat or similar, and then a windproof and waterproof layer.

This six-day horseback journey involves an average of six to ten hours of riding per day, combining relaxed sections with more demanding stretches of adventure. Luggage logistics are simple: one suitcase can be left at the base, while a soft bag with clothes and your sleeping bag is carried by pack mules. You will ride with a small daypack for daily essentials, and saddlebags are available if needed.

Accommodation includes two nights in mountain shelters and three nights outdoors or in tents, using sleeping bags and inflatable mattresses. Campsites have chemical toilets, and the Real de la Cruz refuge offers hot showers, electricity at night and limited phone charging. There is no cell phone signal along the route.

Groups are limited to 12 participants. Accommodation is in shared four-person tents, with the option to sleep outdoors. A dining tent is available for meals when weather conditions require it.