The Andes are located in the countries of Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, and Chile. They are the longest of all the mountain ranges covering over 4,500 miles and stretching along the entire west coast of South America from Cape Horn at the very bottom to Panama in the north. One of the highest mountain ranges is the Huascara range at 22,205 feet. Many of the mountains of the Andes are volcanoes but only some of them are still active.

Take this opportunity to see one of the worlds most beautiful creations using one of the oldest forms of transportation... horseback!

Day 1: Arrive Santiago, Chile Transfer to the Hotel Rugendas. Afternoon City Tour.
This tour begins near the old residential quarter of the city: The elegant Club Hipico racetrack, the Cousino Palace, (previously the residence of one of the most powerful families of the XVII century), along the Alamdeda, past the Union Club, the University of Chile, the San Francisco Church, and the Santa Lucia Hill, site of the founding of Santiago in 1541. Drive up the San Cristobal Hill for a panoramic view of the city with the Andes Mountains in the background, visit the imposing staue of the Virgin Mary, and then visit the Enoteca Wine Museum where we will stop for a wine-tasting visit. The tour continues to the modern districts of Vitacura, Las Condes, and Providencia, along the Parque Forestal, the Mapocho River, the traditional Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, the old Congress Building, the Supreme Court and finally the Presidential Palace, known as "La Moneda". Evening free.

Hotel Rugendas was built in 1996 and has a Chilean country décor which creates a warm informal ambience.

Day 2: Morning visit to a local winery in the Maipo Valley and then transfer to San Jose de Maipo. Overnight at Refugio Aleman Mountain Lodge.
Refugio Alemán de Lo Valdés, a place full of history only 90 km. from Santiago, in the Maipo Valley. At an altitude of 1,920 meters, it is surrounded by glaciers, lagoons, hot springs, thermal baths and summits over 5,000 meters high, including active volcanoes. The German Alpine Club of Santiago built the Refugio Alemán in 1931, in the most typical alpine style. It was there that the first ski lessons were given in Chile and the first ski championship was held. Refugio Alemán was the "Base Camp" for the conquering of the highest summits in the central zone and opened the world of mountaineering to many Chileans. Situated in the northern slopes of Cerro Retumbadero, Refugio Alemán has the best view of the National Park's Cerro Morado, (5,000 meters high), of it's hanging glacier, and the Volcán San José, (5,850 meters high) bordering Argentina. In its four hectares of property, Refugio Alemán has a beautiful forest, where little streams run down to a pond full of gold fishes. The Refugio Alemán sleeps 29, in 11 rooms; three rooms with double beds and 23 in bunk beds (rooms of 2 to 5 beds), with spring mattresses. Each bedroom has a sink and guests share two restrooms. Refugio Alemán's restaurant has a terrace with the most incredible view of the mountains. Home style dining is based on a variety of meat, chicken, stews and vegetarian dishes, homemade soups and bread.

Day 3: Horseback riding to El Morado National Park. Overnight at Refugio Aleman Mountain Lodge.
The El Morado National Park, established in 1974 extends over 3,000 hectares and is situated between 2,000 m. and 5,060 m. above sea level, 93 km. south-east of Santiago. In the park, hot springs and thermal baths such as Morales Baths and Colina Baths can be found. History tells us that indigenous groups visited the area until the XVIIIth Century, mainly to hunt and rear camelids alpacas, llamas and guanacos. El Morado lagoon, glacier, and the mountain of the same name are unrivalled for the scenic beauty and provide challenges for the climber as well as treks throughout which the beauty of the Andean Cordillera can be appreciated in all its splendour.

Day 4: After breakfast we will transfer to San Gabriel our last checking point at the Chilean Border. We drive to Termas del Plomo where will will camp Termas del Plomo hot springs.

Our camps will all include North Face tents (2 people per tent,) a kitchen tent, all carried on mules for gear transportation.

Day 5: This morning we begin the crossing on horseback. This is the same route that Charles Darwin used in his exploration of the Andes. We will cross the Portillo de Piuquenes Pass at approximately 12,000 ft. Tonight we camp by the Tunuyan River in Argentina.

Day 6: Another full day of riding through the mountains and tonight a wonderful dinner and Chilean wine.

Day 7: Today we decend through the foothills and arrive at Tunuyan, Argentina. Say good-bye to our mounts and the cowboys. We will overnight at the Hotel Samay Huasi in Mendoza. Hot showers for everyone!

Day 8: Transfer to the airport for Lacsa flight 931 at 1050am arriving in Santiago at 1140am. We will transfer to Vina del Mar on the Pacific Coast and overnight in the 5 star Hotel Oceanic. Lunch on your own. Dinner together at a local restaurant.

Hotel Oceanic is built on a solid foundation jutting out in the sea, it withstands crashing of waves all around it. Spray from whitecaps keeps you cool as you sit on the terrace or float in the pool The view from the ocean-side rooms is spectacular.

Day 9: Full day visit to Valparaiso, World Heritage City and walking tour
The 460 year old city port of Valparaiso has merits to spare for it to face the XXI century with renewed vitality as a magical combination of modern city port and world cultural heritage city. It originally was inhabited by the indigenous tribes of Changos and later discovered by the Spanish conquistador Juan de Saavedra in 1566. Time has been a witness to the passing of corsairs and English and Dutch pirates during the XVI and XVII centuries. The Scottish Admiral, Lord Thomas Cochrane put an end to the Spanish colonial period. Valparaiso welcomed immigrants from European origin who were fleeing war, poverty, and religious persecution. During the walking tour, you will be able to admire the unique XIX century architectural style, overlook the 45 hills and enjoy the experience of the funiculars (cable cars). Likewise, the beauty of the cemeteries, the general atmosphere where world known scientists like Charles Darwin and Claudio Gay, renowned artists like Mauricio Rugendas and James Whistler and poets like Gabriela Mistral and Pablo Neruda lived and got the inspiration for their unique work.

Day 10: Transfer to the international airport in Santiago for flight out

This fabulous tour is a once in a lifetime experience. You must be in good physical condition and be able to comfortably ride for 8 hours per day. I recommend that you purchase Medjet Insurance prior to the tour.

The tour includes:

• Accommodations in Santiago, Mendoza, and Viña del Mar with private bath
• Accommodations with shared rooms and bath at the Refugio Aleman Mountain Lodge
• Meals as described above / All meals while camping (we are taking a cook!) Lots of Chilean Wine
• Specialized English speaking mountain/equestrian guide
• Mules to transport all gear
• Horses trained for mountain riding
• Private transfers
• Porterage at the airport and hotel

• Airfare from the Untied States to Santiago and from Mendoza to Santiago
• Personal gear including sleeping bag
• Insurance
• Tips for guides and cowboys

View photos from the February 2001 Andes crossing