Comfort
You will spend the first night at a hotel in Mendoza. You will spend the following six nights camping in tents. You will stay in a hotel on the last night in Santiago de Chile.
On Days 2 and 3, you will camp in tents at a refuge in El Manzano Histórico, where you will have access to compost toilets. Hot water will be provided for you at public showers just a short walk from the site. On Day 4, you will ride to a mountain hut (where the team prepares food) and set up your tents nearby. There will be no toilets or showers.
The next three nights (Days 5, 6 and 7) are spent at the Refugio Real de la Cruz military base. You have the option to sleep indoors (on the floor in a big room with others) or in your own tent nearby. You will have access to a basic bathrooms (shared between men and women) with showers and toilets, at the military base. The local team will heat the water for the showers.
Sleeping bags, mattresses and tents are provided by the local team. You may wish to bring a sleeping bag liner for extra warmth. Guests normally sleep alone in a one-man tent but may be able to share a bigger tent with travelling companions if preferred (subject to availability).
Meals
Breakfasts on the ride usually include scrambled eggs and toast, tea and coffee. You will mostly eat packed-lunches of sandwiches, a sweet snack and some fruit. Dinners will be prepared by the team and are typically meat-based, with pasta, potatoes, vegetables, or bread and cheese, on the side.
Vegetarians can be accommodated on this ride. Other dietary requests can sometimes be catered for if we are informed in advance – please check with your travel advisor before booking.
WATER
Do not drink from unknown sources. You will have access drinking water during the ride. (At Refugio Real de la Cruz, you may drink the tap water at the military base). We recommend that you bring water-purification tablets, such as Micropur, as a back-up.
Climate
Between the foot and the top of the mountains, it is possible to experience all four seasons in just one day. During the night or early in the morning, the temperature inside the tent may be -2C, and during the day, the weather can be very sunny and warm. While riding in the afternoon, it is possible to be taken by surprise with heavy rain or snowfall with thunder and lightning. At the top of the mountain passes, and even in the valleys, the wind is often very strong. The sun is also very powerful at altitude. Since the mountains have a micro-climate, bad weather is generally temporary and lasts about three hours on average.
Tips
Tips are not obligatory but are very welcome. You should tip what you feel is appropriate given the level of service you receive. We recommend around US$70-100 per rider to be shared between the team. USD or Argentine pesos are preferred.
Packing list
Please pack carefully and sensibly: the following guide is here to give you an idea of what to bring. Please note that, as this is an expedition, guests are permitted to bring one main 15-20kg bag that you will have access to in hotels and for the first two camping nights, and one smaller duffel bag or backpack (max 13kgs) that will carry your belongings needed for the main part of the ride and which will be transported by the mules.
(If taking a domestic flight in Argentina, please also note that some flights have a weight limit of 15kg of checked baggage per person. Please check with the airline).
You will need to print a copy of your passport and keep it in your main bag in case the Chilean authorities wish to check your main bag/luggage.
For your smaller bag, you should pack light but also be prepared for changeable weather conditions. We recommend layers, ideally technical or mountain clothing that is warm but doesn’t take up much space (such as thermal tops, lightweight insulated layers).
Head
- It is mandatory that you wear a riding helmet and that you take your own to ensure a correct fit.
- Sunhat for when not riding is highly recommended, please remember the sun can be strong at altitude and you will have a rest day at the refugio.
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding (essential).
- Buff or bandana (essential).
- Warm hat for cold nights.
Upper body
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun and are an extra layer.
- T-shirts.
- Lightweight fleece.
- Gilet or body warmer.
- Warm fleece or jumper.
- Light down/puffer jacket.
- Windbreaker / waterproof jacket - please remember winds can be strong when riding over high mountain passes.
Legs
- Comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub.
- Casual trousers for the evenings / rest day.
- Waterproof over trousers.
Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short hiking/riding boots with half chaps.
- Trainers or equivalent light shoes for moving around in the evenings/rest day.
- Several pairs of socks.
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun, cold or rain whilst riding.
Nightwear
- Sleeping bag liner - silk, cotton or fleece - adds an extra layer (optional). A sleeping bag (comfort rating -5C) will be provided by the local team but you can bring your own if preferred.
- Thermals for sleeping in.
- Eye mask and earplugs (for light sleepers).
Other useful items
- Towel - a camping towel will both dry and pack more easily.
- Bumbag – useful for carrying your passport and small items whilst riding
- Headtorch or small torch for moving around camp at night.
- Refillable water bottle.
- Swimsuit (optional).
- Wet wipes (for when washing facilities aren't available).
- Small plastic bags for rubbish.
- Solar charger/powerbank and charging cables.
- Padlock for your bag (please do NOT lock your main bag when it goes with the logistics team to Chile as the authorities may wish to open/check bags).
- Small backpack for rest day (optional).
- Water-purification tablets (not essential but good to have).
Medical kit - you should bring any personal medications in sufficient quantity for the duration of the trip, since you will not be able to buy them during the ride.
- Sunscreen and lip balm - essential - should be high factor
- Insect repellent
- Any medication you regularly take
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Eye drops
- Imodium or similar anti-diarrhoea medication
- Re-hydration sachets
- Handwash gel
Other recommendations:
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes / any essentials and valuables in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
- Please print copies of your passport and insurance documents and take them with you.
- Please use a soft sided case / bag which can easily be transported.
- Backpacks should not be worn whilst riding. We recommend a small bumbag or a coat with pockets so that you can carry small items with you during the day. You will be supplied with saddle bags.
