Crossing of the Andes

While you are in Mendoza, the crossing of the Andes is a tour you cannot put off. This tour goes along Mendoza River, from the vast agricultural oasis that surrounds the city to the spectacular mountain chain that marks the boundary between Argentina and Chile.

It winds valleys, meadows, streams, rivers, the Andean foothills, and the highest peaks of the Andes Mountain Range.

While we are on the road to Chile, we are reminded of General San Martín’s epic deed. We can understand in its real magnitude what a heroic deed it was to cross the highest mountain range in the continent with his army with the sole purpose of achieving the people’s dream of freedom.

The crossing of the Andes is considered as one of the greatest hits of Argentinean history, and also as one of the biggest deeds of universal military history. The majority of the army crossed the Andes through the difficult paths of Uspallata and Los Patos, which were considered impossible to cross due to the geographical and climate conditions.

The name Crossing of the Andes reminds us of the many deeds carried out by the Liberation Army between 19th January and 8th February 1817 to cross the Andes from the Cuyo region in Argentina to Chile and fighting royal troops who were loyal to the Spanish monarchy.

Crossing the Andes through the valleys (Aconcagua and Uspallata) is an unforgettable experience due to the impressive stone, ice and snow bulks where condors rule.

Those wanting to relive ancient experiences such as being an Inca tribe member, a mule driver, or a pioneer can effortlessly do that by buying a full-day excursion that will take them from the hotel in downtown Mendoza to Santiago Chile and then back to the city of Mendoza along an exciting mountain road that runs along Mendoza and Cuevas riverbanks (Argentina) and Aconcagua riverbank (Chile). This tour allows visitors to imitate General San Martin’s route.

This tour and the Mountain Region one share this first section up to Las Cuevas borderline crossing. We’ll then drive across Cristo Redentor International Tunnel to finally get to the Chilean customs office where migration formalities are to be complied with.

Once the trip is resumed, we’ll head to Portillo Ski Resort and Inca Lagoon, located beside it. We’ll then go down Caracoles, a snaking road that runs along Aconcagua riverbank to finally get to picturesque Los Andes town.

We’ll be arriving in Santiago, Chile’s capital city, in the afternoon. After doing a ½ hour technical stop in La Alameda, we’ll start our way back down the same road.

 

 

 

 

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