Expedition to the high Andes

VEGAS DE NACIMIENTO AND JUNCAL GLACIER

Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
Season: November to April

Horseback riding or trekking through the Andes Mountains

Following the international highway through the Aconcagua River canyon towards Portillo, we come to Clark Brothers station. We continue to the end of the valley, where we find two imposing mountains that rise to an elevation of more than 6,000 m (19,700 ft), Alto de Los Leones Peak and snow-capped Mount Juncal. These two outstanding landmarks are visible from nearly every point of the central Andes.
We cross tumbling streams and broad alpine tundras to reach Vegas de Nacimiento, birthplace of the Aconcagua River. At last we arrive at the foot of Juncal Glacier, where peace and silence accent the beautiful landscape.

Itinerary

Day 1 Santiago - Los Andes - Sector Juncal - Vegas de Nacimiento

Departure at 8:00 am. from the office of Altue Active Travel or your hotel, in a private bus. In the town of Los Andes, we take the international highway towards Mendoza until we come to a place called Juncal (km. 55), where our horses are waiting. We ride to Los Horns, an old stone refuge hut used by generations of herdsmen, cowboys, and miners. After a light lunch, we continue our ride until we make an early stop at Las Vegas de Nacimiento. We set up our base camp and enjoy an ample supper.

Day 2 Vegas de Nacimiento - Juncal Glaciar

After a hearty breakfast, mount up and ride to the foot of Juncal Glacier, out of which the Aconcagua River flows. Here we dismount and hike up the glacier, whose mysterious crevasses and icy streams occur at an elevation of 3,500 m (11,500 ft). Later, we return to camp for supper around a cheery fire.

Day 3 Vegas de Nacimiento - Sector Juncal - Santiago

Easy morning following breakfast, with a short ride around the area. After lunch, we return to Juncal to board our bus for the return trip to Santiago. We estimate arrival at our office around 6:30 PM.

Degree of Difficulty:

No prior riding experience required, only a love of the outdoors, good physical condition, and a positive outlook.

Includes:
All round trip transportation from Santiago - Guide, horse wranglers, riding horses and pack mules - Meals with breakfast, light picnic lunch, and hearty supper - Complete camping and mess equipment.

Not Included:

Insurance - Alcoholic beverages and any extras not specifically mentioned in the program.

Personal equipment and clothing:

Sleeping bag and air mattress. Travel pack and small day pack. Binoculars and flashlight. Sun glasses, sun block, and lip balm. Hiking boots or stout walking shoes, clothing for warm days and cold nights, light-colored sun hat or cap, warm cap and gloves.