Reliving the heroic journey undertaken in 1817 by one of the troops of General José de San Martín's Army under the command of Captain Lemos, crossing the Argentine Portillo and the Piuquenes pass to cross the Andes and reach Chile, is one of the most attractive challenges that are offered from the province of Mendoza, in the south of Argentina.

This historical event is famous among the countries of the southern cone: Peru, Chile and Argentina, which have been united since their origins by the same independence struggle carried out by General San Martín at the beginning of the fight for independence from Spanish colonialism.

In this article we tell you about the most impressive mountain hiking adventure on the continent. At night you will camp under unbelievably huge skies; and during the day a magical scenery of jagged peaks, snow-capped mountains and desolate desert landscapes will appear.

The expedition lasts between 6 and 10 days

Doing trekking or horseback riding, recreating the route that begins in Tunuyán and that ascends to more than 4,300 meters, implies effort and discipline but, according to those who crossed it, it is one of the most picturesque epic adventures due to the contact with the mountain and nature and also one of the most significant experiences due the history that surrounds it.

Are you ready to start the journey?

Outings with tourists take place in the summer season (December, January and February). The rest of the year the conditions of the mountain range make it risky: rivers swollen and melting in different areas, snow and very cold temperatures.

If you are thinking of crossing the Andes on foot, you must take into account the following:

• You will have to deal with aerobic fatigue, this is the shortness of breath when facing a slope or when moving in terrain with altitudes that are not normal in urban places.
• Days of transit in 4 x 4 trucks, walks between peaks of thousands of meters, crossing rivers and streams, sleeping in tents in the immensity of the mountain.
• Coping with muscle and joint fatigue (ankles, knees), caused by walks of several hours (a day of trekking can include between 6 and 8 hours).
• Although in the expeditions the organizers have pack mules that accompany them along the way, you should always carry clothing, water and food in your backpack. And there may be sections where the animals do not accompany the group and you have to carry all of your equipment on your back.
• It is also important that you take into account the psychological factor, this is linked to your self-control, willpower, and attitude when being away for a few days from any vestige of civilization, where services and situations are far from everyday life.

Those who made the journey tell us that one does not return being the same...

Everyone assures that it is a unique trip, to reconnect with history, with nature, with our passions. To overcome our fears, let ourselves be guided by our instinct. To forget about technology, routine, pressure.

Undoubtedly, the audacity of being in the bowels of the most important mountains of the continent and the diversity of colors in front of our eyes in those hidden formations are the best reward for any effort.

The Crossing of the Andes is one of those challenges difficult to express in words, you have to live it!

“It is a route that does not have bathrooms or showers, unless you gather courage and wash yourself in a high mountain river or in some lost waterfall somewhere. It does guarantee rooms with amazing views, camps in front of Aconcagua, barbecues, pizza and the best homemade stews in the light of a million stars and a few flashlights, or if you are lucky, the great star.” Sofia tells.

"It's one of the most beautiful experiences of my life," says Jorge.

"Being where General San Martín was, is very emotional and important. You step on and feel the homeland, and you can feel the General," says Elena.

“The most beautiful thing, in addition to the impressive landscapes, was sharing with so many people we did not know and today they are our friends. We all help each other, we share life experiences, we sing and dance” recalls Mayra.

"The only words that come to mind to try to describe this trip are: it was like walking on the moon surrounded by great people, food and memorable views." Nico from San Francisco, USA.