A mountain expedition isn't exclusive to hikers or mountaineers, sometimes it can also take on a different shape in how you travel through it – more shared, more relaxed and even more special. Riding gradually through a bewildering, endless, rich and imposing mountain range is an experience that usually stays etched in the deepest corners of our memory for a long time. The great valleys covered in intense green overflowing the meadows, the border passes covered in sand and sturdy patches of snow, the powerful waterfalls tumbling down from steep, hidden canyons…A long list of reasons that come together into an adventure for everyone. Days of climbing and descending, longer days, days that bring us to places with amazing scenery. Rest days by a lagoon or inside hot springs unique in the world. The trip starts and ends in the city of Malargue.
All dates confirmed for summer 2014/2015
Cabalgata de los Valles (4 days):
March 21 to 24 (4-day long weekend)
more info: www.cabalgandolosandes.com.ar
Format
A multi-day horseback expedition. Mules, muleteers and local guides throughout. Overnight stays are in tents.
Itinerary
Getting there: We recommend traveling by bus (flights go to Mendoza city, far to the north). We can arrange the bus tickets for anyone who wants us to.
Day 1 (Thursday or Saturday, depending on the date): Meeting in Malargue. Lunch, preparations, briefing and introduction at the base of operations. Transfer by charter van along Route 40 heading south. Along this stretch we'll get to know the landscape typical of the adventure about to begin. We'll pass through Manqui-Malal, Bardas Blancas and enter the Río Grande valley up to Las Loicas, our starting point for the big adventure. Afternoon snack and saddling up + technical briefing. First leg of horseback riding, approx. 2 hs, to our first campsite. Set up camp, dinner and overnight.
Day 2: We'll ride 6 to 7 hours, passing along the edges of the area known as the Lost City, a spot overflowing with geological formations of all sorts of shapes. Lunch at Cajón de Pichi Trolón. We then continue to the Castronero Cave and the Arroyo El Callao, where we camp and spend the night, deep in the mountains.
Day 3: We begin the big descent toward the Río Chico valley, a winding way down with great views, which brings us to a large summer-pasture meadow, where we'll set up our last campsite and settle in to enjoy a night with roast goat.
Day 4: We continue with the final stretch to Las Loicas, including a river ford. Lunch and celebrations for the trek. Return by minibus to Malargue. End of the program and our services. Option to join the following three-day rafting program, descending the Río Grande (Thursday to Saturday). Ask us.
The return bus services leave Malargue at 3 pm.
Note
Note 1: All the horses are properly trained and prepared for riding in mountainous terrain, and our local guides have the best local knowledge and skills. No prior riding experience is necessary.
Note 2: An active program of medium difficulty, suitable for everyone. This program does not depend on weather conditions. Changes to it may be made along the way depending on various circumstances and factors. Decisions will be made exclusively by the guides, local guides and coordinators.
Frequently asked questions:
Do we have to ride a lot each day?
The pace is easygoing. On the first day you only ride for two hours, to gradually get into the rhythm, and on the following days the pace is roughly 2/3 hours in the morning and about the same in the afternoon.
Do I need to know how to ride and/or have prior experience in the activity?
Definitely not. The horses are prepared to carry people who have never ridden before, and the learning process is remarkably fast. The style is “at a walk”, expedition-style, one horse behind the other, to move through the rolling terrain so characteristic of the Cuyo mountains.
What if I do know how to ride?
Those with experience will also have the chance to ride more spirited horses and gallop and/or trot when the local guides consider it appropriate, depending on the terrain.
Where do we sleep?
Since this route crosses pristine wilderness that no road reaches, overnight stays are in comfortable igloo-type tents for 2/3 or 4 people. Those who wish may sleep out in the open (bivouac) with their own sleeping bag and sleeping pad, under an unforgettable blanket of stars…
What happens if someone needs to be evacuated for some reason?
Almost all the campsites have escape routes through other valleys, allowing us to reach a road within a few hours. Our local guides and guides are trained to handle first-aid matters and/or evacuations, which, by the way, are very rare.
Is there cell signal?
No. Cell phones in this setting end up being useless. Signal only exists in the city of Malargue, at the start and the end of the trip.
Do I bring a duffel bag, a large backpack, a small backpack…what do I bring?
Everyone should bring their personal luggage in a duffel bag or large backpack as far as Malargue. There, we sort out what will be carried in large bags shared among passengers, and each person is also given a saddlebag (a small bag to hang on the horse's saddle) to use for the things needed each day.
What do we eat?
Our mountain menus are varied. From pasta with delicious sauces to stews or grilled meats (Argentine kid goat). Picadas, salads and easily digestible foods are common at midday. The personal/medical form must be filled out to note if anyone doesn't eat a particular type of food.
