This is a mythical journey, a ride with a real purpose - to cross one of the world's greatest mountain ranges on horseback.

In 1817 this was the journey taken by two of South America's most celebrated heroes, Bernado O'Higgins and Jose de San Martin, in the liberation of Chile. The mountains were thought to be impassable and the "Army of the Andes" were able to take the Spanish garrison at Chacabuco by complete surprise. Our group of riders is rather more modest than San Martin's forces and we cross the mountains further to the south but
everyone who joins this ride rates it as a true adventure.

The expedition sets off from Estancia Huechahue and ends at Puente Barras in Chile. For the first part of the trip you will ride horses from Estancia Huechahue whilst on the Chilean side your horses are owned by Loth and Pamela Kutler. You are accompanied throughout the trail by a guide from Estancia Huechahue.

What makes this ride particularly fascinating is the very noticeable change in the flora and fauna as you ride from the dry wide-open landscape of the Argentine Patagonia to the lush green temperate rain forests of Chile.

On the expedition you stay in two person tents and camps are generally by riversides, giving water for washing. A support vehicle will carry the camping equipment and your personal belongings and go ahead each day to set up camp. The camping each night is fairly basic but you are made as comfortable as possible.