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Ride historic mountain trails with local gauchos on a five-day crossing to the Pichi Trolón pass. This multi-day expedition mixes volcanic landscapes, high-altitude camps, and authentic gaucho hospitality.
Ride historic mountain trails with local gauchos on a five-day crossing to the Pichi Trolón pass. This multi-day expedition mixes volcanic landscapes, high-altitude camps, and authentic gaucho hospitality.
A high-altitude morning breaks cold and clear at Las Loicas as riders mount up beneath a sky that seems to drag every star into focus. Leather creaks, horses shift, and the first climb peels away the valley below; the Andes hold you in a slow, steady rhythm where each pass reshapes the skyline.
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Operated by Gaucho Argentino · Las Loicas, Mendoza
A high-altitude morning breaks cold and clear at Las Loicas as riders mount up beneath a sky that seems to drag every star into focus. Leather creaks, horses shift, and the first climb peels away the valley below; the Andes hold you in a slow, steady rhythm where each pass reshapes the skyline.
This five-day expedition follows routes used by mountain dwellers and ranchers for generations. Geology here reads like an open book—volcanic ash fields, exposed marine fossils, and granite walls carved by ancient glaciers. Gauchos keep a practical pace, pointing out ridgelines, old corrals, and the Pichi Trolón border marker at 3,400 m, a place where wind and altitude sharpen perspective.
Culturally the trip is as much about people as terrain: evenings bring regional stews, mate, and stories about mountain life, while camp tasks—saddlebags, forage, and tack—teach simple, hands-on skills. Expect volcanic sand flats, narrow mountain tracks, and sections of sustained climb; horses carry most load but riders should be active and balanced.
Practical guidance: arrive the night before at the Mapicsa lodge in Las Loicas, layer for wide temperature swings, and carry a small daypack with water, sunscreen, and spare gloves. Hydration and slow pacing reduce altitude effects; the guides monitor the group and set realistic daily distances. This ride blends authentic gaucho tradition with backcountry logistics—prepare for long saddle hours, clear night skies, and terrain that demands respect more than speed.
Basic riding experience is recommended—comfortable mounting, steering, and sitting in a saddle for hours; guides manage horse handling and pacing.
The route reaches about 3,400 m; symptoms like mild headache or shortness of breath can occur—proper hydration, slow pace, and prior acclimatization night reduce risk.
Camping is the norm with options to sleep in tents; breakfasts, lunches and regional dinners are included and prepared by the crew at camp.
Yes—because the pass reaches the Argentina–Chile border, bring valid identification and be ready to follow any customs guidance provided by organizers.
Gaucho Argentino operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
A high-altitude morning breaks cold and clear at Las Loicas as riders mount up beneath a sky that seems to drag every star into focus. Leather creaks, horses shift, and the first climb peels away the valley below; the Andes hold you in a slow, steady rhythm where each pass reshapes the skyline.
A high-altitude morning breaks cold and clear at Las Loicas as riders mount up beneath a sky that seems to drag every star into focus. Leather creaks, horses shift, and the first climb peels away the valley below; the Andes hold you in a slow, steady rhythm where each pass reshapes the skyline.
This five-day expedition follows routes used by mountain dwellers and ranchers for generations. Geology here reads like an open book—volcanic ash fields, exposed marine fossils, and granite walls carved by ancient glaciers. Gauchos keep a practical pace, pointing out ridgelines, old corrals, and the Pichi Trolón border marker at 3,400 m, a place where wind and altitude sharpen perspective.
Culturally the trip is as much about people as terrain: evenings bring regional stews, mate, and stories about mountain life, while camp tasks—saddlebags, forage, and tack—teach simple, hands-on skills. Expect volcanic sand flats, narrow mountain tracks, and sections of sustained climb; horses carry most load but riders should be active and balanced.
Practical guidance: arrive the night before at the Mapicsa lodge in Las Loicas, layer for wide temperature swings, and carry a small daypack with water, sunscreen, and spare gloves. Hydration and slow pacing reduce altitude effects; the guides monitor the group and set realistic daily distances. This ride blends authentic gaucho tradition with backcountry logistics—prepare for long saddle hours, clear night skies, and terrain that demands respect more than speed.