Step into the heart of the Andes on a journey that combines breathtaking landscapes, thrilling exploration, and an incredible story of human resilience. The Trek to the Uruguayan Plane Crash Site takes you to the legendary location of the 1972 “Miracle of the Andes,” where survival against all odds inspired films like Alive! and Society of the Snow.
Your adventure begins in Mendoza, heading to El Sosneado and beyond to a remote muleteer’s post, the gateway to this once-in-a-lifetime trek. Traverse rushing rivers, rugged peaks, and serene lagoons with expert muleteers by your side. At night, savor a traditional barbecue under dazzling starlit skies.
Feel the spirit of the survivors as you hike through the awe-inspiring Valley of Tears, where a solemn memorial honors those who perished. This trek is perfect for adventurous souls seeking a deeply moving experience amidst the Andes’ jaw-dropping beauty.Â
Dare to relive history in the most stunning setting imaginable!
Federico is an outdoor lover with plenty of adventures in The Andes. Specialized in the tour logistics and organization of Expeditions and Treks in the Central Andes, Patagonia, Peru, Bolivia, and French Alps.
Traverse the stunning RĂo Lágrimas Valley to the site of the 1972 plane crash, where breathtaking landscapes and the incredible story of survival come together.
Immersive Andean Experience
Camp under starry skies, enjoy traditional mountain barbecues prepared by muleteers, and journey through pristine valleys, lagoons, and rugged peaks.
Adventure with Comfort
Expert guides, muleteer support, premium mountain tents, and private transport ensure a seamless and memorable experience, accessible even to first-time trekkers with good fitness.
Route details
Day 1
Arrival in Mendoza
We’ll meet at your accommodation in Mendoza for a thorough gear check, ensuring you’re fully prepared for the adventure ahead.Â
Need to rent equipment? No problem—we’ve got you covered with all the essentials. Together, we’ll pack our mule bags and hiking backpacks, setting the stage for an unforgettable trek.
Relax and rest up—your overnight stay in Mendoza is included, so you’ll be ready to embrace the excitement of the journey ahead!
Day 2
Mendoza | El Sosneado | Campamento El Barroso
Your journey begins with a scenic drive from Mendoza to the charming town of El Sosneado. After registering at the reserve and reaching the muleteers’ post, the real adventure kicks off.
Trek through breathtaking Andean landscapes to Campamento El Barroso (2600 m), where a warm welcome and stunning views await. Relax in the peaceful surroundings before enjoying a hearty dinner under a canopy of stars. Spend the night in premium mountain tents, ready to continue your unforgettable adventure.
Highlights:
Drive: 3.5 hours to El Sosneado, plus 2 hours on a rugged mountain road.
Trek: 14 km, 6–7 hours, from the muleteers’ post to Campamento El Barroso.
Unparalleled beauty, adventure, and comfort—all in one incredible day!
Day 3
Campamento El Barroso | Memorial at the Uruguayan Plane Crash Site
After an early breakfast to fuel up, we embark on an epic 10 to 12-hour trek through the stunning RĂo Lágrimas Valley, a place of unmatched natural beauty and excitement. As we make our way to the Memorial of the Uruguayans (3600 m), we pause to reflect on the incredible story of survival that unfolded here. The breathtaking views provide a perfect backdrop for this poignant moment.
After the trek, return to Campamento El Barroso for a traditional mountain barbecue prepared by our expert muleteers. Rest up for the night in our comfortable tents, surrounded by the serene Andes.
Trek Details:
Distance: 21 km round trip
Duration: 10 to 12 hours
Elevation: From 2600 m to 3600 m
Day 4
Campamento El Barroso | El Sosneado | Mendoza
After a hearty breakfast, we’ll break camp and begin our trek back to the muleteers’ post. From there, we’ll travel by private vehicle to El Sosneado, where we’ll enjoy a lunch stop (not included) before heading back to Mendoza.
The scenic drive takes about 3.5 hours, and we’ll arrive in Mendoza city around 9pm. Although we’ll say our goodbyes, we know this won’t be the last adventure we’ll share together. We look forward to your next journey with us!
Trek Details:
Distance: 14 km
Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Elevation: From 2600 m to 2180 m
By Vehicle:
2 hours on a dirt road to El Sosneado
3.5 hours to Mendoza
Difficulty
Challenging
Does not require specific skills, but one must be in good health
Tour provider's comments
No prior mountaineering experience is needed to tackle the Valley of Tears trek, but good physical fitness and health are necessary.
Accommodation
Comfort
Basic
Tent
2 nights
Hotel
1 night
2 nights
Tent
Mountain tents equipped with solar panels, chargers, and USB LED lights (double or triple occupancy).
1 night
Hotel in Mendoza
Based on double occupancy.
Tickets to group meeting place
Group meeting place
Mendoza
Calculate tour price with tickets from your city
Partnered with
Weather during the tour
Weather conditions along the route
You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on
the forecasts for this season
the statistics from previous years’ trips
Tour conditions
Included
transfer from the city of Mendoza to the trekking starting point;
professional guide, muleteers and arrieros;
support horses for river crossings (ask about the possibility of doing the entire activity on horseback);
transportation of personal equipment on mules (up to 10 kg per person);
2 nights at camp – mountain tents (double or triple occupancy).
first aid equipment;
satellite communication for emergencies (does not include personal calls);
VHF radio communication;
transfer from the trekking endpoint back to Mendoza.
Extras
entry permit fee;Â
sleeping bag (can be rented in Mendoza);Â
personal equipment (clothing, gear, etc.);Â
meals not specified in the program (in Mendoza and during transportation);Â
personal expenses such as phone calls, tips, laundry, etc;Â
any costs arising from early departure from the program;
rescue, medical or air evacuation expenses;
travel insurance or medical assistance.
Group size
From 2 to 8 tourists
Duration
4 days
3 nights
It's important to know
Personal equipment you need for the tour
UPPER BODY
Synthetic T-Shirt:Â Breathable material, to keep you fresh and dry.
2 Long-sleeved Base Layer:Â Lightweight and breathable shirts that keep your body dry and comfortable during the trek, and protected from the sun.
Fleece Jacket or Sweater:Â Provides additional warmth during cold mornings and evenings.
Waterproof or Windproof Jacket:Â Essential for protection against rain and wind. It should be lightweight, breathable, and durable. Preferably with a hood.
Insulated Jacket (Synthetic or Down):Â Offers an extra insulation layer, ideal for low temperatures at high altitudes. Preferably hooded.
1 Pair of Lightweight Gloves and 1 pair of warm/fleece gloves: For Keeping hands warm in cold conditions. Opt for breathable and moisture-wicking materials.
LOWER BODY
Trekking Pants:Â Comfortable and durable pants that allow freedom of movement. Quick-drying with multiple pockets.
Long Underwear or Tights:Â Additional layers that provide warmth under trekking pants.
FOOTWEAR
Trekking Boots:Â Sturdy and durable footwear with good ankle support, ideal for long walks on uneven terrain.
River Crossing Footwear (Crocs or Sandals): These lightweight, quick-drying shoes are ideal for crossing rivers and relaxing at camp.
Thick Socks (2 pairs):Â Warm and cushioned socks to keep your feet warm and prevent blisters.
HEAD
Sun Hat: Vital for protection against the sun’s harmful rays. Choose one with a wide brim and UPF protection.
Wool or Fleece Hat:Â To keep your head warm in cold conditions. Opt for breathable and moisture-wicking materials.
Sunglasses with 100% UV Protection:Â Protect your eyes from UV rays and glare, essential at high altitudes. Preferably, with a wraparound design to minimize light entering from the sides.
Neck gaiter or buff:Â Multifunctional, protects your neck and face from cold, wind, and sun.
OTHER
2 Liter Water Bottle:Â Essential for staying hydrated. Choose a durable bottle with a wide mouth for easy filling.
35 – 45 Liter Backpack: This spacious and comfortable backpack is ideal for carrying all the necessary gear for a day of trekking.
Trekking Poles:Â Help maintain balance and reduce strain on your legs during long hikes.
Headlamp with extra batteries:Â Hands-free light source for use at camp or in low-light situations.
Comfortable Sleeping Bag (Comfort -5°C): A sleeping bag provides comfort and warmth during cold nights in the mountains.
Sleeping Pad:Â Adds insulation and comfort for sleeping on hard and cold ground.
Comfortable Camp Clothes (sneakers, socks, cotton shirt, etc.):Â Comfortable clothes to wear after the trekking.
Sunscreen (recommended SPF 50+):Â Essential protection against UV rays at high altitudes.
Personal Hygiene Items (towel, soap, etc.): Basic personal hygiene items to stay clean and fresh during the trip.
Is the hike to the crash site challenging?
We will cover some high-altitude ground, and it involves moderate to challenging terrain. Although the hike isn’t technically demanding, we cover long distances every day, with considerable elevation gain. Therefore, maintaining good physical condition will help you enjoy the trek without any issues. Participants should be prepared for varying weather conditions.
What kind of gear should I bring?
For a comprehensive list of equipment, please refer to the Equipment section. If you need to rent any piece of equipment, we’re here to assist you. Don’t hesitate to ask us!
Will you pick us up from our accommodation?
Yes, we provide pick-up from accommodations in Mendoza city, Luján, or Maipú. Pick-ups from Valle de Uco are available, with an additional cost.
Can children participate in the hiking trip?
The hiking trip is recommended for adults and mature teenagers due to the challenging nature of the terrain and duration of the hike.
I have horse allergies. Is it possible to avoid exposure to horses during this trip?
Unfortunately, no. It’s not possible to avoid horses entirely during the hiking trip because horses may be used to cross rivers and they are used to transport supplies and gear. If you have severe allergies to horses, it’s important to take necessary precautions, such as consulting with a medical professional for advice on managing your allergies during the trip.
Cancellation of booking
In case of early cancellation of the reservation, we will be forced to withhold from you a percentage of the price paid:
regardless of when the cancellation was made - 30
less than 48 hours - 100
Additional terms:
You will be charged 30% of the cost of the expedition, regardless of when the cancellation was made. Refunds will be transferred to the traveler within 30 days after the cancellation date.
Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice before the activity will not be refunded.
Reviews
5.0
Based on 8 reviews
Dates and Prices
The tour dates are not confirmed yet. Please, send a request for clarification
