Trek to the Valley of Tears in Mendoza, Argentina

Join us on a trekking journey to the crash site of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571, nestled in the heart of the Andes mountains. Walk in the footsteps of those who braved the elements among the towering peaks of the Andes, risking everything for a chance at survival.

Group

Andes

3 Days

Jan - Mar, Dec

High

Intermediate

Highlights

Visit the crash site of the Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571
Pay tribute to the resilience of those who survived and the memory of those who perished.
Witness the vast, imposing beauty of the Andes firsthand

Description

On October 13th, 1972, disaster struck in the Andes. A Uruguayan plane carrying 45 passengers, many of them young rugby players, plunged into the Andes mountain range. 12 lives were lost instantly, leaving the survivors facing a brutal reality: sub-zero temperatures, scarcity of food supplies and the ever-present threat of avalanches.

Faced with the loss of their companions and the seemingly endless wait for rescue, two survivors made a daring decision. They would attempt the unthinkable - a treacherous trek across the Andes, a journey that could mean life or death.

On December 22 of that same year, after having been isolated from everything for 72 days, the world learned that sixteen had conquered death. These events gave rise to the book and subsequently the movie "Alive" and 2024 Oscar nominee "Society of the Snow".

Join us on a journey to this extraordinary site. Witness the breathtaking beauty of the Andes, a stark contrast to the harrowing survival tale that unfolded there.

This is a tour that not only delves into history but also celebrates the unyielding spirit of humanity.

Price includes

Guiding fee
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Transport during the trip
Personal insurance
Permit and entrance fees
Porters
Tents
Sleeping pad
Cooking utensils

Price details

Included:
Transfer to and from El Sosneado for the beginning and end of the trip.
Pack animals and pack animals to Barroso camp (up to 5 kg per person). Important: during Easter Week, due to weather conditions, pack animals are not available.
Saddle horse to be able to cross the river, in case it is high.
Professional mountain guides.
Mandatory permit to enter and climb the Valley of Tears.
Full board in the mountain (breakfasts, walking energy, lunches, snacks, dinners).
General cooking equipment (pots, heaters).
First aid kit and equipment.
Communication equipment for emergencies: VHF, satellite phone.
Sleeping tents.
Dining tents at El Barroso base camp (with chairs, tables, crockery and kitchen).
Personal accident insurance.
Permanent assistance and coordination for calls, chats or meetings.
Not included:
Travel to El Sosneado
Expenses caused by abandonment of the program
Tips for Guides and Baqueanos.

Itinerary

Day 1: Meeting at El Sosneado

Meeting at El Sosneado at 8.30 am. Quick equipment check + introduction of guides. Transfer by vehicle to the west along the road that leads to the Soler refuge and Gendarmería Nacional. Passing by the old abandoned thermal hotel, we will arrive at the Araya cattle post. Beginning of the trekking. This day we will walk to the base camp of El Barroso. We will first cross the Atuel River, on foot or with the help of horses. Lunch during the trekking. Arrival to the camp. Snack, dinner, rest.

Estimated walking time: 7 hours.

Unevenness: 350 mts in total ascent (500 mts in ascent / 150 mts in descent).

Starting altitude: 2200 masl

Camp altitude: 2550 masl.

Day 2: Las Lagrimas Glacier

Early departure to Las Lagrimas Glacier. This day's journey will be the most demanding, since after three hours of walking we will cross the Las Lagrimas River and then ascend for two and a half extra hours to the site where the remains of the plane are located, at 3600 meters above sea level. We will silently pay our homage to the victims, and then we will make a reconnaissance of the site. Descent to the camp.

Estimated walking time: 7 hours one way, 5 hours return. Total = 12 hours.

Elevation gain: 1050 m ascent and 1050 m descent.

Starting altitude: 2550 masl

Maximum altitude: 3600 masl

Camp altitude: 2550 masl.

Day 3: Departure

Breakfast and dismantling of the camp. We will walk back and downhill to Puesto Araya. Return to El Sosneado. End of our services. Return home.

Estimated walking time: 6 hours.

Elevation gain: 350 mts in total descent (500 mts in descent / 150 mts in ascent).

Starting altitude: 2550 masl

Final altitude: 2200 masl

Equipment you will need to bring

GENERAL EQUIPMENT (If you don't have this equipment, the guides reserve the right to deny participation in the trekking) Trekking-expedition backpack (60 to 80 liters) - Note on backpacks: CLICK HERE Sleeping bag for trekking (temperature range 0 to -5°C) (e.g., 600g down or good synthetic). Insulating sleeping pad (10 to 15mm). A pair of trekking poles Physical Fitness (where your primary care physician indicates that you are fit for this activity). Water-resistant plastic bags to store all clothing inside the backpack. CLOTHING Socks: several pairs of trekking socks Underwear 1 pair of trekking boots (in good condition) . (Keep in mind that in December there is snow at the top) 1 second pair of lightweight shoes for wading (crossing rivers) and getting wet. Running shoes - (NO CROCS - NO SANDALS) Long trekking pants (NO JEANS) Long underwear or leggings (not mandatory) Short-sleeved synthetic dry-fit shirts Long-sleeved shirt Outerwear: Fleece sweatshirt and down jacket (feather) Waterproof jacket (also ideally breathable and windproof) 1 hat-cap for the sun (with flaps) 1 scarf to cover the neck from the sun (multifunctional scarves like Buff) Warm gloves. Warm hat PERSONAL ITEMS Identification document. Medical insurance, health insurance. MISCELLANEOUS Headlamp with batteries (Batteries) Mountain sunglasses. Sunscreen (not less than factor 45). Lip balm Toilet paper. Tissues. Baby wipes. PERSONAL USE KITCHEN Containers for water, at least 2 liters (can be a plastic bottle) Cutlery / Plate or Tupperware (no glass or aluminum) / Plastic or enamel cup or mug (no glass, no aluminum). OPTIONAL, not mandatory (considering space and weight) SILVER TAPE for blisters and repairs. Mate (traditional South American drink), straw, and yerba mate leaves Steel thermos Binoculars, monocular. Photographic or video equipment. Book, notebook, travel journal, pencil, pen. Games; cards, dice, etc. Pocketknife

FAQs

Do I need previous trekking experience?

Some level of experience is required. Having completed at most a one-day mountain trek and overnight camping with a sleeping bag is recommended.

How fit do I need to be for this trekking journey in Mendoza?

It is advised to have good physical fitness and understand that the format is a trek, where you walk during the day with a backpack and camp in a rustic setting.

How much weight will I have to carry?

Each person must carry their backpack with personal equipment. However, on the day we go to the plane wreckage, the ascent is done without weight. Only essentials for the day are carried.

Where will we stay overnight?

Overnight stays occur in mountain camps in dormitory-style tents (structural type) or igloo-type tents for 2/3 or 4 people, depending on availability.

Do we need to bring a tent?

Tents are included in the price.

Will there be bathrooms available?

There are no bathrooms or portable toilets. Everything is in nature, with designated areas. It is necessary to maintain cleanliness by taking away used paper.

What is the minimum age range for this trip?

While typically suggested for individuals aged 13 and older, feel free to reach out for personalized advice. Suitability depends on factors such as physical fitness and enthusiasm, as this trek is considered demanding.

Where will we meet at the start of the trip?

We'll meet in El Sosneado, Mendoza.

How can I get to the meeting point in Mendoza?

If you're traveling by car, proceed 140 km after passing the city of San Rafael and make your way to a rest area on Route 144. This serves as a convenient spot to leave your car during the trek. GPS coordinates: -35.080516, -69.582824.

About the guide

Argentina

Tour Operator

Adventure tourism agency formed by ISAS, EPGAMT and adventure tourism guides.

Head guide is Leandro Scheurle, rock and ice climbing instructor, wild areas lifeguard (WFR), and ISAS trekking and adventure tourism guide. He is also Instructor and lecturer at the ‘Instituto Superior Andes del Sur’ (school of professional guides).

He made technical ascents in Argentina and South America, including solo new routes in Domuyo Volcano (Neuquén), and Cerro Bonete (Tierra del Fuego).

He also write articles for magazines, blogs and websites specialized in outdoors and mountain activities.

The lead guide for AEX expeditions to Aconcagua is Daniel Adrián Cangiani, better known as "Roger". He is an EPGAMT mountain guide, WFR, rock climbing and mountaineering instructor, and professional photographer.

Languages

English

Certificates

EPGAMT | ISAS

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