Cordon del Plata Horse Ascent - 2 Days / 1 Night
Morteritos – Cordón del Plata, Mendoza, Argentina
At the gateway to the high Andes and just a short drive from Mendoza city, the Cordón del Plata Provincial Park offers one of the most breathtaking mountain landscapes in the region. Towering peaks, deep valleys, native fauna, and ancient signs of human presence make this area a unique destination for riders looking to explore beyond the ordinary.
This two-day horseback expedition takes you through the heart of Morteritos, ascending to 3,500 meters above sea level. Along the way, you’ll ride through arid highland terrain shaped by geological forces, spot native species like guanacos and condors, and explore archaeological remains such as the mortar stones that give the valley its name.
Ideal for active travelers with some horseback experience, this ascent is a deep immersion into the Andean landscape and silence—a place where the sky opens wide, and the journey becomes personal.
Day 1 – Into the Cordón del Plata
We depart Mendoza city around 8:30 AM, heading west toward the mountain town of Potrerillos. From there, we continue up the valley to reach the Las Lajas outpost in Morteritos, our starting point in the precordillera.
At 11:00 AM, we saddle up and begin our ascent into the heart of the Cordón del Plata. The ride takes us past rocky outcrops and highland flora, always under the gaze of the snowcapped Andes.
Around 1:30 PM, we stop for a traditional Argentine asado lunch nestled among the mountains. After sharing stories and good food, we continue riding to reach our campsite at 3,000 meters, located at the foot of Cerro Platita, a 4,400-meter peak that dominates the skyline.
With camp already set up, we enjoy a relaxed afternoon with mate and a light snack, soaking in the quiet of the mountains. As evening falls, we gather for dinner and enjoy the shifting light as the sun sets behind the peaks.
Day 2 – Reaching New Heights
After a hearty mountain breakfast, we prepare for our final ascent. At 10:30 AM, we mount our horses and begin riding toward our highest point at 3,500 meters, where the views stretch endlessly across the Andes and the Mendoza valley below.
We stop here to take it all in—clean air, rugged beauty, and a profound sense of place—before continuing to our lunch spot, where we enjoy a delicious regional picada of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and wine.
By 4:00 PM, we return to Las Lajas outpost, where our horses rest and we begin the journey back to Mendoza. We arrive in the city around 6:30 PM, filled with stories, memories, and the satisfaction of having ridden into the wild.
Highlights
• Ride to 3,500 meters with views of the Cordón del Plata
• Experience remote Andean wilderness just 90 minutes from Mendoza
• Observe native wildlife: guanacos, foxes, condors, and a wide range of birds
• Visit an archaeological site with ancient mortar stones
• Enjoy a traditional asado, mountain camp, and regional picada
• Ideal for mountain lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers
Includes:
• Private round-trip transportation from Mendoza
• 1 night of full-service mountain camping at 3,000 meters
ALL MEALS:
• 2 lunches (asado, picada)
• 1 dinner (mountain meal)
• 1 breakfast
• Snacks for the ride (nuts, cereal bars, fruit)
• Certified guides (EPGAMT & WFR)
• Trained horses and traditional mountain saddles
• Helmet and riding equipment upon request
• Personal accident insurance
• Stargazing evening in the Cordón del Plata
Not Included:
• Personal gear (sleeping bag, clothing layers, boots, hat, gloves)
• Tips or extras not specified in the itinerary
Please, contact us for all information about this tour.
