12 women with 7 different Nationalities got together in Mendoza, Argentina, to embark on one of the most amazing experiences of a lifetime, crossing the Andes on a horse.
12 women with 7 different Nationalities got together in Mendoza, Argentina, to embark on one of the most amazing experiences of a lifetime, crossing the Andes on a horse.
We planned the trip with several months of anticipation, to make sure we were all well prepared for the challenge and aware of many details. But most importantly, we needed to be sure that we would have enough of our undeniable fuel, THE WINE! Yes, 95 bottles of wine.
From the very first second we mounted our horses it dawned on us the challenge ahead but at the same time we all felt confident and ready to go.
We all followed each other, climbing the mountain and passing through the most incredible scenery. Every place that we arrived at, to rest, eat and to drink water was magical. Guided by Dario and the other guides (who grew up in the mountains), we put our complete trust in them and we felt safe and protected by this amazing team and by nature.
We camped sometimes around rocks and other times close to little rivers; some of us slept just with sleeping bags and the sky full of stars providing our roof and others slept comfortably in their tents.
There were early mornings and very late nights. Every time we reached our destination for the day, we felt that we had conquered the world. After a refreshing splash in the little rivers we all sat around the bonfire to eat, to talk, sometimes to sing with the Gauchos and to drink wine. There is not much light apart from the moonlight and the fire and the occasional torch attached to our heads.
In the mornings there was a very special energy, nothing more magical than waking up on the mountain, and not just any mountain, the majestic Andes. Only pure air.
After 6 days and 5 nights we reached our destination, the border with Chile, OH YES, what a feeling. After climbing though ice and passing through stunning views, that final picture plus the adrenaline and the emotions are a flor de piel, we had made it.
Apart from having each other, the Gauchos were our companions through this adventure, always taking care of us, making sure we had everything we needed, not just materially but also emotionally, they were there when that feeling of being in the middle of nowhere completely disconnected with the outside world but connected with yourself gets overwhelming, and this team of amazing human beings always had the right words of encouragement for us to carry on and carry on challenging ourselves.
I cannot explain to you the celebration we had at our 5 star hotel in the city of Mendoza after our unforgettable experience! SO RECOMMENDED.
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