TIERRAS BLANCAS RANCH - MENDOZA

In the middle of a landscape dominated by the high peaks of the Andes mountains, Tierras Blancas Ranch is the ideal place to make contact with Mother Nature and typical outdoor activities.

TIERRAS BLANCAS: LOCATION
To reach it you have to cover 140 kilometers (87 miles) from Mendoza city, south by route 40 to Pareditas. From there, 18 Km. (11 miles) by provincial route 101 where the sign indicating the entrance to the Ranch will be found. It covers a total area of 30000 hectares (about 74000 acres) and it´s name is due to the volcanic lomes surrounding the valley where it is located, extending to the immense peaks of the Andes, between Yaucha and El Rosario streams. The elevation varies between 1500 and 4000 mts. (4500 and 13000 feet).
San Carlos, located within the Valley of Uco, is in the west central zone of Mendoza province, at the foot of the Andes mountains.

TIERRAS BLANCAS RANCH
With a total area of 30,000 hectares (about 74,000 acres) it´s name comes from the volcanic domes around the valley where the ranchhouse is located (in the foothills) extending to the high mountains, between the Yaucha and El Rosario creeks. The elevation varies between 1500 and 4000 meters (4500 and 13,000 feet).

Thanks to the beauty of the place, adventure tourism becomes one of the most attractive activities around the ranch: horseback riding combined with trekking, rappelling, climbing and visits to the imposing Laguna del Diamante and Campo El Selerpe. But undoubtedly, crossing the Andes mountains on horseback is the most tempting proposal offered by the ranch.

Tierras Blancas has three shelters to be used on expeditions:

Tierras Blancas ranchhouse: Accessible by vehicle, it´s set on the edge of El Rosario creek and is the starting point for rides. The elevation is about 1500 mts. (4500 ft.)

Roque Shelter: A six hour ride from the base, surrounded by mountains, in the canyon which bears it´s name. It has 15 beds, running water, light and a gas stove. It´s located at 2000 mts. (6000 ft.) above sea level.

El Toscal Shelter: It´s about nine hours on horseback from the base shelter and three from Roque. It has 15 beds, running water, light and a gas stove. The elevation is 2200 mts. (about 6700 ft.)


PRIVATE NATURAL RESERVE: TIERRAS BLANCAS

Within the limits of Tierras Blancas ranch, with elevations between 2200 and 4000 mts. (6700 and 13000 ft.) lies a privately owned nature reserve and wildlife refuge of approximately 11000 hectares (27000 acres).

Cóndor - All the rivers and streams have water permanently. There are also springs which form fertile lowlands, habitat of many species of birds native to the Andes.

The predominant type of vegetation is the bushy and herbaceous steppe. Due to the pristine characteristics of the atmosphere, it is notable how many different types of rapacious and carrion eating birds nest here.

Frequently seen are the eagle (Geranoatus melanoleucelus), andean buzzard (polyborus), eaglets (Buteo polyosoma), striped pilots (cinclodes fuscus) and fleets of noisy mountain parakeets (bolborrynchus aurifrons). Also groups of more than 50 condors (Vultur gryphus) flying over the area. The Bioandine foundation, in it´s bi-national conservation project of this species, has identified nesting areas and juvenile groups of the king of the Andes, the majestic Andes Condor

Foxes - It is common to see large troops of guanacos (Lama guanicoe) in the area which use the preserve (Portezuelo de los vientos) as a transit zone (biological corridor) and wintering area. You can also see astute red foxes (Dusycion culpaeus) as well as grey foxes in the whole area.

Large chinchilla (Lagydium viscascia) also live in the Corral Molle. In the foothills there are also tunduques (Ctenomys sp.) and herds of patagonian ostriches (pterocnemia pennata pennata).

With the intention of preserving cultural aspects, archeological studies are under way with very interesting results. In transition reserve zones there is extensive goat breeding, with very low environmental impact, and there is a summer outpost from which we get delicious young goats for the delight of our visitors.

Cóndor - We have oriented our main objective toward ecotourism and scientific tourism, offering special visits for photographic safaris and observation of flora, geomorphological fauna and scenery. This area offers characteristics of high scenic and recreative value, being an optimal place for ecotourism, environmental education and investigation

CROSSING THE ANDES

On horseback, recalling General San Martin´s crossing by one of the historic frontier passes. Riding into the roots of the Andes Mountains. An unforgettable experience lasting 8 days. It is operable only from January to March

The passes used for the crossing, varying according to the winter snowfall, are Maipo or Colina. These passes were used by San Martin´s spies during the Zapa war and studied by the Liberating Army´s engineers. The crossing finishes in the Maipo Canyon and the return to Mendoza is by the Cristo Redentor pass, in vehicles.

Day 1:
Reception in Mendoza city, during the morning, transportation to the Ranch, adaptation to horses and saddles and a short ride.

Day 2:
Ride to the El Toscal shelter, start of the mountain crossing, we´ll see the first local fauna, maybe condors and eagles, and a view of the Frontal Range.

Day 3:
We cross the frontal range, a seven hour ride, climbing to an elevation of 4000 mts. (12500 ft.) to the Portezuelo del Viento. From there we can see the boundary range and the Mendoza plain. Overnight stay in tents.

Day 4:
We ride along the central valley, meeting troops of guanacos which watch us constantly, cross the Rio Colorado, an unforgettable experience. Overnight stay in tents.

Day 5:
We continue riding along the central valley, the part less frequented by man within our adventure. The scenery is undescribable.
Overnight stay in tents.

Day 6:
We set off in search of the boundary range, around midday we will arrive in Chile. After changing horses, we will descend to the hot springs of Colina, have a refreshing thermal bath and then rest in a hotel.

Day 7:
In view of posible bad weather we are obliged to suspend our expedition. If the weather is fine, it will be a day of rest or a short ride in the mountains

Day 8:
Return to Mendoza via the international Cristo Redentor highway.

Minimum requirements: Three comfortable pairs of trousers, three long-sleeved shirts, waterproof trousers and jacket, warm jacket, warm underwear, pullover. Riding boots, trekking shoes, sleeping bag (-10º C, 14ºF), ski mask. Sun glasses, flashlight, solar protection and lip balm. Swiss army knife or similar, cap or hat. Scarf for neck, gloves, elements of personal hygiene..

Note: included during the ride and return to Mendoza: all moving, meals, drinks, guides, horses with harness, satellite telephone number ES 06751030171, insurance covering helicopter rescue and medical expenses. Participants should have personal risk insurance.

DAY 1 - Arrival to Mendoza Airport and transfer to hotel. 03 nts of accommodation with breakfast

DAY 2 - Wineries Tour

DAY 3 - Excursion to enjoy the High Andes and the Aconcagua Mount

DAY 4 - Transfer to airport

This is a basic program to visit Salta and the Andes area. Please visit our tour list to see more tours combining this area and others place in Argentina and Chile

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RIPIO TURISMO - Incoming Tour Operator Argentina & Chile- Leg. 10.687 Secretaría de Turismo de la Nación Argentina.
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