The crossing of the Andes led by General San Martín in 1817 is one of the most important military feats in the history of the Americas. And it all started in Mendoza.

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In this guide we'll walk through the history of the Crossing of the Andes, the key places in Mendoza where the operation was planned and prepared, and how to visit them today while combining history with wine tourism.

Context: Argentina in 1817

In 1817, after declaring independence (1816), the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata faced a strategic problem: the Spanish army controlled the whole Pacific from Peru, Chile and Upper Peru (Bolivia). As long as Spain held Chile, Argentine independence was permanently at risk.

José de San Martín understood something simple: to liberate the Pacific, you had to cross the Andes and attack Chile by surprise. That idea, which seemed impossible, became one of the most impressive military operations in history.

Mendoza: the base of the operation

San Martín chose Mendoza as his base for several strategic reasons:

• Proximity to the mountain passes into Chile
• Natural resources (timber, water, food)
• A population loyal to the independence cause
• A safe distance from royalist strongholds

For 3 years (1814–1817), San Martín lived in Mendoza as governor of Cuyo and devoted himself to preparing the Army of the Andes.

Historic sites in Mendoza

Plaza Independencia

The historic centre of Mendoza. Here San Martín blessed the flag of the Army of the Andes on 5 January 1817, three days before the crossing began. The square is a must-stop on any city tour of Mendoza.

Cerro de la Gloria and the Monument to the Army of the Andes

Built in 1914 by the sculptor Juan Manuel Ferrari, it's the most impressive monument in Mendoza. Crowning Cerro de la Gloria in Parque San Martín, it commemorates the Crossing of the Andes with giant bronze figures. Panoramic views of the city and the Andes.

Plumerillo (the training camp)

The field where San Martín trained the Army of the Andes for months. Today it's a historic site with a small but very well curated museum. Located in the Las Heras district, 15 minutes from downtown Mendoza.

Casa de San Martín (Historical Museum)

The house where San Martín lived with his wife Remedios de Escalada and his daughter Mercedes. Today it works as a museum with personal objects, original maps and documents from the period. On the corner of San Martín and Corrientes (downtown Mendoza).

The crossing: the six passes into Chile

San Martín didn't use a single road to cross the range. To confuse the enemy and move the whole army (5,000 soldiers), he used six mountain passes simultaneously. The main ones were:

• Paso de los Patos (San Juan): the most important. San Martín crossed here with the main column.
• Paso de Uspallata (Mendoza): the column of O'Higgins and Las Heras. Today it's National Route 7, travelled on the High Mountain tour.
• Paso de Come Caballos (La Rioja): diversionary operations.
• Paso de Guana (San Juan): diversionary operations.
• Paso de Portillo (Mendoza): diversionary operations.
• Paso del Planchón (Mendoza): diversionary operations.

Travelling the crossing route today

The Uspallata pass, used by the column of O'Higgins and Las Heras, is the one that matches today's National Route 7. This is the traditional Argentina-Chile crossing route, and it can be travelled on the High Mountain tour. The historic stops are:

• Uspallata: the town where the army set up its intermediate base.
• Las Cuevas: the border pass, where the old Cristo Redentor de los Andes stood.
• Cristo Redentor: a monument to peace between Argentina and Chile, cast from the bronze of cannons from San Martín's time.

The Army of the Andes in numbers

• 5,423 soldiers (mounted grenadiers, infantry, artillery)
• 9,281 mules as pack animals
• 1,600 horses
• 700 head of cattle for food
• 23 days was how long the crossing of the range took
• Altitudes of more than 4,000 metres above sea level

The battles that defined Chile and Peru

• Battle of Chacabuco (12 February 1817): the patriot victory that liberated Chile.
• Battle of Maipú (5 April 1818): the consolidation of Chilean independence.
• Liberation of Peru (1820–1821): the liberating expedition that culminated in Lima.

Mendoza's own "Maipú", where the wineries are today, was named in honour of the battle. If you'd like to tour Maipú's historic wineries, you'll find all the details on the Maipú winery tour page.

Combining history with wine tourism

A suggestion we recommend for travellers interested in history:

• Day 1: City tour of Mendoza (Plaza Independencia, Cerro de la Gloria, Casa de San Martín, Museo del Área Fundacional).
• Day 2: High Mountain tour along Route 7 (the crossing route of O'Higgins and Las Heras).
• Day 3: Winery tour in Maipú (the area named after the decisive battle).

Related sites elsewhere in Argentina

If you want to go deeper into San Martín's history, after Mendoza you can visit:

• Buenos Aires: the Museo Histórico Nacional and his mausoleum in the Cathedral.
• Yapeyú (Corrientes): San Martín's birthplace.
• San Lorenzo (Santa Fe): the convent where he fought his first battle.

FAQ

How much time do you need to see the historic sites?

One day is enough for Plaza Independencia, Cerro de la Gloria, Casa de San Martín and the Museo del Área Fundacional. Another day for the Plumerillo camp and Route 7 (the High Mountain route).

Are there specialist history tours?

Yes. Vito Wine Tours can build a city tour with a historical focus, with a guide specialising in Argentine and San Martín history.

Is it interesting for children?

Yes, especially Cerro de la Gloria for its monument and the views. For older children (8+), the story of the crossing is fascinating.

If you'd like to organise a trip combining San Martín's history with Mendoza wine tourism, message us on WhatsApp. We build tailor-made themed itineraries.

More questions? Take a look at our FAQ with 25 common questions about tours, pricing, logistics and the High Mountain excursion.