Horseback Riding in the Andes Mountain

Imagine riding through rugged mountain trails with breathtaking views of the Andes looming in the distance. This horseback riding experience in Mendoza Province, Argentina, offers much more than just a leisurely ride. For $210 per person, you’ll spend about five hours exploring the Uco Valley’s stunning landscape, guided by local gauchos who know these mountains like the back of their hands. The tour includes a unique combination of riding, picnicking at 2,500 meters above sea level, and indulging in Argentine barbecue paired with some of Mendoza’s finest wines.

What we love about this experience is the opportunity to truly connect with the landscape — not just from a tourist viewpoint but up close as you ride alongside gauchos, soaking in the fresh mountain air. The second highlight is the chance to taste local flavors, from regional cheeses and hams during the picnic to a hearty Argentine barbecue served at the ranch, paired with a selection of wines from their underground cellar.

One potential consideration is the travel time — about two and a half hours of transfer each way — which might feel long if you’re tight on time or prefer more flexible schedules. However, the scenery along the way makes it worthwhile. This tour is ideal for adventurous spirits who enjoy authentic experiences, scenic vistas, and the chance to learn about Argentine gaucho culture firsthand. If you value exquisite views combined with good food and wine, this outing deserves a place on your Mendoza itinerary.

Key Points

• Authentic Gaucho Experience: Guided by local gauchos, providing genuine insights into Argentine cowboy culture.
• Stunning Mountain Views: Reaching a viewpoint at 2,500 meters, with panoramic vistas of the Andes.
• Gourmet Picnic & Wines: Enjoy regional cheeses, hams, and a Malbec toast at altitude, plus a hearty Argentine barbecue.
• Personalized Service: Gaucho clothing options and flexible transport arrangements enhance the experience.
• Duration & Logistics: About five hours total, including transfers; prioritize arriving early to start on time.
• Value for Money: Combines horseback riding, culture, and excellent local cuisine—all within a reasonable price.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Setting the Scene: Mendoza’s Uco Valley and Casa Los Coirones

The tour departs from Espacio Los Coirones, a ranch in Tupungato within Mendoza’s famed Uco Valley. This region stands out for its high-altitude vineyards and rugged mountain terrain, making it an ideal backdrop for a horseback adventure. The drive from Mendoza city takes around two and a half hours, winding through scenic rural landscapes and vineyards, with the road being mostly dirt and somewhat remote — so don’t expect constant cell service. Rest assured, clear signage at the entrance (“Ingreso Estancia Los Coirones”) guides your way.

The Horseback Ride: Riding with Gauchos

Once at the ranch, you’ll have the option to don traditional gaucho clothing— ponchos and hats — adding a fun, authentic touch to your adventure. The guides, local gauchos, are seasoned riders and knowledgeable about the region’s history and landscape.

The horseback ride itself lasts approximately 2.5 hours, a duration that balances scenic exploration with manageable physical effort. The terrain varies from gentle slopes to more rugged trails, offering good variety for riders of different skill levels. Throughout, the gauchos share stories and insights, making the experience both educational and entertaining.

Reviews highlight how smoothly the ride goes, with many appreciating the personalized attention and the chance to get up close with the horses. One traveler noted, “The gauchos were fantastic, making us feel comfortable even if we weren’t experienced riders.” This makes it a suitable activity even if you’re new to horseback riding.

The Highlight: The Viewpoint at 2,500 Meters

After about 1.5 hours of riding, you’ll reach a spectacular viewpoint at 2,500 meters, overlooking the mountain range. Here, a picnic awaits, featuring regional cheeses, ham, and fresh bread. The scenery alone makes this worth the trip, but the added pleasure is tasting a few glasses of Malbec wine as you soak in the view. Many guests describe this moment as a “magical pause,” where the mountains seem to stretch forever, and the silence is only broken by the rustling of the wind.

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The Return & The Ranch Meal

Back at the ranch, the gauchos welcome you with a traditional Argentine barbecue (asado). The menu includes homemade meat empanadas, succulent beef Argentine roast, salads, and a sweet ending with coffee. This hearty feast is served with wines from the cellar, giving you the chance to sample some of Mendoza’s best.

Guests praise the quality of the food and wine pairing. One reviewer remarked, “The barbecue was delicious, and the wines were top-notch—more than I expected for the price.” If you’re a wine enthusiast, you’ll appreciate the option to select other wines from the underground cellar, though these come at an extra cost.

Practical Tips & Considerations

• Clothing: Comfortable, layered clothes are essential, as mountain temperatures can fluctuate.
• Timing: Arrive at least 20 minutes early; the tour starts promptly.
• Transport: The road is dirt, and your guide will handle pick-up and drop-off, making logistics easier.
• Physical Requirements: Not suitable for pregnant women, those over 70, or people over 115 kg (254 lbs). Also, the experience is approximately 5 hours long, so comfort during travel and activity is important.
• Language: Tours are available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, ensuring clear communication.

Why This Tour Stands Out

One of the biggest draws is the combination of adventure, culture, and culinary delights. The guided horseback ride with gauchos offers a genuine peek into Argentine cowboy life, far from touristy clichés. The scenic viewpoint at altitude is a visual feast, making the journey memorable.

Reviews frequently emphasize the stunning vistas and excellent wine as highlights. The fact that each guest receives personalized attention—including gaucho clothing and flexible pickup options—adds to the overall value.

However, the long transfer time might be a downside for some, especially if your schedule is tight. The dirt road and remote location also mean you should be prepared for a bit of rustic charm and limited phone reception along the way. Still, many find these aspects part of the authentic charm.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience best suits travelers who are looking for something active and culturally rich. If you enjoy horseback riding, scenic mountain views, and local cuisine, this tour delivers on all counts. It’s also a great choice for couples, small groups, or families with older children (over 12) who want a taste of gaucho life.

Those with a penchant for wine and food will appreciate the pairing at altitude, and anyone eager to see the Andes from a different perspective will find it rewarding. Keep in mind the physical requirements and travel logistics when planning your day.

Final Thoughts

This horseback riding adventure in Mendoza offers a well-rounded experience blending authentic gaucho culture, breathtaking scenery, and delicious local fare. It provides excellent value for those who want to do more than just tour vineyards or visit city sights — instead, you get to ride through the mountains, share stories with gauchos, and savor regional flavors in a spectacular setting.

The tour’s emphasis on personalized touches and culture makes it stand out. It’s perfect for travelers seeking an active day out that’s both enriching and memorable. While the long transfer might be a consideration, the views, food, and wine make it worthwhile.

If you’re after genuine Argentine mountain adventures, this tour deserves a spot on your Mendoza list. Just pack your sense of adventure, a comfortable jacket, and your camera — you’ll want to capture these mountain moments.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding portion?
The actual horseback ride lasts about 2.5 hours, offering a good balance of scenic exploration and physical comfort.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes horse riding, gaucho clothing (poncho and hat), a picnic at 2,500 meters with cheese and ham, Malbec wine, and a traditional Argentine barbecue with wine and non-alcoholic drinks.

Are the wines included?
The wines served during the picnic and barbecue are included in the menu, but other wines from the cellar are extra.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, layered clothing, and sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) are recommended as temperatures can vary. Gaucho clothing is optional but fun.

Can I join if I’m not experienced at riding?
Yes, the guides are experienced and attentive, making it suitable even for beginners.

How does transportation work?
The guide arranges hotel pickup and drop-off, with about 2.5 hours of travel each way. The road to the ranch is dirt, and cell reception may be limited.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s best suited for older children (over 12), and not for pregnant women, those over 70, or over 115 kg (254 lbs).

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

This experience is a delightful way to see the Andes, taste regional wines, and learn about Argentine gaucho culture — all wrapped into one memorable day.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby