Horseback riding and roast in the mountains of Mendoza

In Mendoza, Argentina, you can enjoy a day that combines gentle horseback riding, spectacular mountain scenery, and a hearty Argentine asado — all for around $120 per person. This tour typically lasts about 8 hours, starting in the late afternoon with a pickup from the city, and takes you an hour outside Mendoza to a family-run gaucho post at the foot of the pre-mountain range. With tours often booked 24 days in advance, it’s clear this experience resonates with many travelers seeking a genuine taste of rural Argentina.

What we love about this tour is how approachable the horses are, perfect for all skill levels, and the breathtaking viewpoints you’ll reach at 2000 meters high. We also appreciate the opportunity to savor excellent local wine and traditional grilled meats, making it a well-rounded, authentic day out.

One thing to keep in mind is that transportation can be a bit rough — with reviews mentioning an antique vehicle on a bumpy road — so if comfort is a priority, plan accordingly. This experience suits travelers looking for an authentic, family-run adventure that combines nature, culture, and good food, especially if you appreciate slow, scenic rides and welcoming hosts.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Family-run gaucho post, traditional food, and genuine Argentine hospitality.
• Stunning Views: Reach 2000 meters for panoramic vistas of Mendoza and the Andes.
• Beginner-friendly: Horses are gentle and suitable for all skill levels.
• Well-organized: Clear communication, helpful guides, and smooth logistics.
• Value for Money: Includes horseback riding, a delicious asado, and wine for $120.
• Some Caveats: Transportation might be uncomfortable, and language barriers could limit communication during the ride.

An In-Depth Look at the Mendoza Mountain Horseback Tour

The Setting and Itinerary

This tour begins in Mendoza city, with a convenient pickup option, and then takes you about an hour into the countryside to a gaucho post located at the base of the pre-mountain range. The journey itself can be bumpy — reviews mention a rough, rocky drive that can test your patience but also adds a sense of adventure.

Once there, the hosts welcome your group with mates — traditional Argentine herbal tea — and prepare the horses while sharing a brief talk to get everyone familiar with their steeds. The horses are described as adorable and suitable for all visitors, including those new to riding. We loved the way guides like Stella ensure everyone feels comfortable, pairing guests with appropriate horses, and making safety a priority.

The Horseback Ride

The three-hour ride takes you along unexplored paths winding between hills and plains, with the imposing pre-Cordillera as a backdrop. You’ll pass through scenic landscapes, with occasional opportunities to spot wild animals like guanacos, condors, foxes, and hares — these sightings add a special touch of wilderness to the experience.

A highlight is the at 2000 meters viewpoint — a perfect spot to step off the horses, snap photos, and take in the expansive landscape, including views over Mendoza city and the surrounding mountains. As one reviewer put it, “The views from the top were nice, but the guides sat for about 20 minutes, so it’s a good time to breathe and soak in the scenery.”

The Authentic Asado

After the ride, everyone gathers back at the gaucho post for a traditional Argentine asado — a barbecue featuring beef, pork, roasted vegetables, salads, and a generous pour of Mendoza wine. Many visitors describe the meal as delicious, plentiful, and cooked in a style that reflects local culture. Several reviews, such as Nicole’s, mention that the food was “out of this world good”, and that the meal was a perfect conclusion to their day.

Additional Details and Practicalities

Transportation: The pickup and drop-off are included, but the reviews reveal some concern about vehicle comfort. One guest described their ride as antique and uncomfortable, with rocky, steep roads. If you tend to prefer smooth rides, it’s worth preparing for a bumpy journey.

Group size is limited to 16 travelers, which keeps the experience intimate and personalized. The tour starts at 3:00 pm, making it ideal for an afternoon escape, especially if you want to maximize daylight for the views.

Price: At $120 per person, the tour offers great value given the three hours of horseback riding, the mountain scenery, and the full Argentine meal with wine. It’s a family-operated experience that emphasizes authenticity and hospitality over luxury, which many reviewers find refreshing.

Language and Guides: Guides like Stella are praised for their knowledge and friendliness. However, during the ride, some travelers note that guides spoke only Spanish, which could limit the opportunity for English speakers to learn about the scenery and local culture during the ride itself.

Safety Considerations: While most reviews highlight safe, experienced guides, there are a few concerns about lack of communication during the ride — especially for those who don’t speak Spanish. Some guests mentioned rough riding conditions in the heat, with one describing a guide hitting a horse to move faster despite a rider’s discomfort. Bringing gloves or being prepared for steep sections is advisable.

Authenticity and Customer Feedback

Reviews span from glowing praise to some cautionary notes. Many comment on the friendly, family-oriented atmosphere and stunning vistas — calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime experience” and “a perfect holiday activity in the Mendoza mountains”. Others mention discomfort from transportation, highlighting the importance of expectations regarding vehicle condition and comfort.

A recurring theme is the quality of the food and wine — described as delicious and plentiful, making the meal part of the overall value. Several guests appreciated the helpfulness of the guides and the beautiful scenery, emphasizing the authentic rural charm of the tour.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventure seekers who appreciate cultural authenticity, those eager to see Mendoza’s mountains from horseback, and wine lovers wanting a full day immersed in local flavors and landscapes. It’s also suited for beginners or casual riders, given the gentle horses and guided support, but should be avoided if you’re sensitive to rough roads or language barriers.

Why This Tour Offers Real Value

For $120, you’re not just paying for a horseback ride — you’re investing in a genuine encounter with Argentine rural life. The viewpoints and wildlife sightings make the ride memorable, while the hearty asado and local wines** wrap up the experience with a true taste of regional culture.

The small group format and family-run nature ensure a warm, personalized atmosphere that many travelers find adds to the charm. Even with some transportation rough spots, most guests agree the breathtaking scenery and hospitality make it worth the effort.

This tour strikes a good balance between adventure and relaxation, offering a taste of the Andes without requiring advanced riding skills. It’s a great choice for couples, families, or solo travelers looking to add a memorable outdoor experience to their Mendoza trip.

FAQs

Is horseback riding suitable for beginners?
Yes, the horses are described as gentle and suitable for all skill levels. Guides help match riders to appropriate horses, making it a comfortable experience even for novices.

How long is the horseback riding portion?
Expect about 3 hours of riding on scenic, mostly flat or gently sloping terrain, with the chance to stop at a viewpoint for photos and rest.

What should I bring for the ride?
Most recommendations include long pants and comfortable shoes. Since the ride can be hot, bringing water is advisable, though some water is provided if you let the guides know.

Is the transportation comfortable?
Some reviews mention antique or rough vehicles, so if comfort is a priority, prepare for bumpy rides or consider that it’s part of the rustic charm.

What’s included in the price?
The tour covers horseback riding, transportation, the traditional asado meal, water, and free wine. Tips are not included but appreciated.

Can non-Spanish speakers participate?
Yes, many reviews mention guides being helpful, though during the ride, communication in English might be limited. It’s useful to know some basic Spanish or be comfortable with non-verbal cues.

What is the best time of day for this tour?
The tour starts at 3 p.m., perfect to catch the late afternoon light, especially as you reach the mountain viewpoints for sunset views.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded, so plan accordingly.

This horseback riding and mountain experience in Mendoza offers a chance to connect with nature, enjoy hearty local food, and see some of Argentina’s most iconic landscapes. Whether you’re a beginner, a nature lover, or a foodie, this tour provides a genuine taste of rural Mendoza, wrapped in the warmth of family hospitality. Just remember to brace for some bumpy roads and language surprises — it’s part of the adventure.