Horseback riding and barbecue in a private ranch – La Carrera, Mendoza

The best part of this Mendoza outing is the setting: El Pico Palma ranch sits at 2,000 meters in La Carrera valley, with the Cordón del Plata and Pre-cordillera rising around it. You ride on private ranch land rather than joining a large tourist procession, then return for a long Argentine lunch.

I like the combination of well-cared-for Criollo horses and excellent mountain views. I also like that Lucía, Gilda, and Ángel give the day a personal, family-run feel, with empanadas, wine, asado, and regional desserts rather than a quick meal tacked onto the end.

The main consideration is the price, $200 per person, and the seven-hour commitment. Weather matters, too. This is a high-altitude outdoor day, so a poor forecast can force a change of date or cancellation.

Key Points at a Glance

• A 250-year-old family ranch: El Pico Palma has belonged to the Palma family for more than 250 years and is still attended by its owners.
• A private two-and-a-half-hour ride: You ride within the ranch, in a quiet area reserved for your group.
• Calm, well-kept Criollo horses: The horses use good saddles and traditional Argentine riding equipment.
• Mountain scenery at 2,000 meters: The Cordón del Plata and Pre-cordillera provide the backdrop throughout the ride.
• A serious lunch afterward: Homemade empanadas, high-altitude wines, Argentine asado, and regional desserts are included.
• Private transportation and private hosting: Your group travels together, with no other participants added to the activity.

Arriving in La Carrera Valley from Mendoza

The day includes private transportation from Mendoza, which matters here. La Carrera lies near Tupungato, away from the city’s central wine-tasting circuit, and this is not an outing you would want to piece together with several local transfers.

The full schedule lasts about seven hours, so plan it as a main day trip rather than a short break between winery visits. The drive takes you toward the Andes and the ranch’s high valley setting, where the surroundings become the main attraction before you even meet the horses.

You receive confirmation within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Since the activity is private, only your own group takes part. That arrangement is useful if you want a quieter pace, need room for a first-time rider, or simply prefer not to spend the day with a mixed tour group.

El Pico Palma Ranch and Its Family Story

El Pico Palma is more than a riding stop. The Palma family has owned the ranch for over 250 years, and the owners themselves open the property to visitors. That gives the visit a sense of place that a standard riding stable often cannot provide.

The ranch sits at about 2,000 meters above sea level in La Carrera valley. From the property, you look toward the Cordón del Plata and the Pre-cordillera, two parts of the Andes that give the ride its broad mountain setting.

I value this kind of setting because it changes the rhythm of the day. You are not moving from one scheduled attraction to the next. You have time to ride, eat, sit, and look around. After lunch, you can choose to relax, take a hike, or spend more time contemplating the mountains.

The word private is important here. The ride takes place within the ranch, in an area described as reserved for the group. You should not expect a public trail ride with a line of riders passing through several unrelated properties.

Two and a Half Hours on Criollo Horses

The riding portion lasts about two and a half hours. The ranch uses Criollo horses, the traditional Argentine breed associated with endurance and ranch work, and the horses are fitted with quality saddles and traditional equipment.

The care of the horses is one of the strongest reasons to consider this outing. They are described as well behaved and well looked after, which can make a major difference if you are new to horseback riding. One first-time rider felt comfortable during the ride, while a more experienced rider was able to canter with Ángel during the final part.

That does not mean every rider will canter. Your pace depends on your ability, the conditions, and the guides’ judgment. The useful point is that the activity can work for different skill levels within the same private group, rather than assuming everyone wants the same speed.

Gilda and Ángel have accompanied riders on the route, and Lucía is part of the family team handling the arrangements and hospitality. The direct contact is another advantage of a private outing. You can communicate your experience level before or during the ride instead of being one person in a large group.

The views remain the central reward. You ride through the ranch with the Andes around you, and the high setting gives the scenery a wide, open quality. Bring your attention to the surroundings, not just the riding. The route is as much about the mountain air and empty space as it is about learning to handle a horse.

What the Ride Feels Like for Different Riders

If you are a beginner, this tour has a useful feature: the horses are described as calm, and the guides can keep the pace comfortable. A private group also gives the staff more flexibility than a large commercial ride, though you should still be honest about your experience before setting out.

If you already ride, you may appreciate having more room to set your pace. The account of an intermediate rider cantering with Ángel suggests that experienced participants may get more than a slow walking tour, but cantering is not promised as part of the standard program.

The ride is not presented as a technical equestrian lesson. You are going for scenery, ranch atmosphere, and time in the saddle. If your priority is formal instruction, jumping, or a specific riding discipline, this may not be the right choice.

At high altitude, weather can also shape the outing. The activity requires good weather, so keep your schedule somewhat flexible. If conditions are poor, you can receive a different date or a full refund.

Empanadas, Wine, and a Proper Argentine Asado

After the ride, the food becomes the second major part of the day. You begin with homemade empanadas paired with high-altitude wines, then move to a traditional Argentine roast, or asado, followed by a regional dessert table.

This is not just a packed lunch eaten beside the saddles. The meal gives the ranch visit a slower, social finish. After several hours outside, sitting down to meat, wine, and local dishes makes the day feel connected to Argentine country life rather than simply built around an activity.

The food receives particularly strong praise, with the meat and quality of the products singled out as highlights. That fits the setting. In Mendoza, wine and grilled meat are not side notes, and the meal gives you a chance to enjoy both in a relaxed ranch setting.

The menu is described as a Creole-style barbecue with regional desserts. Exact cuts of meat, wine labels, and dessert choices are not specified, so do not book expecting a particular bottle or dish. What is clear is that lunch is substantial and included in the $200 price.

If you do not drink alcohol, the provided information does not specify alternate beverages. You may want to mention any dietary needs when arranging the booking, since the meal is a central part of the day.

The Quiet Hour After Lunch

One of the more appealing details is that the day does not end the moment the plates are cleared. You can relax and take in the mountain views, go for a hike, or choose another available activity at the ranch.

The options are not described in detail, so treat them as flexible downtime rather than a second formal itinerary. That is still valuable. A seven-hour tour can become tiring if every minute is scheduled, while a quiet hour after lunch lets you set the pace.

I would especially recommend saving time for this part if you enjoy photography or simply want a break from organized sightseeing. The ranch’s appeal comes from space and calm. Rushing back to Mendoza immediately would miss part of what makes the setting different from a city restaurant or ordinary riding center.

Is $200 a Fair Price?

At $200 per person, this is not a budget horseback ride. The price makes more sense when you count the complete package: private transportation, a private ranch visit, about two and a half hours on horseback, homemade empanadas, wine, a full asado, dessert, and several hours at a high-altitude family property.

You are also paying for privacy and personal attention. A cheaper group ride may offer time on a horse, but it may not include exclusive use of the riding area, direct contact with the hosting family, or a meal of this scale.

The value is strongest if you want a full-day Mendoza outing that combines nature, food, and local hospitality. It is weaker if you only want a short ride or if you are already planning several expensive excursions. In that case, compare the total cost with your full Mendoza budget, not just with the price of other horse rides.

The consistently high rating and full recommendation rate point to a very reliable fit for people who specifically want horses, asado, wine, and mountain scenery in one private day. Still, the price does not guarantee a particular riding pace, weather, or menu, so keep your expectations focused on the overall setting and hospitality.

Who Should Book This Ranch Day?

I would put this near the top of the list for:

• Couples wanting a private day outside Mendoza
• First-time riders who would feel better with calm horses and a private group
• Experienced riders who want scenic riding rather than a formal lesson
• People who care as much about lunch and wine as the activity itself
• Visitors looking for mountain scenery away from the city
• Small groups who prefer a family-run setting

It may be less suitable if you dislike horses, want a fast-paced adventure, or have limited time in Mendoza. The ride lasts two and a half hours, but transportation and lunch bring the total outing to roughly seven hours.

Families and mixed-ability groups should ask about their specific needs before booking. The available information says most people can participate, and the private format helps, but it does not give detailed age, mobility, or weight requirements.

Practical Details Before You Reserve

The cost is $200 per person, and private transportation is included. The activity is private, so only your group participates.

Book ahead if possible. The average booking lead time is 54 days, which suggests that this is not always a last-minute choice, especially if your Mendoza dates are fixed. Confirmation arrives within 48 hours, subject to availability.

Wear clothing suited to several hours outdoors and riding, though exact clothing requirements are not provided. Since the ranch is at 2,000 meters and the activity depends on weather, check the forecast and keep a little flexibility in your plans.

Free cancellation is available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded or accepted. If poor weather causes the ranch to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

My Take: A Strong Choice for Horses, Food, and Andes Views

You should book this tour if you want a private, unhurried Mendoza day built around three things: riding, mountain scenery, and a generous Argentine meal. The excellent horses, attentive family team, and food make it more than a basic trail ride.

I would skip it if $200 feels too high for a single day, if you want guaranteed fast riding, or if your schedule cannot handle seven hours. For the right visitor, though, El Pico Palma offers a rare combination: a long family connection to the land, a quiet high-country setting, and a proper asado after time in the saddle.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding last?

The horseback ride lasts approximately two and a half hours.

How long is the complete activity?

The full experience lasts about seven hours, including transportation, riding, lunch, and time at the ranch.

Where does the horseback riding take place?

The ride takes place within El Pico Palma ranch in La Carrera valley, near Carrera Tupungato in Mendoza.

How high above sea level is the ranch?

El Pico Palma ranch is located at approximately 2,000 meters above sea level.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Private transportation is included in the activity.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates in the tour.

What food is included?

The meal includes homemade empanadas, high-altitude wines, an Argentine asado, and a regional dessert table.

Can beginners join the horseback ride?

Most people can participate, and the horses are described as well behaved. One first-time rider was comfortable during the ride, but you should share your riding experience when booking.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can receive a different date or a full refund.