Mendoza: Sunset Horse Back Riding in the Mountains and BBQ

A sunset ride high above Mendoza, followed by a long Argentine asado at a family ranch, gives this outing a strong sense of place. You leave the city behind, ride quiet mountain trails, and reach a viewpoint around 2,100 meters above sea level.

I like the careful horse selection, especially for first-time riders, and the warm ranch welcome with tea, coffee, biscuits, or a sweet treat. I also like that the small group, limited to 14 people, makes the shared dinner feel friendly rather than like a mass tour.

The main drawback is the rough drive to the ranch, which can take 30 to 35 minutes on a bumpy road after the paved section ends. The ride itself can also last close to three hours, with steep sections that may unsettle nervous riders.

Key Points

• High mountain viewpoint: Ride to about 2,100 meters for wide views and a 15-minute photo break.
• Calm, carefully matched horses: Stella and her team consider your height, experience, and comfort level when assigning a horse.
• A real asado after the ride: Expect beef and pork, salads, roasted vegetables, wine, juice, water, and dessert.
• Small-group setting: The group is limited to 14, with English and Spanish guiding available.
• Bumpy access road: Bring motion-sickness medicine if you are prone to nausea, and expect a slower ride in a van or four-wheel-drive vehicle.
• Beginner-friendly, but not effortless: No riding background is required, yet the mountain climbs and descents demand attention.

Why This Mendoza Horse Ride Feels Different

Mendoza is famous for Malbec, vineyard lunches, and Andean views. Those are good reasons to visit, but they keep you close to roads and restaurants. This trip takes you into a quieter part of Mendoza Province, where the ranch, horses, dogs, cows, chickens, and mountain air become the setting for the day.

The appeal is not simply sitting on a horse for a few photographs. You spend a long stretch on the trail, learn the basics of riding, watch the horses handle uneven ground, and share a home-style meal with the people who run the ranch.

I see this as a good choice if you want an outing with more character than a standard city excursion. It combines transport, a mountain activity, a local meal, and time with a family-run operation in one eight-hour package.

Leaving Mendoza for El Relincho Ranch

Pickup is arranged at your hotel, and you should wait outside about 10 minutes before the agreed time. The driver can arrive anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes later depending on the distance and delays with other passengers, so do not schedule a tight appointment immediately afterward.

The trip from Mendoza to the ranch takes about an hour in total. The early part is straightforward, but the final stretch is rough and bumpy. Several people found this part uncomfortable, especially on the return journey after dinner. Drivers are reported to take it slowly and stop if needed, but motion sickness is a real concern.

I would take medication before departure if you know you are sensitive to rough roads. Sitting near the front may help, though that is not guaranteed. Think of the ride as part of reaching a remote mountain ranch, not as a smooth transfer between city attractions.

The setting makes the jolting road worthwhile for many people. The ranch is described as peaceful and remote, with a relaxed family atmosphere rather than a polished resort feel. On arrival, you may be offered tea, coffee, lemonade, biscuits, cookies, or a sweet treat while the group gathers.

Meeting the Horses and Guides

Before you ride, the ranch team asks about your experience and comfort level. Stella is especially involved in looking at each rider and selecting a suitable horse. The matching process takes height, riding ability, and personal confidence into account.

That matters if you have never ridden before. The horses are described as calm and well trained, and several beginners felt safe after the basic instruction. You learn how to sit, guide, and control the horse before leaving the ranch.

The guides give instructions in English or Spanish. Names connected with the operation include Stella, also referred to as Estrella in some accounts, along with Gabriel and drivers such as Fernando. Ezequiel is associated with preparing the meal. Since staff assignments can vary, your exact guide may not be the same on every departure.

The team stays close during the ride and helps when the route becomes more difficult. This is not a free-form horseback outing where you set your own pace. The horses follow the group, and the guides manage the route. That makes the experience safer and simpler for beginners, though experienced riders may find it a little structured.

The Mountain Ride to 2,100 Meters

The ride usually lasts about two and a half to three hours. Much of it is a peaceful walking ride through open mountain scenery, with the horses doing the steady work while you take in the air and views.

The route is not flat all the way. The earlier section may feel easier, while the final portion includes steeper climbs and descents. Some riders describe narrow paths and drop-offs, especially when going downhill. The horses are accustomed to mountain ground, but you still need to listen carefully and avoid making sudden movements.

This is the point where you should be honest with yourself. If you are nervous around horses, uncomfortable with heights, or looking for a gentle 30-minute ride, this probably is not the right activity. If you are a beginner who is willing to follow directions, the calm horses and nearby guides can make it manageable.

The ride reaches a high viewpoint at roughly 2,100 meters. You stop for about 15 minutes to take photographs and enjoy the wide mountain views. Sunset adds changing light and a quieter mood, though the exact colors and visibility depend on the weather and season.

Do not expect every part of the ride to feel dramatic. Much of the route is a slow walk. That is a benefit if you want time to enjoy nature, but it may feel too restrained if you want fast riding or advanced horsemanship.

The horse is the real guide on some steep sections. Several people found it reassuring to let the animal choose its footing instead of trying to over-control it. Your job is to stay balanced, follow the instructions, and trust the horse’s training.

Sunset, Silence, and the Best Photo Stop

The viewpoint is the emotional center of the outing. From the saddle, you get a broad view over the mountain terrain, with the city far away or out of sight depending on the route and conditions.

The 15-minute stop gives you time for photographs without turning the ride into a rushed photo call. You can get off the horse, stretch, and take in the silence before heading back down.

The descent may feel more demanding than the climb. A few riders found the steep downhill sections nerve-wracking, even with experienced horses and guides. Hold your posture, listen to the instructions, and tell the guide if you are uncomfortable.

Bring sunscreen even for a late ride. At altitude, the sun can remain strong, and the open setting offers little shelter. Long pants are a practical choice for comfort in the saddle, while closed-toe shoes protect your feet and give you a more secure position.

Wear comfortable clothes that you do not mind getting dusty. A sunset mountain ride can become cool as the light fades, but the provided information does not specify temperatures or extra clothing, so check the forecast before leaving Mendoza.

Returning to the Ranch for the Asado

After the ride, the meal is ready back at the ranch. The dinner is a typical Argentine barbecue, usually called an asado, with cuts of beef and pork served alongside salads and roasted vegetables.

The food is one of the strongest reasons to choose this experience over a simple horseback ride. The meal is generous and served in a social setting, often with everyone seated together. You are not just handed a snack after the activity. Dinner is a central part of the evening.

Wine is included, with Malbec a natural fit for Mendoza, along with water and juice. Dessert is also provided. Alfajores have been specifically enjoyed on some departures, though the exact dessert may vary.

Vegetarian, vegan, and celiac requests can be accommodated if you tell the provider at least 24 hours ahead. Do not wait until you arrive at the ranch. The team has prepared separate vegetarian dishes before, but advance notice is necessary.

The family setting adds something that a restaurant meal cannot. You get a chance to talk with the hosts, guides, driver, and other members of the small group. Conversations over wine and grilled meat help the evening feel connected to local life rather than tacked onto a tour schedule.

Is the $120 Price Good Value?

At $120 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the mountains. It is a full eight-hour outing with hotel pickup and drop-off, round-trip transport, riding instruction, a two-and-a-half to three-hour mountain ride, barbecue dinner, wine, water, juice, and dessert.

I think the price is fair if you would otherwise book separate transport, a riding excursion, and a meal. The remote location would be difficult to reach independently, and the careful horse matching is valuable for beginners. You also avoid the hassle of arranging a late return from the mountains.

The value drops if you do not enjoy long rides, shared meals, or rough roads. You are paying for a complete day outside Mendoza, not only for the time in the saddle. If the asado and family ranch atmosphere do not interest you, a shorter activity may suit you better.

The small group helps the price feel reasonable. A maximum of 14 people allows the guides to keep an eye on riders and gives the dinner a more personal feel. Group size may still vary within that limit, and the ride follows a planned structure rather than a private itinerary.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. The trip is canceled only in extreme bad weather, so expect it to operate in ordinary conditions.

Who Should Book This Experience?

You should consider it if you want:

• A mountain outing that is more active than a winery visit
• A first horseback ride with calm horses and close instruction
• A family-friendly experience for older children and adults
• A remote ranch setting with a generous local dinner
• A small group rather than a large coach excursion
• Sunset views and a memorable meal in the same evening

Families have taken children as young as 8 and 11, but the activity is not suitable for everyone. Pregnant people, wheelchair users, and anyone over 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms, cannot participate.

You also need enough balance and comfort to sit on a horse for several hours. The ride can be peaceful, but it is not physically effortless. Long pants and closed shoes are required recommendations for good reason.

Solo visitors can fit in well because the small group and shared dinner encourage conversation. Couples may enjoy the sunset and the meal, while families should find the patient guides useful if someone begins the ride feeling anxious.

What to Bring and What to Know Before You Go

Pack sunscreen, long pants, comfortable clothing, and closed-toe shoes. A phone or camera is worthwhile for the high viewpoint, but keep it secure while riding.

Tell the provider about dietary needs at least one day in advance. English and Spanish are available, and pickup is included from your hotel in Mendoza.

The biggest practical warning is the road. If motion sickness affects you, take suitable precautions before the van leaves. The bumpy access route is mentioned repeatedly as the least comfortable part of an otherwise well-organized day.

Also remember that sunset times change through the year. Check the available start time for your date so you know how the ride fits with dinner and your evening plans.

Final Verdict: Book It If You Want Mountains and Asado

I would recommend this for anyone seeking a full Mendoza day with mountain scenery, a gentle but substantial outdoor activity, and a proper Argentine meal. The horses, guides, family welcome, and food receive the strongest praise, and the 4.9 rating from 515 reviews reflects a very consistent experience.

Book it if you can handle a bumpy road and several hours on horseback. Skip it if you need smooth transport, a short ride, wheelchair access, or a completely flat route.

For the right person, this is less about checking off horseback riding and more about slowing down in the Andes foothills, watching the light change, and ending the day at a ranch table with wine and grilled meat. That is a fine way to experience Mendoza beyond the vineyards.

FAQ

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts eight hours, including transportation, the mountain ride, the viewpoint stop, and the barbecue dinner.

How far is the ranch from Mendoza?

The drive to the ranch takes approximately one hour. The final section is bumpy, and the road between the ranch and Mendoza can take about 30 to 35 minutes.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Round-trip transportation by van is included, with pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Mendoza.

How long do you spend on horseback?

The ride generally lasts about two and a half to three hours, according to the activity details and departure descriptions.

How high does the ride go?

The route reaches approximately 2,100 meters above sea level.

Is there a break during the ride?

Yes. You have a 15-minute break at the mountain viewpoint for photographs and views.

Can beginners join?

Yes. No riding experience is required. The horses are selected based on your height, experience, and comfort level, and the team gives basic riding instructions before departure.

What food and drinks are included?

Dinner includes Argentine barbecue with beef and pork, salads, roasted vegetables, wine, water, juice, and dessert.

Can I request a vegetarian or special meal?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, celiac, and other dinner requests should be sent to the activity provider at least 24 hours before the tour.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen, comfortable clothes, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. If you get motion sickness, prepare for the bumpy road to and from the ranch.