Private Experience: Horseback Riding and BBQ in the Mountain – Estancia La Carrera

The best part of this day is the combination: a quiet horseback ride high in the Andes followed by a long, generous meal at the Palma family estancia. You ride calm Criollo horses through private mountain property, with views toward Cerro del Plata and the Tupungato Volcano.

I like the small private-group setting and the way Gilda’s welcome turns the visit into a personal country day, not just a quick riding excursion. I also like the strong value of the meal, which includes empanadas, a full asado, selected wines, dessert, coffee, and homemade pastries.

The main consideration is the long day and mountain drive. The estancia sits about 95 kilometers from Mendoza City, and the ride reaches roughly 2,400 meters, so warm clothing, sun protection, and a reasonable level of comfort on horseback matter.

Key Points

• Ride to about 2,400 meters: Follow a mountain trail through Estancia El Pico with wide views of Cerro del Plata and the Tupungato Volcano.
• Calm Criollo horses: The horses are described as tame, well cared for, and suitable for a peaceful ride rather than fast riding.
• Personal hosting by Gilda: Pickup, food, wine, and the day’s pace are handled with personal attention.
• A real Argentine asado: Expect homemade empanadas, selected meats, salads, clay-oven vegetables, wine, and regional dessert.
• More than horseback riding: Add coffee, pastries, a perfumed wine tasting, mountain time, and a small showroom of local crafts.
• Plan for a full day: The experience lasts about eight hours, with roughly 100 minutes of driving listed in the schedule.

A Mountain Estancia 95 Kilometers From Mendoza

Estancia El Pico, also called Estancia El Pico Palma, sits in La Carrera Valley near Tupungato. The property is surrounded by the Cordon del Plata and the Pre-Cordillera, at about 2,000 meters above sea level.

That setting changes the feel of the outing. You are not riding around a small fenced paddock or following a busy tourist route. The horseback portion takes place inside a private estancia, among plantations, mountain paths, open views, and local plants and wildlife. Condors, foxes, hares, and many kinds of birds may appear during the ride.

The Palma family has owned the property for more than 250 years. That does not mean you get a formal history lecture all day. Instead, the family connection helps explain why the welcome, food, and setting feel tied to the place. The stated aim is slow tourism, with local produce, handmade food, and respect for local customs and community.

You should think of this as a country day in the Andes, with riding as the centerpiece. It is a good choice if you want more contact with rural Mendoza than a standard winery circuit provides.

Pickup From Mendoza and the Road to La Carrera

Pickup is available from Mendoza City, Luján de Cuyo, or Tupungato. The exact point and time are arranged through WhatsApp, so keep your phone available before the outing.

The drive from Mendoza City takes about 1.5 hours according to the experience details, with the estancia roughly 95 kilometers away. The schedule also lists around 100 minutes in a Jeep or SUV. That time is not wasted, but it is worth including when you plan your day.

The trip gives you a gradual change from city and wine-country roads to a much more open mountain setting. You will want a window seat if possible. The road time is also a practical reason to avoid booking this on a day when you have an evening flight or another fixed appointment.

Pickup is included in the $180 price. For a private group, that matters. You are not arranging a separate transfer to a remote property, and you can focus on the day rather than on finding the entrance to the estancia.

Coffee, Tea, and a Family Welcome

On arrival, you are welcomed at the owners’ home with coffee, tea, and homemade pastries. This is a small touch, but it sets the pace well. You have time to settle in, meet the people running the day, and prepare for the ride without being pushed straight toward the horses.

Gilda is the host named in the available information, and she handles the day with help from a local gaucho and a bilingual hospitality manager. English is available. The gaucho leads the horses, while the bilingual guide explains the property, the riding route, and local history.

This division of roles is useful. You get someone focused on the horses and someone focused on communication. That is especially helpful if you are not confident with Spanish or have limited riding experience.

Riding Calm Criollo Horses Through Private Mountain Country

The ride is described as 1.5 hours in the main activity details, while the included section refers to two hours. You should confirm the exact riding time when booking, since the length may depend on the day’s route and conditions.

The horses are first-class Criollo horses with comfortable saddles and traditional tack. The available comments repeatedly point to calm, gentle horses. One ride could be adjusted to suit the group’s experience and comfort level, which is useful if one person is an experienced rider and another is new to horseback riding.

The route follows a dirt trail made through the mountain property. It is presented as a safe path for visitors, not a demanding ride over rough open terrain. You may pass plantations and reach higher ground for views of Cerro del Plata and the Tupungato Volcano.

At about 2,400 meters, the viewpoint offers a 360-degree view. Bring your camera, but do not spend the whole ride looking through it. The best part of a mountain horseback trip is the slow pace. You notice the shape of the valley, the changes in vegetation, and the quiet that gets lost on a bus tour.

The ride is not designed for speed or advanced horsemanship. That is good news for many people. You can enjoy the setting without needing to control a spirited horse or keep up with a fast group. Still, horseback riding is physical. Long pants, closed comfortable shoes, and outdoor clothing are sensible choices.

What the High Elevation Means for Your Day

At roughly 2,000 meters at the estancia and up to 2,400 meters on the ride, the sun can feel strong even when the air is cool. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, and a jacket. Warm layers are important because mountain temperatures can shift during the day.

The supplied restrictions exclude children under 12, pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with animal allergies, people over 75, and people with recent surgeries. These limits are practical rather than fussy. The property is rural, the activity involves animals, and the ride takes place at altitude.

You should also be honest about your comfort on a horse. The calm horses and adjustable route help, but they do not remove the basic demands of sitting in a saddle for an extended period. If you want a relaxed outdoor day and can manage a gentle ride, this is a better fit than an adrenaline-focused riding trip.

Empanadas, Wine, and a Full Asado Criollo

After the ride, you return to the owners’ home for food. The first course includes homemade empanadas and tapas made with local products. The empanadas are cooked in a clay oven, and the meal moves naturally into a traditional asado criollo.

The main meal includes selected meats, fresh salads, vegetables baked in the clay oven, regional dessert, wine, and water. High-altitude wines are selected for the meal rather than treated as an afterthought. You also receive coffee or tea and homemade pastries later in the afternoon.

This is where the $180 price becomes easier to judge. You are paying for private transportation from Mendoza, a full day at a remote estancia, a guided ride, a private host, a substantial lunch, wine, and several smaller food services. If you compare it with a basic horseback ride, the price looks high. If you compare it with a private full-day outing that includes transport and a serious meal, the value is much stronger.

The food also makes the day feel connected to Mendoza’s rural culture. An asado is not just a plate of grilled meat. It is a long meal built around conversation, place, and hospitality. You should allow time for it rather than expecting to eat quickly and move on.

Vegetarian needs can be handled well, according to the available booking information. Tell the host in advance so the meal can be planned properly.

High-Altitude Wines and the Perfumed Wine Tasting

Wine is part of the day in two ways. You drink selected local wines with lunch, then have the option of a perfumed wine experience involving wine and perfume tasting.

The details of the perfume activity are brief, so you should treat it as an extra feature rather than the main reason to book. Its appeal is that it adds a sensory element to a day already built around local food, mountain air, and regional wine.

If you are passionate about formal wine education, this is probably not a replacement for a dedicated winery tour in Mendoza. The wine here supports the meal and the social setting. That is part of its charm. You are tasting in a family setting after riding through the mountains, not sitting through a technical tasting lineup.

Time to Walk, Rest, or Watch the Mountains

After lunch, you can choose a slower moment. The property offers time to contemplate the mountains, take a walk, or try another activity. The day does not end the instant dessert is served.

That flexibility is valuable. Some people will want a gentle stroll after the asado. Others will prefer to sit with coffee and look toward the mountains. You should not expect a tightly packed schedule full of stops. The point is to let the setting breathe.

In the afternoon, tea, coffee, and homemade pastries are served. You can also visit the showroom, which sells handmade products and crafts made by the local community. This gives you a chance to buy something connected to the area rather than a generic souvenir.

What Makes the Hosting Special

The strongest feature of this experience is the human side. Gilda’s role is not limited to meeting you at the property. She may collect you in Mendoza, host you at the family home, help shape the riding route, serve the meal, and guide the wine and food portions of the day.

That personal style suits people who enjoy conversation and a relaxed pace. You are not simply transferred to an activity, left with an instructor, and collected later. The day is built around the property and the people who care for it.

The bilingual support also removes a common problem in rural excursions. You can ask questions and understand the basic history and instructions without relying on gestures or translation apps. The local gaucho brings the practical horse knowledge, while the bilingual host helps you connect the ride to the area.

The Main Drawbacks to Consider

The biggest drawback is the amount of time spent getting there and back. A remote mountain setting requires a drive, and the experience lasts about eight hours. If your schedule is tight, a closer activity may suit you better.

The second issue is the mixed riding-time information. One part of the description says 1.5 hours, while another says two hours. This is not a major concern, but I would ask for the expected duration and route before you pay.

The third is the weather. The ride is outdoors at high elevation, with little room to escape sun, wind, or cold. Pack for changing conditions, even if Mendoza is warm when you leave the city.

Finally, gratuity is not included. Bring extra money if you want to tip the gaucho, guide, driver, or host.

Who Should Book This Private Andes Day

I would recommend this experience to couples, friends, families with older children, and solo visitors who want a personal day in the countryside. It suits people who care as much about the meal and setting as the riding itself.

It is especially good for you if you want:

• A quiet ride on calm horses
• Mountain views without an extreme route
• A private group rather than a large coach excursion
• A substantial Argentine lunch with wine
• Contact with a family-run estancia
• A full day outside Mendoza’s city and winery areas

I would not choose it if you dislike horses, have animal allergies, need wheelchair access, are pregnant, have had recent surgery, or want a short activity. It also may not suit anyone who prefers a technical wine tour with several commercial wineries.

Is Estancia El Pico Worth $180?

For a simple ride, no. For a full private day with transport, mountain access, bilingual support, food, wine, and personal hosting, I think the price is reasonable.

The meal is a major part of the value. You receive more than a snack after the ride. Empanadas, tapas, a complete asado, desserts, wine, coffee, tea, and pastries turn this into a full country visit.

The calm horses and flexible riding route also matter. You are paying for a gentler experience that can work for different comfort levels, not just for confident riders. Add the remote setting and family welcome, and the outing feels like a cultural and outdoor day in one.

Should You Book It?

Book this if you want to slow down, ride through the Andes, and spend time with a family who welcomes you into its home. The combination of private transport, calm Criollo horses, a local gaucho, Gilda’s hosting, and a generous asado is hard to match with a basic day tour.

Skip it if you need a quick activity, dislike long drives, or want advanced riding. Before booking, confirm the exact riding duration, tell the host about dietary needs, and pack warm layers even on a sunny Mendoza morning. For the right visitor, this is one of the more personal ways to connect with the mountains and rural Mendoza.

FAQ

How long does the experience last?

The full experience lasts about eight hours, including transportation, horseback riding, lunch, wine, and afternoon refreshments.

Where can pickup and drop-off take place?

Pickup and drop-off are available in Mendoza City, Luján de Cuyo, or Tupungato. The exact point and pickup time are arranged through WhatsApp.

How long is the horseback ride?

The main description lists a 1.5-hour ride, while the included details refer to two hours. Confirm the exact riding time when booking.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. A bilingual hospitality manager or live English-speaking guide accompanies the experience, along with a local gaucho who leads the ride.

What food and drinks are included?

The day includes coffee, tea, homemade pastries, tapas, homemade empanadas, a complete asado criollo, selected high-altitude wines, water, salads, clay-oven vegetables, and regional dessert.

Who should not take this activity?

The activity is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with animal allergies, people over 75, or people with recent surgeries.