Mendoza: Sunset Horse Back Riding in the Mountains and BBQ

Mendoza’s best sunset may not be viewed from a vineyard. It may come from the back of a calm horse, high in the foothills, with the air turning cool and the mountains fading into evening light. This eight-hour outing combines a mountain ride with a generous Argentine asado at a family ranch.

I especially like the careful horse selection and the warm welcome at the ranch, where you may begin with tea, coffee, biscuits, or a sweet treat before riding. I also like that the small group, limited to 14 people, leaves room for patient help from the guides. The main drawback is the rough road to the ranch and the long ride itself, which can be demanding for first-time riders or anyone prone to motion sickness.

Key points to know before you book

• The ride lasts about three hours: Expect a real mountain outing, not a short photo circuit around a farm.
• The horses are matched to your experience: Calm, well-trained animals make this suitable for many beginners, but steep sections still require confidence.
• The viewpoint sits around 2,100 meters above sea level: You get a broad mountain view and a planned 15-minute photo stop.
• The asado is a major part of the experience: Beef and pork come with salads, roasted vegetables, wine, juice, water, and dessert.
• The access road is rough: The final 30 to 35 minutes can be bumpy, so take precautions if you get carsick.
• You need practical riding clothes: Wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, comfortable clothing, and sunscreen.

A sunset ride far beyond Mendoza’s vineyards

Mendoza is famous for Malbec and orderly vineyard rows, but this trip takes you in another direction. You leave the city behind and head toward the mountains, where the ranch feels remote, quiet, and connected to traditional Argentine horse culture.

The appeal is not simply sitting on a horse for a few minutes. You spend much of the afternoon and early evening moving through mountain trails, climbing toward a high viewpoint, stopping for photographs, and returning as the light changes. That gives the outing a stronger sense of place than a quick riding demonstration.

The experience is operated by El Relincho Cabalgatas. Stella and her family run the ranch, and the hosts take time to assess your height, riding background, and comfort level before assigning a horse. That personal matching matters. A nervous beginner does not need the same animal or route as an experienced rider looking for a steeper climb.

The overall rating is 4.9 from 515 bookings, which fits the main strengths of the experience: kind staff, dependable horses, beautiful views, and a memorable meal. Still, you should read the description honestly. This is not a passive sightseeing trip. You will sit in a saddle for roughly two and a half to three hours, including uphill and downhill sections.

The ride from Mendoza to the family ranch

Hotel pickup is included, with a driver scheduled to meet you outside your hotel about 10 minutes before the agreed time. The van may arrive 15 to 30 minutes later depending on distance and delays with other passengers, and the driver waits no more than 10 minutes after arriving.

The first part of the drive takes you out of Mendoza and toward the mountains. As the road becomes rougher, the trip feels less like a standard city excursion and more like a genuine departure from town. That remoteness is part of the charm, but it comes with a price: the final stretch can be bumpy and may take 30 to 35 minutes.

If motion sickness affects you, plan ahead. Several riders found the road more uncomfortable than expected, even though drivers went slowly and stopped when needed. Sit where you normally feel best in a van, avoid a heavy meal before departure, and consider taking your usual motion-sickness medicine if appropriate for you.

The ranch itself is a working family setting, with horses and other animals around the property. The welcome can include tea, coffee, biscuits, lemonade, or another light refreshment while the horses are prepared. This gives you time to meet the hosts and settle your nerves before mounting.

Choosing a horse and learning the basics

You do not need previous riding experience. Several people who had never sat on a horse found the introduction clear and reassuring, and families with children and nervous adults were given extra attention.

The guides explain basic riding and safety instructions in English or Spanish. They also show you how to guide the horse and how to behave on the mountain trails. The horses are described as calm and well trained, and the guides remain nearby during the ride.

That said, calm horses do not turn a mountain route into a flat trail. You may encounter steep climbs, descents, narrow paths, and uneven ground. One route option may be flatter, while another takes you higher into the mountains. If you are nervous, tell the staff plainly. They can take your experience and comfort into account when choosing the horse and route.

I would not book this if you are strongly afraid of horses or uncomfortable with heights. Some riders found the steep portions exciting, while others found them nerve-wracking. Going downhill can feel more demanding than going up, especially on narrow sections or slopes. The horse knows the terrain, but you still need to listen carefully and stay balanced.

The long pants and closed-toe shoes requirement is practical rather than fussy. You will be outdoors for hours, and the saddle, brush, dust, and uneven ground are not a good match for shorts or sandals. Add sunscreen, since mountain air can feel cool even when the sun is strong.

Three hours among the Mendoza foothills

Once everyone is mounted, the group follows local trails into the mountains. The pace is generally a peaceful walking pace, which gives you time to look around and take photographs without trying to control a fast-moving horse.

The setting changes as you climb. You get fresh mountain air, wide views, and a quiet sense of distance from Mendoza. The most memorable section is the route toward the viewpoint at about 2,100 meters above sea level. Here, the mountain setting becomes the main event, with open views that make the slow ride worthwhile.

A 15-minute break is built into the outing. Use it for photographs, but also take the chance to stretch your legs and check how you feel. Three hours in a saddle can be tiring, especially for a first-time rider. The trip is not a race, but the duration is significant.

The ride is guided by several staff members or gauchos, depending on the departure. Their presence is useful on steeper sections, where a guide can explain what to do and help you feel more secure. The strongest part of the operation is the balance between a controlled group ride and enough mountain terrain to make the outing feel like an adventure.

Do not expect independent galloping or a free-form horseback trek. The group follows a structured route, and one rider wished there had been more freedom in the riding format. That structure is also what makes the trip approachable for beginners and families. You are not left to figure out mountain riding on your own.

Sunset light and the return to the ranch

The timing is designed around the evening, so the light becomes softer as you ride and return. The sunset itself depends on the season and the day’s conditions, but the combination of high ground, open views, and late-day light gives the route its special mood.

The return can be just as interesting as the climb. Descending a mountain on horseback takes concentration, and some sections may feel more intense than the uphill route. Listen to your guide, keep your movements calm, and avoid trying to hurry the horse.

This is also where you should be realistic about your fitness. You do not need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable sitting for several hours and handling a route with slopes. People from children around age 11 to older adults around 75 have taken part, but comfort depends on the individual’s riding confidence and physical condition.

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or anyone over 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms. Those limits are important because the outing involves horseback mounting, uneven ground, and a long period in the saddle.

A proper Argentine asado at the ranch

The reward after the ride is not a token snack. The ranch serves a substantial Argentine barbecue, with cuts of beef and pork, salads, roasted vegetables, wine, water, juice, and dessert.

The meal is served after you return, when you are ready for something warm and filling. The family-style setting lets the small group sit together and talk about the ride. That shared meal is a big reason this outing feels different from a standard excursion where everyone simply returns to the city after taking photographs.

Ezequiel is associated with preparing the food, and the meal has been praised for its generous portions and well-cooked meat. You may also find local touches such as salsa and alfajores among the food served. Wine is included, with Malbec fitting naturally into the Mendoza setting.

Tell the provider at least 24 hours ahead if you need vegetarian, vegan, or celiac-friendly food. One vegetarian meal was prepared separately so a rider could take part fully. Do not wait until you arrive, since the cooking is planned in advance.

The dinner adds real value to the price. At $120 per person, you are paying for round-trip hotel transportation, a full guided ride, the ranch welcome, a large meal, wine, soft drinks, dessert, and an eight-hour outing. A cheaper horseback ride might offer a shorter route, but it would not necessarily include the mountain viewpoint, transport from Mendoza, or a full asado.

What the $120 price buys you

The value depends on how much of the day you want to use. If you only want a brief horse ride, this will seem long and expensive. If you want a full afternoon and evening with transport, scenery, dinner, and a small group, the price is easier to justify.

You also avoid arranging your own transport to a remote ranch. That matters in Mendoza, where the best mountain settings are not close to the central hotel area. The driver handles the route, and pickup and drop-off are included.

The group size is capped at 14, which is small enough for individual help without making the outing feel private. You will still share the ride and meal with other people, but the format encourages conversation rather than sending you through a large procession.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve without paying immediately. The activity normally runs in poor weather unless conditions are extreme, so pack for changing temperatures rather than assuming rain alone will cancel the trip.

English and Spanish guides are available. If you need detailed instructions in English, tell the provider when booking so expectations are clear.

Who will enjoy this, and who should skip it

I would recommend this to you if you want an outdoor experience that feels connected to rural Argentina rather than another day of tastings. It suits first-time riders who are open to a structured ride, couples looking for a memorable evening, families with older children, and experienced riders who want mountain scenery more than speed.

It is especially good for someone who values atmosphere. The ranch family, the horses, the dogs and farm setting, the mountain air, and the shared asado create a fuller experience than the riding alone.

You should think twice if you suffer from motion sickness, dislike rough roads, or want a short and easy activity. You should also be honest about your reaction to slopes. The horses are trained, but the route can include steep climbs and descents, and some riders found those sections scary.

The trip may not suit a strict equestrian looking for advanced technical riding or independent control. The guides keep the group together and place safety first. That is a benefit for beginners, but it can feel restrictive if you want to gallop or choose your own route.

Practical preparation for a better day

Wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, and comfortable clothing that can handle dust and several hours outdoors. Apply sunscreen before leaving Mendoza and bring more if you normally burn easily.

Arrive ready for a long day. Pickup timing can shift because the van collects passengers at different hotels, and the drive to the ranch is part of the eight-hour schedule. Keep valuables secure and bring your phone or camera for the viewpoint stop, but do not let photography distract you on the horse.

If you are new to riding, tell the ranch team immediately. Stella’s horse selection process takes your height, experience, and confidence into account, and clear communication helps the staff choose well. You should also speak up if a route feels beyond your comfort level.

For dinner, contact the provider at least 24 hours in advance about vegetarian, vegan, or celiac needs. Water, juice, wine, and dessert are included, so you do not need to arrange a separate meal after the ride.

Should you book the mountain horseback ride?

I would book this if you want one of Mendoza’s most distinctive day-and-evening outings, and you are comfortable with a long saddle ride and a bumpy road. The strongest combination is the calm horse, the high viewpoint, and the generous asado at a family ranch.

I would skip it if motion sickness, steep mountain trails, or three hours on horseback sound unpleasant. For everyone else, the $120 price is fair because it covers transport, guiding, riding, drinks, dinner, and a full day away from the city.

Choose the gentler route if you are uncertain, and take the higher climb only if you are ready for genuine mountain riding. The best part of this experience is not simply reaching the viewpoint. It is the gradual shift from Mendoza’s city streets to a quiet ranch, a horse under you, and an evening meal shared in the mountains.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding experience last?

The complete activity lasts about eight hours. The horseback ride itself takes roughly two and a half to three hours, including a 15-minute break at a viewpoint.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Round-trip transportation by van and hotel pickup and drop-off are included. You should meet the driver outside your hotel 10 minutes before the agreed pickup time.

How long is the drive to the ranch?

The drive from Mendoza to the ranch takes about one hour overall. The final section can be particularly bumpy and may take around 30 to 35 minutes.

Do I need previous horseback riding experience?

No. Beginners can take part, and the guides provide basic riding and safety instructions. Horses are selected according to your height and riding experience.

How high does the ride go?

The viewpoint is about 2,100 meters above sea level. The route can include uphill and downhill mountain sections.

What food and drinks are included?

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

Can special dietary requests be accommodated?

Vegetarian, vegan, and celiac requests may be accommodated if you notify the provider at least 24 hours before the tour.

Who should not take part?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people weighing more than 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms. It may also be unsuitable if you are uncomfortable with steep trails, long rides, or rough vehicle travel.