Mendoza Andes Horseback Ride & Asado Day Trip with Pickup

Ride horses near Mendoza taste asado by the river meet locals

You’ll head out from Mendoza for a day riding horses at the foot of the Andes with a local guide, sharing homemade breakfast and traditional asado by a riverbank. Expect real Mendocinian landscapes, stories from locals, and time to unwind after lunch before returning home — it’s less about rushing and more about soaking in every moment.

What’s included

Your day includes private pickup from Mendoza city in the morning, a homemade Argentinian breakfast at the ranch with coffee or mate, all horse riding equipment matched to your skill level (beginners welcome), snacks along the way plus a riverside asado lunch with local wine or vegetarian options if needed, and afternoon tea before heading back in comfort.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day ride and traditional meal

• Pick up from Mendoza City at 8am
• Drive 2 hours to ranch at Andes foot
• Enjoy classic Argentinian breakfast
• Match horses and riders by experience
• Ride through Mendocinian landscape
• Stop by river for traditional Argentinian Asado
• Ride back to farm
• Have afternoon tea

The Experience

We were already a bit sleepy-eyed when the van pulled away from Mendoza at 8am, but I remember how the city faded fast into rows of vineyards and fruit trees. Our guide, Martín, pointed out which fields belonged to his uncle — he seemed to know everyone along that road. The air changed too; it got sharper, almost dusty-sweet as we got closer to the Andes. I kept trying to spot the peaks through the window, but they only really showed themselves when we finally reached the ranch.

Breakfast was waiting — nothing fancy, just homemade bread still warm enough to steam up my glasses, marmalade that tasted like actual fruit (not sugar), and mate. I tried pouring it like Martín showed me but ended up spilling half on my jeans. He laughed and said even locals mess it up sometimes. Horses were saddled nearby, tails swishing, and there was this quiet undercurrent of excitement. They matched us with our horses based on how much riding we’d done before — I’m no gaucho, so mine was gentle and a little lazy (which suited me fine).

The horseback ride itself was longer than I expected — about three hours if you take it slow like we did. You get these stretches where it’s just hooves on dry earth and wind in your ears. Sometimes Martín would point out wild herbs or explain why certain rocks looked burned (lightning strikes — who knew?). We stopped by a riverbank for lunch; someone had already started an asado fire so you could smell beef fat sizzling before you even sat down. There were grilled veggies too — apparently if you ask ahead they’ll make vegetarian stuff, but honestly I couldn’t stop eating the beef. Mendoza wine showed up too, deep red and a little rough around the edges.

After lunch nobody rushed us back onto the horses. We just sat around in that lazy post-meal haze while Martín told stories about his childhood summers here. The ride back felt different — slower maybe because we were full or just didn’t want it to end yet? We finished with afternoon tea at the ranch before heading back toward Mendoza city. I still think about that first bite of bread sometimes or how quiet everything felt out there compared to city life.

Top questions

How long is the drive from Mendoza city to the ranch?

The drive takes about 2 hours south from Mendoza city.

Is breakfast included on this horseback riding tour?

Yes, a classic Argentinian breakfast is included upon arrival at the ranch.

Can beginners join this horse riding day trip in Mendoza?

Yes, beginners are welcome; horses are matched according to experience.

Is vegetarian food available for lunch during this tour?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested at booking.

What kind of lunch is served on this Andes horseback ride?

A traditional Argentinian asado (barbecue) with beef, salads, grilled veggies, and wine.

How long do you spend riding horses during this day trip?

The suggested ride is about 3.5 hours total but can be adjusted based on preference.

Are snacks or drinks provided besides main meals?

Yes, snacks are provided along with breakfast and lunch; afternoon tea is also included.

Is hotel pickup included from Mendoza city?

Private transportation including pickup from Mendoza city is included.