Mendoza La Carrera: Horseback Ride & Private Ranch BBQ Day

Summary

Horseback through Mendoza’s La Carrera valley then share a mountain barbecue

You’ll ride Creole horses across La Carrera valley with local guides, then share homemade empanadas and Malbec at a family ranch in Mendoza’s mountains. After feasting on an Argentine barbecue lunch, there’s time to relax or wander as you please—expect warmth from your hosts and maybe even a story or two under Andean skies.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Horseback riding and barbecue at ranch

• Arrive at El Pico Palma ranch
• Enjoy two-and-a-half-hour horseback ride
• Taste homemade empanadas and high-altitude wines
• Have Creole disco menu lunch and regional desserts
• Relax or hike after lunch

Top questions

How long is the horseback ride at El Pico Palma ranch?

The horseback ride lasts about two and a half hours within the private ranch area.

Is lunch included during this Mendoza horseback riding tour?

Yes, lunch is included—a full Argentine barbecue menu plus regional desserts are served after riding.

Are wine tastings part of this La Carrera ranch experience?

Yes, high-altitude wines are paired with homemade empanadas as an aperitif before lunch.

Is transportation provided from Mendoza city?

Private transportation is included for guests booking this day trip from Mendoza.

Can children join this horseback riding tour in Tupungato?

Infants and small children can participate using a pram or stroller; suitable for all fitness levels.

Who leads the horseback rides at El Pico Palma?

The rides are guided by locals—often members of the Palma family themselves.

What altitude is the La Carrera valley ranch located at?

The ranch sits at approximately 2000 meters above sea level in Mendoza province.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup from Mendoza city, guided horseback riding on Creole horses through La Carrera valley, homemade empanada tasting paired with local high-altitude wines, an Argentine barbecue lunch featuring regional specialties and desserts—all hosted by members of the Palma family before returning in comfort later that afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

The day started with my shoelace snapping as I tried to tie my boots outside the El Pico Palma ranch house—one of those little things that makes you laugh at yourself. The Palma family was already waiting, their dogs trotting around like they owned the place. Our guide, Martín, handed me a mug of mate before we even got to the horses. I’m not sure if it was the altitude or just nerves, but I felt lightheaded for a second—then the smell of woodsmoke from the kitchen brought me back.

The horses here are Creole—smaller than what I’m used to back home, but Martín said they’re born for these mountains. He helped me up (I’m not graceful) and we set off into La Carrera valley. It’s quieter than I expected; only the sound of hooves on dry grass and Martín pointing out where his grandfather used to graze cattle. The Cordón del Plata peaks looked close enough to touch, but apparently it’s still hours away by horse. My hands got cold holding the reins, even though the sun was out—Mendoza weather is tricky like that.

After about two hours, we circled back to the ranch and honestly, I was hungrier than I’d admit. The kitchen smelled of roasting meat and fresh dough—someone’s abuela was making empanadas right there by the window. We sat outside with glasses of high-altitude Malbec (I spilled mine on my jeans, classic) and tried everything: salty-sweet empanadas, smoky beef from the disco grill, and a dessert table that made me wish I had more room. The Palmas told stories about storms in winter and how their family’s been here for over 250 years. There’s something grounding about eating with people who know every inch of this land.

I wandered off after lunch to sit on a rock above the corral—the wind carried bits of laughter from below and all you could see were mountains and sky. It’s hard to explain but there’s a kind of quiet here that sticks with you long after you leave. If you’re looking for a horseback riding day trip in Mendoza that feels personal (and comes with barbecue), this is it.