Mendoza: Sunset Horse Back Riding in the Mountains and BBQ

The best part of this Mendoza outing is the change of pace. After about an hour on the road, you trade city streets for a saddle, mountain air, and a slow climb toward a sunset viewpoint at 2,100 meters above sea level. The horses are chosen for your size and riding experience, so first-timers are not simply handed a random animal and sent uphill.

I like two things in particular: the calm, well-trained horses and the family feel at the ranch, where Stella and her team offer clear instructions and take time to make nervous riders comfortable. I also like the generous asado afterward, with beef, pork, salads, roasted vegetables, wine, and dessert. The main drawback is the rough road to the ranch, plus a long ride that can feel demanding if you are new to horses or prone to motion sickness.

Key points to know before booking

• A real mountain ride: Expect roughly two and a half to three hours in the saddle, including a stop for photos at a high viewpoint.
• Good for beginners: Horses are matched to your height and experience, and guides stay close during steep sections.
• The road is rough: The final part of the drive can take 30 to 35 minutes on a bumpy mountain road.
• The asado is part of the experience: Dinner is plentiful, local, and served with wine, juice, water, and dessert.
• Small groups help: The group is limited to 14 people, with English and Spanish guidance.
• Bring the right gear: Wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, comfortable clothes, and sunscreen.

Leaving Mendoza for the mountain ranch

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Mendoza. Meet your driver outside your hotel about 10 minutes before the agreed time, then allow some patience: pickup can vary by 15 to 30 minutes if the driver is collecting other people. The drive to the ranch takes about an hour, but the last section is the part to prepare for.

The road becomes rough and winding as you approach the mountains. Several parts of the drive can take 30 to 35 minutes, and a few people with motion sickness have found it uncomfortable. If that is you, take your usual precautions before departure and sit where the ride feels easiest. The driver goes slowly and can stop when needed, but this is not a smooth transfer on a highway.

That bumpy approach also explains why the ranch feels so far removed from Mendoza. You are heading into a quiet rural setting with horses, dogs, cows, and chickens rather than arriving at a polished tourist complex. At the ranch, you may be offered tea, coffee, lemonade, cookies, or another small refreshment while the group gathers.

Meeting Stella and choosing your horse

The horse selection is one of the most important parts of the outing. Stella and her team look at your height, experience, and comfort level before assigning a horse. That personal matching matters, especially if you have never ridden before or feel uneasy around large animals.

The horses are described as calm and experienced, and the guides give basic instructions before the ride begins. You learn how to sit, direct the horse, and respond to the terrain. The guides also stay available along the route, which helps when the trail becomes steeper or narrower.

If you are a complete beginner, do not expect a riding-school lesson with a long practice session in an arena. The instruction is practical and focused on getting you safely onto the mountain route. That has worked well for many first-time riders, but you should still be honest about your comfort level.

The horses do much of the work. They are used to the mountain trails and know how to handle uneven ground. Even so, you should listen closely, keep your hands steady, and follow the guide’s directions. A horse that is gentle is not the same as a motorcycle with reins.

Riding toward the 2,100-meter viewpoint

The ride itself is the heart of the day. You follow mountain trails at a steady walking pace, with the group moving together under the guidance of the gauchos and riding staff. Expect a peaceful ride rather than a fast one.

The scenery changes as you climb. Mendoza’s dry mountain country opens around you, with broad views and quiet trails far from the city. The higher sections are the most dramatic. Some routes include steep climbs and descents, and the downhill portions can feel more nerve-racking than going up.

This is where the experience asks a little more from you. A few riders have found the narrow paths, slopes, and drop-offs exciting, while others may feel tense. If you are nervous around horses or uncomfortable with heights, ask the team about the easier route before setting off. The supplied information confirms that riders may have options, but the exact route can depend on conditions and the group.

The ride usually lasts around two and a half to three hours, with a break of about 15 minutes. At the viewpoint, you have time to take photographs and enjoy the wide mountain views. This pause is useful for more than pictures. It lets your legs rest, gives you time to settle into the horse, and breaks up a ride that can feel long for a first-time rider.

Sunset timing will vary with the season and departure time. The experience is designed around the late-day light, but the exact colors and visibility depend on weather. On clear evenings, the combination of fading daylight, open mountain views, and the quiet pace of the horses is the main reason to choose this over a standard daytime ride.

What the ride feels like for beginners

This outing is unusually accessible for people with little or no riding experience, but accessible does not mean effortless. You may spend close to three hours in the saddle, and your hips, knees, and back can notice the work. Long pants are a must, both for comfort and to protect your legs from rubbing.

The strongest safety feature is the pairing process. The team considers your experience rather than treating the group as one level. The guides also remain nearby, and the horses are familiar with the mountain paths.

Families have used the experience with children and teenagers, including an eight-year-old and an 11-year-old, but the activity is not suitable for everyone. Pregnant women, wheelchair users, and people over 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms, cannot take part. Anyone with serious balance, mobility, or fear concerns should choose a gentler activity.

You also need closed-toe shoes. Comfortable clothing and sunscreen are practical choices because the air can feel fresh while the sun remains strong at altitude. Bring water only if you prefer your own supply, since water and juice are included.

Returning to the ranch for an asado

The timing of dinner is one of the tour’s smartest features. You return from the ride hungry, and the barbecue is prepared as the final part of the experience rather than an afterthought.

The meal centers on Argentine beef and pork, with salads and roasted vegetables. Wine is included, along with water, juice, and dessert. The food is served in a family-style setting, which makes the small group feel more like a shared meal than a quick restaurant stop.

The asado also gives you a closer look at Argentine ranch culture. You are eating at the home base of the people who care for the horses and guide the ride, not simply being served a generic buffet. The family-run setting is a major part of the appeal, especially if you want an experience tied to local food and rural life.

Past menus have included well-cooked meat, fresh side dishes, sauces, and alfajores. The exact dessert or side dishes may change, but you can expect a substantial dinner. Tell the provider at least 24 hours ahead if you need vegetarian, vegan, or celiac-friendly food. Do not wait until you sit down at the table.

Stella and her family are often part of the evening’s welcoming atmosphere, while Ezequiel has been associated with preparing the meal. Staff names and roles can vary, but the important point is that this is a personal ranch operation, not a large dining venue.

Is $120 a fair price?

At $120 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the mountains around Mendoza. You are paying for a full eight-hour outing, round-trip hotel transport, a small group, the riding guides, the horse, a substantial dinner, wine, and the time involved in reaching a remote ranch.

Compared with booking a short city horseback ride and arranging transport and dinner separately, the price is reasonable. The meal alone is not the only value. You also get the mountain setting, the sunset viewpoint, horse selection, instruction, and a full evening away from Mendoza.

The value is strongest if you want several experiences combined into one day: transport, rural Argentina, mountain scenery, horseback riding, and asado. It is weaker if you only want a quick horse ride or if you dislike long drives on rough roads.

The small group limit of 14 helps. You are not lost in a large procession, and the guides have more chance to notice if you need help. The ride remains structured, though. One rider who wanted more freedom found the format controlled, so do not book this expecting to gallop off alone across the hills.

Practical details that make the day easier

Pickup is included from your hotel in Mendoza. Be ready outside 10 minutes early, and allow the driver up to 30 minutes to arrive if other pickups are involved. Once the driver arrives, the waiting time is limited to 10 minutes, so do not make the van search for you.

English and Spanish are available, and the activity is limited to a small group. The ride is canceled only in extreme bad weather, so pack for the conditions rather than assuming a light cloud cover will stop it.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your Mendoza plans are still shifting.

For the ride, pack:

• Long pants
• Closed-toe shoes
• Comfortable clothing
• Sunscreen
• Any motion-sickness medicine you normally use

Avoid arriving with a heavy meal in your stomach if winding roads bother you. Also remember that the return journey comes after dinner, so plan for a late arrival back in Mendoza.

Who should book this experience?

I would choose this for someone who wants a Mendoza day away from wineries and city streets. It suits couples, families with older children, solo visitors, and first-time riders who are open to a slow, guided adventure.

It is especially good for you if the following combination sounds appealing: a remote ranch, patient guides, quiet horses, big mountain views, and a long dinner with wine. You do not need riding experience, but you do need to accept that the horse ride is substantial and includes slopes.

I would think twice if you have severe motion sickness, strong fear of horses, or discomfort with steep mountain paths. The road is bumpy, and the ride can feel exciting rather than completely gentle. You should also be comfortable spending most of a day outside the city.

Should you book the sunset horseback ride?

Book it if you want one of Mendoza’s more personal outdoor experiences, not just another sightseeing transfer. The combination of a carefully chosen horse, a high mountain viewpoint, a family ranch, and a generous asado gives the day a clear sense of place.

The main cautions are easy to understand: the road is rough, the saddle time is long, and some slopes may test your nerves. If those sound like part of the fun rather than a problem, El Relincho Cabalgatas offers strong value at $120 and a memorable way to meet Mendoza’s mountains.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding last?

The full activity lasts about eight hours, including transportation, the ride, dinner, and the return to Mendoza. The horseback portion is generally around two and a half to three hours, with a break of about 15 minutes.

Is this experience suitable for beginners?

Yes. The team matches horses to your height and experience, gives basic riding instructions, and provides guides along the route. Beginners should still be ready for a long ride and some steep mountain sections.

How high does the ride go?

The route reaches a viewpoint at about 2,100 meters above sea level, where you can stop for photos and enjoy the mountain views.

What food and drinks are included?

Dinner includes an Argentine barbecue with beef and pork, salads, roasted vegetables, wine, water, juice, and dessert. Tell the provider at least 24 hours ahead about vegetarian, vegan, or celiac dietary needs.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear long pants, comfortable clothes, and closed-toe shoes. Bring sunscreen. If you get motion sickness, bring or take the medication you normally use because parts of the road to the ranch are bumpy.

Who cannot join the activity?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people over 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms.