Mendoza: Sunset Horse Back Riding in the Mountains and BBQ

Mountains, horses, and a smoky asado make a fine Mendoza evening. This eight-hour outing from El Relincho Cabalgatas takes you from the city into the high country, where you ride calm, carefully matched horses along mountain trails before returning to a family ranch for beef, pork, wine, salads, vegetables, and dessert. It offers two things I especially like: the scenery is far removed from Mendoza’s city streets, and the meal feels like a genuine ranch supper rather than a quick tourist buffet.

The ride is friendly to beginners, thanks to patient guides and well-trained horses, but it is not a gentle pony stroll. You may spend two and a half to three hours in the saddle, with steep sections and narrow mountain paths. The main drawback is the rough drive to the ranch, which can be uncomfortable if you suffer from motion sickness.

Quick take: what makes this ride worth your evening

• The viewpoint reaches about 2,100 meters: You stop high above the ranch for broad mountain views and photographs.
• The horses are matched to each rider: Guides consider your height, experience, and comfort before assigning a horse.
• The ride can include steep climbs and descents: It is calm in pace but more adventurous than a flat-country trail ride.
• The asado is a major part of the experience: Expect generous portions of beef and pork, salads, roasted vegetables, wine, juice, water, and dessert.
• The ranch is family-run: Hosts such as Stella and Estrella are closely involved in welcoming and helping the group.
• The transfer has a bumpy final stretch: Bring motion-sickness medication if winding, uneven roads bother you.

Leaving Mendoza for the mountain air

The day begins with hotel pickup in Mendoza. You should wait outside your hotel 10 minutes before the agreed time, though the van may arrive 15 to 30 minutes later depending on traffic and the order of other pickups. Once everyone is aboard, the drive toward the mountains takes about an hour.

The city gives way to drier country and increasingly open views. The transfer is part of the change in mood: you leave behind Mendoza’s vineyards, traffic, and tasting rooms and enter a quieter setting where the ranch sits among horses, dogs, cows, and chickens.

The last part of the journey is the bit to plan for. Several sections of road are rough and bumpy, and the ride can feel especially noticeable on the way back after dinner. Drivers take it slowly and stop if needed, but this is not a polished highway transfer. If you are prone to motion sickness, take suitable precautions before leaving Mendoza and keep that fact in mind when deciding if the outing suits you.

The vehicle may be a van or, depending on the pickup, a four-wheel-drive vehicle. The group is limited to 14 people, which gives the guides room to help individual riders rather than simply sending a large line of horses up the trail.

Meeting the horses at El Relincho

At the ranch, the welcome is warm and unhurried. You may be offered tea, coffee, cookies, biscuits, lemonade, or another small refreshment while the staff prepares the horses and explains the plan.

The horse selection is one of the strongest parts of the outing. Rather than handing everyone a random mount, Stella or Estrella assesses your height, riding background, and confidence. Beginners are paired with calm, experienced horses, while more confident riders may be offered a more demanding route if conditions and group ability allow.

That careful matching matters. A first ride can be intimidating, especially when you know mountain paths are ahead. The horses are described as calm and well trained, and the guides stay close to help with steering, balance, and any moment that feels uncertain. Several first-time riders have found the ride manageable because the horses already know the terrain and respond well to the guides.

You should still listen closely during the safety briefing. You are not simply sitting on a horse while someone leads it around a field. You will be expected to follow instructions, keep your balance, and let the horse work carefully over uneven ground.

A two-and-a-half to three-hour ride into the hills

The horseback portion generally lasts around three hours, although the exact length can vary with the route and pace. The group rides at a walking pace through peaceful mountain country, with guides accompanying the line and helping riders as needed.

The lower part of the route is easier. The horses move steadily, and the ride gives you time to get used to the saddle, the reins, and the rhythm of the animal beneath you. For beginners, the first stretch is useful because you can build confidence before reaching the steeper parts.

The higher route is where the outing earns its adventure label. The trail can climb sharply, then descend over narrow paths and sloping ground. Going downhill may feel more nerve-wracking than going up, particularly if you are new to riding. The horses are accustomed to the terrain, but you still need to stay alert and follow the guide’s instructions.

This is a controlled group ride, not an open gallop. One rider appreciated the safety of the structure but would have preferred more freedom. That is a fair point: you will not be choosing your own route or setting your own pace. The tradeoff is that the format works well for mixed groups, including nervous beginners and families.

Families have used the ride successfully with children as young as 11, and one family included an eight-year-old. The provider’s stated restrictions are more important than individual anecdotes: the activity is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people over 110 kilograms, or 243 pounds.

The 2,100-meter viewpoint

The best pause comes about halfway through the ride, at roughly 2,100 meters above sea level. You get around 15 minutes to take pictures, look across the mountain scenery, and catch your breath.

This stop gives the outing its strongest visual moment. The wide views make Mendoza feel very far away, and the quiet can be striking after time in the city. If you are hoping for a dramatic sunset, the timing and weather will shape what you see, but the high viewpoint remains worthwhile even when the colors are less theatrical.

Bring your phone or camera, but do not let the photo stop become the whole purpose. The memorable part is the combination of height, silence, horse, and open country. You are seeing the mountains at the pace of an animal rather than through a van window.

The height also explains why comfortable clothing matters. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, and use sunscreen even if the air feels cool. Mountain sunlight can be strong, and the ride leaves you exposed for several hours.

What the riding feels like for beginners

You do not need previous horseback-riding experience, but you do need to be comfortable trying something physical and unfamiliar. The horses are selected according to your ability, and the guides explain the basics in English or Spanish.

The most reassuring detail is the steady pace. The ride is not presented as a lesson in advanced riding, and the horses are trained for mountain routes. Guides remain nearby, and riders with little or no experience have been helped through the more challenging sections.

Still, do not confuse calm horses with completely effortless riding. Three hours in a saddle can leave a first-time rider sore, and steep climbs can make you grip more tightly than expected. If you are nervous around horses, the mountain setting may feel like too much. One guide described the activity well: it is a safe introduction for many people, but the higher route can still be exhilarating.

If you have the option of choosing between an easier and a more challenging route, be honest about your comfort level. The mountain ride is the point of the experience, but you do not win a prize for choosing the steepest path.

Returning to the ranch for a proper Argentine asado

Back at the ranch, dinner is waiting. This is not an afterthought or a plate of snacks served beside the saddle area. The barbecue is a full Argentine asado, with cuts of beef and pork, salads, roasted vegetables, quality wine, juice, water, and dessert.

The meal is served in a relaxed, family-style setting. You eat with the other members of the small group, which gives the evening a social finish without making it feel like a large organized dinner. The family-run setting adds warmth, and hosts such as Stella and her relatives are involved in the conversation and hospitality.

The meat receives the most praise, with repeated descriptions of generous portions and careful cooking. The salads and vegetables keep the meal from becoming an all-meat affair, while dessert may include alfajores or another sweet finish. Wine, especially Malbec, fits naturally here. You are in Mendoza, after all, and a mountain barbecue with local wine is a better match for the setting than a formal restaurant meal.

Vegetarian, vegan, and celiac requests can be accommodated if you tell the provider at least 24 hours in advance. Do not wait until you arrive at the ranch. The kitchen needs notice to prepare something suitable, although a vegetarian dish has been prepared successfully for a rider before.

Why the family-run setting matters

The ranch is not just a staging point for the horses. The hosts welcome you into their home environment, introduce you to the animals, prepare the meal, and spend time with the group after the ride.

That personal contact is one reason the experience feels different from a standard sightseeing transfer. You learn a little about Argentina’s riding culture, meet the people who care for the horses, and see a working ranch setting with animals around the property.

Stella and Estrella are especially important names to know. Stella is involved in assessing riders and matching the horses, while Estrella has been described as a warm host who welcomes people with refreshments and clear instructions. Drivers and guides also receive strong praise for patient explanations and calm handling of the group.

The result is an experience built around people as much as scenery. The barbecue tastes better when you have just ridden the trails with the family who prepared it.

The real value of the $120 price

At $120 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend an evening in Mendoza. It is also more than a basic one-hour horseback ride. The price includes round-trip transportation from your hotel, the riding experience, a live guide, dinner, wine, water, juice, and dessert.

The eight-hour duration is important when judging the cost. You are paying for a full day away from Mendoza, not just saddle time. Transportation to a remote mountain ranch can be expensive and awkward to arrange independently, and the package removes that burden.

You also receive a small-group experience limited to 14 participants. That matters on horseback, since the guides can help nervous riders and keep the group together. The included barbecue is substantial enough to serve as dinner, not merely a bonus snack.

I would call it good value if you want a full mountain outing and an authentic meal in one booking. It is weaker value if you only want a short, easy ride or if you dislike long vehicle transfers. The bumpy road is part of the access problem, and you should not pay for this experience expecting a smooth luxury excursion.

Practical details before you reserve

The activity runs for about eight hours, with starting times shown according to availability. Sunset timing can vary by season, so check the departure time carefully if watching the evening light is your main reason for booking.

The provider offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful when your Mendoza plans are still shifting.

Bring:

• Long pants
• Comfortable clothes
• Closed-toe shoes
• Sunscreen
• Motion-sickness medication if you need it

The activity is canceled only in extreme bad weather. A cloudy day may change the sunset colors, but it does not automatically cancel the ride.

English and Spanish guiding is available. If you need dinner adapted for vegetarian, vegan, or celiac requirements, send that request at least 24 hours ahead. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or anyone over 110 kilograms.

Who should book this Mendoza horseback ride?

I would recommend it most strongly if you want a break from wine tastings and city restaurants. Mendoza is famous for vineyards and Malbec, but the province also has a powerful mountain setting. This outing gives you a direct, slow-moving way to experience it.

It suits:

• First-time riders who are comfortable with a physical activity
• Experienced riders who want mountain scenery rather than arena work
• Couples looking for a memorable evening
• Families with children who meet the provider’s requirements
• Solo visitors who enjoy a small social group
• Anyone who values a generous local meal as part of the excursion

I would hesitate if you are very nervous around horses, have significant motion sickness, or want a flat and effortless ride. The horses are calm, but the route may include steep climbs, narrow paths, and challenging descents. You should also expect a long day and a bumpy drive.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want one of Mendoza’s more distinctive day outings. The strongest combination is the careful horse selection, the quiet mountain route, the viewpoint at 2,100 meters, and the generous asado served by the ranch family afterward.

Book it with realistic expectations. This is not a polished resort activity, and the drive can be rough. You will spend several hours in the saddle and may feel nervous on steep sections. But if you bring the right clothes, prepare for the road, and trust the guides, the experience offers something a standard city tour cannot: fresh mountain air, a calm horse beneath you, sunset country, and dinner with the people who call that remote ranch home.

FAQ

How long does the Mendoza horseback riding and BBQ experience last?

The full activity lasts eight hours. The ride itself generally lasts about two and a half to three hours, with a 15-minute stop for photos at approximately 2,100 meters above sea level.

What is included in the price?

The $120 price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, round-trip transportation by van, horseback riding, a BBQ dinner, wine, water, juice, and dessert.

Do I need previous horseback-riding experience?

No. The guides provide basic instruction, and the horses are selected based on your height, experience, and comfort level. The route can include steep climbs and descents, so beginners should still be prepared for a physical and sometimes exciting ride.

What languages are available?

The live guides can provide the activity in English or Spanish.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear comfortable clothing, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Sunscreen is recommended. If you experience motion sickness, you may also want to bring suitable medication because parts of the drive to the ranch are bumpy.

Can the ranch provide vegetarian, vegan, or celiac-friendly food?

Yes, special dinner requests can be arranged, but you must tell the activity provider at least 24 hours before the tour.

Who cannot take part in this activity?

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