Private Experience: Horseback Riding and BBQ in the Mountain – Estancia La Carrera

The Andes are your dining room. This private day at Estancia El Pico combines a mountain horseback ride, local gaucho tradition, and a generous Argentine asado in the La Carrera Valley near Tupungato. I like the calm Criollo horses and the way the ride stays on a private ranch trail, rather than rushing through a crowded tourist stop. I also like the personal welcome from host Gilda, whose home, garden, food, and wine are central to the day.

The main consideration is the long drive. The estancia sits about 95 kilometers from Mendoza City, and the road transfer takes roughly 100 minutes each way. The riding is also not a full-day expedition. Depending on how the schedule is handled, the horseback portion is described as about one and a half to two hours, with the rest of the eight-hour outing devoted to travel, food, wine, and time at the property.

Key points to know before booking

• The ride reaches about 2,400 meters, with wide views toward Cerro del Plata and Tupungato Volcano.
• Gilda is the main host, supported by a local gaucho and a bilingual English-speaking hospitality manager.
• The horses are gentle Criollos, fitted with comfortable saddles and traditional tack.
• Lunch is a full asado criollo, with selected high-altitude wines, empanadas, salads, baked vegetables, and dessert.
• This is a private group experience, so the route can be adjusted to your riding experience and comfort.
• The setting is remote and high in the Andes, making warm clothing, sun protection, and long pants essential.

Why La Carrera feels far from Mendoza

Estancia El Pico lies in La Carrera Valley, in Tupungato, surrounded by the Cordon del Plata and the Pre-Cordillera. At roughly 2,000 meters above sea level, this is not a quick vineyard visit with a mountain backdrop. You are heading into open Andean country, where the distance from Mendoza is part of the appeal.

The Palma family has owned the estancia for more than 250 years. That detail matters because the visit is tied to a working family property and local traditions, not just a horseback-riding business placed beside a road. The owners host you at their home, serve food made with local products, and offer a view into a quieter rural side of Mendoza Province.

You may see condors, foxes, hares, and many kinds of birds during the outing. Sightings are never guaranteed, of course, but the high country gives the ride a good chance of feeling like a real trip into nature rather than a short circuit around a stable.

The 95-kilometer ride from Mendoza

Pickup is available from Mendoza City, Luján de Cuyo, or Tupungato. The exact pickup point and time are arranged through WhatsApp, which is useful because the route and departure details can be handled directly with the host.

From Mendoza City, allow about 100 minutes in a Jeep or SUV. The transfer is included in the price, so you do not need to arrange a rental car or find your way to an isolated mountain property. That is a major part of the value for visitors staying in Mendoza.

The tradeoff is simple: you spend a good portion of the day in the vehicle. If you want a short activity close to town, this is not the right choice. If you want a full countryside day and prefer not to drive mountain roads yourself, the transfer makes the experience much easier.

Coffee, pastries, and a family welcome

Arrival begins at the owners’ house with tea, coffee, and homemade pastries. This first pause gives you time to meet Gilda and the team, settle in, and get ready for the ride.

The welcome is small but important. You are not being pushed straight from a van onto a horse. The day starts at a human pace, with food, conversation, and a chance to ask questions before heading out.

Gilda receives especially strong praise for her hospitality. She picked up one couple from Mendoza herself, prepared the meal, adjusted the day to suit the group, and made sure a vegetarian diner was well looked after. That kind of direct attention is one reason this private format feels different from a larger group excursion.

Riding Criollo horses through the private estancia

The horseback ride follows a dirt path through the ranch and mountain terrain. The horses are described as tame, tranquil, and well cared for. You ride first-class Criollo horses, a breed closely associated with the Argentine countryside, using comfortable saddles and traditional equipment.

A local gaucho leads the ride, while a bilingual hospitality manager provides English explanations and context. You pass plantations and areas with views of the mountains, local plants, and open country. The route remains inside the private estancia, which gives the ride a quiet and secluded feel.

The riding time is described in two different ways: the main schedule lists one and a half hours, while the included details refer to two hours. I would confirm the exact riding duration when arranging pickup. Either way, the ride is long enough to feel substantial but not so long that it becomes an endurance test.

One of the best features is flexibility. The route can be adjusted based on your riding background and how comfortable you feel in the saddle. That is useful for first-time riders, while experienced riders should understand that this is a scenic cultural outing, not a fast-paced equestrian trek.

The 2,400-meter viewpoint

The ride reaches an elevation of about 2,400 meters, where you can look toward Cerro del Plata and Tupungato Volcano. The advertised view is a full 360-degree sweep, giving you a broad sense of the Andean setting.

This is the visual high point of the day. You have time to stop, take photographs, and look for birds and other wildlife. The combination of horses, mountain air, and the large open view gives the excursion its strongest sense of place.

High altitude also brings practical concerns. Sun can feel intense, even on a cool day, and mountain weather can change. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, and a jacket. Warm layers matter more than fashion here. Long pants are also a sensible choice for riding.

Empanadas first, then a serious Argentine asado

After the ride, you return to the house for tapas made with local products and homemade empanadas baked in a clay oven. This is the first part of the meal, not the main event.

The lunch is a complete asado criollo, built around selected cuts of meat. It also includes fresh salads, vegetables cooked in the clay oven, homemade dessert, wine, and water. The wines are chosen from high-altitude vineyards and paired with the meal.

The food is a major reason the price makes sense. You are not paying only for a horse ride. The day includes transportation, a private host, a gaucho-led ride, snacks, a full lunch, wine, dessert, and afternoon refreshments. At $180 per person, it is not a budget activity, but it covers the costly logistics of reaching the estancia and includes a substantial meal rather than a basic boxed lunch.

Vegetarians are catered for well, based on the experience of a previous booking. Still, I would state your dietary needs when you arrange pickup so the kitchen has advance notice.

Wine, coffee, and the perfumed wine experience

The wine is not limited to a quick tasting before lunch. High-altitude bottles are served with the asado, and the afternoon includes a perfumed wine experience combining wine and perfume tasting.

This unusual extra adds a sensory and creative touch to the day. It is not the same as visiting several commercial wineries around Mendoza, and it should not be judged by that standard. The focus here is on one family property, selected wines, local food, and a relaxed host-led experience.

After lunch, you can sit and contemplate the mountains, take a walk, or choose another quiet activity at the property. Tea, coffee, and homemade pastries are served again in the afternoon. A small showroom also sells handmade products and handicrafts made by the local community.

What the private format changes

The private group setup is valuable because the day can match your pace. A nervous rider can have the route adjusted. A more confident rider can enjoy the outing without waiting for a large group to regroup at every turn.

It also keeps the social side personal. You spend time with Gilda, the gaucho, and the bilingual host rather than moving through a fixed line of attractions. The result is closer to a hosted country day than a standard sightseeing tour.

The downside is that private experiences cost more per person than large group tours. You are paying for personal attention, transportation, and a more secluded setting. If your main goal is the lowest possible price or several winery visits in one day, another Mendoza tour may offer better value.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend Estancia El Pico to you if you want to combine outdoor activity with food and conversation. It suits couples, families with older children, and small private groups who prefer a quiet day in the mountains.

It is especially good for:

• First-time riders who want gentle horses and an adjustable route
• Visitors seeking an Argentine gaucho experience
• Food lovers who want a proper asado rather than a light lunch
• Wine drinkers interested in high-altitude bottles
• Photographers looking for mountain views
• Anyone who prefers a private setting over a large group

The age and health limits are important. The experience is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with animal allergies, people over 75, or anyone with recent surgery. You should also be comfortable outdoors, around horses, and on uneven mountain paths.

What to pack for the Andes

Pack for sun, wind, and changing temperatures. Comfortable shoes are useful before and after the ride, while long pants are the practical choice in the saddle.

Bring:

• Warm layers and a jacket
• Long pants and comfortable outdoor clothing
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• A sun hat
• A camera
• Water or other drinks

Do not assume that a warm Mendoza morning means warm mountain weather all day. The estancia sits high, and the ride reaches still higher ground. Extra clothing is easy to carry and can make the difference between enjoying the viewpoint and hurrying back to the house.

Is $180 good value?

At $180 per person, this is a premium day trip. The price includes pickup and drop-off from Mendoza, Luján de Cuyo, or Tupungato, the vehicle transfer, coffee and pastries on arrival, the horseback ride, guides, empanadas, a full asado, wine, water, dessert, afternoon refreshments, and the perfumed wine tasting.

The strongest value comes from the combination. A basic horseback ride would not normally include a private mountain property, a gaucho guide, bilingual hosting, a substantial Argentine lunch, and transportation from Mendoza.

You should book it if you want one carefully planned day that blends riding, scenery, local food, wine, and personal hospitality. You should skip it if the long transfer bothers you, if you want a more demanding riding adventure, or if your priority is visiting several wineries rather than spending time at one family estancia.

The experience has earned a 5.0 rating from nine bookings, with particular praise for Gilda, the peaceful horses, the mountain views, the food, and the wine. Those are also the elements I would use to make the decision. This is not a checklist tour. It works best when you are happy to slow down and let one place carry the day.

FAQ

Where is Estancia El Pico located?

Estancia El Pico is in La Carrera, Tupungato, in Mendoza Province. It is surrounded by the Cordon del Plata and the Pre-Cordillera, at about 2,000 meters above sea level.

How far is the estancia from Mendoza City?

The property is approximately 95 kilometers from Mendoza City. The included Jeep or SUV transfer takes about 100 minutes.

Where can pickup and drop-off take place?

Pickup and drop-off are available in Mendoza City, Luján de Cuyo, and Tupungato. The specific location and time are arranged through WhatsApp.

How long is the horseback ride?

The main schedule describes a one-and-a-half-hour ride. The included details describe two hours, so you should confirm the exact riding time when arranging your pickup.

Are the horses suitable for beginners?

The horses are tame and tranquil, and the route can be adjusted according to your riding experience and comfort. A local gaucho leads the ride.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. The experience includes a bilingual hospitality manager and live English guidance.

What food is included?

You receive coffee, tea, and homemade pastries on arrival, followed by tapas and homemade empanadas. Lunch includes an asado criollo, selected meats, fresh salads, clay-oven vegetables, regional dessert, wine, and water.

Is wine included?

Yes. Selected high-altitude wines are served with lunch. The experience also includes a perfumed wine activity combining wine and perfume tasting.

Can vegetarians join?

Yes. Vegetarian food was provided successfully for a previous booking. Tell the host about dietary needs when arranging the experience.

Who should not book this activity?

The experience is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with animal allergies, people over 75, or people with recent surgeries. It is also best suited to people comfortable with outdoor conditions and horseback riding.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve-now, pay-later booking is available, so you do not need to pay at the time of reservation.