Full day Horseback Riding in the Andes and BBQ

Horseback riding in Mendoza is already a good story. This one adds high-Andes views around Cordón del Plata and a proper gaucho-style BBQ afterward. I especially like the mix of gentle, well-trained horses and the fact that you are guided by local baqueanos who know the mountains up close.

The possible drawback is time and altitude. It is a full 10-hour day in a high-elevation area, and the tour asks for moderate physical fitness, plus it requires good weather to run.

Key things to know before you go

• Cordón del Plata Natural Reserve setting: you start near the base of the Cordon del Plata range and ride in the protected reserve area
• Views of El Plata and Tupungato: the drive south from Mendoza is part of the show
• Small group size: maximum of 2 travelers, which usually means more hands-on guiding
• Gaucho-led horseback time: authentic hosts guide the ride further into valleys and ridges
• Asado BBQ with drinks: you get a traditional meat lunch and a proper BBQ setup after riding

Riding into the Andes from Mendoza, with Cordón del Plata as your anchor

This day trip is built around one simple idea, spend real time on horseback in the Andes without turning it into a marathon of checkboxes. You’ll get picked up in Mendoza town and driven roughly 80 km southwest to the foothills of Cordón del Plata National Reserve. The setting matters here. Being at the base of the mountain range keeps the ride feeling grounded, not just a far-off thrill.

On the drive, you get strong sightlines to major peaks. You pass by big mountain scenery connected to El Plata and you can see the imposing Tupungato volcano. Even before you mount up, you’re already in the Andes mood, with the high-country air and the kind of views that make you slow down and look out the window for longer than planned.

The 9:00 am start, private hotel transport, and a day that actually feels like one day

Your day begins at 9:00 am. The tour includes round-trip private transportation from your hotel in Mendoza town. That matters because you do not spend your morning hunting meeting points or bouncing around with multiple stops. You get a direct path to the ranch area where the horses are ready.

Plan for a 10-hour day (approx.). That is a long block, but it is also why the experience feels complete. You have time for the ride, time for the BBQ and drinks, and time to enjoy the mountain pacing without feeling rushed.

Group size is also part of the value. With a maximum of 2 travelers, your guide can pay closer attention to your riding comfort. That becomes important if you are not an experienced rider.

From the ranch house into Cordón del Plata, guided by local gauchos

When you arrive at the ranch house at the foot of the Cordon del Plata range, you meet the gaucho hosts who take the lead. The tour is set up so you do not just get a horse and a vague path. You are guided by specialized local experts (baqueanos) and supported by a professional bilingual guide.

This is one of those details that changes the whole feel. Local expertise matters in the Andes. You get guidance that fits the terrain, the weather, and the way the mountains open up and close in during the day. That is also why the ride can include different surfaces and moments, instead of being a single slow loop.

You’ll be riding through valleys and over terrain that includes ridges and crossings. Based on real experiences from riders, the route can involve crossing streams and moving along varied ground, which is exactly what you want if you booked for a real horseback day, not a short photo stop.

Uco Valley vibes from the saddle, plus real variety in what you see

The tour highlights horseback riding through the Uco Valley, and you should think of this as a day in the broader Uco Valley region with a strong emphasis on the Cordón del Plata reserve area. The ride is not just about distance. It is about rhythm and views, and it changes as you move through the valleys.

What you can expect from the riding itself:

• Valleys and ridges: you get different sight angles as the terrain shifts
• Stream crossings: something you notice immediately once you are in the flow of the ride
• Stops for scenery and hosting talk: you’re not just looking ahead at all times

Riding is also where the Andes can feel huge and quiet at the same time. You have space around you, and you’re moving at an animal pace, not a vehicle pace. It is easier to notice wind changes, light changes, and the way altitude weather can shift.

The gaucho asado and BBQ meal, and why it is not just an add-on

A horseback day trip is only half the experience. The other half is what happens when you stop moving. Here, that is the BBQ and traditional asado setup, prepared by gauchos. The tour includes BBQ and drinks, and the asado is served in a mountain setting.

One rider highlight was lunch prepared by Don Daniel, described as amazing asado beef cooked in the mountains. That is the kind of detail that signals you are not getting a generic picnic, you’re getting a gaucho-style meal as part of the day’s rhythm.

You might also enjoy wine with the BBQ, since that came up as a standout in riders’ comments. Even if you do not make it a wine-heavy day, it helps that the meal feels tied to the landscape and hosting, not tacked on as a commercial lunch service.

If you like food on trips, this is a big reason to choose this tour. It gives you a break that matches the setting. You finish your riding time, you settle in, and the mountain air does the rest to make the meal feel earned.

Horses and guides: why first-timers can feel comfortable here

Let’s talk about the part that most people worry about: the horse. The tour specifically notes horses in excellent condition and that they are easy to drive. Real rider experiences also point to the horses being gentle and very well trained, with first-time riders reporting they felt comfortable.

That combination is what I look for. Good horses reduce stress, and lower stress makes it easier to enjoy the view. You’re less focused on survival mode and more focused on the ride itself.

Guides also play a huge role. You’ll have a bilingual guide plus specialized local baqueanos. Riders mentioned guides by name, including Agustin for an accommodating, insightful day, and Cristina for great communication and a fun mood. Those specific names are a good sign the guiding style is consistent and people feel looked after.

Safety support is part of the package too. The tour includes technical equipment like VHF radio and phone communication, plus a first aid kit. That does not remove all risk in mountain terrain, but it does show the operation takes remote-area communication seriously.

What to pack when altitude weather changes quickly

High altitude weather can change fast. The tour notes that a packing list is provided and that it is especially useful because conditions shift quickly at high elevation.

You should plan around that reality:

• Bring layers you can add or remove
• Expect cooler air than in central Mendoza
• Be ready for rapid changes as you move through the mountains

Also, since you’re on horseback for a big chunk of the day, wear clothing that works for riding, not just sightseeing. And keep in mind you’ll be outside during drive time and during the ride, so comfort matters.

Price and value: is $248 per person worth a full day in the Andes?

At $248 per person, this is not a budget activity, but it also is not trying to be. What you are paying for is a full day with real transportation, real guides, and real riding time, plus a gaucho-style BBQ meal with drinks.

The value case looks strong because:

• You get round-trip private transport from your Mendoza hotel
• You ride with a bilingual guide plus local mountain experts
• You have horses in excellent condition and described as easy to ride
• You get BBQ and drinks, not just a snack
• The group is capped at 2 travelers, which makes the guiding feel more personal

If you compare this to cheaper group riding, the main difference is control and attention. Here, the operation is built for a small group and a longer, more satisfying day. If you want the Andes to feel like a real experience rather than a rushed ride, the price makes more sense.

Who this tour fits best, and who might want to skip it

This tour fits best if you want:

• A 10-hour Andes day that combines riding and a mountain meal
• A guided experience where local expertise matters
• A day that feels more personal because the group is very small

It also asks for moderate physical fitness. That usually means you should feel comfortable being outside for a long day, handling basic movement in uneven terrain, and staying with the ride pace.

It might not be the best choice if you’re looking for something short and low-effort. The full-day timing and mountain conditions are the point, not a compromise.

Should you book this Andes horseback and BBQ tour?

I’d book it if you want a true Andes riding day with a gaucho-hosted meal, and you value small-group attention. The combination of well-trained horses, local baqueanos, mountain peak views on the drive, and an asado BBQ that feels like part of the day makes it a strong pick for Mendoza.

I would pause and think twice if you know you’re sensitive to weather changes or you prefer very short activities. Since the experience requires good weather, you also want flexibility in your schedule.

FAQ

Where does this horseback riding tour take place?

The tour is based in Mendoza, Argentina. You drive about 80 km southwest of Mendoza to the base of the Cordon del Plata Park area and ride in the Natural Reserve there.

How long is the experience?

The experience lasts about 10 hours (approx.).

What time does it start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

Is round-trip transportation included?

Yes. It includes round-trip private transportation from your hotel in Mendoza town.

How many people are in the group?

There is a maximum of 2 travelers.

Do I need previous horseback riding experience?

The tour notes moderate physical fitness, and the horses are described as easy to drive. Riders also reported feeling comfortable even with little experience.

What food and drinks are included?

You get a traditional BBQ/asado meal and drinks included.

What safety and communication is provided?

It includes VHF radio and phone communication plus a first aid kit.

What happens if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation window?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.