Sunset Mountain Horseback Ride with Ranch BBQ Mendoza

The mountain ranch in the Andean foothills

The ride starts from a family-run ranch in the mountains outside Mendoza, about an hour's drive from the city. Here the foothills of the Andes rise in dry, rocky slopes covered with hardy shrubs and grasses, and the air is clean and quiet. The owners live and work on the ranch, and they welcome each group personally.

Before you ride, the hosts introduce you to their horses and explain how they are raised and cared for. Each horse is chosen carefully according to your height, weight and experience, so first-time riders get a calm, steady companion. You spend a few minutes getting to know your horse, learning how to hold the reins and sit comfortably, before setting off. It is the most relaxed introduction to horseback riding in Mendoza you could ask for.

Sunset horseback ride on the mountain trails

The ride follows local trails that climb gently through the hills. As the afternoon fades, the sun lights up the slopes in gold and red, and the views stretch over valleys and ridges towards the high peaks of the Andes. The pace is calm and the guide stays with the group the whole time, so you can enjoy the landscape rather than worry about the horse.

Halfway along you stop for about fifteen minutes at a viewpoint around 2,100 metres above sea level. It is the perfect moment to take photos of the panorama and of the sunset over the mountains. If you are wondering whether a sunset horse ride in Mendoza is worth it, this view usually answers the question. You then ride back to the ranch as the light softens and the first stars appear.

Argentine barbecue at the ranch

The asado, or Argentine barbecue, is the great social meal of the country, and on this tour you enjoy it in its natural setting. While you ride, the hosts light the fire and prepare the grill, cooking cuts of beef and pork slowly over glowing embers in the traditional way.

Dinner is served at the ranch with fresh salads, roasted vegetables, juice and water, followed by dessert. You share the table with the owners and the rest of the group, hearing stories of country life and Argentina's riding traditions, from the gaucho culture of the plains to the mountain ranches of Mendoza. If you have special dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free, tell us at least 24 hours before the tour so the hosts can prepare.

Mendoza and the best time to ride

Mendoza lies at the foot of the Andes, and its dry, sunny climate means clear skies on most days of the year. That makes it one of the best places in Argentina for outdoor activities, from mountain drives to horseback riding, with the snowy peaks always in view on the horizon.

Summer, from December to March, brings long warm evenings and late sunsets, perfect for this ride, while spring and autumn offer mild temperatures and beautiful light. Winter evenings are cold in the mountains, so bring warm layers. The activity runs in most weather and is cancelled only in extreme conditions, in which case you receive a full refund. Wear long trousers and closed shoes for riding, and bring sunscreen for the afternoon sun.