Horseback Riding in Mendoza through the vineyards and river with optional Asado.

Ride among Mendoza’s vines. This easy horseback outing takes you through a 100-hectare farm, past olive and fruit trees, and toward the Mendoza River, with Andes views along the way. I like the calm, well-trained horses and the warm guidance from hosts such as Cesar, Elio, and Javier. I also like that you can choose a simple ride or add a full Argentine asado.

The main drawback is the short riding time, about one hour, and transport is not included. The ranch is in Lunlunta, outside central Mendoza, so you must arrange your own way there. If you add lunch, plan for a longer visit than the stated riding time.

At a Glance: What Makes This Ride Special

• A 100-hectare farm: Ride through vineyards, olive trees, fruit trees, vegetable plots, and old tree-lined paths.
• The Mendoza River: Leave the farm for a gentle riverside route, with the option to reach nearby hills if time allows.
• Friendly, patient guides: Cesar, Elio, and Javier are praised for making beginners feel safe and welcome.
• Quiet, gentle horses: The horses are described as well-trained, calm, friendly, and well cared for.
• Optional asado: Add a generous Argentine barbecue with drinks and dessert after the ride.
• Small groups: The outing is capped at 10 people, with a private ride available as an upgrade.

Riding Through Lunlunta’s Vineyards

This experience begins at a family-run ranch in Lunlunta, a rural part of Mendoza Province. The farm covers 100 hectares, and grapevines are its main crop. That gives the ride a clear sense of place: you are not simply circling an enclosure made for tourists, but moving through working agricultural land.

The route passes along alleys and groves that have been growing for years. You may see olive trees, fruit trees, and small vegetable plots as you go. These details matter because Mendoza is more than wineries and tasting rooms. Its wine country depends on irrigation, careful farming, and a mix of crops that make the countryside feel productive rather than decorative.

I like this part of the ride for its slow pace. On horseback, you cover more ground than you would on foot, but you still move gently enough to notice the vines and changing views. The experience is designed for people with little or no riding background, and the horses are described as calm and easygoing.

That makes this a good first ride for families and couples who want a rural outing without signing up for a demanding equestrian trip. You should still tell the operator about your experience level and pay close attention to the guide’s instructions. One rider felt that a little more guidance on steering before mounting would have helped, so beginners may want to ask questions at the start.

Meeting Cesar, Elio, and Javier

The guides are a major part of the experience. Cesar is repeatedly praised for his friendly manner, humor, and ability to put nervous riders at ease. Elio is also described as a thoughtful host, and Javier receives praise for helping riders with the horses and explaining the area.

You may be guided by one of them or by another member of the team. The information provided names Cesar, Elio, and Javier, and the exact guide can depend on the departure. One guide has been noted for wearing traditional Argentine clothing, which adds a welcome local touch without turning the ride into a staged show.

The guiding style appears relaxed and personal. You can expect conversation about the vineyards, olive oil production, the surrounding area, and the scenery. One especially useful feature is the balance between instruction and company. The guides do not only lead the horses. They help create a comfortable social setting, which matters if you are sharing the ride with people you have just met.

This is not the place to expect a technical riding lesson or fast horseback action. The horses move at an easy pace, and the focus is on scenery, conversation, and a pleasant hour outdoors. If you want galloping or serious trail riding, this probably is not the right choice.

From the Farm to the Mendoza River

After crossing the farm, the route follows a path toward the Mendoza River. The river is described as having a steady, harmonious flow, making it a natural change from the ordered rows of vines.

The riverside section gives the outing its strongest sense of space. You can enjoy the water, open views, and the Andes in the distance while sitting high enough to see beyond the immediate trail. Several riders particularly enjoyed the mountain views framed by vineyards, and that combination is one of the best reasons to choose this activity over a standard winery visit.

The river route is also a useful reminder that Mendoza’s agriculture depends on water. The vines and olive trees do not sit in an untouched wilderness. They are part of a dry region shaped by irrigation and the river system. Even without a formal lesson in geography, the route helps you understand how the area works.

Near the river, a small chain of hills offers additional trails. The group may cross them if there is enough time. The wording matters: this portion is not guaranteed, and the ride should not be booked solely for the hills. If the route includes them, you can expect smaller paths and a chance to notice native plants.

What the One-Hour Ride Feels Like

The riding portion lasts about one hour. That is enough time to enjoy a change of scenery and settle into the saddle, but it is not a full-day horseback expedition.

The horses are described as very gentle and well trained. Several people with little or no experience found the ride safe and relaxing, and one family member who felt nervous became comfortable with patient help from the guide. Children can participate, and children up to age five may ride free on the same horse as an adult, provided you inform the operator in advance.

The experience is rated as family-friendly, but parents should still consider their child’s comfort with animals, height, and sitting for an hour. The activity allows most people to participate, though no detailed physical requirements are provided. If you have concerns about balance, mobility, or riding comfort, contact the operator before booking.

A maximum of 10 participants keeps the outing from becoming a large trail procession. That limit should make it easier to hear the guide and ask for help. A private trail ride is also available as an upgrade, a useful option for a family group, a couple marking a special occasion, or anyone who prefers a more personal pace.

Why the Asado Is Worth Adding

The optional asado is more than a quick meal after the ride. It is one of the strongest reasons to choose the package that includes it.

An Argentine asado is built around grilled meat and a long, social meal. Here, the meal can include drinks and dessert, depending on the option you select. Specific comments praise the plentiful food, fresh ingredients, wine, and homemade-style cooking. Beef empanadas also received special mention.

One couple described the meal as the highlight after a one-hour ride, while another praised the way each course improved on the last. You should treat those comments as a sign that the lunch is intended to be a substantial part of the day, not an afterthought.

The meal also fits the setting. After riding through vines and olive trees, you can sit down to food that connects with Argentine dining culture. It gives the visit a more local, social feel than simply returning to a city hotel after a trail ride.

Check the exact package before booking. The asado, drinks, and dessert are included only with the chosen option, not necessarily with the basic ride price. If you have enough time in your Mendoza schedule, I would strongly consider adding it. The food is a large part of the value.

Price, Timing, and Getting to the Ranch

The listed price is $55.62 per person. For the riding portion alone, that is a fair price if you value the farm setting, guide support, small group size, and mountain views. It becomes a stronger deal when the selected package includes the asado, drinks, and dessert.

You should compare the price based on the full visit rather than the one-hour ride. The ride itself is short. The meal can turn it into a more complete afternoon, but the total length is not specified, so confirm the expected schedule if you have another booking afterward.

Departure times are flexible, and several package choices are offered. That makes it easier to fit the activity around a winery visit or a day in Mendoza. Since the experience is often booked about 30 days ahead, reserve early if your dates are fixed, especially if you want a private ride or a particular departure.

Transport is not included. The meeting point is listed at X55V+6R Lunlunta, Mendoza Province, Argentina, and the activity ends back there. One person reported using Uber for the trip in both directions on a Sunday, but availability can vary. You should arrange transport before setting out rather than assume a car will be easy to find at the ranch.

Practical Things to Wear and Bring

The supplied details do not list a required dress code or equipment list, so keep your preparation simple. Wear comfortable clothes suitable for sitting on a horse and closed shoes that feel secure. Sun protection is sensible for an outdoor ride, though the exact weather conditions will depend on your date.

Bring a phone or camera if you want photos of the vineyards, river, hills, and Andes. Keep it secure while riding, and ask the guide when it is safe to stop for pictures. The ride is relaxed, but you still need both hands available at times.

This activity requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. For your own planning, avoid placing an important same-day reservation too close to the ride, especially if you choose the meal option.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made inside 24 hours are not accepted for a refund, and cut-off times use local Mendoza time.

Who Will Enjoy This Most

I would recommend this ride to:

• Families looking for a gentle outdoor activity
• Couples who want a quiet rural outing with a meal
• Friends who enjoy scenery and shared food
• First-time riders who want calm horses and hands-on help
• People who want a break from winery interiors and tasting rooms
• Small groups interested in adding a private ride

You may want to choose another activity if you are seeking a long horseback journey, advanced riding, fast movement, or a tightly scheduled one-hour attraction. The appeal here is the combination of easy riding, local hosts, agricultural scenery, and Argentine food.

The ride also suits people who prefer a social experience. Conversation with Cesar, Elio, Javier, or another guide is part of the charm. If you want complete solitude, book the private option rather than joining the shared group.

Should You Book Horseback Riding in Mendoza?

Yes, if you want a gentle introduction to Mendoza’s countryside and can spare more than the one-hour riding time. The horses are calm, the guides are warm, and the route brings together vineyards, olive trees, the Mendoza River, nearby hills, and Andes views.

I would choose the asado package if your schedule allows. The barbecue, drinks, dessert, and generous portions add real value and turn a short ride into a fuller cultural experience.

Before booking, confirm the package inclusions, arrange your own transport to Lunlunta, and tell the operator if a child under five will share an adult’s horse. With those details handled, this is an easy, friendly way to see a side of Mendoza that you will miss from a tasting-room table.

FAQ

How long does the horseback ride last?

The riding portion lasts approximately one hour. If you select the asado option, the full visit will take longer, though the total duration is not specified.

Where does the activity begin?

It begins at X55V+6R Lunlunta, Mendoza Province, Argentina. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is transportation included?

No. You must arrange your own transportation to and from the ranch.

Is the asado included in the price?

The Argentine asado, soft drinks, and dessert are included only with the selected package that offers them. Check the option you choose when booking.

Do I need horseback riding experience?

No specific riding experience is required. The activity is described as suitable for beginners, and the horses are known for being calm and well trained.

Can children participate?

Yes. The activity is family-friendly, and children up to age five can participate free by sharing an adult’s horse. You must inform the operator in advance.

How many people can join the ride?

The maximum group size is 10 people. A private trail ride is available as an upgrade.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.