About this tour
A 7-hour horseback riding and barbecue experience at El Pico Palma, a family-run ranch in the Cordón del Plata foothills at 2000 metres elevation. You'll ride through high-altitude landscape, then sit down to Argentine grilled meat, homemade empanadas paired with local wines, and regional desserts. The property has been in the Palma family for over 250 years and is run directly by the owners.
Highlights
- Horseback riding through Andean foothills at 2000 metres elevation
- Private transportation included to and from the ranch
- Argentine asado (roast) menu prepared on-site
- Homemade empanadas paired with high-altitude regional wines
- Regional dessert selection and informal, owner-hosted setting
- Small groups — experience run directly by the property owners
- Suitable for riders of varying fitness levels
What to expect
You'll be picked up by private transport and driven to El Pico Palma in the La Carrera valley. After arriving at the ranch, you'll mount up for horseback riding through the Pre-cordillera landscape with views of Cordón del Plata. The ride takes up the bulk of the morning or early afternoon.
Once back at the ranch, you'll transition to the meal: empanadas and local wine first, followed by the main Argentine barbecue spread and a dessert table featuring regional specialities. The experience wraps with return transport to your starting point. The whole outing runs roughly 7 hours door-to-door.
What travellers say
- Owner-hosted experience adds authenticity and local knowledge
- Homemade empanadas and regional wines elevate the meal beyond generic barbecue
- High-altitude ranch setting with Andes views differentiates from valley-floor rides
- Private transport removes logistical hassle for visitors without a car
- Full day experience combines activity and food without rushed pacing
- Not suitable for those with spinal injuries or pregnant travellers
- High elevation may cause discomfort for unacclimatised riders
- 7-hour duration demands full commitment; no shorter option flagged
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This suits riders comfortable in the saddle who also want a proper meal and wine pairing at altitude, and anyone keen on small-group, owner-hosted experiences away from standard tourist routes. Spinal injuries and pregnancy are flagged as not suitable for this ride. The elevation (2000 metres) means some may feel altitude effects; arrive acclimatised if possible. Infants and small children can be brought (though they won't ride). Private transport is included; gratuities are not. Group size isn't specified, but the owner-run format suggests smaller numbers. Peak season in Mendoza is December to March.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BookNow summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.