Top Horseback Riding in the Andes Experiences

Mendoza is the premier destination for riding fans in South America. Most tours blend mountainous scenery with local culture and world-class wine. You will find trips ranging from two-hour trots to epic week-long adventures. Many travelers choose to combine their rides with a traditional Argentine barbecue, known as an asado.

• Best Overall: Sunset Ride with Asado
• Best for Pros: The Great Andes Crossing
• Best for Families: Potrerillos Foothills
• Best for Wine Lovers: Uco Valley Vineyard Ride

1. Name: Sunset Horseback Ride with Asado
   Type: Experience
   Why go: This is the most iconic way to enjoy horseback riding in the Andes. You ride through the pre-Andean foothills as the sun sets behind the mountains. Afterward, enjoy a traditional campfire sunset horseback riding tour in Mendoza with asado featuring local Malbec wine.
   Best for: Couples and first-time visitors.
   Where: Lunlunta or foothills near Luján de Cuyo.
   Time: 4-5 hours.
   Cost: $80-$120 USD.
   Getting there: Tour operators usually include hotel pickup from central Mendoza.
   Tip: Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes to stay comfortable after dark.
2. Name: The Great Crossing of the Andes
   Type: Experience
   Why go: This is a legendary multi-day horseback crossing of the Andes from Mendoza to Chile. You follow the path taken by the Army of the Andes in 1817. You will sleep in tents and reach altitudes of over 4,000 meters.
   Best for: Adventure seekers and history buffs.
   Where: High Andes near Tunuyán.
   Time: 6-7 days.
   Cost: $1,200-$2,000 USD.
   Getting there: Requires organized transport to the trailhead in the mountains.
   Tip: Book at least six months in advance for 2026 dates.
3. Name: Uco Valley Vineyard Ride
   Type: Activity
   Why go: Ride through high-altitude estates where some of the world's best grapes grow. You get majestic views of the Cordón del Plata range. This is often followed by a gourmet lunch at a Uco Valley wine tour destination.
   Best for: Foodies and luxury travelers.
   Where: Tunuyán or Tupungato districts.
   Time: 3-4 hours.
   Cost: $100-$150 USD.
   Getting there: Take a private driver or tour from Mendoza city.
   Tip: Check for tours that include a visit to The Vines of Mendoza.
4. Name: Potrerillos Foothills Trek
   Type: Sight
   Why go: The area surrounding the Potrerillos Dam offers turquoise water views and desert-like mountain trails. It is a fantastic place to see local flora and fauna. The terrain is varied but accessible for all skill levels.
   Best for: Families and active travelers.
   Where: Potrerillos basin.
   Time: 2-3 hours.
   Cost: $50-$70 USD.
   Getting there: A one-hour drive from Mendoza via Route 7.
   Tip: Apply plenty of sunscreen as the sun is very strong at this altitude.
5. Name: Luján de Cuyo Winery Ride
   Type: Activity
   Why go: If you have limited time, this allows for Luján de Cuyo horseback trips close to the city. You ride between historic estates and irrigation canals. It is the birthplace of Argentine Malbec.
   Best for: Travelers on a tight schedule.
   Where: Vistalba or Perdriel.
   Time: 2 hours.
   Cost: $60-$90 USD.
   Getting there: Easy 25-minute taxi or bus ride from the city center.
   Tip: Look for afternoon rides that finish before the midday heat.
6. Name: Quebrada del Cóndor High Altitude Ride
   Type: Experience
   Why go: This spectacular ride takes you into the heart of the Frontal Range. You can observe Andean Condors soaring above the granite cliffs. The landscape is wild and untouched by modern development.
   Best for: Nature enthusiasts and bird watchers.
   Where: San José, Tupungato.
   Time: Full day (6-8 hours).
   Cost: $130-$180 USD.
   Getting there: Organized tour transport is highly recommended due to gravel roads.
   Tip: Bring a light jacket even in summer as mountain temperatures fluctuate.
7. Name: Villavicencio Nature Reserve Ride
   Type: Sight
   Why go: Explore the protected Villavicencio Nature Reserve on horseback. You will see guanacos and foxes while riding through ancient rock formations. The views of the pre-cordillera are magnificent.
   Best for: Wildlife photographers.
   Where: Las Heras district.
   Time: 3 hours.
   Cost: $75-$100 USD.
   Getting there: 50 km north of Mendoza city along Route 52.
   Tip: Visit the historic Villavicencio Hotel gardens after your ride.
8. Name: Manantiales Historic Route
   Type: Experience
   Why go: This trail focuses on the history of the Liberation Army. You ride through the high mountain pastures used by soldiers and mules centuries ago. It feels like stepping back into the 19th century.
   Best for: Culture lovers.
   Where: Tunuyán mountains.
   Time: Full day.
   Cost: $110-$140 USD.
   Getting there: Most tours include transport from Uco Valley hotels.
   Tip: Ask your guide about the local legend of the Christ of the Redeemer statue.
9. Name: Chacras de Coria Estate Ride
   Type: Experience
   Why go: This is a gentle ride through a charming residential and winery neighborhood. You pass by hidden mansions and lush gardens. It is a relaxing way to end a day of sightseeing.
   Best for: Beginners and seniors.
   Where: Chacras de Coria.
   Time: 1.5 hours.
   Cost: $40-$60 USD.
   Getting there: Accessible via local bus or short Uber ride.
   Tip: Stay for dinner at one of the village's top-rated restaurants.
10. Name: Cajón del Maipo High Border Ride
    Type: Day trip
    Why go: This ride takes you toward the border with Chile. You will see hanging glaciers and deep canyons. It is one of the most rugged attractions near Mendoza for riders.
    Best for: Intermediate riders.
    Where: Manzano Histórico area.
    Time: Full day.
    Cost: $150-$190 USD.
    Getting there: Full-day tour with transport from Mendoza.
    Tip: Drink plenty of water to prevent altitude sickness during the climb.

Planning Your Horseback Riding in the Andes Trip

When booking horseback riding in the Andes, timing is everything. The most popular season is between October and April. This period offers stable weather and warm temperatures. However, high mountain passes may still have snow in early spring. Always check with the Mendoza Tourism board for seasonal trail closures.

Different altitudes require different levels of physical fitness. Foothill rides are generally easy for most people. High-altitude treks require more stamina due to thinner air. Make sure you communicate your experience level to the tour operator. They will match you with a horse that fits your temperament.

Packing for these trips is straightforward but essential. You need long, comfortable pants like jeans or leggings. Sturdy boots with a small heel are better than sneakers. Do not forget a wide-brimmed hat and professional-grade sunglasses. The Andean sun is fierce and can cause burns quickly.

Safety and Skill Levels for Andes Riding

The horseback riding in the Andes typically uses Criollo horses. These animals are famous for their endurance and calm nature. They are smaller than European breeds but very strong. They are perfectly adapted to the rocky and steep terrain of Mendoza. This makes them ideal for riders who feel nervous about mountain paths.

Professional guides are a mandatory part of any Andes ride. They know the weather patterns and the behavior of the horses. Most guides speak basic English, though Spanish is the primary language. Safety helmets are usually provided by reputable tour companies. Always ask about the safety gear before you book your trip.

If you are traveling with children, look for specific "family-friendly" tours. These usually take place on flatter ground in the vineyards. Some operators allow children over six years old to ride their own horses. Younger children might sit with a professional gaucho. Refer to the Lonely Planet guide for more family travel advice in Argentina.