Horseback riding in Mendoza takes place in the foothills and the Andes Mountains, ranging from two-hour rides a few kilometers from the city to multi-day treks. The best areas for this activity are Luján de Cuyo, Potrerillos, Uspallata, and the Uco Valley . Further south in the province, there are options in San Rafael and Malargüe . Almost all the shorter rides can be done without experience and with a guide.
In this guide, you'll find out where to go horseback riding in Mendoza , how far each area is from the trailhead, what sunset rides are like, what factors influence the prices, and which tour to choose based on your available time. We also suggest five excursions with itineraries, ranging from half-day trips to a historical trek through the Andes Mountains.
If you already know what you're looking for, you can see all the horseback riding tours available in Mendoza . That's in addition to our excursions and activities in the Land of Sun and Good Wine. And if you'd like to travel with accommodation, transfers, and tours included, check out our Mendoza packages .
Where to go horseback riding in Mendoza: areas and distances
The province of Mendoza has very diverse landscapes, and this changes the horseback riding experience. Near the city, there are roads winding through vineyards and farms. Further west, along National Route 7, the mountains begin. To the south, the landscapes are more open and the distances greater.
The first thing to consider when choosing a hike is three factors: the distance from the city of Mendoza, the type of scenery, and the duration of the hike . Short hikes usually last between one and two hours. Half-day hikes include lunch, and full-day hikes reach higher elevations.
Next, let's look at the zones one by one, from the closest to the furthest.
Horseback riding in Luján de Cuyo and Maipú
Luján de Cuyo is about 20 km from the city of Mendoza and is the most well-known wine region in the province. If you're looking for horseback riding in Mendoza, Luján de Cuyo offers short rides, suitable for beginners, through vineyards with the Andes Mountains as a backdrop.
In Lunlunta, in the Maipú district, you can take walks along the riverbank through farms and vineyards . It's less than an hour from the town center. These are short, guided tours that can be combined with a visit to a winery in Mendoza .
For those traveling with limited time, it's the most practical option. Plus, being close to the city, you can go horseback riding in the morning and continue with another activity in the afternoon, without wasting time on the road.
Horseback riding in Potrerillos, Mendoza
Horseback riding in Potrerillos, Mendoza , is the most popular activity, as it combines the reservoir with the hills of the Andes. Potrerillos is located between 50 and 70 km from the city, on National Route 7 , in the Luján de Cuyo department.
There are providers who rent horses in the summer. There are also ranches, like El Rincón de los Oscuros in Las Carditas, that offer family outings, half-day excursions with a traditional lunch, and full-day trips to a waterfall in the mountains . Some ranches are private, so visits must be arranged in advance.
The landscape changes depending on the route: near the reservoir the trail is flatter, while full-day hikes climb through ravines to higher elevations . Located less than an hour and a half from the city, Potrerillos is ideal for both a day trip and an overnight stay in the mountains.
Horseback riding in Uspallata
Uspallata is about 105 km from the city of Mendoza, along National Route 7 , the road that leads into the high mountains and the border crossing into Chile. Horseback riding tours in Uspallata explore the valley, offering views of the colorful mountain ranges that dot the arid landscape of the region.
It's a good starting point if you're planning to travel the route to Puente del Inca and Aconcagua . Since the drive is longer, it's best to dedicate the whole day to it.
Uspallata is at a higher altitude than the city, so the nights are colder and the air drier. Bring a jacket even if the day is warm, and sunscreen: the higher the altitude, the stronger the sun is.
Horseback riding in the Uco Valley and Manzano Histórico
The Uco Valley lies south of the city, at the foot of the Andes Mountains. Manzano Histórico, in Tunuyán, is about 119 km from Mendoza via provincial routes 94 or 89. Horseback riding excursions depart from there, as well as the multi-day trek across the Portillo Argentino pass into Chile.
Further north in the valley is Tupungato, about 80 km from the city, where there are high-altitude ranches offering day trips. I'll describe one of them below.
The Portillo Argentino trek is the longest horseback ride in the area and requires a permit from the protected area. It's an experience for riders in good physical condition, so it's advisable to check with the tour operator about the required skill level before booking.
Horseback riding in Malargüe, Mendoza
Horseback riding in Malargüe, Mendoza , takes place amidst high mountain landscapes, with volcanoes, valleys, and crystal-clear skies perfect for stargazing. Malargüe is over 400 km from the city of Mendoza , along National Route 40. It's the area for the longest horseback riding excursions.
The most well-known is the Crossing of the Andes, which starts from Los Molles and follows the route taken by San Martín's armies .
Due to its distance, Malargüe isn't a destination for a day trip from the capital. The usual approach is to travel there and arrange your stay on-site, or join a tour that already includes accommodation and transportation . It's also the best area for those seeking less-traveled landscapes, with very few people along the way.
This expedition follows the route taken by San Martín and O'Higgins with the Army of the Andes in 1817. It departs from the Pehuenche Andean Club, in Los Molles, in the Malargüe area.
The first day is used to get to know the team and acclimatize to the altitude. Then the group ascends to Portezuelo Ancho and camps in Valle Hermoso. Later, they pass through Piedras Negras, a summer grazing area, and reach the border with Chile via the Santa Elena Pass, at 3,080 meters. That day involves about seven hours of riding.
The route passes through the area of the highest peaks in the Americas, such as Aconcagua and Mercedario . Herds of guanacos and condors can be seen, and at night the sky fills with stars. It's a leisurely trek, designed for riders of all levels, but with many hours in the saddle each day, so good physical condition is necessary .
Horseback riding tours in Mendoza: the best excursions
Choosing a horseback riding tour in Mendoza takes care of the logistics: it picks you up at your hotel, provides the horses and guide, and returns you to the city . It's the best way to do it if you don't have a car or it's your first time riding a horse.
There are five options, ranging from a short horseback ride with a barbecue to a multi-day expedition . Three depart from the same location a few kilometers from the city, with varying durations. One is a day trip to a high-altitude ranch, and another is a historical trek through the Andes Mountains.
In all cases there is a bilingual guide and a baqueano, who is the local guide who knows the roads and takes care of the horses.
Sunset horseback riding in Mendoza
Horseback riding in Mendoza at sunset is the most photographed, because the sun sets behind the mountain range and the hills change color . It's also the best option when the midday heat is intense, especially in summer.
The sunset horseback ride in Mendoza departs from Puesto Los Amigos, at the foot of the Mendoza foothills, about 20 minutes from the city center . After the horses are introduced and a safety briefing is given, the ride lasts approximately two hours in the mountains, at an altitude of about 1,200 meters . Along the way, you may see condors and black-chested buzzard-eagles.
Upon returning, there's a barbecue with beef, vegetables, and Mendoza wine, followed by a bonfire with guitar music and traditional songs . The level of difficulty is moderate. Although the horses are docile, it's not recommended for pregnant women, people with heart or respiratory problems, or those with mobility difficulties.
Half-day horseback riding in the Andes Mountains
If you're looking for horseback riding in the Mendoza mountains without dedicating the entire day, a half-day tour is the best option . It's enough time for a full ride and a break for lunch, and allows you to combine it with another activity in the afternoon.
The A half-day horseback ride in the Andes Mountains also departs from Puesto Los Amigos . The ride lasts about two hours through mountains, with typical flora and fauna , reaching an altitude of approximately 1,200 meters above sea level. Halfway through the ride, there is a break with mate and pastries.
Upon returning to the ranch, you can choose the option that includes lunch: a barbecue with beef, grilled vegetables, salads, and wine. The guides are professional riders and adjust the pace to the group, making it a good option for beginners .
Full-day horseback riding tour in the Andes Mountains
The A full-day horseback riding excursion in the Andes Mountains is for those who want to spend more time on horseback. It departs from the same location, about 20 minutes from the city, but includes two rides of approximately two hours each.
The first ride climbs the mountains to about 1,200 meters. Afterward, there's a barbecue lunch with Mendoza wine and a rest. The second ride continues along a different path, with the light of the setting sun illuminating the hills.
No prior experience is necessary, as there is a brief orientation before setting out. The difficulty level is low to moderate. Wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, and a hat.
Horseback riding and lunch at Estancia El Pico
In Tupungato, at an altitude of approximately 2,000 meters, lies the El Pico Palma ranch, in the La Carrera valley . The surrounding area includes the Cordón del Plata mountain range and the foothills. It is an open countryside area, home to condors, foxes, hares, and various birds.
The horseback riding excursion and lunch at Estancia El Pico includes approximately two hours of riding on Criollo horses, with traditional saddles and tack, through the estancia grounds . Those who prefer not to ride can walk instead.
Afterwards comes lunch with homemade empanadas and fine wines, followed by a traditional Argentine barbecue with vegetables cooked in a clay oven and regional desserts . The afternoon is free for walking or relaxing, and the day concludes with a homemade afternoon tea. It's a peaceful option for couples or families.
Horseback riding in Mendoza according to your type of trip
Not everyone is looking for the same thing when they think about horseback riding. Some want a short ride between other activities, others a relaxing day out with the family, and still others a mountain adventure. Choosing the right ride prevents you from getting too tired or being left wanting more.
These are the recommendations according to the trip profile, with the excursions that best suit each case.
Horseback riding in Mendoza for beginners
For first-time riders, a two-hour guided ride with gentle horses is ideal. Rides from Puesto Los Amigos are a good example: before setting off, there's a presentation of the horses and a safety briefing, and the pace is adjusted to suit the group's ability.
Please indicate your fitness level when booking. If you have any doubts about your physical condition, choose a half-day instead of a full day. This way you can try the experience and decide if you'd like to repeat it in another area.
Horseback riding in Mendoza for couples or families
For couples, the two best options are the sunset horseback ride and the day at the Tupungato ranch. The first ends with a barbecue and bonfire, and the second includes a leisurely lunch and a free afternoon for walking. Both are relaxed and don't require much effort.
As a family, it's advisable to check the minimum age and restrictions for each excursion on the information sheet before booking. Some activities are not recommended for pregnant women or people with heart or respiratory problems. If someone doesn't want to ride a horse, the lodge offers a hiking option instead.
Horseback riding in Mendoza for those seeking adventure
For a true mountain experience, a multi-day trek is the best option. The Andes Crossing traverses remote valleys, involves overnight stays in camps, and reaches the Chilean border at over 3,000 meters. It's best done during the warmer months when the passes are snow-free.
If you don't have that many days, a full day in the mountains is a good mid-range option: it's a four-hour horseback ride in total, with lunch included. Those who want to add more time can combine it with a night in Potrerillos or Uspallata to explore the mountains at a more leisurely pace.
Another way to plan your trip is to combine a package with city accommodations with one or two horseback riding excursions of varying lengths. This way, you alternate days in the mountains with visits to wineries and relaxation, without having to change hotels every night.
How to get to horseback riding areas from the city of Mendoza
There are two main routes out of the city. National Route 7 heads west, passing through Luján de Cuyo and Potrerillos, and reaches Uspallata, about 105 km away. It then continues towards Puente del Inca and the border crossing into Chile. This is the route used for most horseback riding excursions in the Andes.
The second route is National Route 40, which heads south. It passes through the Uco Valley, where Tupungato and Tunuyán are located, and continues to San Rafael (about 230 km away) and Malargüe (over 400 km away). If you don't drive, tours with transfers are the best way to get there. If you rent a car, check road conditions, especially in winter, when there may be snow at higher elevations.
When is the best time to go horseback riding in Mendoza?
Short walks can be enjoyed year-round , and autumn is one of the best times: the weather is pleasant and cooler. In summer, the sun is strong, so it's best to choose walks at sunset. In winter, it's cold in the mountains, and snow can make the trails difficult.
High-altitude treks, like the Andes Crossing, depend on snow-free mountain passes. They take place during the warmer months, so book well in advance.
What to pack and how to choose according to your level
For most outings, wear long pants, comfortable closed-toe shoes (no flip-flops or sandals), sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat or cap. Add a light jacket for the evening, as the temperature drops.
If it's your first time, let us know your skill level so we can assign you a suitable horse. Short rides don't require experience. For longer rides, however, you need good physical condition and stamina in the sun and cold. Always make sure there's a guide and insurance.
Safety: what to check before booking a horseback riding tour
A safe horseback riding excursion includes a guide, a local expert, horses accustomed to the route, and a safety briefing before setting out. Ask how many people are per guide, what insurance is included, and if helmets are provided. Be wary of places where horseback riding excursions are offered without prior explanation.
Also, check the health restrictions on the information sheet. Several excursions are not recommended for pregnant women, people with heart or respiratory problems, or those with mobility difficulties. If you have any health conditions, consult your doctor beforehand.
On mountain outings, keep in mind that the weather can change quickly: bring a warm layer even if it's hot. And on long treks, let us know if you need a special menu, such as a vegetarian option, which you can request when booking.
Where can I go horseback riding in Mendoza if I have limited time?
The best option when time is limited is a short horseback ride near the city , such as those in Luján de Cuyo, Lunlunta, or Puesto Los Amigos, about 20 minutes from the center. A two-hour ride with transportation is enough to experience the foothills of the Andes.
Is experience needed to ride horses in Mendoza?
No, short rides don't require experience. The guides give a safety briefing and assign docile horses. Only multi-day treks require good physical condition and riding experience.
Which horseback riding tour should I choose in Mendoza?
For an evening out, I chose the sunset horseback ride; for a full day, the full-day mountain excursion; and for a historical expedition, the Crossing of the Andes. If you prefer a rural setting with lunch, the Tupungato ranch is the most peaceful.