Private Experience: Horseback Riding and BBQ in the Mountain – Estancia La Carrera

The Andes are your riding backdrop. This private day at Estancia El Pico combines gentle Criollo horses, mountain trails, and a long Argentine lunch with the Palma family near Tupungato. I like the calm horses and personal care from host Gilda, the local gaucho, and the bilingual guide. I also like that the ride stays inside the private estancia, so the outing feels quiet rather than crowded.

The main thing to consider is the long road from Mendoza. The estancia is about 95 kilometers from the city, and the drive can take around 100 minutes each way. The ride length also needs clarification: the schedule describes one and a half hours, while the included details mention two hours.

The day at a glance

• Ride to 2,400 meters: Follow a mountain trail from the estancia at roughly 2,000 meters above sea level to a high viewpoint with broad views of Cerro del Plata and Tupungato Volcano.
• Calm Criollo horses: Ride tame, well-cared-for horses with comfortable saddles and traditional tack.
• Gaucho-led outing: A local gaucho leads the ride while a bilingual hospitality manager explains the area and its story.
• Long Argentine lunch: Start with empanadas and tapas, then sit down to an asado criollo with selected high-altitude wines.
• Private country setting: Estancia El Pico Palma has belonged to the Palma family for more than 250 years.
• More than a horseback ride: After lunch, you can rest, walk, enjoy coffee and homemade pastries, or try the perfumed wine tasting and browse local handicrafts.

Reaching the Palma family estancia near Tupungato

Your day begins with pickup in Mendoza, Luján de Cuyo, or Tupungato. The provider confirms the exact pickup point and time through WhatsApp, so you should keep your phone available before the outing.

From Mendoza City, the drive is approximately 95 kilometers. The transport portion is listed at about 100 minutes by jeep or SUV, although the exact time will depend on your pickup point and road conditions. This is not a quick activity near the city center. You are giving up most of a day for the mountains, which is precisely why the setting feels special.

Estancia El Pico sits in La Carrera Valley, surrounded by the Cordon del Plata and the Precordillera. The property is at about 2,000 meters above sea level, with the ride reaching around 2,400 meters. That altitude helps explain the need for warm layers, sun protection, and sensible shoes, even if the day begins pleasantly in Mendoza.

The estancia has belonged to the Palma family for over 250 years. That does not turn the outing into a formal history lesson. Instead, it gives the day a clear sense of place. You are visiting a working family property with its own traditions, plants, animals, food, and mountain views.

On arrival, you are welcomed at the owners’ home with tea or coffee and homemade pastries. This first pause matters. You can settle after the drive, meet the hosts, and get ready for the ride without being rushed straight onto a horse.

A gentle ride on first-class Criollo horses

The horseback portion takes place on a dirt trail inside the private property. The horses are described as tame Criollos, and the saddles are selected for comfort. The route passes plantations and open mountain scenery before climbing toward the higher viewpoint.

This is not presented as a fast or technical riding trip. The horses are calm, and the local gaucho leads the group at a pace suited to the riders. That makes the experience a good fit if you want to enjoy the Andes from the saddle without needing advanced riding skills.

The ride length is the one point I would confirm before booking. The scheduled program says one and a half hours, while the included information describes two hours. Neither option is especially long for an entire day, but the difference matters if horseback riding is your main reason for coming.

A bilingual hospitality manager accompanies the gaucho and provides the English-language support. This is useful because the gaucho can focus on handling the horses and the route, while the guide can explain the history, plants, animals, and local way of life.

The route climbs from the estancia toward a viewpoint at approximately 2,400 meters. From there, you can take in Cerro del Plata and Tupungato Volcano in a full 360-degree view. The high point is also where you will want your camera ready, although strong sun and wind can make sunglasses and a hat very useful.

The property is home to a variety of birds, and condors, foxes, and hares may appear during the outing. These are possible sightings, not guaranteed attractions, so treat them as a bonus rather than a promised wildlife show.

The ride received especially strong praise for the horses. Christina from Canada described them as calm, gentle, and well cared for. Ahmed from the United Kingdom also noted that the route could be adjusted to suit riding experience and comfort. That flexibility is important if one person in your private group rides often and another is new to the saddle.

Gaucho tradition without the tourist show

The best part of this outing is its scale. You are not being moved through a large attraction with a fixed performance at every stop. The day centers on a local gaucho, the Palma family property, home cooking, and the quiet rhythm of the valley.

The gaucho leads the horses using traditional equipment, while the bilingual guide explains the area. You may see plantations and local flora along the trail, then stop at a high point to look across the Andes. The experience connects riding with the land rather than treating the horse as a simple photo prop.

That distinction matters in Mendoza. Many visitors focus on vineyards and wine cellars around the city. This day shows another side of the province: high country, family estancia life, Criollo horses, and a meal served at the owners’ home.

The private-group format adds comfort and flexibility. You are not trying to match the pace of a large bus group, and the route may be adjusted according to ability. Still, you should be comfortable outdoors and able to sit on a horse for the full ride. The activity is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with animal allergies, people over 75, or anyone with recent surgery.

Empanadas first, then a serious asado

When you return from the ride, the food begins before lunch. You are served tapas made with local products and homemade empanadas cooked in a clay oven. These small dishes give you time to relax, talk with the hosts, and enjoy the change from mountain trail to country table.

The main meal is an asado criollo. Expect selected meats, fresh salads, vegetables baked in a clay oven, regional dessert, wine, and water. The wines are chosen from high-altitude vineyards and served specifically for the meal.

This is not a rushed lunch squeezed between activities. Food is one of the main reasons to choose this experience. Hannah from the United Kingdom praised the combination of wine, food, and the view from the garden, while an Australian visitor found the meal generous and said the hosts catered well for a vegetarian diner.

If you do not eat meat, mention your needs in advance. The experience can accommodate at least vegetarian requirements, but you should not wait until lunch to explain what you need.

The meal also helps justify the price. At $180 per person, you are paying for transportation from Mendoza, a private group, the ride, an English-language guide, a gaucho, welcome refreshments, an extended lunch, wine, dessert, and afternoon tea or coffee. If you only want a short horse ride, the cost will feel high. If you want a full day in the mountains with food and transport included, the value is stronger.

Afternoon coffee, wine perfume, and local crafts

After lunch, you can slow down rather than rush to another scheduled attraction. The hosts offer time to contemplate the mountains, take a walk, or enjoy other activities around the property.

Coffee, tea, and homemade pastries are served again in the afternoon. This second refreshment is a small detail, but it fits the pace of the day. The outing is built around lingering, not ticking off viewpoints.

You can also try a perfumed wine experience that combines wine and perfume tasting. The information provided does not give a detailed description of the tasting, so you should see it as an optional extra experience rather than the central reason to book.

A showroom sells handmade products and handicrafts made by the local community. This gives you a chance to buy something connected to the area, although the available items and prices are not specified.

The hosts’ hospitality is one of the most praised parts of the day. Gilda is repeatedly singled out for her care, warmth, and attention. One Canadian visitor called the day unforgettable, while an Australian visitor described it as very good value. A United Kingdom visitor especially liked being welcomed at Gilda’s home after the ride.

What to pack for a 2,400-meter ride

The mountain sun can be strong, and the weather may change with altitude. Bring:

• Long pants and comfortable outdoor clothing
• Closed, comfortable shoes
• A warm layer and jacket
• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Sunscreen
• A camera
• Water or other drinks

The packing list includes both a sun hat and a hat, which likely reflects the need for head protection during the ride. In practical terms, bring one secure hat that will stay on while you ride.

Wear clothes you can sit in comfortably for up to two hours. Avoid loose items that might catch on tack or branches. You will also want a warm layer for the high viewpoint and the return drive.

Because the property sits at altitude, do not assume Mendoza’s city temperature tells you what the estancia will feel like. The ride is outdoors, and the itinerary does not offer a sheltered alternative for someone who decides they do not want to continue.

Who will enjoy this experience most

I would recommend this day to you if you want a private, personal introduction to the Mendoza countryside. It suits couples, families with older children, and small groups who care as much about conversation and food as they do about riding.

It is especially good for:

• First-time riders who want calm horses and a guided pace
• Experienced riders who prefer scenery over speed
• Wine lovers who want a mountain setting rather than a standard cellar visit
• Visitors interested in gaucho traditions and local food
• Anyone who values a hosted meal at a family estancia
• People who want transportation included from Mendoza

I would think twice if you want several hours in the saddle, a challenging ride, or a tightly timed sightseeing day. The drive takes a large part of the day, and the activity has a relaxed rhythm. You need to be happy spending time at the table, taking in the view, and letting the day unfold.

The altitude and outdoor setting also call for reasonable fitness. You do not need to be an athlete, but you should be able to manage a horse ride, dirt paths, sun, and changing temperatures.

Booking details and practical value

The experience costs $180 per person and lasts about eight hours. Pickup is available from Mendoza, Luján de Cuyo, and Tupungato, with drop-off in the same general locations.

It is a private group experience with an English-speaking guide. Gratuity is not included, so plan for a tip if the gaucho, guide, and host provide the kind of service this day is designed around.

You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you keep plans flexible. The provider uses WhatsApp to confirm pickup details, so check your messages before departure.

The published information contains a small timing inconsistency about the horse ride. Ask whether your visit will include one and a half hours or two hours. That question is simple, and it will make your expectations clearer.

Should you book Estancia El Pico?

Book it if you want a full country day, not just a horse ride. The strongest reasons are the peaceful Criollo horses, the high viewpoint toward Cerro del Plata and Tupungato Volcano, Gilda’s personal hosting, and the generous asado with selected wines.

I would not choose it for a quick activity close to Mendoza or for serious equestrian riding. But if you have eight hours to spare and want food, mountain air, local culture, and a private setting in one outing, the $180 price is reasonable. Confirm the ride duration, tell the hosts about dietary needs, and bring warm clothing even on a sunny day.

FAQ

Where is Estancia El Pico located?

Estancia El Pico is in La Carrera Valley near Tupungato, Mendoza Province. It is surrounded by the Cordon del Plata and the Precordillera, at about 2,000 meters above sea level.

How long does the full experience last?

The experience lasts about eight hours, including transportation, horseback riding, lunch, wine, and afternoon refreshments.

How long is the horseback ride?

The scheduled program describes a one-and-a-half-hour ride. The included details also refer to two hours, so confirm the exact duration when you book.

Is transportation from Mendoza included?

Yes. Transportation to and from the estancia is included. Pickup and drop-off options are available in Mendoza, Luján de Cuyo, and Tupungato.

Is the tour conducted in English?

Yes. The experience includes an English-speaking live guide. A local gaucho leads the horseback ride, with a bilingual hospitality manager accompanying the group.

What food and drink are included?

You receive tea or coffee and homemade pastries on arrival, tapas and homemade empanadas after the ride, and a full asado criollo with meats, salads, baked vegetables, regional dessert, wine, and water. Afternoon tea or coffee with pastries is also included.

Can vegetarians join the experience?

Yes. Vegetarian needs can be accommodated, but you should communicate your dietary requirements in advance.

Who cannot take part?

The activity is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with animal allergies, people over 75, or people with recent surgeries.