THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Ride through the Andes foothills from Mendoza with a local gaucho, then enjoy an authentic Argentine asado and wine. Expect 2½–3 hours in the saddle, ridge-top views and a culture-rich BBQ at a ranch house.
Ride through the Andes foothills from Mendoza with a local gaucho, then enjoy an authentic Argentine asado and wine. Expect 2½–3 hours in the saddle, ridge-top views and a culture-rich BBQ at a ranch house.
A thin wind from the Andes tugs at your jacket as you climb into the saddle — the horses breathe softly, the trail ahead cutting through scrub and scrubby monte. This ride begins at the foothills above Mendoza, where a local gaucho named Antonio leads small groups along quiet tracks. Over 2½–3 hours you move at a steady walk and short trots, gaining viewpoints that open across irrigated valleys to the serrated spine of the mountains.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Renzo Maikel Zambuto · Mendoza, Mendoza
A thin wind from the Andes tugs at your jacket as you climb into the saddle — the horses breathe softly, the trail ahead cutting through scrub and scrubby monte. This ride begins at the foothills above Mendoza, where a local gaucho named Antonio leads small groups along quiet tracks. Over 2½–3 hours you move at a steady walk and short trots, gaining viewpoints that open across irrigated valleys to the serrated spine of the mountains.
The landscape you pass is young geology in motion: uplifted volcanic and sedimentary strata that created the eastern Andes, terraces of alluvial fans and dry streambeds that channel seasonal runoff. Culturally the area blends ranching and viticulture — riders often glimpse distant vineyards and old estancia ruins. Midway the trail climbs to a low ridge crowned by a weathered bell tower, a local landmark tied to early ranching families and rural devotion.
After the ride you return to Antonio’s home for an asado: slow-roasted beef, salad, homemade bread and a glass of Mendoza wine. The meal is part of the experience — a chance to sit with hosts and hear simple stories about gaucho life.
Practical notes: plan for strong sun and rapidly changing mountain weather. The saddle time is mostly seated walking, but a short 10-minute uphill walk requires steady footing. The operator provides roundtrip pickup from Mendoza accommodations and a cooked lunch. Bring sunscreen, closed-toe shoes, a light windproof layer, and a camera. If you have limited riding experience, mention it when booking — guides adapt pace and mounts to group ability.
moderate.
5–5.5 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; you should be comfortable sitting in a saddle for 2–3 hours and able to walk a short uphill section.
No advanced experience is required; guides accommodate beginners and maintain a safe, mostly walking pace. Mention riding experience when booking.
Yes — roundtrip transfer from central Mendoza accommodations is included in the tour price.
Yes — inform the operator of allergies or vegetarian needs at booking so they can prepare alternatives.
The route is in lower Andean foothills (moderate elevation); weather can change quickly, so dress in layers and avoid midday heat during summer.
The foothills supported cattle ranching and small estancia settlements since colonial times; bell towers often marked communal chapels or ranch land boundaries.
Stick to established trails, avoid feeding wildlife and dispose of waste responsibly; local hosts practice low-impact grazing to protect fragile foothill vegetation.
Renzo Maikel Zambuto operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
A thin wind from the Andes tugs at your jacket as you climb into the saddle — the horses breathe softly, the trail ahead cutting through scrub and scrubby monte. This ride begins at the foothills above Mendoza, where a local gaucho named Antonio leads small groups along quiet tracks. Over 2½–3 hours you move at a steady walk and short trots, gaining viewpoints that open across irrigated valleys to the serrated spine of the mountains.
A thin wind from the Andes tugs at your jacket as you climb into the saddle — the horses breathe softly, the trail ahead cutting through scrub and scrubby monte. This ride begins at the foothills above Mendoza, where a local gaucho named Antonio leads small groups along quiet tracks. Over 2½–3 hours you move at a steady walk and short trots, gaining viewpoints that open across irrigated valleys to the serrated spine of the mountains.
The landscape you pass is young geology in motion: uplifted volcanic and sedimentary strata that created the eastern Andes, terraces of alluvial fans and dry streambeds that channel seasonal runoff. Culturally the area blends ranching and viticulture — riders often glimpse distant vineyards and old estancia ruins. Midway the trail climbs to a low ridge crowned by a weathered bell tower, a local landmark tied to early ranching families and rural devotion.
After the ride you return to Antonio’s home for an asado: slow-roasted beef, salad, homemade bread and a glass of Mendoza wine. The meal is part of the experience — a chance to sit with hosts and hear simple stories about gaucho life.
Practical notes: plan for strong sun and rapidly changing mountain weather. The saddle time is mostly seated walking, but a short 10-minute uphill walk requires steady footing. The operator provides roundtrip pickup from Mendoza accommodations and a cooked lunch. Bring sunscreen, closed-toe shoes, a light windproof layer, and a camera. If you have limited riding experience, mention it when booking — guides adapt pace and mounts to group ability.