THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Saddle up for a full-day horseback ride from Mendoza into the Cordon del Plata—ride old stock routes beneath El Plata and Tupungato, then settle in for a gaucho-style barbecue. Expect varied mountain terrain, bilingual guides, and round-trip hotel transport.
Saddle up for a full-day horseback ride from Mendoza into the Cordon del Plata—ride old stock routes beneath El Plata and Tupungato, then settle in for a gaucho-style barbecue. Expect varied mountain terrain, bilingual guides, and round-trip hotel transport.
A cold mountain wind draws the first dust from the ranch road as the van pulls off the highway and into the rising flank of the Cordon del Plata. You step down onto packed earth, the Andes looming above with granite ribs and snow-blotted shoulders; gauchos meet you by the corral, horses shifting beneath leather saddles ready for a long day across high valleys and scrubby lenga. The trail follows old stock routes, climbing through seasonal shrub and alder, rewarding riders with wide views of El Plata and the distant cone of Tupungato.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Andes Vertical · Mendoza, Mendoza Province
A cold mountain wind draws the first dust from the ranch road as the van pulls off the highway and into the rising flank of the Cordon del Plata. You step down onto packed earth, the Andes looming above with granite ribs and snow-blotted shoulders; gauchos meet you by the corral, horses shifting beneath leather saddles ready for a long day across high valleys and scrubby lenga. The trail follows old stock routes, climbing through seasonal shrub and alder, rewarding riders with wide views of El Plata and the distant cone of Tupungato.
Cordon del Plata is part of the Principal Cordillera of the Central Andes—rock uplifted by the collision of the Nazca and South American plates—so expect mixed terrain: rocky tracks, sandy sidles and grassy river crossings where glacial melt still runs cold in summer. The gaucho culture here is living history; ranching traditions and horsemanship date to the 19th century and shape the rhythm of the ride. After several hours in the saddle you’ll arrive back at the ranch for a parrillada—open-fire barbecue—and local Mendoza wine.
Practical guide: itinerary is a full 10-hour day with private transport from Mendoza, bilingual guides, first aid and radio comms. Riders should be comfortable in the saddle for long stretches and able to mount/dismount unaided. Wear long pants, a supportive riding boot, layered clothing, sun protection and carry a refillable water bottle. Weather can shift quickly at altitude—start early, hydrate, and tell your guide about any medical limits before departure.
moderate.
10 hours.
Moderately fit—able to sit on a horse for several hours, handle short uphill sections on foot if needed
The full-day experience is about 10 hours with round-trip hotel transport from Mendoza, bilingual guide, horses, gaucho BBQ and drinks included.
No advanced skills required, but riders should have basic horseback experience and be able to mount/dismount and remain seated for long periods.
Moderate fitness is required; the activity is not recommended for those with serious heart problems or significant mobility limits—check booking questions for age and passport details.
Operators may cancel for unsafe weather; canceling at least 24 hours prior allows a full refund per the standard policy.
The Cordon del Plata region supported mule trains and cattle drives in the 19th and early 20th centuries; gaucho horsemanship evolved here as practical mountain travel and ranching culture.
The area sits near protected reserves—stay on established tracks, avoid disturbing vegetation and pack out waste; local operators work to limit trail erosion and control grazing pressure.
Andes Vertical operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
A cold mountain wind draws the first dust from the ranch road as the van pulls off the highway and into the rising flank of the Cordon del Plata. You step down onto packed earth, the Andes looming above with granite ribs and snow-blotted shoulders; gauchos meet you by the corral, horses shifting beneath leather saddles ready for a long day across high valleys and scrubby lenga. The trail follows old stock routes, climbing through seasonal shrub and alder, rewarding riders with wide views of El Plata and the distant cone of Tupungato.
A cold mountain wind draws the first dust from the ranch road as the van pulls off the highway and into the rising flank of the Cordon del Plata. You step down onto packed earth, the Andes looming above with granite ribs and snow-blotted shoulders; gauchos meet you by the corral, horses shifting beneath leather saddles ready for a long day across high valleys and scrubby lenga. The trail follows old stock routes, climbing through seasonal shrub and alder, rewarding riders with wide views of El Plata and the distant cone of Tupungato.
Cordon del Plata is part of the Principal Cordillera of the Central Andes—rock uplifted by the collision of the Nazca and South American plates—so expect mixed terrain: rocky tracks, sandy sidles and grassy river crossings where glacial melt still runs cold in summer. The gaucho culture here is living history; ranching traditions and horsemanship date to the 19th century and shape the rhythm of the ride. After several hours in the saddle you’ll arrive back at the ranch for a parrillada—open-fire barbecue—and local Mendoza wine.
Practical guide: itinerary is a full 10-hour day with private transport from Mendoza, bilingual guides, first aid and radio comms. Riders should be comfortable in the saddle for long stretches and able to mount/dismount unaided. Wear long pants, a supportive riding boot, layered clothing, sun protection and carry a refillable water bottle. Weather can shift quickly at altitude—start early, hydrate, and tell your guide about any medical limits before departure.