Sunset Horseback Ride and Gaucho Asado in Mendoza Wine Country
Difficulty
easy
Duration
5.5–6 hours (2 hours riding)
Fitness Level
Comfortable sitting in a saddle for two hours and able to mount/dismount with a mounting block.
Overview
Ride into golden hour on a quiet estancia south of Mendoza, where vineyard edges and Andean foothills frame a relaxed, two-hour horseback outing. Cap the night with a gaucho-style asado under a sharp southern sky and a glass of Malbec in hand.
Sunset Horseback Ride and Gaucho Asado in Mendoza Wine Country
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Late afternoon in Mendoza’s First Wine Zone and the light turns warm and deliberate. Horses stamp the dust like they’re impatient for the sky to change, while the Andes shoulder the horizon, catching fire as the sun drops. Guides tighten cinches and offer quiet pointers, and then the ride begins—an easy, steady walk through dry grasslands and vineyard edges where the breeze plays with the reins and the scent of sagebrush lingers.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Dress to ride, not to impress
Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes with a small heel or firm sole for better grip in the stirrups. Avoid shorts—saddle rub is real.
Sun is strong at altitude
Apply SPF 30+ before departure and bring sunglasses; the evening sun can still bite on clear days.
Mind the Zonda
If the warm, gusty Zonda wind picks up, follow your guide’s instructions and keep both hands on the reins during gusts.
Ride with relaxed posture
Keep your heels down, sit deep, and let the horse’s rhythm guide you—these criollos know the terrain and appreciate a calm rider.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Andean fox (zorro)
- Chimango caracara
History
Luján de Cuyo and Maipú form Mendoza’s historic First Wine Zone, where Malbec flourished after arriving from France in the late 1800s. Estancias here sustained gaucho culture—horse-first ranch life that still shapes local identity.
Conservation
This is a fragile, arid foothill ecosystem. Stay on established ranch tracks, pack out all trash, keep gates as you found them, and respect seasonal fire restrictions.
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Adventure Hotspots in Mendoza
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Closed-toe shoes or light riding boots
Firm soles and a small heel improve stirrup stability and protect your feet around the corral.
Lightweight long pants
Prevents saddle chafe and brush scratches while riding through the foothills.
Sun protection kit (hat, SPF 30+, lip balm)
High-desert sun is strong even late in the day; protect skin and lips during the ride.
summer specific
Packable fleece or softshell
Temperatures drop quickly after sunset; a warm layer keeps dinner under the stars comfortable.
fall specific