Horseback Riding Vacation in the Argentinean Andes

Horseback Riding Vacation in the Andes of Mendoza, Argentina

Horseback riding in the Andes can be a truly moving experience. The temperature may be high and people may be rushing around in the city of Mendoza, but the cooler temperatures in the low Andes and peaceful atmosphere give you a break from the heat and crowds.

Argentina Rafting expediciones is an adventure company based in Mendoza, Argentina. The company will pick you up at your hotel or hostel in the city and drive you to a stable in the low Andes. The hour drive takes you past wine country and beautiful small lakes. The stable is located in a small town just into the Andes and is owned by one family. The mother speaks English very well and easily understands if people are new to or an old hand at horseback riding. The horseback riding group is not very large, but it can depend on the time of year. In Argentina summer, November through February, the group may be as large as fifteen or more, while in the cooler months, June through August, there may only be your group and locals on the trail. Since you are in the mountains the sun will be strong, but the air temperature may be a little chilly.

Horses at Argentina Rafting expediciones await your horseback riding vacation
Horses at Argentina Rafting expediciones await your horseback riding vacation

Horseback riding vacation in Argentina

Along with the woman who speaks English, her husband and two or more other employees of the stable join the ride. There is always someone nearby in case you have trouble with your horse or the terrain. The ride starts with a short walk through town into the open brush. The views of the Andes, snow-capped for half of the year, are spectacular. Though the ride only goes through the low Andes, you get different views of the mountains and the surrounding countryside. On a clear day, you can also see Mendoza in the distance.

The morning ride lasts about an hour and a half and wanders up and down the small hills of the area. There are occasional stops for taking photos and checking to make sure that the riders are comfortable. For the most part, the ride is single file, but occasionally you can spread out and wander alongside the group. This may be done on purpose or your horse may decide to wander a bit!

Around noon, you are led back to the stable for a lunch of the local cuisine, usually including Argentinean steak. After lunch is finished and you’ve had a short rest, the afternoon ride starts. The ride takes you through slightly different parts of the area and occasionally you go faster than a walk, but this depends on how comfortable you feel in the saddle. The stable and employees are very aware of your needs and comfort levels. After a couple of more hours of horseback riding, you are again led back to the stables. Argentina Rafting expediciones will pick you up at the stables and drive you back to Mendoza.

Horseback riding vacation in the Andes of Argentina
Horseback riding vacation in the Andes of Argentina

Horseback riding vacation through the Andes, Argentina

Horseback riding in the Andes is a great way to escape the large cities of Argentina. As the company name implies, Argentina Rafting expediciones also has additional activities you can sign up for including rafting, zip lining, rappelling, kayaking and paragliding. It’s easy to sign up for a half day or full day of horseback riding and then return the following day for more adventures!

Have you been on a horseback riding vacation in Argentina? What are your favorite things to do in Mendoza, Argentina?

Horses dozing on a horseback riding vacation in Mendoza, Argentina
Horses dozing on a horseback riding vacation in Mendoza, Argentina

If You Go:

Argentina Rafting Expediciones +54 (261)4296325

info@argentinarafting.com

Mendoza, Argentina

Top two photos courtesy of Kelly McCusker. Center and bottom photo courtesy of Ashley Eckel via Flickr.

4 thoughts on “Horseback Riding Vacation in the Argentinean Andes”

  1. Thanks for sharing your riding adventure. I am heading to Argentina in January and looking for some fabulous equestrian vacations and tours. Can you recommend any other riding trips?

Comments are closed.