A Day Riding with a Gaucho in the Andes

Let me take you into the Andes to spend the day with my friend Daniel and his family at their mountain ranch. Daniel is a local gaucho whose life has always been connected to horses and the mountains. Over the years, we’ve built a friendship and created this experience together as a way to share a little of that world with travelers. We’ll start the day with homemade tortas fritas, coffee or mate while the horses are prepared. Then we’ll ride into the mountains, following natural trails, crossing clear creeks and enjoying the Andes at a relaxed pace. During the ride, we’ll stop at a beautiful spot to light the fire and share a traditional Argentine asado, with local appetizers, homemade bread and Mendoza wine. What I enjoy most about this day is that there is no show and no real script. We ride, eat, talk, laugh and enjoy the mountains together. It’s a simple and personal way to experience a part of Mendoza that has become very special to me.

9:00 a.m. – Mendoza I’ll pick you up from your accommodation and we’ll drive together into the Andes. 11:00 a.m. – Rancho Don Daniel We’ll meet Daniel, his family and the local team, and enjoy homemade tortas fritas with coffee or mate while the horses are prepared. 11:30 a.m. – Horseback Riding We’ll ride into the mountains along natural trails, through open landscapes and clear creeks. The riding time is around three hours in total, usually divided into two sections. 2:30 p.m. – Asado in the Mountains We’ll stop during the ride to share a traditional Argentine asado cooked over an open fire, accompanied by local appetizers, homemade bread, Mendoza wine and dessert. 4:30 p.m. – Return to the Ranch After completing the ride, we’ll say goodbye to Daniel and his family and start our drive back to Mendoza. 6:30 p.m. – Mendoza Approximate arrival at your accommodation.