
Horseback Ride with Traditional Argentine Lunch
A Gaucho Experience in Maipú
From, per personARS 165,000ARS 148,500with code VEMPRA10 · applied at checkout≈ USD 96 · charged in pesos
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- Duration
- Full day
- Departure
- 10 am
- Return
- 5 pm
- On horseback
- 2 hours
- Included
- Asado
- Minimum age
- 10+
Two hours on horseback through vineyards, olive groves and poplars, with the Andes as a backdrop, and when you get back, an asado a la cruz (Argentine barbecue, fire-roasted on an iron cross) waiting for you at the estate. Mendoza's gaucho day, no riding experience needed.
A family estate in Maipú, gentle criollo horses, instruction before setting off and a full traditional Argentine lunch with empanadas, salads, dessert and wine. The afternoon is for relaxing under the trees.
The tour in photos








Photos from our horseback rides at the estate in Maipú.
The route, step by step
Departure · 10 am
We pick you up
We leave from your hotel in Mendoza, in a shared vehicle with a guide. Heading to Maipú, half an hour from the city.
Stop 1
Arrival at the estate and instruction
You're welcomed at the family estate and matched with a horse based on your experience, and the gaucho guide gives you the basics: you don't need to have ridden before.
Stop 2
2-hour horseback ride
Through vineyards, olive groves and poplars, at an easy pace, with the Andes as a backdrop. Stops for photos and to get comfortable in the saddle.
Stop 3
Asado a la cruz
Back at the estate: asado a la cruz, empanadas, salads, dessert and wine. A full traditional Argentine lunch.
Return · 5 pm
A relaxed afternoon and the ride back
Lingering at the table under the trees, then back to your hotel in mid-afternoon.
What's included
Included
- ✓Round-trip transfer in a shared vehicle with a guide
- ✓2-hour horseback ride with horse, helmet and harness
- ✓Full traditional Argentine lunch with asado a la cruz
- ✓Wine and drinks with lunch, and Vempra assistance all day
Not included
- —Tips
- —Extra drinks outside of lunch
Before you go
- Departures
- Monday to Saturday, year-round, except on rainy days
- Languages
- Spanish and English
- What to bring
- Long pants, closed-toe shoes, a cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, a camera and insect repellent in summer
- Suitable for
- Ages 10 and over, up to 110 kg in weight
- Cancellation
- 100% refund if you cancel up to 72 hours in advance. Free rescheduling up to 24 hours in advance.
Prices
Adult
ages 13+
ARS 165,0003+ people: ARS 145,200 each≈ USD 106
Child (5 to 12)
ages 5 to 12
ARS 165,0003+ people: ARS 145,200 each≈ USD 106
Under 5
up to 4 years
ARS 165,0003+ people: ARS 145,200 each≈ USD 106
Monday to Saturday · Year-round · Up to 12 people per departure · Free cancellation up to 72 hours before
USD prices are approximate, at the MEP rate of ARS 1,552 per dollar. You are charged in Argentine pesos.
Reviews
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Why book with Vempra
- A family estate, not a mass-market tourist venue
- Criollo horses used to beginners
- A quality lunch, not a token asado
- A gaucho guide who knows every horse and every trail
Licensed travel agency since 2019 · License No. 18414 · Members of FAEVyT, AMAVyT and RNAV · Office at Gutiérrez 88, Piso 1, Of. 6, Mendoza
Frequently asked questions
About the Horseback Ride with Traditional Argentine Lunch
Do I need to know how to ride?+
No previous experience is needed. Before setting off, we give a basic briefing on handling and safety. The horses are gentle criollos, used to beginners. The gaucho guide always rides up front, setting the pace. The ride is at an easy walk, with no galloping or demanding trotting.
How long is the horseback ride?+
The ride lasts 2 full hours in the saddle. It's just the right amount of time to enjoy the scenery without wearing out those who aren't used to riding. The rest of the day is filled with the traditional lunch and time to relax at the estate.
What's served at the traditional Argentine lunch?+
Lunch includes asado a la cruz (lamb or beef, depending on availability), Mendoza-style empanadas, chorizo and morcilla (blood sausage), fresh salads, homemade bread and a traditional dessert (flan or dulce de leche with cheese). All with Mendoza red wine from a local winery and soft drinks. If you have dietary restrictions, let us know when you book.
Is the Horseback Ride with Lunch suitable for children?+
Yes, from age 10. Younger children can come to the estate with their parents and join the lunch, but not ride (for safety reasons). Some years we work with smaller horses for children from age 8 with parental consent. Ask us if you're traveling with kids.
What if I've never been on a horse?+
That's the most common situation among our guests, and it's why the tour is designed this way. When you arrive, the gaucho shows you how to get on, how to hold the reins and how to steer the horse. The horses are trained to respond at a slow pace. Within 15 minutes you'll feel comfortable. It's an accessible experience even for people who are nervous at first.
What if it rains on the day of the tour?+
If the weather doesn't allow for safe riding (heavy rain, storms), we reschedule the tour at no cost or give you a refund. We'll let you know the night before if there's a weather alert. Moderate rain doesn't stop the tour, it just makes it more interesting.
How is it different from the Criollo Horseback Ride?+
The Horseback Ride with Lunch is a full day with a complete asado a la cruz and a relaxed afternoon at the estate. The Criollo Horseback Ride is shorter (half day) and the lunch is more casual (grilled asado, not a la cruz). If you want the full gaucho experience, choose this one. If you're short on time, go with the Criollo ride.
How is it different from the Sunset Horseback Ride?+
The Sunset Horseback Ride runs from late afternoon into the evening, with an asado-style dinner under the stars. It has a more romantic feel and is less rural. This horseback ride with lunch takes place in the daytime, with a traditional asado and a gaucho experience. Both are authentic experiences; choose based on the time of day and atmosphere you prefer.
Is there a weight limit for riding?+
Yes, for the horse's welfare the maximum rider weight is 110 kg. This is an international standard in equine therapy and equestrian tourism. If you're over that weight, you can come to the estate and enjoy the lunch without riding. Ask us about alternative options.
How long is the Horseback Ride with Lunch tour?+
The full tour lasts 7 hours. We leave Mendoza at 10 am, reach the estate around 11 am, ride from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, have lunch until 3:30 pm with time to linger at the table, and return to Mendoza around 5 pm.
Pairs well with
Great on the same trip.

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