A calm ride, then a serious lunch. This Mendoza outing mixes a 90-minute horseback loop in southern Maipú with hotel minivan transport and a multi-course BBQ lunch at Club Tapiz. You’ll be out in the vineyards, olive groves, and near the Rio Mendoza before settling into a proper winery meal.

I especially like the small group of up to eight, which keeps things relaxed and easy to manage on horseback. I also like how the day is guided end-to-end, from the stables to the restaurant, so you understand what you’re looking at—vineyards, olives, and the local wine region—not just pass by it.

The main thing to consider is that it’s an outdoor ride, so strong sun can be real. Also note that bottled water isn’t included, so plan ahead and bring sun protection.

Key highlights in plain terms

• Up to eight people means a more personal pace and less waiting around
• Hotel minivan transport with air-conditioning to Lunlunta and back to Mendoza City
• 90 minutes on horseback through vineyards, olive groves, and the Rio Mendoza area
• Club Tapiz lunch at Terruño with a multi-course BBQ meal and wine pairings
• Vegetarian option available if you request it at booking

Southern Maipú horseback ride: vineyards, olives, and Rio Mendoza views

This is a horseback day built for scenery, not suffering. The ride happens around southern Maipú, where the terrain is more accessible than the steep mountain riding people imagine, and you stay focused on the vineyards, olive groves, and river scenery.

You’ll follow a route that takes you past well-known Mendoza districts along the way, including Lujan de Cuyo, Maipú, and Chacras de Coria, with time that feels like you’re moving through working countryside. The Rio Mendoza banks also come into the picture during the ride, which helps break up the view between vine rows and green stretches.

Two practical benefits for you: first, the ride is long enough to feel like a real experience (not a token photo stop). Second, since this is guided, you get context about what you’re seeing—how the region is planted and why the wine area is shaped the way it is.

Getting there from Mendoza City to Lunlunta stables

Pickup is from Mendoza City or nearby by air-conditioned minivan. The day generally starts late morning (one schedule lists 11:00 pickup, while the activity page shows 10:00), so when you book, rely on your confirmation for the exact start time.

The drive is about 45 minutes to the stables in Lunlunta, southern Maipú. This matters because it reduces your hassle: you don’t need to coordinate transport, find the ranch, or figure out timing across two separate places (riding in one area, eating in another).

Once you’re there, the flow is straightforward: you meet the crew, get set up, and then the ride begins around midday. After lunch, you return to Mendoza City with arrival around 5:30 pm for an easy, same-day plan.

The 90-minute ride: what you’re actually signing up for

The ride itself is about 1.5 hours, and the style is calm and scenic. You’ll go through vineyards and olive groves with a guide leading you, plus a gaucho at the stables area who helps keep the experience smooth.

If you don’t have recent riding experience, this type of ride is usually the best fit. The horses are described in reviews as gentle and well cared for, and the pace is built for comfort—think relaxed trail time with scenery, rather than technical riding.

Still, here’s the reality check: you’re in the Mendoza sun for most of the outing. Even with a shaded moment here and there, you should plan for sun exposure during the ride. Bring sunblock, wear a hat, and consider lightweight layers you can manage while you’re on the horse.

Also, bring patience for the non-riding parts. There’s time spent traveling, gearing up, and then eating. That’s not a flaw—it’s part of why this works as a full day with lunch.

Club Tapiz lunch at Terruño: BBQ, wine pairings, and a real sit-down meal

The best reason to book is what comes after the ride. You head to Terruño, located in Club Tapiz, a winery and wine lodge area, for a multi-course lunch built around BBQ and wine pairings.

Expect a guided meal experience rather than a quick buffet. Reviews point to a course sequence that can include starter, main, and desserts, with wine paired along the way. They also mention coffee served fresh at the end, along with a sweet finish. In other words, this isn’t lunch as an afterthought—it’s the centerpiece once your saddle time is done.

Wine pairings are included in the experience, and alcoholic beverages are covered as part of the lunch. That makes the value easier to justify, because you’re not paying separately for a tasting-style meal after you already paid for the ride.

One practical tip: since you’re riding first, you’ll likely feel hungry in a good way by lunchtime. This lunch schedule is timed to hit that sweet spot—no rushing, no starving, and no awkward “where should we eat now?” scramble.

Guides and gauchos: why this feels personal with a max of eight

A small group changes the whole rhythm. With a maximum of eight travelers, you’re less likely to get lost in the shuffle, and you can ask questions without the group bottleneck effect.

You’ll also see how different guides shape the day. Names that show up in the experience include guides like Victoria, Exequiel Quiro, Anna, Consuelo, and Flor, plus hosts and drivers such as Ricky and Charlie. The common thread is that the day gets explained as you go—what you’re looking at in the vineyards, how the region fits into Mendoza wine culture, and what to expect next.

At the stables, riders work with trained staff and a gaucho who helps the day run smoothly. That’s especially important if you’re new-ish to riding or if your balance isn’t still in “last time I rode a horse” shape.

It’s also a nice bonus if you like conversation. Guides are described as engaged and conversational, covering everything from local flora and fauna to wine and olive oil topics. If you prefer quiet scenery time instead, the group size still gives you that option.

Price and value: is $210 really fair for Mendoza?

At $210 per person, you’re not buying a cheap afternoon activity. You’re paying for three bundled things that would cost you separately if you DIY it: transportation, the guided horseback experience, and a winery-style lunch with wine pairings.

Here’s how the value stacks up for you:

• Transfers are included (minivan, air-conditioned), which saves time and avoids the mess of coordinating two locations.
• The horseback portion is the whole attraction and lasts long enough to feel real.
• Lunch is multi-course with wine pairings, not just a sandwich with a glass of something.

If you were planning on doing a vineyard day plus a wine-meal elsewhere anyway, this package becomes easier to justify. It’s basically two experiences in one block of time, tied together by staff who handle the logistics.

The only way the price might feel steep is if you’re not hungry for a structured meal—or if you only want a short ride. But if you like the idea of doing the full “Mendoza country day” without running around, the pricing makes sense.

What to pack and how to handle Mendoza weather

This experience needs good weather to operate. If it’s canceled due to poor conditions, you should expect to be offered a different date or a full refund.

Packing wise, focus on comfort:

• Sun protection (Mendoza sun can be strong)
• A hat and sunblock for the ride
• A layer for late-day air, since the day ends around early evening
• Shoes with grip (you’ll be on uneven ground at the stables and during walkways)

One small detail that matters: bottled water is not included. Even if coffee and tea are included, you’ll want water on hand, especially with a 90-minute outdoor ride.

Who this horseback-and-wine day is best for

This is a strong choice if you want an easy, scenic horse experience paired with a top-quality winery lunch. It works well for couples, friends, and solo travelers because the group stays small and guided.

It’s also a good fit if you’re not chasing the hardest riding terrain. The ride is described as gentle and accessible, with a relaxed trail approach through vineyards and olive groves.

If you’re traveling with kids, they must be accompanied by an adult, but the data doesn’t specify a minimum age. If you’re considering it for a younger traveler, you’ll want to check directly at booking.

If you hate being outside in the sun, this might feel long—because a big part of the day is outdoor trail time. In that case, you might prefer a winery-focused tour with more indoor time.

Should you book this Mendoza horseback ride with Club Tapiz lunch?

If your idea of a great Mendoza day is part working countryside and part wine-country food, I’d book it. The combination is efficient: you get guided horseback time in southern Maipú and then a proper multi-course meal with wine pairings at Club Tapiz’s Terruño.

I’d book especially if you value small-group pacing and want staff who keep the day moving without turning it into a checklist. And if you’re okay with sun exposure, this is the kind of outing that feels like it belongs in Argentina: horses, vineyards, olives, and then a winery lunch that takes its job seriously.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for this experience?

The meeting point is Gral. Espejo 266, M5500MJF Mendoza, Argentina. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour start, and do I get picked up from my hotel?

Pickup is described as happening at 11:00 am from your hotel/hostel in Mendoza City or nearby. The activity page also lists a start time of 10:00 am, so use your confirmation message for the exact pickup time.

How long is the whole tour?

The tour lasts about 6 hours.

How long is the horseback ride?

The horseback ride is about 90 minutes (listed as 1.5 hours).

Where do you ride, and what do you see?

You ride around southern Maipú from the stables in Lunlunta, through areas that include vineyards, olive groves, and the banks of the Rio Mendoza.

Where is lunch, and what type of meal is it?

Lunch is at Terruño, a restaurant located in Club Tapiz. It’s a multi-course BBQ lunch.

Does the lunch include wine?

Yes. Lunch includes wine pairings, and lunch plus wine tasting is listed as included.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available, and you should advise the operator at booking.

Is bottled water included?

No. Bottled water is not included.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.