Bariloche Horseback Riding & Traditional Argentine Barbecue Tour

The best part of this outing is the pairing of a quiet horseback ride with a serious Argentine meal. You leave Bariloche for San Ramón Ranch, an old working estancia spread across 62,000 acres, ride from forest toward the Patagonian steppe, then sit down to grilled meat, wine, and dessert.

I like the gentle horses and careful matching of mounts to riders. I also like the ranch setting: an old rural school now serves as the dining room, where you begin with pastries, coffee, juice, and mate before heading out with the gauchos. The one drawback is that the ride moves at a slow, steady pace, and English-language explanations may be limited at times.

Key points to know

• A two-hour ride for beginners and experienced riders: The horses are calm, and the guides give simple instructions before setting off.
• San Ramón Ranch covers 62,000 acres: You ride through transition forest, past a lake, and into the open Patagonian steppe.
• Nico and the gauchos keep the day relaxed: Safety comes first, with horses selected for each rider’s size and experience.
• The asado is a major part of the value: Expect grilled meat, chorizo, salad, bread, dessert, wine, soft drinks, and mineral water.
• Morning and afternoon versions work differently: The morning option begins with snacks and ends with lunch; the afternoon option starts with lunch and finishes with snacks.
• Check the pickup details before paying: Most hotel pickups are described as included, but the meeting information also lists Villegas 222 in central Bariloche.

Leaving Bariloche for San Ramón Ranch

The tour begins with a drive of about 45 minutes to one hour east of Bariloche. You travel in an air-conditioned coach or minivan, which makes the transfer comfortable and gives you time to meet the rest of the group.

San Ramón Ranch is not a small riding corral built just for tourists. It is one of the area’s oldest working ranches, stretching into the foothills of the Argentine Andes. That scale changes the feel of the day. You are not simply circling a field for photographs. You are riding through a large ranch setting with open country, forest, water, and steppe.

The trip is generally described as a six-hour experience, though the riding and meal portion is closer to five hours in the detailed schedule. Allow most of the morning or afternoon for the outing, plus the transfer from Bariloche.

Pickup information needs a quick check. The main description says pickup and drop-off from most Bariloche hotels are included, while the meeting details give Villegas 222 as the starting point and say the activity ends back at the meeting point. Confirm your pickup location when you book, especially if you are staying outside central Bariloche.

A Former Rural School Becomes the Ranch Dining Room

At San Ramón, you are welcomed inside an old countryside school that has been converted into the ranch’s eating area. This is one of the nicest details of the experience. Instead of arriving at a generic restaurant, you begin in a building with a clear connection to rural life in the area.

The morning welcome includes sweets or pastries, coffee, juice, and mate tea. The small meal is more useful than it sounds. You have time to settle in, meet the guides, and get warm or refreshed before riding.

Mate is part of daily Argentine culture, and this is a good place to learn the basics if you have not tried it. The food is simple rather than elaborate, but it fits the setting. You are being prepared for a day outdoors, not served a formal breakfast.

Nico acts as host and explains the ranch and surrounding wildlife. The guides also discuss local animals, including red deer. If you do not speak Spanish, ask early about English explanations. Some riders have found that the wildlife talk can be difficult to follow when it is given only in Spanish. A short printed explanation would help, but for now you should not assume every part of the presentation will be bilingual.

Choosing a Horse and Learning the Basics

Before you ride out, the guide explains basic riding technique and safety. This is a good match for first-time riders because the instruction is described as simple and easy to follow.

The ranch team pairs horses with riders based on experience, size, and weight. That matters. A calm horse is only part of a good first riding experience. The right match helps you sit comfortably and feel more secure as the group gets moving.

The horses are repeatedly described as tame, gentle, and well cared for. That does not make horseback riding entirely effortless. You still need to balance in the saddle, follow instructions, and spend nearly two hours riding. If you have back problems, heart complaints, or another serious medical condition, this activity is not recommended.

The pace is deliberately relaxed. Beginners stay with the group and follow the gauchos, while experienced riders can enjoy the scenery without needing a fast or demanding ride. Do not book this expecting galloping or advanced horsemanship. The appeal is a calm ride through open country.

Two Hours Through Forest, Lake, and Steppe

The ride leads through the foothills of the Andes. You pass a picturesque lake, move through transition forests, and eventually reach the Patagonian steppe. The change in scenery is the main reason to choose this outing over a short horseback ride near town.

The forest and steppe meet in a zone where the scenery shifts from trees to broad open ground. You get a better sense of Patagonia here than you would from a restaurant or city viewpoint. Keep your eyes open for native animals and birds, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

The ride is slow enough for you to take in the surroundings. It also gives the guides time to keep the group together and help less experienced riders. The downside is that a large group can make conversation and individual attention harder. Group sizes may reach 20, and one past departure included a larger group. If you want a private riding lesson or a fast-moving small-group ride, this is not the right format.

The gauchos are an important part of the experience. They lead the horses, watch the group, and help beginners stay comfortable. Their role is practical rather than theatrical. You are not being given a staged cowboy show. You are being guided across ranch country by people who know how to handle the horses.

The Asado Is More Than a Lunch Break

After returning to the ranch, you sit down for a three-course meal built around Argentine asado. The main course includes traditional barbecued meats, with salad and bread commonly served alongside it. Chorizo and steak receive especially strong praise, and the portions are described as generous.

The open bar includes wine, soft drinks, and mineral water. Dessert completes the meal, with one described version including a dulce de leche pancake. This is not a quick boxed lunch after the ride. The meal is a major part of the outing and gives the group time to relax together.

I like this combination because asado is not just food in Argentina. It is a social meal, usually eaten slowly and shared around a grill. After a ride through the hills, sitting down to grilled meat and wine feels connected to the ranch setting.

Dietary restrictions should be given when you book. The meal is centered on meat, so anyone needing vegetarian, allergy-friendly, or otherwise modified food should not wait until arrival to ask.

The timing changes with your departure choice. On the morning tour, you begin with the light breakfast, ride, and then have lunch. On the afternoon tour, you eat first, ride afterward, and finish with snacks. Check the exact departure time when booking, since the supplied schedule lists a 9:30 a.m. start for one version.

What the Price Includes at $204

At $204 per person, this is not a cheap horseback ride. The price makes more sense if you value the full package rather than looking only at the time in the saddle.

You are paying for transportation from Bariloche when pickup applies, riding equipment, a professional guide, a two-hour ranch ride, the welcome food, a three-course asado, an open bar, and the return transfer. The ranch setting and the size of San Ramón also give the day more substance than a short ride close to town.

The food and drinks are where the value becomes clearer. Steak, chorizo, wine, dessert, and snacks can add up quickly if purchased separately. You also avoid arranging transport to a remote ranch on your own.

Still, the price may feel high if your main goal is to ride a horse. The ride is relaxed, not long-distance or technically challenging. I would book it for the combination of Patagonian scenery, gaucho culture, and an asado, not for advanced riding instruction.

The experience is recommended by 95 percent of customers and has a 4.7 rating from 73 evaluations. Those figures suggest a dependable outing, though they do not remove the need to check language, pickup, and dietary details before booking.

Who Will Enjoy This Half-Day Outing

This tour suits first-time riders, couples, families, and small groups of friends who want an easy outdoor activity. Parents have taken a family of five, and the calm horses make the day less intimidating for people who have never ridden.

It also works well for experienced riders who want scenery and a good meal rather than a hard ride. You will need to accept the group pace and follow the gauchos rather than set your own route.

The outing is a good choice if you have already seen Bariloche’s lakes and want a different view of the area. You trade boat decks and city viewpoints for ranch buildings, horses, forest, and steppe.

It is less suitable if you dislike animals, have serious medical concerns, need fully bilingual guiding, or want a private and highly active riding experience. The group can be mixed in age and ability, so the day is designed for comfort and safety rather than speed.

Practical Details That Make the Day Easier

Wear clothes that can handle dust, outdoor riding, and changing conditions. Comfortable trousers are more useful than stiff jeans, and closed shoes are sensible for time around horses. The tour requires good weather, so the operator may offer another date or a full refund if conditions force a cancellation.

Bring a way to take your own photographs. The staff do not necessarily photograph each rider, so you may need to ask fellow participants to take pictures or stop for your own shots when appropriate.

You should also expect a social day. The meal brings the group together, and riders often share a table after spending time on the trail. That can be a plus if you enjoy meeting people. If you want quiet time alone, the group format may feel less personal.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not refundable, and weather cancellations are handled with a new date or a full refund.

Should You Book the San Ramón Horse Ride?

I would book this if you want a relaxed introduction to horseback riding, a genuine ranch setting, and a filling Argentine meal in the same outing. The gentle horses, careful pairing, friendly gauchos, and scenic route make it accessible to beginners.

The strongest reason to go is the complete rhythm of the day: a rural school converted into a dining room, mate and pastries, a slow ride through changing country, then steak, chorizo, wine, and dessert. That feels far more memorable than a quick trail loop.

Before you commit, confirm hotel pickup, ask about English guidance, and state any dietary needs. If you want speed, technical riding, or a very small group, spend your money elsewhere. If you want an easy day outside Bariloche with horses and asado at its center, this is a sound choice.

FAQ

How long does the Bariloche horseback riding tour last?

The experience is advertised at approximately six hours, while the detailed schedule describes about five hours of activity plus transportation. Plan on giving it most of a morning or afternoon.

Where does the tour take place?

The tour takes place at Puesto La Fragua de Estancia San Ramón, about 45 minutes to one hour east of Bariloche. San Ramón Ranch extends into the foothills of the Argentine Andes.

Is horseback riding experience required?

No. The ride is suitable for beginners and experienced riders. Guides provide basic instruction, and horses are matched to riders according to experience, size, and weight.

How long is the horseback ride?

The riding portion lasts about two hours.

What scenery will I see on the ride?

The route passes a lake, transition forests, and the Patagonian steppe. You may also look for local wildlife along the way.

What food and drinks are included?

The tour includes a light breakfast of sweets, coffee, juice, and mate tea, plus a three-course meal featuring Argentine asado. Wine, soft drinks, and mineral water are included in the open bar.

Are hotel transfers included?

The main tour information says pickup and drop-off from most Bariloche hotels are included. The meeting details also list Villegas 222 as a start point, so confirm the exact pickup arrangement when booking.

Are morning and afternoon departures available?

Yes. The morning option begins with snacks and ends with lunch. The afternoon option starts with lunch, followed by the ride, and ends with snacks.

Is the tour suitable for people with medical conditions?

It is not recommended for people with back problems, heart complaints, or other serious medical conditions. Most other participants can take part.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

Because the experience requires good weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund if the operator cancels for weather. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.