cabalgata en los andes / horseback riding in the andes

Our third and final day in Mendoza was spent in the "precordillera", the Andean foothills. We got picked up from our Bed & Breakfast and driven to "Puesto Los Amigos" to meet our horses. Mercedes, Plaza Italia B&B's owner had told us the horseback riding tours usually had about a dozen people, however when we got to Puesto Los Amigos, we realized the tour was only for the three of us! After our gaucho (Argentinian cowboy) guide Diego set us up with our horses, we were on our way. Throughout the two hour ride we took in the beautiful scenery, got to try galloping, and learned a bit more about Mendozian history, what animals and plants (cacti!) are most common in the area, and about the gauchos.

After we finished the horseback riding part of the tour, we enjoyed some mate, a traditional Argentinian hot tea that you drink out of a calabash gourd with a metal straw, while Diego prepared the asado, Argentinian barbeque. Hugo, our driver, only spoke Spanish which impelled us to practice with him. He quickly turned into our teacher for the afternoon, correcting our Spanish and teaching us some new words and phrases. After enjoying the delicious food and wine, we headed back to the city to pack before we had to head to the bus station.

Sam with Hugo, our driver and Spanish teacher for the day.

waiting for our bus to go back to Buenos Aires

Our three days in Mendoza were amazing; I could have spent weeks there and I already want to go back! If you like wine, adventure sports, the outdoors, or beautiful views, I highly recommend visiting Mendoza!