Discovering Salta on a Horse

by Cami

If you are like me, then the best way to get to know a place is on the back of a horse. I have been in Salta a couple of years ago, just for a few days, NOT on a horse back. The place most definitely had something special, but it was not my fav trip. I am not the type of person that can enjoy a place visiting the typical tourist spots, walking around like a robot.

That being said, and if you are like me, the 5 day horse riding adventure in Salta is the perfect opportunity to get to know this amazing Argentinian province. Rodrigo’s ride was everything I was looking for. With him and his horses I was able to discover and enjoy the real Salta. The different landscapes, the people, the history and their culture, everything was incredible.

My first tip for this ideal adventure is to get to Salta’s city the day before the ride begins. This way, you can get there with no rush, get comfortable, and have a little extra time to explore the city. It is lovely, and the size allows you to wander through the streets allowing you to make a first impression of the place and its people.

The food is great, the view is very pretty and, during the night, there are many options for having fun. The most popular is Balcarce Street, where you will have a clear glimpse of their Folklore tradition.

After this very nice first day, I was ready and eager to know Rodrigo and follow his lead to where the horses were. The best thing was Rodrigo was picking us up the following morning right where we were sleeping. I got up that morning with a big smile on my face knowing that that very afternoon I was going to be away from the city, on a horse, getting to know Salta on a deeper level. Happiness.

The adventure begins

First thing in the morning, after the blessed coffee, Rodrigo picked us up. I was kind of nervous about meeting him, but he’s one of those persons that you instantly love and feel comfortable with. He helped us put our bags in the truck, and the road trip began. I was already excited! Other than horses, driving through new places is one of my favorite things.

It was a four-hour drive, more or less. We ate delicious empanadas on the way, made by a lovely woman Rodrigo knew. The view kept getting better and better by the minute. Salta’s city is nice, but getting away from it showed me that the rest of the province was even more spectacular. There is nothing like an amazing landscape to admire!

Once in Rodrigo’s place, or at least where he keeps the horses, the feeling was of total isolation from the rest of the world, and peace. In a good way, obviously. His ranch is near Amblayo town. His father and a young cousin, Javi, were waiting for us there. The horses were already ready to go, tied under a tree. Keeping my manners, I said hello to the humans and ran towards the animals. Hello beauties, I was so glad to see them.

The ride itself

What can I say about the ride? It was incredible, definitely the best way to get to know the place. Each day the landscape changed, surprising us. Sometimes even during the same day. The valleys and the cactus, the colors, the mountains, everything was stunning.

The best thing was being “alone” in the middle of all of these. We were with Rodrigo and Javi, and the group of course, but I mean away from the civilization and its noise. Also, the horses were perfect and allowed us to enjoy the ride even more. They were easy to handle, very kind and friendly. Mine was Diamante, we bonded immediately.

One of the things I appreciated the most about the experience was getting to know Rodrigo. He’s an excellent person, a kind soul. He’s very polite and keeps an eye on everyone all the time. But the best thing was how he kept an extra eye on his horses. He was always very alert to how they were doing. If we were going up, he would stop and let them catch their breath every few meters. He was always checking the saddles and adjusting them so they would help the horse and rider for the ups and downs. He was just the perfect gentleman with horses and visitors.

For me, watching him take care of the horses was very important. It made me feel good and safe, and relaxed that it wasn’t only us having a good time but also the horses. Every time we stopped they were allowed to rest and eat good grass. During the nights the same. They were rested and well fed each day. That made me happy and made me enjoy the beautiful ride even more. Rodrigo is definitely a great guide and horse man. I take my hat off for him.

A final tip

Another thing Majo and I found out late was that if we had rented a car and met Rodrigo in Amblayo, or near the ranch, we could have ended the ride and headed to Cafayate directly, without going back to Salta’s city. Rodrigo’s place is kind of in the middle of the way from Salta to Cafayate, which is another great must of the province.

Rodrigo drove us back to Salta when the ride ended, but if we had known better, we would have rented a car and met him there. Cafayate is a very cool place to know, super nice and full of delicious wine to taste in every corner. Besides this, it also has horses! So, we recommend Rodrigo’s ride + getting to know Cafayate and riding some more horses over here. If this is too much, the place is great even without horses. But horses make everything better. Cheers!