Horseback Riding

Finca Lesser. Fifteen km (10 miles) west of Salta, Finca Lesser provides horseback-riding tours on a huge private estate. Trips can last anywhere from a few hours to two days. They can also organize a folk music performance and a tour showing gauchos at work. 4 km [2½ mi] past Castellanos, San Lorenzo, Salta, Salta, 4401. 387/492-1155; www.fincalesser.com.ar.

MacDermott's Argentina. Despite being told by local gauchos that he and his horse Pancho wouldn't make it across the Andes, Hugh MacDermott proved the cynics wrong. Now he shares his expertise by leading horse-riding holidays across the northwest, with options ranging from short breaks to two-week treks. Salta, Salta. 11/5354-0487; www.macdermottsargentina.com. From $100.

Sayta. Rural tourism specialist Sayta offers stays out at a ranch in Chicoana, 40 km (24 miles) south of Salta, and horseback treks lasting from one to five days for riders of all levels. Chicoana, Salta, Salta, 4400. 387/156–836–565; www.saltacabalgatas.com.ar. from 400 pesos.