Private Tour
Three Days Tour In A Traditional Ranch Estancia La Pilona
Overview
Available languages
72 hours
Mobile ticket
Are you a horse lover? Would you like to visit a traditional Uruguayan ranch? This is the place you are looking for.
La Pilona is a traditional Uruguayan ranch dedicated to raising horses, cows and sheep. Where occasionally we receive groups of tourists who want to know what a traditional stay is and have an authentic experience of a Uruguayan Estancia . Covering an area of almost 2000 hectares in the Sierra area of Lavalleja , one of the most beautiful areas of Uruguay. We have 1,200 cows, 80 horses and 400 sheep that are living freely in our territory.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Horse rinding
Accomodation
riding equipment
Gratuities
What To Expect
Arrival At The Ranch
Accommodations
We offer shared or private rooms
Food and Drinks
LUNCH
Lunch
The food is a single menu, traditional Uruguayan ranch food. provide food for whoever wants to prepare their own food
DINNER
Dinner
The food is a single menu, traditional Uruguayan ranch food. provide food for whoever wants to prepare their own food
Estancia La Pilona Horse Farm
. After being picked up in Mariscala We arrive at the ranch where we have 40 minutes to put our luggage in the house and relax. After that we find ourselves in the corral area where the horses are waiting for us. There we will explain how the traditional gaucho saddles are made and we will teach each rider how to place it properly on the horse. After having the horses equipped. We will give a practical class where we will explain how we handle the horse in the traditional Uruguayan way. We have horses for riders of different levels of experience. After riding we head out towards our first ride where we will cross areas of mountains, ravines, hills and valleys. returning in the evening to dine by the fire place and rest
The Gaucho's Work
Accommodations
We offer shared or private rooms
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
The food is a single menu, traditional Uruguayan ranch food. provide food for whoever wants to prepare their own food
DINNER
Dinner
Last nigth traditional asado on the fireplace
Estancia La Pilona Horse Farm
After breakfast we headed back to the corral area. Where we will prepare our horses. After being assembled we headed in the direction of making our first team drive. After crossing the territory of the ranch to its northern end, we arrived at the protrero where we carried out our first team mustering. We explain how to work as a team on horseback, find and herd cattle using our horse as a faithful companion.After finishing what is a routine day of mustering at the ranch. We return to the house where the food awaits us. The rest of the afternoon is free to rest, go fishing, go hiking, play volleyball, read, etc
Goodbye!
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Estancia La Pilona Horse Farm
After breakfast we said goodbye and transported him to Mariscala. THANK YOU SO MUCH !!
Options
private room
private room
Shared room
Shared room
Reviews
18 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful ranch in Uruguay
Destination35816,
Oct 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00La Pilona is a wonderful ranch to experience Uruguay ranch life. The owner, Juan, is fantastic providing great information and education about life in the ranch. I got to ride several days and as a beginner he made me feel comfortable. His horses are well cared for and very friendly and the countryside is absolutely stunning. The house is simple but has what is needed. The ranch volunteers were excellent too, there to help with anything needed. I had an amazing experience.
Excellent stay
K6589ZSlouisef,
Jun 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My friends and I had a very nice weekend in this stay!! It was the first time for some riding horses and Juan was very attentive that we all felt comfortable. They were very friendly and the food was very delicious!! Highly recommended the place, also for the views.
Horses, mountains, and traditions at the heart of the herds ⛰️
inesdu95220,
May 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I came alone for three days and left with a heart full of beautiful memories. The welcome I received was truly special. Juan, passionate and attentive, took the time to understand what I was looking for and crafted rides that suited me perfectly through mountains, open plains, and among the cattle. The horses were incredible: calm, strong, and deeply connected to people. The time spent herding cattle was something else — a peaceful, timeless moment that touched me more than I expected. The accommodation was spotless, and the breakfasts were lovingly prepared. Everything about this place reflects authenticity, care, and respect. It’s a place that leaves a mark. I wholeheartedly recommend it and I’ll definitely be coming back.
Why you should book w/Estonia La Pilona!
justagaltraveling,
May 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great experience. Getting there is super easy from Montevideo with a bus straight to mariscala where Juan will pick you up at the bus station. Three meals were included with the horse adventure in the evening. There are many trails that you can walk during the day and explore. The accommodation is charming, authentic, has hot water and very good drinking water. Juan the host is very welcoming and passionate about combining his love for his family ranch and tourism geared towards but not limited to backpackers. The pricing is very reasonable and cheap compared to its competitors. I would 100% recommend going to Estancia La Pilona. P.S. nothing beats a sunset on the ranch.
Must do in Uruguay
Jacques C,
Apr 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My partner and I had a great time at La Estancia Pilona. If you love: animals (horses, dogs, cats, pigs, geese, cows, sheep), being outdoors in nature and simple living this is the place for you. Juan was friendly, approachable and passionate about what he does. We had not ridden a horse before and were a little nervous. But Juan had complete trust in the horses and in us, and we had a great time. The horses are really well trained. Our days here were a real adventure and great for the mind, body and soul!
An incredible experience!
tillyvad,
Apr 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An absolutely brilliant experience. Juan is a very friendly and helpful host. The estancia is gorgeous and the house is cosy and comfortable. I would thoroughly recommend a stay here. I wish I could have stayed longer!
Amazing Uruguayan rural experience
lucascestau10,
Apr 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were travelling for a couple of weeks around Uruguay with my girlfriend. We had an amazing time at La Pilona where we stayed for 3 days and 2 nights. Definitely a great place If you want to experience Uruguayan rural lifestyle. There’s plenty of horses for different levels, the land is very rich, amazing landscapes and hills. Food was traditional and tasty, the environment relaxed and the bedrooms were comfortable. Highly recommended, we can’t wait to go back!
A great experience I wish everyone
591teddyv,
Apr 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our visit to Juan cannot be described in one word. We could not have imagined such peace and relaxation in advance. How the animals are treated is beautiful to see! We were also received as guests very warm and sweet. Upon arrival we were immediately allowed to ride and we got a lot of explanation about what life and work is like on the ranch and as Gaucho. Also the other days we went for rides on the horse and we saw the beautiful surroundings where this ranch may stand. After horseback riding cuddle with the dogs and totally unwind. Delicious! We ourselves were inexperienced when it comes to riding but received good guidance in this. We certainly hope to be able to come back one day because these were an unforgettable days!
Wonderful family experience
lindseywF9723MI,
Apr 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful experience with our two boys ages 11 and 13 they learnt to saddle the horses as well. The surrounding areas are beautiful and so enjoyable on horseback. We saw wild horses parrots armadillo capivaras and hares. We rounded up cattle like a real gaucho. The animals horses etc are very well looked after and the estancia is surrounded by pigs horses and cattle and geese. At night we lit a fire and listened to the frogs and glow worms. Our kids were a bit fussy with the food so we could just cook pasta for them which we brought ourselves. We tried fishing not successfully but beautiful walk. Juan is patient and experienced. Def highlight of our trip to Uruguay.
Genuine gaucho experience
Georgina H,
Mar 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful countryside. Large ranch. Lazy mornings, you can go for walks/ hikes/ sometimes an extra ride or read a book! Then 2-3 hr rides in the afternoon. Tacking up using Gaucho saddles and bridles. Riding with one hand on the reins. You do help moving cattle and checking livestock. Safe, docile horses but who still want to go out. Will separate and work independently. Any skill level of rider catered for. My husband is very much a beginner, Juan made sure he was OK at all times. Homecooked one course lunch and dinner with fruit and sometimes cake for pudding. Help yourself breakfast. Cereal, bread, jams, fruit. Tea and coffee. Accommodation- we had our own double room with a shared bathroom with one other person. Other animals on the ranch - free range poultry, geese and pigs. Dogs, cats and horses all wander around outside the house.
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Operated by Estancia La Pilona