La Pilona is a traditional Uruguayan ranch located in the heart of gaucho country. Covering almost 2,000 hectares, it is home to 80 horses, 1,200 cattle, and 500 sheep that roam freely across the land.

We offer visitors a truly authentic experience of life on a traditional Uruguayan ranch. You will learn how to ride a horse, and if you wish, you can even join the ranch’s work team. Ride across the ranch through stunning landscapes of mountains, valleys, and rolling hills. It is a unique opportunity to connect with Uruguayan culture—ride a horse, experience life on a ranch, or simply relax in a vibrant natural environment full of life.

Core Ranch Activities

• Horseback riding (sunset rides, long rides, beginner lessons, advanced rides)

• Cattle herding with real gauchos

• Saddling with traditional Uruguayan tack

• Learning gaucho horsemanship

• Feeding animals / meeting the horses

• Participating in ranch chores (optional: saddling, brushing, helping in corrals)

Nature Experiences

• Trekking / hiking across valleys, hills, and trails

• Wildlife safaris (rheas, eagles, foxes, owls, wild birds, herds of cattle, free-running horses)

• Sunset and sunrise viewpoints

• Visiting rivers and natural water spots

• Stargazing (insanely good in rural Uruguay)

• Nature photography walks

Cultural Experiences

• Sharing mate with gauchos

• Learning Uruguayan customs and stories

• Asado nights (traditional barbecue)

• Learning basic gaucho knots, rope work, or tack prep

Creative & Relaxation Experiences

• Professional photoshoots

• Golden hour drone videos

• Content creation days

• Relaxing in nature (hammocks, grass fields, quiet corners)

• Campfire nights

• Outdoor cooking experiences

Adventure Add-Ons

• Overnight camping trips on horseback

• Longer cattle drives when available