Award-winning Classic Horseback Ride (max. 6 riders)

A horseback ride through the scenic landscapes just outside Playa del Carmen offers a wonderful blend of nature, animal rescue, and authentic Mexican charm. For around $87, you’ll spend about 90 minutes exploring jungle trails and open spaces, led by knowledgeable guides who prioritize both safety and fun. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned rider, this tour keeps things personal with a small group limit of six, ensuring you get plenty of individual attention.

What we love most about this experience are the rescued horses, who are clearly well cared for and eager to be part of the adventure. Plus, the chance to enjoy refreshing beverages—wine, beer, or soft drinks—post-ride** adds a relaxed, social touch**. On the flip side, if you’re sensitive to the heat or insects, you’ll want to remember that much of the ride takes place outdoors in tropical weather, so mosquito repellent and sunscreen are helpful.

This tour suits those who appreciate authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences, animal welfare, and a relaxed pace. Families, couples, or solo travelers with a love for animals and nature will find this an especially rewarding outing. It’s also ideal for those wanting a genuine connection with local rural life without the risk of crowded, commercialized rides.

Key Points

Small Group Experience: Limited to six riders, ensuring personalized attention.
Rescued Horses: Well-behaved animals, many with charming personalities, cared for on a dedicated ranch.
Flexible Ride Options: Morning or afternoon rides, with opportunities for trotting and cantering.
Inclusive for Beginners: Clear instructions and helmets provided, with a briefing to set expectations.
Authentic Setting: Jungle trails and open spaces, with stops to explore and learn about local flora, fauna, or Mayan ruins.
Post-Ride Refreshments: Enjoy cold beverages and snacks, making the experience both active and relaxing.

Exploring the Horseback Experience in Playa del Carmen

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Setting the Scene: Where and How

Located just outside Playa del Carmen, the tour takes you to a local ranch where the focus is on kindness to animals and genuine interaction with the landscape. Meeting at the Carretera Tulum-Cancún, the ranch is easy to reach and offers a peaceful escape from the hustle of tourist hotspots.

Once there, expect a warm welcome and brief orientation from guides who are clearly passionate about their work. The horses are assigned based on your experience, size, and personality, which we appreciate because it helps ensure a comfortable ride for everyone. Helmets and mosquito repellent are provided, so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure—plus perhaps a hat or sunglasses for sun protection.

The Itinerary: From Trails to Tastes

Rides are scheduled twice daily—at 9:30 am and 2:00 pm—excluding Sundays. Plan to arrive about 20 minutes early to sign a waiver and get fitted with your helmet. The morning ride begins with coffee, tea, or juice and light pastries, setting a relaxing tone. Afternoon riders are welcomed with snacks, and after the ride, you can unwind with a cold beer, wine, or a soft drink, along with some light bites.

The trail itself varies between narrow jungle paths and wider open spaces. The guides often make a midway stop to show interesting local flora or remnants of Mayan ruins, adding an educational element to the adventure. The terrain is manageable for beginners, with gentle slopes and shaded areas, but more experienced riders can enjoy some trotting and even cantering, conditions permitting.

What Makes the Ride Special

This isn’t a cookie-cutter experience. The staff and guides are attentive and customize the ride based on your interests and comfort level. Many reviews highlight how well-behaved the horses are, especially given that many are rescues. Guests often comment on the friendly, sometimes amusing horses, which seem to enjoy their work and the company of visitors.

Fiona_R describes it as “lovely,” emphasizing the “great staff” and the “nice little beer at the end,” making it clear that the experience is both fun and relaxed. Another reviewer, milly_V, appreciated how the guide shared personal stories and kept the atmosphere lively, noting that the horses were “very well behaved” and that she felt like she’d done this kind of ride before, despite being a first-timer.

The Authenticity and Care Behind the Scenes

This is not just a horseback ride; it’s a chance to see a ranch actively involved in animal rescue and community work. Guests often mention how the rescue horses are given a second chance and how the ranch’s focus on animal welfare stands out. It’s clear that the staff loves their animals, and this care translates into a smoother, more enjoyable ride.

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Comfort and Convenience

The small group size, usually just six riders, means you won’t feel lost in a crowd. The tour is well-organized, with clear instructions and safety measures in place. The inclusion of helmets, mosquito repellent, and water during the ride makes sure your experience is comfortable and safe.

Post-ride, the chance to relax with a beverage or snack is a simple but smart touch, extending the enjoyment into a social, laid-back moment. Guests consistently praise the quality of the beverages, especially the wine and beer, which enhance the relaxation after an active morning or afternoon.

Analyzing the Value: Is It Worth It?

At $87 per person, the tour offers a well-rounded experience that combines gentle adventure, animal welfare, and cultural insight. It’s not just about the riding; it’s about connecting with the land, the animals, and the people who care for them. The small group size and personalized attention add to the feeling of exclusivity and safety.

Participants frequently mention how this tour surpasses other horseback riding experiences, especially because of the rescue horses, friendly guides, and the casual, welcoming vibe. It’s a good value for those who want an authentic, meaningful activity that’s not overly commercialized.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This ride is best suited for beginners and intermediate riders who want a relaxed, scenic experience. It’s ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a more intimate encounter in nature, away from crowd-heavy attractions. If you appreciate animals and want to support a good cause—rescue horses—this tour hits all those marks.

Lovers of authentic local experiences will enjoy the chance to hear stories from guides like Lisa, who share insights about the ranch, the animals, and the local environment. It’s also a good choice for those who prefer small groups, ensuring personal attention and a more authentic connection.

The Sum Up

This horseback riding tour outside Playa del Carmen offers a peaceful, genuine way to enjoy Mexican nature and support rescued animals. With well-behaved horses, knowledgeable guides, and thoughtful touches like post-ride beverages, it balances adventure and relaxation perfectly. It’s especially suited for those who want an authentic experience with a strong ethical component, away from commercialized tourist traps.

If you’re looking for a memorable, intimate activity that combines nature, animal welfare, and cultural stories, this tour delivers on all fronts. It’s a gentle adventure that leaves you with good stories, new friends, and a little more appreciation for the quiet beauty of the Mexican countryside.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners? Yes, the tour is designed to accommodate all levels, with helmets provided and a briefing to help newcomers feel comfortable.

What is the group size? The maximum number of riders is six, which ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

Are the horses well cared for? Absolutely. Many horses are rescued, and reviews repeatedly emphasize how well-behaved and cared for they are, making the experience safe and enjoyable.

What should I bring? Wear comfortable clothes suitable for riding and weather conditions. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are advisable. The ranch provides helmets and mosquito repellent.

When are the rides available? Every day except Sunday, with rides at 9:30 am and 2:00 pm. Arrive 20 minutes early to check-in.

What do I get after the ride? Afternoon riders can enjoy snacks and a selection of beverages like wine, beer, or soft drinks. Morning riders are served coffee, tea, or juice with pastries.

Can I do trotting or cantering? Yes. More experienced riders can enjoy some trotting and cantering if conditions permit.

Is transportation included? Not explicitly, but the meeting point is accessible, and most travelers find it convenient to arrange their own transportation.

What is the cancellation policy? Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, with a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours prior are non-refundable.

Why should I choose this tour? Because it offers a personal, ethical horseback riding experience with knowledgeable guides, rescued horses, and authentic scenery—perfect for nature lovers and animal supporters alike.

This detailed review aims to give you a clear picture of what to expect and help you decide if a horseback ride at Rancho Baaxal is the right fit for your Playa del Carmen trip. It’s a chance to enjoy nature, support rescued horses, and make some unforgettable memories—without the crowds or cookie-cutter tourist clichés.