Horseback riding in the mountains of Puerto Vallarta

Horses and Heights: Riding Through Puerto Vallarta’s Mountains

If you’re craving a taste of the countryside while visiting Puerto Vallarta, this horseback riding tour through the Sierra Madre mountains offers a blend of adventure, natural beauty, and memorable sights. For around $100 per person, you’ll spend approximately five hours immersed in lush flora, spotting local wildlife, and crossing the world’s longest suspension bridge—the Jorullo Bridge. Led by friendly guides, this tour promises a mix of scenic riding, refreshing river stops, and a dash of local flavor with tequila tastings.

What we love most is the opportunity to feel the mountain air as you ride through diverse landscapes, and the thrill of walking across the Jorullo Bridge—an engineering marvel perched high above the forest. Plus, the inclusion of transportation, water, seasonal fruit, and a welcome drink makes the outing feel comprehensive and well-organized. One potential drawback is the variable quality of guides, as some reviewers have noted, which can impact the overall atmosphere. Still, this tour suits adventure seekers, nature lovers, and those wanting a unique way to see Puerto Vallarta’s mountainous terrain.

Key Points

• Scenic Mountain Ride: Experience Puerto Vallarta’s Sierra Madre from horseback, with guides explaining local flora and fauna.
• Iconic Bridge Crossing: Walk across the Jorullo Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in the world.
• River Stop: Cool off at the Cáale River, perfect for a refreshing break.
• Inclusive Experience: Transportation, drinks, seasonal fruit, and tequila tasting are included.
• Limited Group Size: Max 10 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.
• Moderate Fitness Needed: Suitable for those with a reasonable level of physical activity.

Exploring the Ride: From Meeting Point to Mountain Peaks

The adventure begins with a pick-up in open transport at the designated meeting point in Puerto Vallarta, a short drive out of the city into the mountains. The journey itself already hints at the scenic transition from urban to natural surroundings. Once at the park, you’re introduced to your horses—horses that, according to one reviewer, are in good condition—and then it’s time to start your mountain trek.

The guided ride meanders through the Sierra Madre, with your guide sharing insights on the local flora and fauna. Expect to navigate a variety of terrains, from forested trails to more open mountain slopes. The ride is approximately two to three hours, giving ample time to enjoy the views and take photographs. For those concerned about riding skills, the tour is designed for moderate physical fitness, but you should be comfortable handling a horse.

The Cáale River and Refreshment Break

A highlight of the trip is reaching the Cáale River, where you can cool off and enjoy a brief respite. This stop offers a chance to splash around, relax, and take in the tranquil sounds of flowing water amidst lush greenery. The river stop also provides some excellent photo opportunities—think gentle waterfalls, verdant landscapes, and the horses grazing nearby.

Crossing the Jorullo Bridge

After the river, your journey continues towards the Jorullo Bridge, which is the tour’s signature feature. As the longest vehicular suspension bridge in the world, it offers a thrill as you walk across the high, swinging structure. The bridge spans over the forest canopy, providing spectacular panoramic views of the mountains and jungle below. One participant noted, “It’s an experience to walk across such a monumental bridge, feeling the wind and hearing the creaks of the cables.”

The Grand Finale: Tequila Tasting

The tour concludes with a tequila tasting, a perfect way to unwind and celebrate your mountain adventure. You’ll sample a national drink—beer, water, or lemonade, plus tequila—while enjoying the company of your guide and fellow travelers. Some reviews mention the delicious seasonal fruit provided earlier, adding a refreshing touch to the experience.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour package offers a lot for the price:

• Transport service from the meeting point and back
• Welcoming drink
• Bilingual guide (though guide quality can vary)
• Purified water and seasonal fruit
• One national drink (beer, water, or lemonade)
• Walk across the Jorullo Bridge
• Tequila tasting

However, there are some things to keep in mind:

• Food and additional drinks are not included—so pack your snacks if you’d like something extra
• Tips are not included in the price but are customary if you enjoyed the experience
• The tour doesn’t specify vegetarian options or special dietary accommodations, so ask if you have specific needs

The Authentic Experience: What Travelers Say

Although the overall rating is 4 stars based on two reviews, insights from these reviews paint a clearer picture. One reviewer, Serena_G, mentioned that “the horses were in good condition,” which is reassuring for horse lovers. However, she noted that “the tour guide himself did not make the experience very enjoyable,” suggesting that guide attitude can impact your day.

Despite this, many travelers appreciate the beautiful scenery and the unique thrill of crossing the suspension bridge. The inclusion of tequila tasting and seasonal fruit adds a fun and authentic touch that enhances the cultural flavor of the tour. Even with some minor hiccups, this experience remains a solid choice for those wanting a mix of adventure, nature, and local culture.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys outdoor activities and wants to experience Puerto Vallarta beyond the beaches, this horseback riding adventure offers a genuine taste of the mountains. It’s perfect for adventure seekers, nature enthusiasts, and those curious about local culture through the tequila tasting. It’s also a good fit for travelers comfortable with moderate physical activity and interested in spectacular scenery and unique experiences like walking across the world’s longest suspension bridge.

This tour is less ideal if you’re looking for a luxurious or highly polished experience—the guide’s attitude seems to be a variable—and it’s not suitable if you have a height or mobility concern. Also, if you’re not comfortable handling a horse or prefer a more sedentary activity, this might not be the best choice.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Morning Pickup and Transfer: Your day starts with a pickup from a designated meeting point in Puerto Vallarta, where the open transport gets you out of the city and into the scenic mountains. The drive itself offers glimpses of the transition from urban to lush wilderness, setting the stage for what’s to come.

Horseback Ride: Once at the park, you’ll meet your guide and horses. Expect around 2-3 hours in the saddle, riding through diverse terrain. The guide will point out local plants and wildlife, adding an educational element. The ride is suitable for those with moderate fitness, but it’s best to be comfortable on horseback.

River Break at Cáale River: After a ride through forests and open slopes, you’ll reach the Cáale River. This is your chance to cool off and relax in the natural setting. The river stop is not just a refreshing break but also a chance to observe the environment and take photos.

Jorullo Bridge Walk: The climax of the tour is crossing the world’s longest vehicular suspension bridge. Standing on the bridge offers breathtaking views and a bit of adrenaline. As one reviewer put it, “Walking across the bridge felt like being part of something truly monumental.”

Tequila Tasting and Return: The final part of the tour involves sampling tequila, adding a cultural touch to your mountain adventure. Afterwards, you’ll be transported back to your starting point, ending the roughly five-hour tour on a high note.

Final Thoughts

This horseback riding tour in Puerto Vallarta’s mountains combines scenic beauty with a touch of adventure and local flavor. The inclusion of a river stop, crossing the iconic Jorullo Bridge, and tequila tasting makes it a well-rounded experience. While some reviewers mention guide variations, the overall offer provides excellent value for those eager to explore beyond the beaches and into the lush Sierra Madre.

It suits travelers who are active, curious, and seeking authentic experiences in nature. If you enjoy riding horses, walking across impressive bridges, and tasting local spirits, this tour will likely hit the mark.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes transport service from the meeting point and back, making logistics easier.

How long is the horseback riding portion?
Expect about 2-3 hours of riding through mountains, forests, and open terrains.

Can beginners join this tour?
The tour is designed for those with moderate physical fitness, but some horseback riding experience may be helpful.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing, closed-toe shoes, sun protection, and a camera for photos. Water and seasonal fruit are provided.

Is the bridge crossing safe?
Yes, the Jorullo Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in the world and is designed for pedestrian crossing, offering safety and spectacular views.

Are drinks included?
Yes, a welcome drink, purified water, and a national drink (beer, water, or lemonade) are included, along with tequila tasting.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour caps at 10 travelers, maintaining a more intimate experience.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the moderate physical activity and safety considerations suggest it’s best suited for teens and adults.

In The Sum Up

For travelers looking to combine adventure, scenic vistas, and culture in Puerto Vallarta, this horseback riding tour offers a compelling option. It’s perfect if you want to see the mountains from a different perspective, walk across a record-holding bridge, and enjoy a taste of local spirits—all in one memorable outing. Keep in mind that guide quality can vary, but the sights and experiences are well worth the effort. Pack your sense of adventure and an appreciation for the natural beauty of Mexico’s Sierra Madre.

Whether you want a fun family outing, a romantic escapade, or a solo adventure, this tour makes for a genuine, active exploration of Puerto Vallarta’s wild side.