Quick Overview: What to Expect
Set in the stunning Jalisco region of Mexico, this horseback riding adventure offers a scenic 4-hour journey through the Sierra Madre mountains, with a mix of lush forest rides and a refreshing swim in the Cuale River. For $90 per person, you’ll enjoy a guided tour led by bilingual guides—perfect for travelers seeking a taste of authentic outdoor fun.
We particularly love that this tour combines riding in pristine, tropical forest landscapes with the added thrill of swimming alongside your horse in clear river waters. The chance to connect with nature from horseback makes it a memorable experience. On the downside, some reviews mention the ride lasting closer to 1.5 hours instead of the advertised 2.5 hours, so managing expectations around the ride duration might be wise.
This experience suits active travelers who enjoy nature, animals, and authentic local scenery. It’s ideal if you want more than just a typical city tour and are comfortable with basic physical activity. If you’re intrigued by mountain views, forest trails, and river swims, this ride is worth considering.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Scenic Mountain Views: Ride through the Sierra Madre, one of Mexico’s most breathtaking mountain ranges.
- Wildlife and Flora: Experience the lush tropical forest and observe its unique plants and animals.
- River Swim: Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Cuale River, atop your horse.
- Authentic Experience: Guided by bilingual hosts, you get a genuine taste of local nature and culture.
- Inclusive Features: Transport, water, fruits, and tequila tasting are included, adding value to your adventure.
- Limited Group Size: Small groups (up to 10) ensure personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience
The Starting Point and Transportation
Your adventure begins with roundtrip transportation from a designated meeting point, which simplifies logistics and lets you focus on the fun. Given the tour’s small group size—limited to 10 participants—you’ll likely share the journey with a handful of fellow travelers, facilitating a more intimate experience. It’s important to confirm your pickup details beforehand by contacting the tour provider, Gray Line Vallarta, either via email or phone.
The Itinerary: What You’ll Do
The core of this tour is the horseback ride, which lasts approximately 2.5 hours. During this time, your guide will lead you through the Sierra Madre, an area renowned for its stunning vistas and lush natural beauty. The landscape is a mix of dense forests, mountain slopes, and open panoramic views that really showcase Puerto Vallarta’s diverse scenery.
While the official description states exploring the Sierra’s best landscapes, a review from a traveler on GetYourGuide noted that the ride actually lasted closer to 1.5 hours. This discrepancy highlights the importance of managing expectations—some might find the ride shorter than anticipated, but the quality and scenery often compensate for this.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Highlights: Nature and Adventure
One of the most memorable aspects is the river swim. After riding through the forested slopes, you’ll descend gracefully into the crystal waters of the Cuale River — an experience that combines the thrill of riding with the serenity of a natural swimming hole. Travelers have described this as a relaxing and fun way to cool off after their ride, and it’s a unique feature that sets this tour apart.
Guides often encourage guests to enjoy authentic tequila tastings from Jalisco, giving you a flavorful taste of local culture. This is a bonus that adds a relaxed, convivial element to the trip and makes for a good souvenir—if you’re into spirits.
What’s Included and What’s Not
The package includes roundtrip transportation, a bilingual guide, 2.5 hours of horseback riding, purified water, seasonal fruits, and a tequila tasting. These inclusions offer good value, especially considering the scenic setting and cultural experience.
However, food and beverages outside the included items, as well as photos and souvenirs, are not included. This means if you want to capture the experience, you’ll need to bring your own camera—although the tour advises against cameras during the ride for safety reasons, which is worth noting.
Practical Tips and Considerations
For safety, the tour has some restrictions—no pets, cameras, smoking, or alcohol during the ride. It’s also designed for those who are not pregnant, under 8, or over 220 lbs (100 kg). Be sure to bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, biodegradable sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Since the tour involves riding, it’s best suited for those in good health who are comfortable riding horses and walking on uneven terrain. If you have back problems or mobility issues, this might not be the ideal activity.
Reviews and Real Experiences
Travelers appreciate guides like Alex, who received praise for being knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience both safe and enjoyable. One reviewer noted, “Alex was a great tour guide and fun to chat with,” emphasizing the importance of good guides in enhancing the experience.
However, some mention that the ride duration was shorter than advertised—about 1.5 hours instead of 2.5 hours—which might impact your perception of value. Still, many find the scenery and river swim to be well worth the price.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This horseback riding adventure is perfect for active travelers who love the outdoors and want to explore Puerto Vallarta’s mountains and forests from a different perspective. It suits those who enjoy authentic cultural touches, like tasting tequila, and are comfortable with basic physical activity. It’s particularly appealing for families with older children, given the age restrictions, and for couples seeking a memorable, nature-filled experience.
Those looking for a luxury or extremely long ride might find this tour somewhat limited in duration, but for the right adventurers, it offers a well-rounded mix of scenery, culture, and fun.
Final Thoughts: Why Choose This Experience?
If you’re after a small-group, authentic outdoor journey that combines horseback riding with natural beauty, this tour hits the mark. The guides’ local knowledge and the chance to swim in the river provide a genuine connection to Puerto Vallarta’s natural environment. It’s a flexible, straightforward activity with all logistics handled for you, making it accessible and enjoyable.
While the ride might not be as long as some expect, the scenery, wildlife, and cultural flavor—especially the tequila tasting—make it worthwhile. It’s best suited for travelers who want an active outing that blends adventure with authentic Jalisco charm.
FAQ
What is the duration of the horseback riding?
The tour officially lasts about 2.5 hours, but some travelers report the ride being closer to 1.5 hours. Confirm this with your guide if duration is important for your planning.
Is transportation included?
Yes, roundtrip transportation from the meeting point is included, simplifying your logistics.
How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to small groups of up to 10 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.
Can I bring my camera?
Cameras are not allowed during the ride for safety reasons. You might find it better to leave your valuables behind or ask your guide about safe photo options beforehand.
What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, biodegradable sunscreen, insect repellent, and a change of clothes if you plan to swim. Cash is also recommended for tips or souvenirs.
Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not designed for children under 8, and riders should be comfortable with basic horseback riding.
Are pregnant women or those with back problems allowed?
No, this activity isn’t suited for pregnant women or people with back or mobility issues.
What makes this tour special?
The combination of mountain scenery, forest exploration, river swim, and tequila tasting provides a well-rounded, culturally-rich outdoor experience.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
The tour includes seasonal fruits and tequila, but food outside of that isn’t included. Check with the provider for specific dietary needs.
To sum it up, Puerto Vallarta’s horseback riding tour offers a genuine chance to see the mountains and forests of Jalisco while enjoying a fun and relaxing river swim. It’s a wonderful pick for active travelers who appreciate nature, authentic local culture, and small-group experiences. If you’re looking for a balance of adventure and cultural flavor, this tour should definitely be on your list.
You can check availability for your dates here: