If you’re looking to escape the bustling city and get a taste of Mexico’s untamed wilderness, the Puerto Vallarta Wild Tour Horseback Riding Experience offers an exhilarating way to connect with nature. This 5-hour adventure takes you through some of the most scenic and rugged terrains in Jalisco, leading you from jungle trails to rushing rivers and steep hillsides. It’s a guided journey designed for those comfortable on horseback and eager for a more authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience.

What we love about this tour is the chance to trot, canter, and gallop through diverse landscapes—imagine the thrill of riding through dense greenery and feeling the wind as you cruise over hilltops. Plus, the chance to see exotic wildlife in their natural habitat adds an extra layer of excitement. On the flip side, since the experience is geared towards experienced riders, beginners might find the terrain and pace a bit challenging. It’s best suited for those who already know how to handle a horse and are comfortable with uneven ground and varying speeds.

This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers who love outdoor activities and want a genuine taste of Mexico’s wild side. If you’re seeking a scenic ride away from the typical tourist spots, this is a great pick. Just remember, it’s not suitable for children under 12, or anyone with back or heart problems. Now, let’s get into the details to see what makes this experience stand out—and where it might fall short.

Contents hide

1 An In-Depth Look at the Wild Tour Horseback Riding Experience

2 Who Will Love This Tour?

3 The Sum Up

4 FAQ

Key Points

Authentic adventure: Ride through dense jungle, across rivers, and over hills, experiencing Mexico’s natural beauty firsthand.
For experienced riders: The tour is tailored to those comfortable on horseback, with rugged terrain and varying speeds.
Wildlife sightings: Keep your eyes peeled for local animals, though sightings are not guaranteed.
Group size: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.
Duration and flexibility: Five hours with multiple start times, and flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Practical tips: Remember to bring comfortable clothes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and water for hydration.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Wild Tour Horseback Riding Experience

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Puerto Vallarta

Starting Point and Logistics

The adventure begins at a meeting point near Puerto Vallarta’s hotel zone, just 15 minutes away from the city’s busy tourist areas. The designated spot is the local library at coordinates 20.638025283813477, -105.22291564941406. Arriving 20 minutes early is recommended, giving you time to meet your guide and get paired with a suitable horse.

Transportation to the ranch is typically organized or can be self-arranged, but the key is punctuality, especially since the tour kicks off promptly. Once at the ranch, you’ll meet your guide, who speaks both English and Spanish, ensuring smooth communication regardless of your language preference.

What the Tour Entails

The core of the experience is riding through rugged terrain that’s perfect for those with prior riding experience. Riders will get a chance to trot, canter, and even gallop—so expect to cover some distance at various speeds. The trails wind through dense jungle, where the lush greenery provides shade and the sensation of being far from civilization. Crossing rushing rivers is another highlight, giving you a splash of adventure and cooling off in the heat.

The steep hills offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape—imagine looking out over the Mexican wilderness from high vantage points, the green canopy stretching out as far as the eye can see. The terrain can be uneven and challenging, which adds to the thrill but also means it’s not suited for those with limited riding experience or certain health concerns.

Wildlife and Scenery

While you might not see exotic animals every time, the tour offers ample chances to spot local wildlife in their natural habitat. Bird watchers and animal lovers especially enjoy this aspect, though the guide notes that sightings are not guaranteed. Still, the scenery itself is enough to make the ride worthwhile—the thick jungle, sparkling rivers, and rolling hills create a postcard-perfect backdrop.

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The Ride and Its Pace

Expect a mix of steady riding and more spirited gallops, especially if the group feels comfortable. The tour is designed to cater to experienced riders, so if you’re new to horseback riding, you might find the terrain and pace a bit demanding. Several reviews note that the ride can be physically taxing but rewarding, offering a true connection with the landscape.

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What Travelers Say

Many reviews highlight the stunning views as the tour’s biggest draw. One rider mentioned, “We loved the way the scenery changed as we moved through different terrains, from jungle to hilltops.” Others appreciated the small group size, which fosters a more intimate and personalized experience, with one noting, “It felt like riding with friends rather than a large tour group.”

A few reviews mentioned that the tour is not suited for children under 12 or those with health issues, reinforcing the need for a moderate level of fitness and riding ability. Some travelers expressed a desire for more wildlife sightings but acknowledged that the focus on scenery and terrain makes up for that.

Price and Value

Though the price wasn’t specified explicitly in the details, the tour offers the flexibility to reserve now and pay later, which adds convenience. Given the five-hour duration, personalized small-group setting, and the adventure through multiple terrains, the value is high—especially for riders who enjoy active, outdoor excursions.

Practical Tips

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for riding—closed-toe shoes are a must.
Bring sunscreen and insect repellent to protect against sunburn and bugs.
Carry enough water to stay hydrated during the ride.
Expect rugged terrain and varying speeds, so be prepared for a physically engaging experience.
Remember, not suitable for those with back or heart problems.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventurous, experienced riders looking for a physically engaging escape into nature. If you enjoy outdoor activities that combine scenic beauty with a bit of adrenaline, you’ll find this tour rewarding. It’s also an excellent choice for travelers who want to see areas of Puerto Vallarta beyond the usual tourist spots and prefer a small, intimate group setting.

However, it’s not suitable for very young children, beginners, or those with certain health constraints. If you’re after a leisurely ride or a family-friendly activity, this might not be the best fit. But if you’re craving a true outdoor challenge coupled with striking scenery, this horseback riding tour will deliver.

The Sum Up

The Puerto Vallarta Wild Tour Horseback Riding Experience offers a compelling way to explore the wild side of Jalisco. The combination of stunning vistas, rugged terrain, and the thrill of riding through dense jungle and across rivers makes it a standout for seasoned riders. The small-group format ensures a more personal, enjoyable experience, and the flexible booking options make planning easier.

While the tour demands a certain level of riding competence and physical stamina, those who meet these criteria will find it a memorable adventure. It’s especially suited to travelers eager to combine outdoor activity with authentic natural scenery, away from the crowds.

For anyone who appreciates the great outdoors and wants to see a less-trodden part of Mexico’s landscape, this horseback ride is a solid choice—offering genuine adventure and the kind of panoramic views that stay with you long after the ride ends.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
No, this tour is designed for experienced riders. The rugged terrain and varying speeds require a good level of riding skill.

How long is the tour?
The ride lasts approximately 5 hours, including the time spent exploring the trails and taking breaks.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at a meeting point near the local library in Puerto Vallarta, just 15 minutes from the hotel zone. Arrive 20 minutes early.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for riding, sunscreen, insect repellent, and water for hydration.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans shift.

What is the group size?
The experience is limited to a small group of up to 10 participants, making it more personalized.

This horseback riding adventure through Puerto Vallarta’s wilderness promises a memorable blend of scenery, thrill, and authentic Mexican nature—perfect for riders ready for a challenge and explorers hungry for genuine landscapes.