Exploring the Horseback Riding & ATV Adventure with Ziplines & Cenote: An Honest Review
If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the thrill of off-road riding, soaring through treetops, and cooling off in a stunning cenote, this tour might catch your eye. We’ve looked into the Horseback Riding & ATV Adventure with Ziplines & Cenote offered by Extreme Adventure Cancun, and while it’s not perfect, it packs enough excitement and variety to make it a memorable experience.
What we particularly like is that you get a diverse mix of activities in just one day—from horse riding and ATV racing to ziplining and swimming—so it feels like a full-on adventure rather than a cookie-cutter tour. Also, the guides seem to be quite knowledgeable, which always adds confidence and safety to the experience. On the flip side, there’s one notable drawback: the horseback riding segment has received some mixed reviews, especially concerning the horses and supervision.
This tour suits travelers who thrive on adrenaline and want to squeeze as many action-packed moments as possible into a single day. It’s ideal if you’re okay with a busy schedule, aren’t overly concerned about luxury, and are eager to explore the jungle’s natural beauty. It also works well for those who appreciate guided experiences with safety equipment provided—just be aware of certain restrictions like weight limits and the need for basic fitness.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Diverse Adventure: Combines horseback riding, ATV riding, ziplining, and swimming in a cenote, offering a well-rounded day of fun.
- Suitable for Beginners: The horseback ride is designed to accommodate both novices and experienced riders, making it accessible.
- Guides and Safety: Knowledgeable guides lead the activities, and safety equipment is included, ensuring a secure experience.
- Authentic Nature Exposure: The tour explores Mayan wilderness with opportunities to see local flora, fauna, and the stunning jungle scenery.
- Time and Value: At around 5 hours for $99, it’s a decent deal considering the variety; however, some reviews suggest you get what you pay for.
- Some Concerns: The horseback riding portion has mixed reviews, with some participants noting issues with horses and supervision.
A Detailed Look at the Experience
Starting Point and Transportation
Your adventure begins with pickup from your hotel in Cancún, Playa del Carmen, or Akumal—convenient if you’re staying in these popular spots. The van ride to El Rey Polo Club takes about an hour, giving time to settle in and get ready for the day ahead. The transportation experience is straightforward, with most of the journey spent in comfortable vehicles, and a small group limit of 10 keeps things intimate.
Horseback Riding: A Gentle Introduction to the Wilderness
Once at El Rey Polo Club, the first activity is a 30-minute horseback ride. You’ll trot on dusty roads surrounded by lush greenery, giving you a taste of rural Mexico. The ride is described as suitable for both beginners and seasoned riders, which is great if you’re new to horses.
However, a review from Carlanne from French Guiana notes a less favorable experience, mentioning that the horses “not listening” and insufficient supervision left something to be desired. The key takeaway here is that while this part can be charming, if you’re very particular about horse care or riding quality, it’s worth keeping in mind.
More Great Tours NearbyThrilling ATV Trails at the Extreme Adventure Park
Next, the adventure shifts to the off-road ATV ride at the Extreme Adventure Park. Here, your guide will lead you deep into the jungle, where you’ll race over rugged dirt trails and marvel at the region’s flora and fauna. You might see monkeys swinging or toucans soaring by—adding a touch of wildlife magic to your adrenaline rush.
The 30-minute ATV ride is exciting, with the guide’s knowledge helping you appreciate the environment. The trails are designed for fun and are not overly technical, making this accessible even for beginners. The guide’s expertise appears to be a positive aspect, as reviews note their professionalism.
Ziplines: Flying Among the Treetops
After the dirt trails, it’s time for some high-flying fun. The ziplining segment lasts about 40 minutes and involves soaring across three ziplines. You’ll challenge your balance and enjoy the sensation of flying above the jungle canopy, with views that are hard to beat.
This part of the tour is generally praised for its excitement. Zipping through the trees offers a rush, and the safety equipment provided makes it accessible for most thrill-seekers. Get ready to feel your stomach lurch as you speed from platform to platform among the lush green leaves.
Refreshing Swim in a Mayan Cenote
The natural highlight of this tour? The swim in Cenote Verde Lucero. This gorgeous sinkhole with crystal-clear blue water is the perfect spot to cool off after your zipping and racing. You can choose to cliff-jump, swim, or just relax on the stairs leading down into this natural wonder.
Participants generally find the cenote to be a beautiful, refreshing break. It’s a chance to reconnect with nature and enjoy a peaceful moment amid the jungle. Be sure to bring your towel and swimwear, as the water is quite inviting.
Cultural Touch & Local Flavors
The tour ends with a traditional dance show and a Mexican snack, providing a bit of local flavor and entertainment. Afterward, a 30-minute lunch gives you some fuel before heading back.
Practical Details and Expectations
The full tour lasts about 5 hours, with transportation included from key locations. The experience is in a small group, which tends to make the activities more personable. The price, at $99 per person, presents a fair value considering the variety, but it’s good to keep expectations realistic—this isn’t a luxury experience, but rather an action-packed, guided adventure.
What’s Included and What’s Not
All necessary safety gear and insurance are included, which is reassuring. Snacks are provided, but drinks and lockers are extra—if you plan to store valuables, remember the $5 locker fee. Professional photos are not included, so you might want to bring your camera (but note the restriction on cameras during activities).
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience works best for adventure lovers who want a full day of variety without breaking the bank. It’s suitable for those with a basic level of fitness who enjoy outdoor activities. The guides’ knowledge and safety measures are comforting, especially for first-timers.
However, if you’re very particular about your horses or are traveling with very young children, keep the mixed reviews in mind. The minimum age for horse riding is 6, but some activities like ATV riding require participants to be at least 18 to ride solo.
Final Thoughts
The Horseback Riding & ATV Adventure with Ziplines & Cenote offers a balanced mix of excitement, nature, and cultural moments—all packed into a manageable 5-hour window. For a great price of $99, you get to experience a little bit of everything: forest riding, adrenaline-pumping ATV trails, high-speed ziplining, and a peaceful swim in a cenote.
While the horseback riding segment may leave some feeling a bit uncertain—particularly if you’re concerned about horse handling or supervision—the other activities tend to shine. The guides are consistently praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the experience safer and more enjoyable.
This tour is perfect for travelers eager to explore the wild side of Cancun’s surroundings, especially if you’re looking for a full-throttle, fun-filled day. Just be prepared for a busy schedule and remember to bring essentials like swimwear and cash for lockers or extras.
Horseback Riding & ATV Adventure with Ziplines & Cenote
FAQ
Is transportation included? Yes, round-trip transportation from most hotels in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Riviera Maya is included, so you don’t need to worry about arranging your own transfer.
How long does the tour last? The entire experience lasts about 5 hours, giving you plenty of activity without feeling rushed.
Can I join if I’ve never ridden a horse or driven an ATV? Absolutely. The horseback riding is suitable for beginners, and the ATV ride is designed for fun and safety, guided by knowledgeable staff.
Are safety gear and insurance provided? Yes, all safety equipment is included, along with insurance for peace of mind.
What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, a towel, swimwear, and cash for lockers or tips. Cameras and cellphones are not allowed during activities.
Are there age or weight restrictions? Yes—participants must be at least 6 years old for horseback riding, 18 for solo ATV riding, and the maximum weight for the horse ride is 260 lbs (110 kg).
Is this experience family-friendly? Not specifically aimed at children under 6, and some activities may be strenuous for very young kids. It’s best suited to active travelers.
What’s the biggest highlight? Many find the cenote swim most memorable, alongside zipping through the jungle canopy—both offer the perfect mix of relaxation and adrenaline.
Are professional photos included? No, but you can take your own (just remember the camera restrictions during certain activities).
If you’re after a fun, energetic day exploring the natural and adventurous side of the Yucatán Peninsula, this tour offers a solid choice. It’s not all perfect, but with knowledgeable guides and a good mix of activities, it’s likely to be a day you’ll remember.
You can check availability for your dates here: