Horseback Riding Experience in Puerto Vallarta

If you’re considering a horseback riding adventure in Puerto Vallarta, you’ve probably already heard about the tour offered by Koyote Tours. While we haven’t personally saddled up ourselves, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions paint a pretty tempting picture. This experience promises a blend of adventure, natural beauty, and a dash of thrill — all within a manageable 2.5-hour window.

What we really like about this tour is how it combines horseback riding through lush, scenic trails with a walk across the world’s longest vehicular suspension bridge. It’s perfect for those who want to see some of Puerto Vallarta’s most stunning landscapes without spending a whole day on it. The added bonus? The guides are praised for being both professional and friendly, making the experience feel more personal and safe.

One small caveat: this isn’t for everyone. The tour is quite active and involves tight trails and river crossings, so if you’re not comfortable on a horse or have mobility concerns, it might be a good idea to consider other options. Also, it’s not accessible for those with back problems or who require a wheelchair. But if you’re generally in good shape and crave a genuine outdoor adventure, this could be a highlight of your trip.

This tour seems well-suited for adventure lovers, nature enthusiasts, and those looking to tick a memorable experience off their bucket list. It’s especially appealing if you’re after authentic scenery, good guides, and a bit of adrenaline in a safe environment.

Key Points

• Stunning scenery and natural beauty are the main draws, with horseback riding through lush forests.
• The walk across the world’s longest suspension bridge offers panoramic views and an adrenaline rush.
• The tour is well-reviewed for knowledgeable guides who make the experience engaging and safe.
• It’s not suitable for pregnant women or people with certain health issues like back problems or asthma.
• The experience offers value for money, including transportation and tequila tastings.
• Booking in advance (about 13 days ahead on average) is recommended to secure your spot.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

The horseback riding experience in Puerto Vallarta is rightly praised as a unique way to explore the region’s natural beauty. The tour, priced at approximately $139.28 per person, offers an afternoon of adventure that’s both scenic and active. It lasts about 2 hours 30 minutes, which includes shuttles to and from the site, plus time at the park — making it a well-paced way to spend a few hours away from the more touristy areas.

What the Tour Entails

The adventure begins with a shuttle pickup, which is a nice touch, removing the hassle of arranging transportation yourself. Once you arrive, you’re greeted by guides who are described as friendly and professional. They are fluent in both English and Spanish, making it accessible for a diverse range of travelers, and they’re happy to answer questions about the jungle environment and the horses. One reviewer appreciated practicing her Spanish with one guide, Javier — a small but memorable detail that shows the guides are engaged and personable.

Horseback Riding Through the Jungle

The main event is riding through the Sierra Madre mountains, where you’ll get up close with the region’s vibrant flora and fauna. The trails are quite technical and involve narrow paths, river crossings, and plenty of natural obstacles. This isn’t a leisurely trail ride — it’s more suited to those with moderate physical fitness and a sense of adventure.

One reviewer, Kalish_P, described the ride as “pretty technical and not for the faint of heart,” emphasizing that it’s for those who enjoy being deep in the jungle and navigating tight trails. She also pointed out the thrill of crossing rivers on horseback, which sounds like a real highlight for adventure seekers.

Crossing the Suspension Bridge

The tour’s standout feature is the walk across the world’s longest vehicular suspension bridge. It’s a genuinely exhilarating experience with sweeping views of the mountains and forest below. The bridge walk is safe, but it’s definitely a high point for those who aren’t afraid of heights. The panoramic vistas are what make this part memorable.

A reviewer, Sonia_L, praised the guides’ professionalism and friendliness, noting that they answered all questions about the jungle and the horses. She also appreciated the chance to practice her Spanish, which shows the guides’ genuine effort to make the experience enjoyable and personal.

Additional Highlights

After the bridge walk, you’ll enjoy a tequila tasting — a fun way to unwind and soak in the local flavors. The tour also includes a complimentary welcome drink, usually without alcohol, and a bottle of beer or soda to refresh after the activity. These little touches add to the overall value and make the tour feel well-organized.

Practical Details

• Price: Roughly $139.28 per person — it’s a decent value given the included transportation, guide, tequila tasting, and unique experiences.
• Duration: About 2.5 hours, including shuttle time, which feels just right for a half-day adventure.
• Group Size: Limited to 14 travelers, which helps keep things intimate and manageable.
• Age & Weight Limits: Minimum age is 12, and there’s a weight limit of 100 kg (220 lbs). The tour isn’t suitable for those with back issues or mobility challenges.
• What to Wear & Bring: Light clothing, comfortable shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen, a change of clothes, towel, and extra shoes are recommended. Cameras are not permitted during the bridge walk for safety reasons, but bringing a phone or small camera for photos before or after is a good idea.

Considerations and Downsides

While this experience has many positives, it’s not for everyone. The technical trail riding and river crossings mean it’s best suited for those comfortable on horseback and physically active. If you’re pregnant, have asthma, or suffer from back problems, this tour is not recommended for safety reasons. Also, the tour isn’t accessible for wheelchair users, which limits options for travelers with mobility issues.

Some travelers noted that the experience involves a fair bit of physical activity, and the trails can be tight and challenging, so it’s not a relaxed, sightseeing ride — it’s an authentic adventure. The cost also reflects the full package, including guides, transportation, and tastings, making it a good deal for those wanting an all-in experience.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For thrill-seekers and nature lovers who want to experience Puerto Vallarta’s mountains in a memorable way, this tour offers a lot. The guides’ professionalism and friendliness, combined with the stunning scenery and the excitement of crossing the suspension bridge, make it a worthwhile splurge.

If you’re after a tranquil, easygoing ride or are traveling with young children or mobility issues, this might not be the best fit. But if you’re comfortable on horseback, love outdoor adventures, and want to see a different side of Puerto Vallarta, this could be a highlight of your trip.

Overall, it’s a solid choice for those who want a blend of adrenaline, scenery, and local flavor. Just come prepared for a physically engaging experience, and you’re likely to come away with some great stories and even better photos.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes shuttle service from a designated meeting point, making it easy to get there and back without extra fuss.

What should I wear?
Light clothing and comfortable shoes are recommended since the trails can be rugged. Bringing insect repellent and sunscreen is also advised.

Can I take photos during the tour?
Cameras are not permitted during the bridge walk for safety reasons, but you can take photos before or after the activity.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, which includes shuttle time, riding, bridge crossing, and some leisure time.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The minimum age is 12 years old, so it’s geared towards teens and adults comfortable with active outdoor activities.

What’s the maximum group size?
Limited to 14 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Are there any health restrictions?
Yes, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, or those with asthma, back problems, or mobility issues.

What’s included in the price?
Transport, a welcome drink, a guided tour, a tequila tasting, and one drink (beer or soda). Souvenirs are not included.

If you’re craving an adventure that combines horseback riding, incredible views, and a bit of adrenaline, this Puerto Vallarta experience ticks all the boxes. Just be prepared for a physically engaging ride and a true outdoor journey — it’s more than a tour, it’s a memorable story waiting to happen.