Exploring the Sunset Horseback Ride in Puerto Escondido: What You Need to Know
If you’re dreaming of an adventure that combines natural beauty, local culture, and a peaceful ride along the coast, the Sunset by Horse (River and Beach) tour in Puerto Escondido might catch your eye. While I haven’t taken this ride myself, I’ve gathered enough details to give you a clear picture of what to expect. This experience offers a unique way to see the scenic landscapes of Oaxaca, especially around sunset, and it’s especially appealing if you enjoy horseback riding and laid-back beach vibes.
What I really like about this tour is the chance to ride through diverse landscapes—from lush riverbanks to the open beach—without feeling rushed. Plus, the inclusion of a visit to a local family’s beach cabin adds a personal touch and a chance to enjoy some snacks or drinks right by the ocean. On the flip side, a potential downside is that the tour relies on good weather (like many outdoor experiences), so cancellations are possible if conditions aren’t ideal.
This tour seems best suited for travelers who enjoy gentle outdoor activities and are looking for a scenic, relaxing way to experience Puerto Escondido’s coastline. It might not be the best fit if you’re after a high-adrenaline ride or a detailed cultural tour, but for a sunset escape, it ticks many boxes.
Key Points
- Beautiful landscapes: Ride through rivers, lagoons, and beaches with stunning views.
- Local culture: Visit a native family’s beachfront cabin and learn about regional life.
- Sunset experience: Enjoy a picturesque sunset along the Pacific coast.
- Flexible options: Pickup is offered, and the tour is suitable for most travelers.
- Value for money: Priced at around $75, it offers a mix of scenery, culture, and relaxation.
- Group size: Limited to 20 travelers, making the experience more personal.
Planning more time in Puerto Escondido? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
What to Expect from the Sunset Horseback Ride
This tour offers a balanced mix of nature, culture, and scenery—perfect for those wanting more than just a typical beach stroll. Once you meet your guides and horses, usually around 3:00pm, the adventure begins. The challenge and charm of this experience is the variety of landscapes you’ll traverse, which keeps the ride interesting and engaging.
The Itinerary Breakdown
Start Point: The meeting spot is near Puerto Escondido, where you’ll be picked up in an air-conditioned vehicle—an appreciated touch, especially if you’re coming from a nearby hotel or accommodation.
Horseback Ride through River and Fields: The journey kicks off along the Manialtepec River, winding between fields of livestock and agriculture. This part of the ride is peaceful and scenic, giving you a taste of rural life in Oaxaca. The guides are noted for their knowledge and care, which helps beginners and experienced riders alike feel comfortable.
Crossing the Lagoon to the Beach: A highlight is crossing from the river to the beach via the lagoon—an authentic moment that often surprises visitors with how seamlessly the horses navigate the water. The walk along the shoreline offers incredible views, especially as the sun begins to set. As one reviewer beautifully put it, the sunset on the beach is “spectacular,” and the horses are described as “peaceful and well-trained,” making for a safe and relaxing ride.
Beach and Sunset: Riding along the Pacific coast in the late afternoon provides some truly memorable scenery. Expect wide stretches of sandy beach, with the ocean stretching into the horizon. The sunset’s glow enhances the experience, giving you plenty of picture-perfect moments. If you’re lucky, you might even catch some whales or dolphins, as one reviewer mentioned that this tour can be combined with whale watching or dolphin tours.
Visit to the Native Family’s Beach Cabin: After the ride, the tour stops at a local family’s beach cabin, where you can purchase drinks. Many travelers enjoy this authentic touch, and some indulge in fresh seafood like shrimp or fish. One person noted that drinks are not included, so bringing some pesos for refreshments is a good idea.
What’s Included and What’s Not
The price of $75.21 per person covers the horseback riding, bottled water or coconut, and transportation. The tour’s length is about 4 hours, which gives you enough time to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed. Keep in mind, snacks are not included, so packing some snacks or bringing extra cash for the cabin is wise.
How the Tour Feels in Practice
Travelers have praised the guides for their knowledge and patience, with multiple reviewers describing guides as “really careful and attentive.” The horses are often described as “peaceful” and “well-trained,” making this a great experience even for those who aren’t seasoned riders.
Weather can be a factor—one reviewer shared that despite rain, the experience was still “incredible.” However, cancellations due to weather are possible, so check the forecast beforehand. Also, group size is limited to 20, making it more intimate and personal than large tours.
The Real Experience: What Travelers Say
While some reviews highlight minor hiccups—like a booking mishap where the trip wasn’t available due to high water—others rave about the scenery, the guides, and the overall atmosphere. For example, one traveler said, “Horseback riding along a quiet beach was magical,” and another shared that it was “one of the most breathtaking tours,” especially with the sunset, local food, and whales, if you’re lucky.
A common theme across reviews is that the guides make a difference—they’re knowledgeable, attentive, and eager to share stories about the region. Many appreciate the sense of safety and care, even if they have little riding experience.
Practical Tips for Booking and Enjoying the Tour
- Arrive prepared: Bring pesos for snacks and drinks at the beach cabin, especially since they’re not included.
- Dress accordingly: Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes; bring bug repellent, as one reviewer suggested.
- Weather check: Confirm weather conditions beforehand, particularly if rain could affect the ride.
- Booking early: The experience tends to be booked about 7 days in advance, so plan accordingly.
- Group size: With a maximum of 20 participants, the tour feels more personal, but it’s still good to book early.
Is This Tour Worth It?
For the price, you get a solid mix of scenery, cultural insight, and relaxation. The landscapes along the river, lagoon, and beach are genuine highlights, and the sunset adds a magical touch. The experience is ideal if you’re looking for a gentle, scenic ride rather than a rigorous adventure.
If you love the idea of riding horses on the beach, watching the sunset, and enjoying some local flavors, this tour is likely to be a highlight of your trip. It’s especially well-suited for those who appreciate nature, calm rides, and authentic regional scenery.
The Sum Up
This Sunset by Horse (River and Beach) tour offers an authentic, scenic way to enjoy Puerto Escondido’s stunning coastline. With knowledgeable guides, peaceful horses, and breathtaking views, it’s a wonderful way to unwind and connect with nature. The visit to a local family’s beach cabin adds a personal, cultural touch that you won’t find on all tours.
It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate gentle outdoor activities, scenic landscapes, and unforgettable sunsets. Keep in mind the weather dependency, and be sure to pack some cash for snacks or drinks if you want to indulge at the beach cabin. This experience combines the best of rural Oaxaca and coastal Mexico in a relaxed, memorable ride.
If you’re after a peaceful, visually striking horse ride with a dash of local flavor, this tour could be just what you’re looking for.
Sunset by horse (river and beach)
“Very nice and knowledgeable guide. It ended up raining but was still an incredible experience. Totally recommend this experience”
FAQ
Is transportation included in this tour? Yes, pickup is offered in an air-conditioned vehicle, making it easy to start your adventure comfortably.
How long does the tour last? The ride is approximately 4 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy each part of the experience without feeling rushed.
Can I participate if I’ve never ridden a horse? Absolutely. Many reviews mention feeling safe even with little or no riding experience, thanks to guides being careful and horses being well-trained.
What should I bring? Besides comfortable clothes, bring pesos for snacks and drinks at the beach cabin, and bug spray if you’re sensitive to insects.
Is this tour suitable for children? The info doesn’t specify age restrictions, but given the nature of horseback riding, it’s best suited for older children and adults.
Will I see wildlife or marine life? Potentially. Some reviews mention whale or dolphin sightings, especially if combined with other tours.
What if the weather isn’t good? The tour requires good weather; cancellations are possible if conditions are poor. You’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.
What’s the maximum group size? Up to 20 travelers, which allows for a more intimate experience.
Are drinks included? No, drinks are not included, so you might want to bring your own or purchase at the beach cabin.
How do I book this tour? It’s recommended to book about a week in advance, especially during peak seasons, through the provider, experiencias nativas.
If you’re craving a peaceful, scenic ride with a stunning sunset and a taste of local life, this horseback tour could be just what you need for a memorable Puerto Escondido experience.