Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 45

THINGS TO DO :- Horseback Riding

Horseback riding in the Puerto Vallarta area is a wonderful and exciting way to experience the Mexican countryside, the Sierra Madre Mountains, the beach, and a waterfall. Mexican cowboys have been an important part of Puerto Vallarta life for centuries, and there are numerous long established riding trails. Most tour operators are based on family-owned ranches, and offer rides that range from a few hours to overnight. All of the tour guides listed below run very professional operations, are bilingual and have many years of experience.


Rancho Charro which is owned and run by Pamela Aguirre

Rancho Charro offers various horseback riding tours including a ride that takes guests to a historic gold and silver mining town that dates back to 1602. Another horseback ride starts at a charming village located just 15 minutes from the hotel zone with the ride proceeding along trails through the jungle foothills which are bordered by a tropical river and then up to a sparkling swimming hole, waterfall, and lookout point with views of the ocean. The tours stop for a lunch break at a rustic restaurant along the riverbank that serves good food. Tours currently available are: Tropical Forest Ride, Natural Wonders BBQ Trail Ride, and All Day Adventure Ride. All the guides are experienced wranglers and after the tour, transportation is provided back to your hotel. Rancho Charro offers a 10% discount for reservations made online.

Rancho Manolo

Under the Mismaloya Bridge, Hwy 200 Km. 12, Mismaloya

Rancho Manolo is located about 10 km south of Puerto Vallarta. This is another family-owned business that provides excellent horseback riding tours. Their most popular trip is a 3 hour excursion deep into the lush jungle to El Eden. This is the area where the sci-fi movie Predator was filmed. If you want to go on this trip you have to ride for one hour each way, you have an additional hour for swimming in the river and enjoying a meal, which is not included in the tour price. This tour is one of the top selections among visitors. Prices are about $30 USD per person.

Rancho Mi Chaparrita

St. Manuel Rodriguez Sanchez #14, Colonia Deportiva, Sayulita, Nayarit

You start by riding along the beach at Sayulita and then up through the jungle to areas that offer breathtaking views. Guided tours are one hour, two hours, or four hours. Horses are available for all levels of riding experience. The riding tours leave all day from 9 a. m. to 7 p. m. and the cost of the tour includes drinks and transportation.

Continued in part 46.