Puerto Escondido: Sunset Horse Riding Tour

Exploring Puerto Escondido isn’t complete without adding this beautiful horseback adventure to your list. It promises a blend of lush nature, wildlife sightings, and breathtaking sunset views—plus a chance to relax around a bonfire after a day of exploring. With a solid 4.5-star rating from fellow travelers, this tour offers an authentic taste of the region’s natural beauty.

What makes this experience stand out? For us, it’s the chance to ride through the vibrant jungle, witness the stunning migratory birds and lagoons, and gallop along the beach with the sunset as your backdrop. We also appreciate the thoughtful inclusion of a guide and a chocolate tasting—those little touches elevate the trip. However, with a duration of 7 hours, it’s a full day out, so some might find it a bit long depending on their travel style. Still, if you’re after a peaceful, nature-centric adventure that combines activity with scenic relaxation, this tour could be perfect. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy horses, wildlife, and stunning coastal vistas, but might not be ideal for very young children or travelers with mobility issues.

Key Points

• Beautiful Scenery: Ride through lush jungles and along the coast with spectacular sunset views.
• Wildlife Viewing: Spot migratory and lagoon birds, adding a nature enthusiast’s touch.
• Cultural Touch: Includes a chocolate tasting, giving a sweet local flavor.
• Expert Guidance: Led by knowledgeable guides, ensuring safety and insights.
• Relaxing Atmosphere: Wind down around a bonfire after your ride.
• Inclusive and Flexible: Hotel pickup, small group size, and flexible cancellation policy.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Sunset Horse Riding Tour in Puerto Escondido

This tour promises a well-rounded experience of nature, culture, and relaxation. Starting with the convenience of hotel pickup in Puerto Escondido, you’ll be transported in a comfortable van to San José Manialtepec, roughly a 20-minute drive away. This short ride sets the tone for the day—easy, stress-free, and ready for adventure.

Once there, you’ll meet your guide and the horses—often described as “amazing” by previous travelers, with Harriet noting the guides as “lovely” and the horses as “fantastic.” The small group size (limited to 10 participants) ensures a more personal and relaxed atmosphere, allowing you to enjoy the ride at a comfortable pace.

Riding Through the Jungle and Crossings

The main activity involves riding through lush jungle landscapes, where you’ll see a variety of flora and fauna. Expect to cross up to four different spots along the Manialtepec River, each offering unique views and opportunities for photos. The guides are praised for their helpfulness and knowledge, providing insights into the local plants and wildlife—something experienced travelers appreciate.

Canoe Crossing at the Lagoon

A highlight for many is arriving at the Manialtepec Lagoon, where you’ll hop into canoes and paddle across to the opposite bank. A particularly memorable moment is seeing your horses swim behind you—a spectacle that travelers like Ysabelli describe as “spectacular,” especially while “fireflies and lightning lit up the way back.” This unexpected adventure adds an element of fun and uniqueness to the trip, making it more than just a typical horseback ride.

Sunset on the Beach

As the afternoon progresses, you’ll reach the coast where you’ll be treated to the famous sunset over the Pacific Ocean. The views here are described as “spectacular,” with some reviews noting the “views cannot be beat from sunset til dark.” The timing of the sunset varies, so check availability and plan accordingly to catch this natural spectacle.

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Relaxing Around a Bonfire

The evening winds down with time around a bonfire, allowing everyone to unwind after the ride. This peaceful moment is often highlighted as a favorite part of the experience, offering a chance to share stories, enjoy some local snacks, or simply soak in the tranquility of the surroundings.

The Details That Matter

Duration and Timing

The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, which means it’s best suited for those with a full day to spare—usually starting in the late morning or early afternoon, depending on availability. Check with the provider for specific start times, as they vary.

Price and Value

Priced at $113 per person, the tour offers a well-rounded package that combines transportation, guided riding, and extra touches like a chocolate tasting. Considering the inclusions—hotel pickup and drop-off, expert guide, and unique activities—the cost is reasonable for a full-day experience. It’s especially appealing for travelers wanting an authentic, nature-focused excursion without the hassle of organizing multiple activities on their own.

Transportation and Group Size

Travelers are picked up from select hotels in Puerto Escondido, including Posada Real, Surf Olas Altas, Hotel Suites Villasol, Punta Zicatela, and those along Bahia Principal. The small group size (10 max) makes for a more personal experience, with less waiting and more attention from guides.

What to Bring

To enjoy the trip fully, pack essentials like a towel, water, insect repellent, and swimwear. The jungle and lagoon crossings mean you might get wet or sweaty, so dress comfortably and be prepared.

Not Allowed and Restrictions

Large luggage or bulky bags aren’t permitted on the tour, so travel light. The experience isn’t suitable for pregnant women, young children, or those with mobility impairments, as riding and walking are involved.

Language and Accessibility

The guides speak both Spanish and English, making it accessible for most travelers. However, the tour excludes those with mobility issues or pregnant women, focusing on physical activity and outdoor engagement.

Authentic Experiences and Traveler Insights

From reviews, it’s clear that the guides make a big difference. Rodrigo, one of the guides, is described as “the best,” with travelers praising his friendliness and the “spectacular views from sunset til dark.” The horses are consistently described as “amazing,” helping travelers feel comfortable and confident, even if they’re not seasoned riders.

The canoe crossing at the lagoon is a highlight, with Ysabelli mentioning that seeing “fireflies and lightning lit up our way back” added a magical touch. The sunset itself is emphasized as a significant part of the experience—some say it’s one of the best they’ve seen, with unobstructed views over the Pacific.

The chocolate tasting is a small but appreciated detail, offering a taste of local flavor and culture that rounds out the day. Travelers leave feeling relaxed, inspired by the scenery, and grateful for the knowledgeable guides who made the experience both fun and informative.

Who’s This Tour Best For?

This horseback riding tour is an excellent pick for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and anyone looking to combine outdoor activity with culture. If you love watching sunsets and enjoy animals, you’ll find this experience particularly rewarding. It’s also ideal for travelers who want a guided, hassle-free day out, with transportation and small group intimacy providing peace of mind.

However, those with mobility issues, pregnant women, or families with very young children may want to consider other options, as the activities involve riding and walking over uneven terrain. The full-day commitment also means it suits those who are comfortable spending a few hours outdoors and in motion.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are available from selected hotels in Puerto Escondido, including Posada Real, Surf Olas Altas, and others along Bahia Principal.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel, water, insect repellent, and swimwear—these will help you stay comfortable during the day.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so you should plan to bring or purchase your own refreshments.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is approximately 7 hours, depending on the day’s schedule and sunset timing.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for young children, pregnant women, or travelers with mobility impairments.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak both Spanish and English, making the experience accessible for most travelers.

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

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the transportation is a comfortable van, and the small group size ensures a more intimate experience.

What makes this tour unique?
The combination of jungle riding, lagoon canoe crossing, and sunset views creates a memorable, multi-faceted adventure.

How much does the tour cost?
It costs $113 per person, offering good value considering the inclusions and overall experience.

To sum it up, the Puerto Escondido Sunset Horse Riding Tour is a well-curated experience that offers a blend of scenic beauty, wildlife encounters, and cultural touches. It’s perfect for travelers who want to explore the natural landscapes without much hassle and enjoy a peaceful, scenic afternoon culminating in a stunning Pacific sunset. With knowledgeable guides, small groups, and unique activities like lagoon canoeing, it provides more than just a typical ride—it’s a memorable day out in Mexico’s vibrant Oaxaca region.

You can check availability for your dates here: