“Booked the private version for our anniversary and it was perfect. Just the two of us with our guide, the horses, and the beach at sunset. He even took photos of us at the best spots. Romantic, special, and worth splurging on.”
Experiences
Private horseback riding
San José Manialtepec, Puerto Escondido
Duration
4 hours
Departs
8:00 AM / 3:00 PM
Returns
12:00 PM / 7:30 PM
Location
San José Manialtepec
From
$2,400 MXN
Trusted by travelers from around the world
Gallery — 9 photos
This private horseback riding tour is one of the most cinematic experiences Puerto Escondido offers — riding through fields, jungle, rivers, lagoons, and onto the beach at sunset, with a truly unique moment where your horses swim across a lagoon alongside your boat. With just your group and a guide, the pace is yours and the route feels like it belongs to you alone.
Your experience
What to Expect
We pick you up from your hotel or Airbnb and drive 30 minutes to San José Manialtepec village, where you meet the horses and their owners. After a safety briefing and horse matching to your ability level, the adventure begins.
You ride through fields teeming with wildlife, cross the Manialtepec River twice (you may get wet!), navigate lush jungle trails, and reach a branch of the Manialtepec Lagoon where you spot small crocodiles basking in the mangroves. Here comes the unforgettable moment: you dismount for a short boat ride across the lagoon while your horses swim alongside.
On the other side, you remount and ride the pristine sands of Puerto Suelo Beach — with an optional gentle gallop along the shore if you're up for it. A stop at a local restaurant for a complimentary drink lets you take in the beautiful surroundings. The sunset ride along the beach is the most picturesque segment, and the return journey under the stars — potentially accompanied by fireflies — is pure magic. Your guide captures the entire experience with GoPro videos and professional photos, all included.
Hour by hour
Detailed Itinerary
Pickup — Hotel to San José Manialtepec
Your driver picks you up from your hotel or Airbnb in Puerto Escondido. Enjoy the 30-minute drive to San José Manialtepec village.
Horse Orientation
Meet the horses and owners. Receive a safety briefing and get matched with the right horse for your experience level.
Field and Jungle Riding
Ride through fields alive with wildlife — colourful birds, cows, and local fauna. Cross the Manialtepec River on horseback (shallow waters) and continue through lush jungle trails.
Second River Crossing
Navigate a larger section of the river on horseback — you will get a bit wet on this one.
Lagoon Crossing — Horses Swim!
Reach a branch of the Manialtepec Lagoon. Spot small crocodiles basking in the mangroves. Dismount for a short boat ride across the lagoon while your horses swim alongside — a truly unique experience.
Puerto Suelo Beach Ride
Remount and ride the pristine sands of Puerto Suelo Beach. Your guide can help you try a gentle gallop along the shore if you're comfortable.
Restaurant Stop
Pause at a local restaurant for a complimentary drink (water, mezcal, or beer). Relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Additional food available for purchase.
Sunset Beach Ride
The most picturesque segment — ride along the beach as the sun sets over the Pacific with vibrant colours painting the sky.
Night Ride and Return
Return along the trail under the stars, potentially accompanied by fireflies. Drive back to Puerto Escondido.
What makes it special
Highlights
Horses swimming across the lagoonThe signature moment: your horses swim alongside the boat while you cross the Manialtepec Lagoon
Sunset beach ride at Puerto SueloRide along pristine sands during golden hour with the Pacific crashing beside you
Two river crossings on horsebackSplash through the Manialtepec River (you will get wet!)
Crocodile sightingsSpot small crocodiles basking in the mangrove lagoon
Night ride under the starsReturn through the jungle with fireflies as the sky darkens
GoPro videos and photos includedYour guide captures the entire experience for you
Complimentary drinkat a beachside restaurant stop
All set
What's Included
Round-trip transportation from your hotel or Airbnb (30-minute drive each way)
Horse rental matched to your ability level
Personal guide (fluent in English, knowledgeable about local flora, fauna, and history)
GoPro video recordings of the ride
Professional photo shooting throughout the tour
One complimentary drink at the restaurant stop
One souvenir gift
Pack light
What to Bring
Long pants and closed-toe shoes with a slight heel — essential for riding
Sunscreen and hat
Insect repellent — mosquitoes in the jungle sections
Water bottle for hydration
Camera or smartphone (GoPro + photos are included, but you may want your own shots)
Cash for additional food at the restaurant and tips (15–20% recommended)
Light layer for the night ride back
Before you book
Good to Know
Transportation is included;
we pick you up and drop you back — door to door from anywhere in Puerto Escondido. Two departure times available: 8:00 AM or 3:00 PM. The tour lasts approximately 4 hours plus 30 minutes each way for the drive.
This is a private experience;
just your group and a personal guide. No strangers on the trail. The small group size ensures personalised attention and a deeper connection with the environment.
All riding levels welcome, including beginners;
the horses are gentle, well-trained, and matched to your experience level. Safety briefings are provided before mounting. No prior riding experience is required.
Minimum age:
8 years; children should be comfortable riding on their own horse. Not recommended for those with mobility or spine problems. Helmets are available upon request — please ask at least 4 hours in advance.
Minimum 2 participants;
the private experience requires at least 2 people to book.
You will get wet;
the tour includes two river crossings and a lagoon crossing. Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet and bring a change for the drive home.
Meals are not included;
the restaurant stop includes one complimentary drink (water, mezcal, or beer). Additional food and drinks are available for purchase.
Weather-dependent;
tours may be rescheduled in severe weather for safety. Light rain is expected — show up anyway. Full refund or date change available for cancellations due to bad weather.
Real traveler stories
What travelers are saying
“Nous avons pris la version privée pour plus de tranquillité et c'était parfait. Guide attentionné, chevaux bien soignés, itinéraire sur-mesure. Le coucher de soleil depuis la plage à cheval restera dans nos souvenirs pour toujours.”
“Worth the upgrade to private. Our guide adjusted the pace to us, stopped wherever we wanted for photos, and gave us extra time at the beach. Horses were calm and friendly. Incredibly romantic experience.”
4.9 (185)
5.0 (140)
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From
$2,400 MXN