“One of the best things we did in our whole Mexico trip. Our guide picked us up on time, the horses were calm and well cared for, and watching the sun set from the saddle on an empty beach was something I'll never forget. Easy even for my husband who'd only ridden once before.”
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Sunset Horseback Riding in Puerto Escondido
San Jose de Manialtepec, Puerto Escondido
Duration
4 hours
Departs
3 PM
Returns
7 PM
Location
San Jose de Manialtepec
From
$1,850 MXN
Trusted by travelers from around the world
Gallery — 11 photos
There is a particular kind of freedom that comes from riding a horse through a river, through a jungle, and onto a wide-open beach as the sun drops into the Pacific. The sunset horseback ride near Puerto Escondido takes you to the village of San Jose Manialtepec for four hours of landscapes that shift like scenes in a film — and one of the most memorable ways to experience the Oaxacan coast.
Your experience
What to Expect
We pick you up at 3:00 PM from your hotel or Airbnb in Puerto Escondido. After a 30-minute drive through the lush Oaxacan countryside, you arrive in the village of San Jose Manialtepec where the horses and their owner are waiting. The horses are well-kept, calm, and accustomed to riders of varying experience levels. After a brief orientation — how to hold the reins, how to communicate with your horse — you set off along a dirt trail that winds through tropical vegetation thick with birdsong.
The first section follows a river, the horses wading through shallow water while iguanas sun themselves on the rocks above. The trail then climbs gently into a patch of jungle, where the canopy closes overhead and the air cools. Parrots chatter in the treetops. Eventually, you emerge onto a wide-open stretch of Pacific beach just in time to watch the sky turn gold.
Hour by hour
Detailed Itinerary
3:00 PM
Pickup from Your Hotel
Your guide picks you up from your hotel or Airbnb in Puerto Escondido. Sit back and enjoy the 30-minute drive through the countryside toward San Jose Manialtepec.
3:30 PM
Meet the Horses
Arrive in San Jose Manialtepec and meet the horses and their owner. Get fitted with a helmet, receive a quick riding briefing, and get acquainted with your horse.
4:00 PM
River and Jungle Trail
Set off along the riverbed and into the jungle canopy. The pace is relaxed, with stops to observe wildlife — iguanas, tropical birds, and the sounds of the jungle all around you.
5:00 PM
Emerging onto the Beach
Leave the jungle behind and arrive on a pristine stretch of Pacific beach. Ride along the waterline as the afternoon light softens and the sky starts to change color.
5:30 PM
Sunset on the Sand
The main event. Watch the sun set from horseback, the Pacific turning gold and crimson. Your guide will find the perfect vantage point for photographs.
6:30 PM
Ride Back and Return
Ride back along the beach and river trail in the blue twilight. Your guide drives you back to Puerto Escondido — you'll be at your hotel by 7:00 PM.
What makes it special
Highlights
Three ecosystems in one rideRiver, jungle, and Pacific beach, each with its own character
Sunset from horsebackWatching the sun drop into the ocean while sitting in the saddle is unforgettable
Wildlife encountersIguanas, tropical birds, and sometimes crocodiles along the river
Beginner-friendly horsesGentle, well-trained animals suited to first-time riders
Door-to-door transportation includedPickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Puerto Escondido, no extra cost
San Jose Manialtepec settingA glimpse of rural Oaxacan life beyond the tourist beaches
All set
What's Included
Round-trip transportation — pickup and drop-off at your hotel or Airbnb
Four-hour guided horseback ride
Well-maintained horse and saddle equipment
Riding helmet
Bilingual guide familiar with local ecology
Bottled water
Pack light
What to Bring
Long pants — jeans or similar are ideal for riding
Closed-toe shoes with a small heel (sneakers work if you have nothing else)
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Camera or phone in a secure pocket
Swimsuit — in case you want a quick dip at the beach
Change of clothes — you may get splashed during the river crossing
Before you book
Good to Know
No prior riding experience is required.
The horses are responsive and calm, perfectly suited to first-time riders.
Transportation is included.
We pick you up at 3:00 PM and drop you back by 7:00 PM — door to door from anywhere in the La Punta to Bacocho area.
Maximum rider weight is typically around 100 kg (220 lbs).
Let us know when you book if you have any questions about this.
Minimum 2 participants.
If you're solo, message us on WhatsApp and we'll try to pair you with another group.
The ride operates year-round.
Trails may vary slightly during the rainy season (June–September), but the sunset is just as magical.
The difference
Why This Is the Best Horseback Riding in Puerto Escondido
Plenty of horseback riding in Puerto Escondido sticks to a single stretch of sand. This ride is different. In one afternoon you cross three distinct ecosystems — a shallow river where iguanas watch from the rocks, a shaded jungle trail beneath giant parota and ceiba trees, and a wild, undeveloped Pacific beach that you will likely have entirely to yourselves. The route runs around San Jose Manialtepec, a farming village near the famous Manialtepec Lagoon about 30 minutes west of town, far from the crowds of Zicatela and La Punta.
The timing is deliberate, too. Leaving Puerto Escondido at 3:00 PM means you reach the open beach during golden hour, ride along the waterline as the light turns amber, and watch the sun sink into the Pacific from the saddle — then you are back at your hotel by 7:00 PM. One afternoon, the full sunset, none of the logistics.
For all ages
Horseback Riding for Beginners — No Experience Needed
Most of our riders have never been on a horse before. The ride is designed around that: before setting off, the owner walks you through the basics — how to sit, how to hold the reins, how to ask your horse to stop and turn — and matches each rider with a horse suited to their confidence level.
The pace is a relaxed walk for most of the trail, and a guide stays close at all times. The horses know every step of the route and follow the lead rider calmly, so nervous beginners can simply relax and enjoy the scenery. Helmets are provided, and the maximum rider weight is around 100 kg (220 lbs). Children are welcome when accompanied by an adult — let us know their ages on WhatsApp so the calmest horses are prepared for your group.
The horses
Our Horses and Local Guides
The horses live in San Jose Manialtepec with the local family that raised them. They graze in open pasture between rides and are rotated so no horse works two long rides back to back — and it shows: they are calm, healthy, and genuinely good-natured around new riders.
Your guides are local riders who grew up on this trail — they know every river crossing, where the iguanas sun themselves, and exactly where to stand on the beach for the best photograph. The tour supports the village directly: riding with us puts income into a small farming community rather than a large tour operator.
Month by month
Best Time for Horseback Riding in Puerto Escondido
The ride runs year-round, and every season has its own argument:
November to April (dry season)— Reliable clear skies, golden light, and crisp sunsets over the Pacific. Peak season; book a few days ahead.
May to October (green season)— The countryside turns a deep lush green, the river runs fuller, and afternoon clouds often produce the most dramatic sunset colors of the year. Brief showers usually pass before the ride begins.
Sunset falls between roughly 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM depending on the month, and the 3:00 PM departure is adjusted so you are always on the beach for it.
Just for you
Private Horseback Riding and Group Options
Want the trail, the beach, and the sunset entirely to yourselves? Book the private horseback riding tour — the same route with your own guide and your own schedule, ideal for couples, proposals, and anniversaries.
For larger groups — families, surf camps, bachelor and bachelorette parties — message us on WhatsApp and we will arrange enough horses and guides for everyone. And if you would rather ride in the morning, our hot springs horseback riding tour combines a countryside ride with a soak in natural thermal pools.
Before you book
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need riding experience for horseback riding in Puerto Escondido?
No. Most of our guests are first-time riders. The horses are calm and well-trained, you receive a short riding lesson before setting off, and a guide stays beside the group for the whole trail. If you can sit in a chair, you can do this tour.
How much does horseback riding in Puerto Escondido cost?
The sunset horseback riding tour costs $1,850 MXN per person. The price includes round-trip hotel transport, your horse and saddle, a riding helmet, a bilingual guide, and bottled water — there are no hidden fees. You can book online with secure Stripe payment or via WhatsApp.
How long is the tour?
Four hours door to door. We pick you up at 3:00 PM, you spend about two and a half hours in the saddle across the river, jungle, and beach, and you are back at your hotel in Puerto Escondido by 7:00 PM.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes. Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or Airbnb anywhere between La Punta and Bacocho are included at no extra cost. Staying outside Puerto Escondido? Message us on WhatsApp and we will find a solution.
What should I wear?
Long pants (jeans are perfect), closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Bring a swimsuit and a change of clothes if you fancy a quick dip at the beach — you may also get splashed during the river crossing.
Is there a weight limit?
The maximum rider weight is around 100 kg (220 lbs) for the comfort of the horses. If you are close to the limit, send us a message before booking and we will confirm with the ranch.
Can children join the ride?
Yes, families ride with us regularly. Children are welcome when accompanied by an adult — tell us their ages when you book so we can prepare the gentlest horses and plan the right setup for your family.
What happens if it rains?
Brief afternoon showers usually pass before the ride starts, and the green season often delivers the most spectacular sunset skies. If conditions are ever unsafe, we contact you as soon as possible to reschedule or issue a full refund.
Can we go faster than a walk?
Yes — confident riders can trot or canter on the open beach sections under the guide's supervision, while beginners keep a relaxed walking pace. Tell your guide what you are comfortable with and the ride adapts to you.
Where exactly does the ride take place?
In San Jose Manialtepec, a small village about 30 minutes west of Puerto Escondido near Manialtepec Lagoon. You do not need to drive — round-trip transport from your accommodation is part of the tour.
Real traveler stories
What travelers are saying
“Nous avons adoré cette expérience! Le guide était patient et drôle, les chevaux gentils, et la plage au coucher du soleil… magique. Quatre heures qui passent trop vite. Je recommande à 100%.”
“We went with our two teenagers (neither had ridden before) and everyone loved it. The ride through the river and then into the jungle before ending on the beach was so varied and beautiful. Our guide stopped to take photos for us at the best spots. Worth every peso.”
“Booked through WhatsApp, confirmed in minutes. They picked us up at 3 PM and drove us to San Jose Manialtepec, about 30 min from town. Horses were healthy and responsive, the trail follows a small river with iguanas sunbathing on the rocks. Sunset on the beach was unreal — pink and gold, not a soul around. Bring jeans and closed-toe shoes.”
“Absolut traumhaft. Der Guide war wunderbar, die Pferde ruhig und gut gepflegt. Der Ritt durch Fluss, Dschungel und dann am Strand bei Sonnenuntergang — unvergesslich. Klare Empfehlung!”
4.9 (185)
5.0 (140)
Ready to Book This Experience?
Secure your spot now — pay safely with Stripe and get instant confirmation.
From
$1,850 MXN