Horseback Riding & Swim: Tequila Tasting, BBQ & Margaritas

Bring a swimsuit, and expect a full day. This Puerto Vallarta outing combines a countryside horseback ride, a possible swim with your horse, small-batch tequila, salsa making, a Mexican BBQ, and pool time at La Dulce Vista. I especially like the mix of rural Jalisco scenery and food-and-drink stops, plus the calm, well-cared-for horses and patient guides. The main catch is that river crossings depend on weather and water levels, and the day can feel hot and long when the river is dry.

I also like that beginners are matched with suitable horses and taught the basics before setting out. Guides such as Fabrizio, Martin, Saul, Valeria, and Rafael receive repeated praise for being friendly and helpful. Still, you should be ready for changing transport arrangements, limited shade, and a ride that may take longer than the advertised five hours.

Key points to know before booking

• The horse swim depends on river conditions: High current, rain, or a dry riverbed can change the ride.
• La Dulce Vista is a major part of the day: Tequila tasting, salsa making, lunch, margaritas, and a pool follow the ride.
• The horses suit several ability levels: Beginners and experienced riders can request an appropriate horse.
• The Mexican BBQ is included: Chicken, meat, beans, rice, vegetables, salsa molcajete, and quesadillas are served, with vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian choices available.
• Pack for heat and water: Bring a swimsuit, towel, hat, sunglasses, water-friendly shoes, and a change of clothes.
• The schedule may stretch: Some outings have lasted from about 10:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., longer than the stated five hours.

Starting from Marina Vallarta

The meeting point is at Av Paseo de la Marina 121 in Marina Vallarta. If you are coming from a cruise ship, allow extra time. The walk from the cruise terminal can take about 30 minutes, and a taxi or Uber may be easier, especially with beach gear and a change of clothes.

The ride to Hacienda Doña Engracia takes about 25 minutes from the meeting point. Transportation is described as a private white bus, but one small booking was handled with Uber vehicles instead. That suggests transport can vary with group size or scheduling, so I would confirm the pickup plan before you set out.

The drive takes you away from the resort strip and into a less polished part of Puerto Vallarta and Jalisco. That is part of the appeal. You are not simply being driven to a staged ranch beside the hotel zone. At the same time, some buses or vans may be hot, and several people found the transport uncomfortable when air conditioning was limited.

The group limit is 17 people. That is small enough for guides to help with mounting, riding technique, and photos, but the pace can still depend on the ability of the whole group.

Meeting your horse at Hacienda Doña Engracia

At the hacienda, the staff match you with a horse based on your ability. The ride works for first-timers, people who have not been on a horse in years, and more confident riders. You receive basic safety instructions before heading out, and the guides help you get on and off the horse if needed.

This is one of the strongest parts of the outing. Several people specifically praised the horses as gentle, calm, well trained, and well cared for. One rider who owns horses felt comfortable with the condition of the animals and said they appeared happy and healthy. That matters. A horseback excursion is only enjoyable when the animals are treated properly.

You should still understand that this is a guided group ride, not a private gallop. Most of the time is likely to be spent following the guide at a controlled pace. The terrain and route can shift with the weather, so your day may not match the most dramatic version shown in promotional photographs.

The guides are a big part of the mood. Fabrizio, Martin, Saul, Valeria, Rafael, Roberto, and other staff members are praised for patience, humor, and practical help. Their support is useful if you are nervous, older, out of practice, or riding for the first time.

Riding along the Mascota River

The planned route follows the Mascota River and includes rural scenery, local vegetation, town streets, paths, and possible river crossings. In good conditions, this can be the most memorable section of the day. You get a look at the countryside beyond Puerto Vallarta’s hotels, and the ride feels more connected to local life than a short beachside loop.

The river is also the biggest variable. When water levels are suitable, you may cross the river several times and perhaps ride into the water with your horse. Some outings have included a short swim, and this is the moment that turns an ordinary trail ride into something unusual.

But do not book this expecting a guaranteed horse swim. Heavy rain can make the current unsafe, while dry weather can leave the riverbed without enough water. On those days, the route may pass through a local town, dry sandy riverbeds, roads, and a short nature trail instead.

That alternate ride can still be enjoyable, but it is less scenic and may offer little shade. One outing included more road and town riding than expected, along with visible rubbish beside parts of the route. If your main reason for booking is swimming with a horse, treat it as a weather-dependent bonus rather than a promise.

The ride can last around two hours, according to the detailed accounts, and the hot sun makes a real difference. Drink water before you start and use sunscreen. The included bottled water helps, but you should not rely on the tour for all the water you need.

How the horse swim works

If the river is safe and conditions permit, you may be able to enter the water with the horse. Riders describe this as magical, memorable, and a once-in-a-lifetime moment. You may ride bareback in the water, so a swimsuit is far more practical than regular clothes.

Wear shoes that will stay on your feet. Water shoes or secure sandals are better than loose flip-flops. Bring a towel and a plastic bag for wet clothes. Towels are not included, despite the activity information reminding you to bring one.

A hat and sunglasses are also useful during the dry portions of the ride. Bring a small backpack if you want to carry a change of clothes, but keep it secure and manageable on horseback. The staff can take photos with your camera along the way if you want them to.

There is no guarantee that you will swim with the horse, but La Dulce Vista has a swimming pool for a separate chance to cool off. That makes the day less disappointing when the river itself is too high, too low, or otherwise unsafe.

Arriving at La Dulce Vista

After the riding portion, you head to La Dulce Vista. This is more than a quick tasting stop. The setting includes a pool, a dining area, and time to make salsa before lunch.

The change of pace works well. After a hot ride, sitting down with food and a cold drink is welcome. The pool also gives you a way to cool off, though you still need to bring your own towel.

The salsa activity is a small but worthwhile touch. You get to prepare your own salsa and learn about the ingredients and method instead of simply being handed a plate. It adds a little participation to what could otherwise be a standard meal stop.

One point needs clarification before you arrive. The tour includes lemon margaritas and alcoholic drinks with lunch, but one account described a separate charge for drinks during part of the tasting stop. I would ask the staff what is included before ordering anything beyond the stated package.

Tasting small-batch tequila

The tequila tasting features the provider’s own artisanal boutique tequila, made in small batches in the city of Tequila. You sample Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and a premium pink tequila. The tasting gives you a chance to compare the styles rather than treating tequila as one generic drink.

Blanco is the youngest and usually the most direct expression of the spirit. Reposado has spent time resting in barrels, while Añejo is aged longer and tends to taste smoother and darker. The tour presents these differences in a relaxed setting, and the hosts explain what makes each one distinct.

Several people particularly enjoyed the almond tequila, while others preferred the Blanco or mezcal. The tasting is generous enough that you should pace yourself. The tequila can go down easily, especially once the margaritas begin, and you still have a ride back afterward.

The tasting can also feel sales-driven. One account described the free samples as leading into a strong sales pitch. That does not erase the fun of trying the different bottles, but you should not feel obligated to buy anything.

Mexican BBQ, salsa, and unlimited margaritas

Lunch is one of the most praised parts of the day. The sample menu includes Mexican BBQ chicken and meat, beans, rice, vegetables, salsa molcajete, and quesadillas. Vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian options are available, so tell the provider your dietary needs when booking or before the meal.

The food is served at La Dulce Vista beside the pool. That setting gives the meal a more leisurely feel than a roadside stop. You can eat, cool off, and continue with the drinks at your own pace.

The included beverage package lists lemon margaritas and bottled water. The description also calls the margaritas unlimited. This is a meaningful part of the value, since a meal, tequila samples, pool access, and open margaritas can add up quickly at a resort.

The meal is not flawless for every person. One small booking had a problem with a hair in the food, which understandably ruined the meal for that couple. That appears to be an isolated complaint, but it is worth keeping expectations sensible. This is a casual activity stop, not a formal restaurant.

What the $113.26 price really covers

At $113.26 per person, the tour is not the cheapest horseback ride in Puerto Vallarta. It is also not just a horseback ride. Your price includes transportation from the meeting point, the horse and guide service, lunch, bottled water, tequila tasting, and lemon margaritas.

The value is strongest if you take part in most of the day: ride the full route, taste the tequila, make salsa, eat lunch, and use the pool. A simple trail ride may cost less, but it will not usually combine all these pieces.

The value is weaker if the river is dry, the transport is uncomfortable, and you are mainly interested in the horse swim. In that situation, you may spend a hot day on town roads and dry paths before reaching the food and tequila portion.

The high rating of 4.7 from 230 ratings, along with a 94 percent recommendation rate, reflects strong overall satisfaction. Still, the low ratings point to the exact risks you should consider: heat, changing river conditions, long timing, transport problems, uncomfortable saddles, and expectations that do not match the actual route.

Who will enjoy this Puerto Vallarta outing

I would recommend this to you if you want a full half-day away from the hotel zone and like combining outdoor activity with food and drinks. It suits couples, families, friends, solo visitors, and first-time riders who want staff support rather than a demanding equestrian trip.

It is especially good for anyone curious about rural Jalisco. The town riding and countryside route can show you a side of the area that is easy to miss from Marina Vallarta or the beach resorts.

You should think twice if you dislike heat, are uncomfortable around alcohol, want a guaranteed river swim, or need a tightly controlled schedule. It may also be a poor fit for a cruise passenger with a narrow return window, since the outing can run longer than five hours.

The activity has a stated weight and height condition: if you weigh more than 220 pounds or 100 kilograms, your height must be above 5 feet 7 inches or 170 centimeters. Most people can participate, but check this requirement carefully before paying.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded, and poor weather or failure to reach the minimum group size can lead to a rescheduled date or full refund.

Should you book it?

Book it if you want variety and can accept some uncertainty. The horses, guides, lunch, tequila tasting, and pool create a generous day for the money. The horse swim can be remarkable when river conditions cooperate, but it should not be the only reason you pay.

Pack a swimsuit, towel, water-friendly shoes, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. Confirm the pickup vehicle, ask about current river conditions, and leave extra time after the scheduled end.

I would choose this outing for a relaxed group that wants rural scenery, Mexican food, tequila, and plenty of conversation. I would skip it if you want a guaranteed mountain trail, a polished vehicle, or a short and predictable ride.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding and tequila tour last?

The listed duration is approximately five hours. Some outings have lasted from around 10:30 a.m. until about 4 p.m., so you should allow extra time.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins at Av Paseo de la Marina 121 in Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is swimming with the horse guaranteed?

No. A short swim with the horse depends on river conditions. High current, rain, or dry conditions may prevent it.

Is there another place to swim?

Yes. La Dulce Vista has a swimming pool. You should bring your own towel because towels are not included.

What food is served at lunch?

The sample Mexican BBQ menu includes chicken, meat, beans, rice, vegetables, salsa molcajete, and quesadillas. Vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian options are available.

Are drinks included?

Lunch, bottled water, alcoholic beverages, lemon margaritas, and the tequila tasting are included. Ask the provider about any drinks offered outside the stated package.

What should I wear or bring?

Bring a swimsuit, towel, hat, sunglasses, secure shoes that can get wet, and a change of clothes. A small backpack can help carry dry clothing.

Can beginners ride?

Yes. Horses are matched to your ability, and the guides provide safety instructions and assistance. Most people can participate, subject to the stated weight and height condition.