Horseback Riding & Swim: Tequila Tasting, BBQ & Margaritas

The most unusual part of this Puerto Vallarta outing is the chance to swim with your horse in the Mascota River. Water levels decide if that happens, but the ride still takes you into rural Jalisco, far from the hotel strip. Afterward, tequila tasting, salsa making, a BBQ lunch, and pool time round out the day.

I like the choice of horses for different riding abilities, and I like the warm, hands-on guides. Fabrizio, Martin, Valeria, Saul, Rafael, and others are praised for patient instruction and good humor. The well-cared-for horses also matter, especially if you are uneasy about riding animals used for tourist trips.

The main caution is the heat and the changing river conditions. Some days include river crossings and a horse swim. Other days follow roads, town paths, or dry riverbeds instead. The ride can also feel long before lunch, especially in hot weather.

Key points before you book

• Horse swimming depends on water conditions: You may ride through the Mascota River, but high current, rain, or dry riverbeds can change the route.
• Good for beginners: Horses are matched to your ability, and guides provide safety instructions and help you mount and dismount.
• Lunch is a major part of the day: Expect Mexican BBQ, beans, rice, vegetables, quesadillas, salsa molcajete, and vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian choices.
• Tequila tasting comes after the ride: You taste Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and pink tequila made in small batches in Tequila.
• Pack for water and sun: Bring a swimsuit, towel, hat, sunglasses, water-friendly footwear, and a change of clothes.
• Plan for a warm, active half-day: The tour is advertised at about five hours, but some departures have lasted closer to five and a half hours.

From Marina Vallarta to Hacienda Doña Engracia

The day begins at Av Paseo de la Marina 121 in Marina Vallarta. From there, private transportation takes you roughly 25 minutes to Hacienda Doña Engracia, where the riding portion begins.

The vehicle is described as a white bus, but comfort can vary. Some departures have used vans or other vehicles, and a few people found the ride hot because the air conditioning was limited or absent. Bring water and dress lightly. If you are coming from a cruise ship, allow extra time to reach the meeting point. The walk from the terminal can take about 30 minutes, or you can use a taxi or rideshare.

The group can reach up to 17 people. That is large enough to create a social outing but still small enough for the riding staff to help with basic needs. Smaller groups may feel more personal, though one very small booking had trouble when a tasting host declined to lead the session for only two people. That appears to be an unusual situation, but it is worth keeping in mind if you book for just two.

Choosing a horse for your riding level

At the ranch, the staff match you with a horse based on your experience and comfort. The available horses include calmer choices for beginners as well as horses suited to more experienced riders.

You receive safety guidance before setting out. This is useful if you have not ridden in years, and especially helpful if this is your first time on a horse. Several guides are praised for staying close, helping people mount and dismount, and keeping nervous riders at ease.

The horses themselves are a strong part of the outing. They are described as gentle, well trained, and well cared for. One experienced rider who normally worries about animal welfare was particularly satisfied with their condition. That does not turn this into an animal sanctuary visit, but the care shown by the ranch appears to be a meaningful strength.

The saddles drew one serious complaint for discomfort, and one person reported a broken stirrup. I would not ignore that warning. If anything feels loose or painful, tell the guide before leaving and speak up immediately during the ride.

Riding through the Mascota River countryside

The planned route follows the Mascota River and local countryside, with views of vegetation, rural homes, and the hills around Puerto Vallarta. The exact ride is controlled by weather and water levels.

In good conditions, the route can include river crossings and a short swim with the horse. This is the special part of the outing. You may enter the water bareback with the horse, which creates a memorable, unusual moment. You should only do it if you feel secure in the saddle and comfortable in the water.

The river is not guaranteed. During dry periods, the riverbed may be sandy and empty. After heavy rain, the current may be too strong for swimming. In those cases, the staff may use a route through town, along roads, or on a shorter nature trail. You still ride, but the setting can feel less scenic than the description suggests.

This is the tour’s biggest uncertainty. If your main reason for booking is the horse swim, treat it as a possibility rather than a promise. If you are happy with a countryside ride plus food and tequila, you are less likely to feel let down when the river is unsuitable.

Some people have ridden for about two hours, while others found the route shorter or less rural. Heat makes the ride feel longer. A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a bottle of water are practical necessities. Wear closed shoes or water shoes that stay firmly on your feet. Do not bring footwear you mind getting wet.

The horse swim and what to carry

Pack your swimsuit before leaving the hotel. If conditions are safe, you may swim with the horse in the river. A towel is not included, so bring your own. A small backpack can hold dry clothes, a towel, sunscreen, and a phone in a waterproof pouch.

The guide can take photos with your camera along the way if you want. You may prefer to keep both hands free during the ride, especially if you are a beginner. A phone strap or waterproof case is a sensible addition, though it is not supplied.

If the river cannot be used, La Dulce Vista has a pool for swimming after lunch. That gives you a second chance to cool down, but it does not replace the horse swim for someone who booked mainly for that feature.

Tequila at La Dulce Vista

After riding, you continue to La Dulce Vista, a pretty hill setting with a pool and dining area. This is where the pace changes. You can cool off, sit down, and take part in a tasting of the company’s small-batch tequila.

The tasting includes Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and premium pink tequila made in the city of Tequila. The styles give you a useful basic comparison: Blanco is clear and direct, Reposado has rested in oak, and Añejo has spent longer aging. The pink tequila is the more unusual option. Almond tequila has also been offered and was a favorite for some people.

The staff explain the differences in a lively, informal way. The guides, including Martin and Fabrizio on some departures, are known for keeping the group engaged. The setting is attractive, but the tasting can also include a sales pitch. If you do not want to buy a bottle, be clear and polite.

One person reported being charged for alcoholic drinks at an earlier stop, despite expecting drinks to be included. The listed package includes alcoholic beverages and lemon margaritas at the lunch stop, but special drinks or purchases outside the package may cost extra. Ask before accepting anything that is not clearly part of the scheduled tasting.

Making salsa before the Mexican BBQ

The food is not an afterthought. Before lunch, you may make your own salsa, usually with guidance about ingredients and preparation. It is a simple activity, but it gives the meal a personal touch and breaks up the tasting.

The main meal is a Mexican BBQ with chicken, meat, beans, rice, vegetables, salsa molcajete, and quesadillas. Vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian options are available. If you have dietary needs, mention them at booking and again to the staff at the start.

The lunch receives some of the strongest praise attached to this outing. The food is served at La Dulce Vista beside the pool, with lemon margaritas and bottled water included. You can swim after eating if you like, but remember to bring a towel. None is provided.

The combination works well because the riding is hot and physical. By the time you reach lunch, a shaded table, cold drink, and full plate are welcome. On the other hand, the meal and tasting come fairly late in the day. If you tire easily in the heat, eat breakfast first and carry water.

Timing, transport, and the real length of the day

The advertised duration is about five hours, but the schedule can run longer. One departure lasted from roughly 10:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., and some people found the outing tiring because of the riding, heat, tasting, and return transport.

The activity ends back at the Marina Vallarta meeting point. If you have a cruise, early flight, or fixed dinner reservation, leave a generous buffer. One departure returned to the ship in time but required careful planning. The meeting point itself is not at the cruise terminal, and reaching it may require a taxi, rideshare, or a walk through the port area.

The group size of up to 17 can affect the pace. Mounting, adjusting horses, photo stops, and moving through narrow routes take time. That is not a flaw, but you should expect a group outing rather than a private ride through the hills.

The provider requires a minimum number of people, and the activity can be canceled for poor weather. If that happens, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that period are not refunded.

Who will enjoy this Puerto Vallarta outing?

I would choose this for you if you want several activities in one day rather than a pure riding lesson. The horse ride, possible river swim, tequila, salsa, BBQ, pool, and margaritas create a full schedule with plenty of variety.

It suits beginners, couples, families, and solo visitors who like a social atmosphere. The guides are patient with first-time riders, and experienced riders can request a horse that better matches their ability. The outing also gives you a look at rural areas outside the resort zone.

It is less suitable if you want guaranteed mountain trails, a quiet private ride, or a short activity. It may disappoint you if the horse swim is the only reason you are booking. Riders over 220 pounds or 100 kilograms must be taller than 5 feet 7 inches, or 170 centimeters, according to the participation requirements.

The alcohol portion also deserves thought. You are riding before tasting tequila and drinking margaritas, so pace yourself. The tequila is easy to drink, and the day is already hot and active. You will have a better time if you treat the tasting as a sampling session, not a drinking contest.

Is the $113.26 price fair?

At $113.26 per person, the value depends on how many parts of the day you use. You are paying for transportation, the horse ride, guides, lunch, bottled water, tequila tasting, lemon margaritas, and access to the pool area. A separate horse ride, meal, tequila tasting, and taxi trips could add up quickly in Puerto Vallarta.

The price feels strongest when the river route is open and you enjoy the full program. You get a rare horse-swimming opportunity, a substantial meal, and a look beyond the main tourist areas. It feels weaker when the river is dry, the ride follows roads, or the vehicle is uncomfortable.

I would not book this solely for the words river swim. I would book it as a countryside riding day with a conditional water feature and a strong food and tequila finish. That is a fairer way to judge the price.

Should you book Horseback Riding & Swim?

Book it if you want an active, social half-day with friendly guides, gentle horses, Mexican food, tequila, and the possibility of swimming with a horse. Bring a swimsuit, towel, hat, sunglasses, water, and shoes that will stay on in the water.

Think twice if you need a guaranteed river ride, dislike heat, or have a tight cruise schedule. Before booking, accept that weather and water levels can change the route. With that expectation, this is a lively way to leave Puerto Vallarta’s resort strip and spend time in the countryside.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends at Av Paseo de la Marina 121 in Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta. Transportation takes you from the meeting point to the ranch and back.

How long does the activity last?

The advertised duration is about five hours. Some departures have lasted from approximately 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., so allow extra time.

Is swimming with the horse guaranteed?

No. Horse swimming and river crossings depend on water conditions. High current, rain, or dry riverbeds can lead to a different riding route.

What should I bring?

Bring a swimsuit, towel, hat, sunglasses, water-friendly shoes that fit securely, and a change of clothes. Towels are not included.

Is the tour suitable for first-time riders?

Yes. Horses are matched to your ability, and guides provide safety instructions and help riders as needed. Most people can participate.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch includes Mexican BBQ with chicken, meat, beans, rice, vegetables, salsa molcajete, and quesadillas. Vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian options are available. Bottled water and lemon margaritas are included, along with the scheduled tequila tasting.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes within 24 hours are not refunded. If poor weather or an insufficient number of bookings cancels the activity, you are offered another date or a full refund.