Horseback riding in the mountains of Puerto Vallarta

The most unusual part of this Puerto Vallarta outing comes after the horseback ride: you walk across El Jorullo Bridge, a huge vehicular suspension bridge in the mountains. The ride itself lasts about two hours, with a guide pointing out local flora and fauna along the way.

I like the mix of activities. You get a real trail ride, a mountain viewpoint from the bridge, and a tequila tasting without booking three separate outings. I also like the small group limit of 10 people, plus the included water, seasonal fruit, and one beer, lemonade, or bottled water.

The main caution is the riding approach. You may deal with steep roads before reaching the trail, and one detailed account raised concerns about harsh bits on the horses. The horses were reported to be in good condition, but this is better for a reasonably fit rider than for someone seeking a gentle, polished riding lesson.

Key points to know before booking

• About two hours in the saddle: The ride makes up a substantial part of this roughly five-hour outing, but the full time also includes transport, the bridge walk, and tequila tasting.
• Steep access roads: The route to the trail includes steep sections, so take care getting on and off the horse and follow the guide’s instructions.
• El Jorullo Bridge on foot: The bridge provides the tour’s biggest visual payoff and is included after the ride.
• Small group size: The maximum is 10 people, which should make the ride and guide’s explanations easier to manage.
• 100-kilogram limit: You must weigh no more than 100 kilograms, or 200 pounds, to join.
• Kevin at the tasting: Kevin has been specifically praised for explaining tequila in a friendly, informative way without pressuring people to buy.

From Playa de Oro to Puerto Vallarta’s mountain trails

Your day begins at the Canopy River office at Playa de Oro 126 F in Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Hotelera Norte. Transport is provided from this meeting point in an open vehicle, so expect a practical transfer rather than a private luxury ride.

That open transport suits the setting. You are heading away from the hotel zone toward the mountain country, and the ride helps separate this outing from the usual pool-and-beach routine. Still, you should dress for sun, dust, and moving air. The supplied information does not give a precise transfer time, so allow the full five-hour estimate and avoid scheduling another activity too tightly afterward.

A welcome drink is provided, along with purified water and seasonal fruit. Those small inclusions matter more than they first appear. Horseback riding in a warm climate can leave you thirsty, and having water available means you do not need to wait until the tasting stop to refresh yourself.

The experience is offered in English, with a bilingual guide leading the group. The maximum group size is 10. That is not a private ride, but it is small enough that the guide should be able to keep track of the group and offer explanations about the plants and animals along the route.

What the two-hour horseback ride is really like

The ride takes you through the mountains of Puerto Vallarta, not simply around a flat ranch or a short photo loop. The guide explains the local flora and fauna while you ride, giving the outing a bit of nature interpretation rather than making it only about sitting on a horse.

The riding portion lasts about two hours, according to the most specific timing available. That is long enough to feel like the main event. If you are comfortable around horses, you will probably appreciate having time to settle into the rhythm of the ride and take in the surroundings.

You should also expect some steep roads before the trail begins. This point deserves attention. A steep approach can feel more demanding than a level trail, especially if you are new to riding or uneasy with descents. Wear closed-toe shoes with a secure sole, hold to the guide’s instructions, and do not treat the outing as a casual photo stop.

The physical requirement is listed as moderate fitness. That makes sense given the saddle time and uneven mountain access. You do not need to be an expert rider based on the information provided, but you should be able to mount, sit comfortably for an extended period, and handle a route with steep sections.

Horse welfare is another fair point to consider. The horses were described as being in good condition, which is encouraging. At the same time, one rider found the bits harsh for a tourist activity and for people without strong riding skills. I would ask for a clear explanation of the tack and basic riding instructions before setting out. If you feel uncomfortable with the equipment, speak up early rather than trying to push through the ride.

The guide’s approach can shape the day. The experience promises explanations about the area’s plants and wildlife, but the quality of that interpretation depends on the guide leading your group. One account found the guide less engaging than expected and felt the ending came abruptly. That does not make the whole outing a poor choice, but it means you should book this for the setting and range of activities, not for a guaranteed, polished storytelling performance.

El Jorullo Bridge brings the big moment

After the ride, you have the chance to walk across El Jorullo Bridge. The bridge is presented as the longest vehicular suspension bridge in the world, and it gives the tour a feature you will not get on an ordinary horseback loop.

The bridge is used by vehicles, but this tour includes time to walk across or along it on foot. That change of pace is welcome after two hours in the saddle. You can stretch your legs, look out over the mountain setting, and get a sense of the scale of the structure from the pedestrian experience.

This stop is likely to appeal most to people who enjoy a little height and a memorable photograph. If suspension bridges make you nervous, keep that in mind before booking. The supplied details do not describe safety rails, walking time, or how much of the bridge you cover, so you should not assume a long, leisurely bridge visit.

The wording around this stop is worth clarifying when you book. The experience describes crossing the bridge on foot, while the included list calls it a walk past Jorullo Bridge. In practical terms, you should expect a bridge-related walk, but ask the operator exactly how far you will go if crossing the full span matters to you.

Tequila tasting with a friendly finish

The tour ends with a tequila tasting. This is not just a quick drink added to the schedule. It is the part where you can learn something about one of Mexico’s best-known spirits and compare the flavors for yourself.

Kevin, the tasting host, has been singled out for being friendly, upbeat, and informative without applying sales pressure. That is the right tone for a tasting. You can ask questions, listen to how the tequila is made and presented, and decide for yourself what you like.

Alcohol is available only to adults. One national drink is included in the tour, with the choices listed as beer, water, or lemonade. Other food and drinks are not included, so bring some extra money if you expect to want more than the supplied refreshments.

The tasting also gives the day a clear ending, though one account found the overall tour seemed to finish suddenly. I would keep your expectations modest. This is a short tasting attached to a mountain ride, not a full-day tequila education program. Its value comes from the change of pace and the chance to finish with a distinctly Mexican flavor.

What the $85 price includes

At $85 per person, the value depends on how much use you make of the package. You are paying for transport from the Playa de Oro meeting point, the bilingual guide, about two hours of horseback riding, the bridge walk, welcome drink, purified water, seasonal fruit, one national drink, and tequila tasting.

That is a fair bundle for a five-hour outing, especially if you would otherwise pay separately for transport and a bridge visit. The small maximum group of 10 also adds value. You are not signing up for a huge coach excursion where the guide has little time for individuals.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want a long, serious horseback ride. The horse is only one part of the schedule, and the bridge and tequila stop take up part of the day. Riders who want technical instruction, a choice of horses, or a carefully tailored equestrian experience should look for a dedicated riding program instead.

Food is not included. The fruit and drink help, but they do not replace a meal. Since the exact timing of the transfer and stops is not supplied, I would eat beforehand and carry only what the operator allows. The provided purified water is useful, but do not assume every snack or extra beverage is covered.

Who will enjoy this outing most

I would recommend this to an active first-time rider who wants variety. You get a genuine mountain ride without spending the entire day on horseback, then change activities for a striking bridge walk and tequila tasting.

It also suits couples and small groups who want a half-day away from Puerto Vallarta’s hotel zone. The itinerary has enough variety to keep one person interested in horses, another in mountain views, and another in tequila.

You should think twice if you are very nervous around horses, have limited mobility, or dislike steep roads and suspension bridges. The moderate fitness requirement, 100-kilogram maximum, and reported concern about the horse bits are not minor details.

This is also not ideal if you want a quiet private experience. The group is capped at 10, which is reasonable, but other riders will shape the pace. A mixed group may include confident riders and complete beginners, so the ride may not move at the speed you would choose alone.

Practical details that can save you trouble

The meeting point is the Canopy River office at Playa de Oro 126 F, in the Zona Hotelera Norte. The activity returns to that same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a separate ride back from the mountains.

Wear clothes that can handle dust and movement. Long trousers are the practical choice for a saddle, and secure shoes are more sensible than sandals. Bring sun protection, but do not rely on the tour’s listed water and fruit as your only preparation for a five-hour outing.

The maximum weight is 100 kilograms, or 200 pounds. This is a firm booking condition to check before paying. The tour requires moderate physical fitness, and the steep roads make that condition especially relevant.

Confirmation is provided when you book. Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the experience begins. If you cancel later, the payment is not refunded, and changes made within that same 24-hour window are not accepted. The activity also depends on good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book the Puerto Vallarta mountain ride?

Book it if you want a varied half-day that combines horseback riding, El Jorullo Bridge, and tequila. The strongest reasons are the roughly two hours in the mountains, the small group limit, included transport, and the unusual bridge stop. The tasting, especially with a host such as Kevin, can be a pleasant final touch.

Skip it if you want a gentle beginner lesson, a private ride, or a carefully controlled equestrian program. The steep approach roads and concern about harsh bits deserve honest attention, and guide quality may affect how lively the explanations feel.

For the right person, $85 is reasonable because it covers transport and three distinct activities. Go in expecting a practical, active outing rather than a luxury experience, and you are more likely to enjoy the day.

FAQ

Where does the horseback riding tour begin?

It begins at the Canopy River office at Playa de Oro 126 F, Zona Hotelera Norte, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the original meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately five hours. The horseback ride itself lasts about two hours.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Transport from the meeting point to the park and back is included.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English and includes a bilingual guide.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The maximum weight is 100 kilograms, or 200 pounds.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

Because the experience requires good weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund if the operator cancels because of poor conditions.