Punta de Mita/Sayulita: Horseback Riding Tour

The best part of this ride is the changing scenery: you go from a typical Mexican village to jungle trails and then out onto Litibú Beach. I like the gentle horses and the chance to gallop on the sand, two details that make this more than a short ranch loop. I also like the friendly, hands-on guiding from people such as Ricardo and Carlos.

The main thing to plan for is time. The riding lasts 1.5 hours, but pickup, the ranch visit, tequila tasting, and return trip can make this a much longer outing. If you are staying in Puerto Vallarta, one guest reported nearly six hours door to door, and the meeting point may not be right at your hotel.

Key points to know before you book

• Town, jungle, and beach in one ride: The route gives you three very different settings rather than one repeated trail.
• Litibú Beach gallop: You may have the chance to gallop on the sand, depending on your comfort and the guide’s instructions.
• Calm horses for mixed experience levels: The ranch is set up for people who are new to riding as well as confident riders.
• A real ranch stop: Donkeys, ponies, macaws, roosters, water buffalo, deer, turkeys, and peacocks add interest before or after the ride.
• Tequila with a side of personality: Nico leads the tasting, and lunch is available to buy at the ranch restaurant.
• Bring closed shoes, not a camera: Sandals and flip-flops are not allowed, and cameras and cellphones must stay behind.

From Higuera Blanca to the Pacific shore

This horseback tour works because the route keeps changing. You begin at a ranch near Higuera Blanca, ride through the small town, pass into the jungle, and finish at Litibú Beach in Riviera Nayarit. In 1.5 hours, you get a quick look at local life, countryside, and coast.

I like the village section because it gives the outing a local frame. You are not simply circling a fenced ranch or following a beach in both directions. Higuera Blanca is described as a typical little Mexican town, and the ride lets you see a quieter side of the area beyond the resort strip.

The jungle portion adds shade and a different feel under the saddle. You will want comfortable clothes and insect repellent here. The route is not presented as a strenuous trek, but riding through changing terrain still requires you to sit comfortably and follow the guide’s instructions.

The final change is Litibú Beach. This is the visual payoff, with open sand and room for the horses to move. The tour includes an option to gallop, which is a special treat for riders with some experience. If you are a beginner, you can enjoy the beach without feeling that you must gallop. Let the guides decide what is safe for the group.

Meeting the horses at the ranch

The ranch is part of the experience, not just a place to mount up. You arrive among a collection of animals that can include donkeys, ponies, macaws, roosters, water buffalo, deer, turkeys, and peacocks. That makes the first few minutes entertaining even before the trail begins.

You then receive a short safety briefing, meet your horse, and get saddled. The horses are described as calm, well-fed, and kept in good shape by the cowboys who work with them. That matters if you have only ridden a few times, since a steady animal can make the difference between enjoying the scenery and worrying about every step.

I would still be honest about your riding background. Tell the guide if this is your first ride or if you are comfortable at a faster pace. Carlos has been especially helpful with explanations about horse behavior, while Ricardo has guided riders carefully and shared stories about the places along the route.

The group can include complete beginners, occasional riders, and people who own horses at home. That range is a good sign for mixed parties, though the beach gallop is naturally more appealing to experienced riders. Your guide will be the best judge of how much speed is appropriate.

Seeing Higuera Blanca on horseback

The town section is one of the most distinctive parts of the route. Higuera Blanca is not presented as a formal sightseeing stop with a list of monuments. Instead, you pass through a working local community and see the area from the saddle.

That slower pace lets you notice the contrast between the resort towns and the inland village. You get a glimpse of everyday Mexico without giving up the comfort of a guided outing. For me, this is more interesting than a ride that stays entirely on private property.

The downside is that a horseback ride through town is not a full cultural tour. Your time is limited, and the focus remains on riding. If you want detailed history, extended conversation with residents, or time to explore on foot, choose a dedicated village tour instead.

Still, the town adds authenticity in a simple way. You are moving through a real place, then leaving it for the trees and beach. That sequence gives the experience a sense of progress.

Through the jungle and out to Litibú Beach

After Higuera Blanca, the route heads through jungle and countryside before reaching the coast. The setting changes from homes and streets to vegetation and open air. Insects are possible, so repellent belongs in your bag, along with comfortable clothing that can handle dust, brush, and sun.

Litibú Beach is the place to pause and take in the coastal view. The beach section also gives the ride its most memorable physical moment. Riders who feel ready may be allowed to gallop, while others can keep to a walk or whatever pace the guide recommends.

I like that the tour offers the possibility without making it the whole point. A beach gallop sounds exciting, but safety and comfort should come first. If you are nervous, say so. The horses are chosen for their calm nature, and several people with limited experience have felt comfortable on them, but no riding activity is risk-free.

The beach can also be where the photography begins. A photographer may follow the group and offer pictures for an extra fee. The photos cost more than some people expect, but the beach setting and action shots can make the package worthwhile if you normally like having a record of your activities. Cameras and cellphones are not allowed on the ride, so you cannot simply take your own pictures.

The ranch finish: tequila, lunch, and Soruyo

After you return, the experience continues at the ranch. Nico handles the tequila tasting, and the tasting is meant to be light and social rather than a formal lesson. You can sample tequila, hear the explanations, and enjoy the ranch atmosphere before leaving.

Food is not included, but you can buy lunch at the Mexican restaurant on the property. This is useful if your pickup and return stretch the outing across much of the day. I would budget for food if you expect to be hungry after riding, since the tour price covers bottled water but not a meal.

One unusual final stop is Soruyo, a bull weighing more than one ton. You can take a picture with this large animal before heading home. It is the kind of ranch detail that gives the activity a personality beyond the standard horse ride.

The ranch itself is worth allowing a little time to enjoy. The animals, restaurant area, tasting, and staff create a relaxed finish. Carlos is known for keeping the mood playful, while Nico brings humor to the tequila tasting. These small touches help the tour feel like a visit to a working ranch rather than a ride followed by an immediate van departure.

Guides, transport, and the true time commitment

The activity is available in English and Spanish. Ricardo, Carlos, Frian, Sam, Nico, and Oscar have all been part of the operation in different roles, with Ricardo and Carlos most closely linked to the riding experience. Oscar has handled transportation, and Sam has worked with the photo service.

Pickup is included from certain points, but not every hotel or address. After booking, the activity partner contacts you to confirm the pickup location and time. Be ready ten minutes early. A meeting point that is a little farther away can add travel time before the ride even begins.

This is where the advertised 1.5 hours can be misleading if you read it too literally. That figure refers to the riding portion. Transportation, check-in, saddling, the ranch animals, tequila tasting, possible lunch, photos, and the return drive all add time.

If you are staying in Puerto Vallarta, plan generously. One outing took close to six hours from pickup to return, partly because the pickup location was farther from the hotel. Do not schedule a tight dinner reservation, airport transfer, or another paid tour immediately afterward.

Is the $103 price fair?

At $103 per person, this is not the cheapest way to sit on a horse for an hour. The value comes from what is bundled around the ride: round-trip transportation from select pickup points, bottled water, a guide in English or Spanish, access to the ranch, the village and jungle route, Litibú Beach, and a tequila tasting.

The price makes the most sense if you want a full outing rather than a bare riding lesson. You also avoid arranging your own transport to the ranch. For a visitor who wants several settings in one activity, the combination is strong.

You should expect extra spending for lunch and professional photographs. The photos are optional, and you cannot use your own camera or cellphone during the ride. If you want a low-cost activity with no add-ons, this may feel less attractive once food and pictures are considered.

The experience has a rating of 4.6 from 59 reviews, and the strongest praise centers on the horses, guides, ranch, beach, and overall organization. I would treat that as a useful sign, while still remembering that horseback riding is personal. A person who dislikes animals, long transfers, or a slower pace may not see the same value.

Who will enjoy this horseback tour most?

I would recommend it to couples, solo visitors, families with eligible riders, and mixed groups where some people are beginners. The calm horses and patient guidance make it approachable, and the route gives you plenty to look at even if you never gallop.

It suits you especially well if you want a quieter alternative to zip lines, boat trips, or ATV outings. The ride has some adventure, but it is not built around speed or extreme activity. The beach, jungle, and village provide variety without requiring technical skill.

It is less suitable for anyone who is pregnant, has back problems, or weighs more than 260 pounds, or 118 kilograms. Sandals and flip-flops are not allowed. You also need to leave cameras and cellphones behind, which may disappoint anyone who wants to document every part of the trip.

Your clothing should be comfortable and suitable for riding. Bring insect repellent. Since a meal is not included, bring money for lunch at the ranch restaurant, and plan for possible extra charges if you want the professional photo package.

Should you book the Higuera Blanca ride?

Book this tour if you want more than a standard beach ride. The route through Higuera Blanca, jungle, and Litibú Beach gives you a varied look at the area, while the gentle horses and patient guides make it workable for different levels of experience.

I would choose it over a simpler ranch loop for the village section and the chance to gallop on the beach. I would also choose it if you like a social finish with tequila, ranch animals, and the option of lunch.

Skip it if you need a short activity with a precise end time, want to take your own photos, or dislike spending much of a day around transportation and optional extras. For everyone else, the combination of scenery, horses, and ranch hospitality makes the $103 worthwhile, provided you plan for the full outing rather than only the 1.5-hour ride.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding last?

The riding portion lasts 1.5 hours. Transportation, ranch activities, the tequila tasting, lunch, photos, and the return trip can make the total outing considerably longer.

Where does the horseback ride take place?

The route goes through Higuera Blanca, jungle areas, and Litibú Beach in Riviera Nayarit.

Can beginners join the horseback ride?

Yes. The horses are described as calm and suitable for people with different levels of riding experience. You should tell your guide about your experience before starting.

Can I gallop on the beach?

The tour includes an option to gallop at Litibú Beach. The guide will give instructions, and the activity may depend on your comfort and the conditions.

Is transportation included?

Round-trip transportation is included from certain pickup points. The activity partner contacts you after booking to confirm your pickup point and time.

What languages do the guides speak?

The tour is offered in English and Spanish.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is available to purchase at a Mexican restaurant on the ranch.

Is tequila included?

Yes. A tequila tasting is included after the horseback ride.

Can I bring my cellphone or camera?

No. Cameras and cellphones are not allowed during the activity. Professional photographs may be available to purchase separately.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear comfortable clothes and closed footwear. Sandals and flip-flops are not allowed. Bring insect repellent and arrive at your pickup point ten minutes before the scheduled pickup time.

Who should not take this tour?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or people weighing more than 260 pounds, or 118 kilograms.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you book without paying at the time of reservation.