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, billed as the world’s longest vehicular suspension bridge. That gives the day a nice change of pace, from saddle time to a high bridge crossing, then a tequila tasting to finish.

I like the small maximum group of 10 and the chance to hear about local plants and animals while riding through the mountains. I also like that transport, water, fruit, a welcome drink, and one national drink are included. The main caution is that the tour has steep roads before the trail, and the riding portion lasts about two hours, so you need moderate fitness and some comfort on horseback.

Key points to know before booking

• About two hours on horseback: The ride is the heart of the outing, with a bilingual guide discussing local flora and fauna.
• Steep access roads: You may ride down steep roads before reaching the main trail, so this is not a completely gentle introduction to horseback riding.
• El Jorullo Bridge crossing: You walk across the long vehicular suspension bridge after the ride, adding a short but memorable activity.
• Tequila tasting with Kevin: Kevin is specifically noted for his friendly, upbeat presentation and useful information about tequila.
• Small group size: The tour accepts no more than 10 people, which should make the day less crowded than a large coach excursion.
• Five-hour outing for $85: Transport and several refreshments are included, but food, extra drinks, and tips cost more.

Starting from Playa de Oro in open transport

Your day begins at the Canopy River Oficina Playa de Oro, at Playa de Oro 126 F in Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Hotelera Norte. The tour provides open transport from this meeting point to the park, so you should expect an open-air ride rather than a private enclosed vehicle.

That transfer is part of the experience, but it is also worth considering if you prefer air conditioning or need extra protection from the sun. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water-friendly clothing. Purified water is included, but having your own bottle is still sensible for a five-hour outdoor outing.

The ride to the park sets up the change from hotel-zone Puerto Vallarta to the mountain setting. Once you arrive, the guide begins the horseback portion. The group limit is 10 people, a useful detail for riders who prefer a less crowded outing and a better chance to hear instructions.

The tour is offered in English and includes a bilingual guide. No guide’s name is provided for the riding portion, so if you have questions about who will lead your group, ask when you book or check in.

What the two-hour horseback ride is really like

The horseback ride lasts about two hours, according to the available experience details. That is long enough to feel like a proper mountain outing, but short enough for someone who wants to add horseback riding to a wider day rather than spend most of the day in the saddle.

You begin by riding through the mountains of Puerto Vallarta. The guide explains the flora and fauna along the way, giving the ride more purpose than simply following a trail. You can expect the focus to be on the natural setting and the route itself, not on an advanced riding lesson or an extended equestrian program.

There is one practical warning to take seriously: the route includes steep roads before you reach the trail. A rider described these sections as steep but still found the ride enjoyable. That tells you something useful about the outing. The ride is accessible to a general audience, but it is not entirely flat, slow, or effortless.

You should have a moderate physical fitness level. You also need to meet the maximum weight limit of 100 kilograms, or 200 pounds. That rule is tied to horse safety, so confirm your eligibility before paying for the tour.

The horses were described as being in good condition, which is an important positive for any casual riding experience. At the same time, one rider felt the bits used on the horses seemed harsh, especially for people who are not skilled riders. I would treat that as a fair point to consider. If you are sensitive to tack, have riding experience, or care strongly about horse handling, ask the operator about the equipment and how the horses are managed.

You should also listen closely to the guide’s instructions at the start. The experience details do not promise a formal riding briefing, and one account found the tour’s ending abrupt. A quick explanation of the route, riding expectations, and timing would help you know what to expect.

The mountain setting and the guide’s commentary

The strongest reason to choose this outing is the combination of riding and natural interpretation. Your guide explains local plants and animals as you travel, so the mountain setting becomes part of the story instead of just a backdrop.

Do not expect a full nature study program. The information provided does not list particular species or promise wildlife sightings. It does tell you that the guide discusses the area’s flora and fauna, which makes the ride more informative than a simple horse trek.

I like this format for someone who wants a taste of Puerto Vallarta beyond the beaches and hotel zone. You get a short introduction to the mountain country without committing to a full-day hike or a long horseback expedition.

The quality of the guide matters a great deal here. One account found the riding guide less engaging and felt the experience lacked a clear explanation of how the tour would proceed. That does not mean your guide will be the same, but it does mean your enjoyment may depend partly on the person leading the group.

If your main goal is relaxed scenery and time in the saddle, you may still have a good outing. If you want detailed instruction, lively storytelling, or a polished equestrian program, keep your expectations moderate.

Walking across El Jorullo Bridge

After the ride, you walk across Puente Colgante El Jorullo, also called El Jorullo Bridge. The tour describes it as the longest vehicular suspension bridge in the world, and the bridge crossing gives the outing a clear second act.

This is not another horseback segment. You leave the horses behind and cross the bridge on foot. That switch matters because it breaks up the riding and lets you stretch your legs before the final tasting.

The bridge is the most distinctive sightseeing feature included in the tour. The information provided does not give its length, height, or the amount of time spent crossing, so I would not plan the day around a detailed bridge visit. Think of it as a memorable walk included with the mountain outing.

If you are uneasy with suspension bridges, ask the operator for more details before booking. The available information confirms that the bridge is crossed on foot, but it does not explain how much time you have there or what support is available for nervous walkers.

Tequila tasting with Kevin

The tequila tasting finishes the day and may be the most polished part of the experience. Kevin is identified as the person hosting the tasting, and his friendly, upbeat manner is a real strength. He shares information about tequila without pushing guests to buy, which makes the tasting more comfortable for people who want to learn rather than shop.

This is a useful way to end the tour because tequila is closely tied to Mexican food and drink culture. You get a short introduction after the physical part of the outing, with time to ask questions and compare what you are tasting.

The tour includes a tequila tasting, but it does not specify how many samples are offered or which tequilas are served. You also receive one national drink, listed as beer, water, or lemonade, along with a welcome drink. Extra drinks are not included.

Alcohol is available only to adults. If you do not drink, the included water or lemonade gives you a nonalcoholic option, and you can still take part in the informational side of the tasting.

One account found Kevin’s presentation to be the best part of the outing. That is useful context when weighing the tour. The tasting is not simply a quick pour at the end. At its best, it is an engaging explanation led by someone who brings good energy to the group.

What is included, and what you still pay for

The price is $85 per person. For about five hours, that is a reasonable midrange price if you plan to use the transport, ride the full route, cross the bridge, and take part in the tasting.

Your package includes:

• Transport from the Playa de Oro meeting point and back
• A welcome drink
• A bilingual guide
• Purified water
• Seasonal fruit
• One national drink, such as beer, water, or lemonade
• The walk across El Jorullo Bridge
• A tequila tasting

Food is not included, despite the fruit and drinks. If you want a meal, budget separately. Extra drinks and tips are also not included.

The value depends on what you would otherwise pay for separately. A horse ride, transport to a mountain park, a bridge visit, and a tequila tasting would each take planning on their own. Here, they are combined into one half-day outing with a capped group size.

The tour is not the best deal for someone who wants only a long horseback ride. About two hours of the five-hour schedule is spent on horseback, with the remaining time covering transport, the bridge walk, and the tasting. It is better understood as a mixed activity day.

Who should book this mountain outing

I would recommend this tour to you if you want several moderate activities in one package. It suits adults and older children who meet the weight limit, have moderate fitness, and like the idea of riding, walking across a suspension bridge, and learning about tequila in the same day.

It is also a good match if you are staying in the hotel zone and want transport arranged from a clear meeting point. The maximum group of 10 keeps the outing fairly small, at least compared with a large bus excursion.

You may want to choose another activity if you are an experienced rider looking for technical riding or a long, serious trail ride. The available details describe a general horseback experience, not an advanced equestrian excursion.

You should also think twice if steep access roads, open transport, or suspension bridges make you uncomfortable. The tour requires more than sitting passively in a vehicle. You will ride, walk, and spend several hours outside.

Book well ahead if possible. This experience is booked about 22 days in advance on average, which suggests that leaving it until the last minute may limit your choices.

Practical details before you reserve

Confirmation is provided at the time of booking. The activity starts and ends at the Canopy River Oficina Playa de Oro, so plan to return to that same meeting point after the tasting.

The tour requires good weather. If poor weather cancels the outing, you can receive a different date or a full refund. For your own protection, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time if your plans change. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded, and changes inside that window are not accepted.

Wear clothes suitable for horseback riding and outdoor walking. The supplied information does not set a dress code, but practical sun protection is sensible for an open-air transfer and mountain ride. Wear secure shoes for walking across the bridge, and do not count on the included drinks to replace all the water you may want.

Should you book it?

Book this experience if you want a varied half-day outing rather than a pure horseback tour. The best features are the small group size, the mountain ride with nature commentary, the unusual bridge crossing, and Kevin’s friendly tequila presentation.

Go in with clear expectations. The ride includes steep sections, the horseback time is about two hours, and the quality of the experience may depend on the riding guide. At $85, the package offers fair value when you want transport and several activities bundled together. It is less compelling if you want a long ride, detailed riding instruction, or a meal included.

FAQ

Where does the horseback riding tour start?

It starts at the Canopy River Oficina Playa de Oro, located at Playa de Oro 126 F in Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Hotelera Norte.

How long does the experience last?

The full activity lasts about five hours. The horseback riding portion lasts about two hours.

How many people can join the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.

Is transportation included?

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

What is the maximum weight allowed?

The maximum weight is 100 kilograms, or 200 pounds.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if the experience is canceled because of poor weather.