Horseback Riding & Swim: Tequila Tasting, BBQ & Margaritas

The unusual hook here is simple: you may swim with your horse in the Mascota River. When water levels and currents cooperate, it is a rare, memorable moment. The day also includes a tequila tasting, salsa making, a pool, and a full Mexican BBQ.

I like the calm, well-trained horses and the chance to see rural Jalisco beyond the hotel zone. I also like that the ride suits first-timers as well as experienced riders, with horses matched to your ability. The main caution is the weather and river conditions. In hot, dry periods, the route can lose its best feature and become a long, sunny ride through roads and dry riverbeds.

Key points to know before booking

• Horse swimming depends on nature: River crossings and swimming happen only when the water is safe.
• The horses suit different abilities: Beginners receive instruction, while more experienced riders can be matched with a different horse.
• La Dulce Vista is more than a tasting stop: You make salsa, sample several tequilas, eat lunch, and can use the pool.
• Expect heat and a long day: The advertised length is about five hours, but some outings run from roughly 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Bring the right gear: Pack a swimsuit, towel, hat, sunglasses, water-friendly shoes, and a change of clothes.
• The value comes from the full package: At $113.26, the price covers transportation, lunch, bottled water, tequila, and margaritas.

A horseback ride with a chance to swim

This Puerto Vallarta excursion works because it joins several very different Mexican experiences into one outing. You begin with a ride through the countryside, then finish with food, tequila, salsa, and pool time at La Dulce Vista.

The ride takes place near Hacienda Doña Engracia, about 25 minutes from the meeting point at Av. Paseo de la Marina 121 in Marina Vallarta. After the transfer, the staff matches you with a horse based on your riding ability. If you are new to horses or have not ridden in years, say so clearly. The guides give safety instructions and help with mounting and dismounting.

The horses are described as gentle, trained, and well cared for. That matters here. A horseback outing is only enjoyable when the animals are calm and the staff understands both horses and people. Guides such as Martin, Fabrizio, Saul, Valeria, Rafa, Roberto, and Raphael have been singled out for being patient, funny, and attentive.

The planned route follows the Mascota River and passes through countryside vegetation, local roads, and rural areas. On a good day, the horse may cross the river, and you may be able to enter the water with the horse. You will need a swimsuit and shoes that stay on your feet.

This is not guaranteed. High current, rain, or a dry riverbed can change the route. Some departures use a town route with a shorter nature section instead. That can still be pleasant, but it is not the same as riding through flowing water or into the hills.

What the ride feels like on the ground

You should expect a real outdoor ride, not a polished ranch show. The route can include roads, paths, sandy riverbeds, and open areas with little shade. In Puerto Vallarta’s heat, that makes a hat and drinking water important.

The ride has been described as lasting around one and a half to two hours, though the exact timing varies. Some people find that length just right. Others feel worn out before reaching the tequila stop, especially on a hot day.

The scenery can shift quickly. You might pass through a local settlement, then move into a quieter section with trees and hills. One unusual point along the route has been described as the most dangerous kindergarten in Puerto Vallarta, a memorable glimpse of ordinary local life rather than a standard sightseeing stop.

The ride is not always smooth. One account described an uncomfortable saddle and a broken stirrup, so it is sensible to tell the guides at once if your tack feels loose or painful. The staff generally rides alongside the group and helps riders who need assistance, but you should still speak up rather than trying to tolerate a problem.

If the river route is open, the water portion is the clear highlight. You may ride into the river or swim beside the horse, depending on conditions and the group’s ability. It is a striking experience, but it is also the part most controlled by weather and water levels.

La Dulce Vista turns the second half into a food day

After the riding, you head to La Dulce Vista. This is where the experience changes from dusty outdoor activity to a relaxed meal beside a pool.

The setting has been praised as attractive and peaceful, with a pool available for swimming after the ride. Pack a towel because towels are not included. You may also want a dry change of clothes, especially if you enter the river or pool.

Before lunch, you taste small-batch artisanal tequila made in the city of Tequila. The tasting includes Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and a premium pink tequila. Each style has a different character, and the tasting gives you a useful introduction to the effect of aging and blending.

The tequila stop is not simply a quick shot and move on. The hosts explain the differences between the bottles, and the tasting can be one of the more engaging parts of the day. Almond tequila has been a favorite for at least one participant, while Blanco and mezcal have also drawn praise.

There is one important caveat. Some accounts describe the tasting as too much of a sales pitch, with vendors nearby. If you dislike commercial tastings, keep your expectations modest. You can enjoy the samples and explanations without feeling pressured to buy anything. Ask in advance if purchases or extra drinks are separate from the package.

Make salsa, then sit down to lunch

The food is one of the strongest reasons to choose this excursion instead of a horseback-only trip. You get a traditional Mexican lunch with a BBQ-style main course: chicken, meat, beans, rice, vegetables, salsa molcajete, and quesadillas.

A salsa-making activity comes before the meal. You prepare your own salsa with guidance, which adds a hands-on touch and gives you something to do while the group settles in. It is a small activity, but it helps the La Dulce Vista stop feel like a meal experience rather than a basic buffet.

Vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian options are available. Mention your needs when booking or at the start, since the standard menu centers on meat and chicken.

The published package includes lunch, bottled water, alcoholic beverages, and lemon margaritas. The tour description says margaritas are unlimited. Because one account reported being charged for alcoholic drinks at an earlier stop, I would confirm exactly which drinks are included before you go. That avoids an unpleasant surprise and makes the $113.26 price easier to judge.

The meal is served after a physically active ride, so expect to be hungry. The pool and shaded dining area also give you a chance to cool down before the trip back.

Is $113.26 a fair price?

For a five-hour outing, $113.26 per person is not the cheapest way to ride a horse near Puerto Vallarta. The value depends on how many parts of the package you will use.

The price includes private transportation in a white bus, the horseback ride, lunch, bottled water, tequila tasting, and margaritas. You also get the salsa activity and access to the pool area. If you intend to ride, eat, taste tequila, and swim, the package is reasonably well loaded.

The value drops if your main goal is a long mountain ride. River access is not guaranteed, and some routes spend more time on roads or dry riverbeds than you might expect from the description. You are paying for a mixed day, not a pure riding expedition.

The small maximum group of 17 helps. A smaller group usually makes horse matching, safety instruction, and help with mounting easier. It also gives the guides more room to manage different riding levels.

The outing is often booked about 19 days ahead, so it is wise to reserve early if your dates are fixed. Confirmation comes at booking, and the activity returns to the Marina Vallarta meeting point.

Getting to the meeting point and back

The starting point is Av. Paseo de la Marina 121 in Marina Vallarta. If you arrive by cruise ship, allow extra time. The port area can require a walk of about 30 minutes before you reach the public road and transport options. A taxi or ride service may be easier, especially if your ship has a tight return schedule.

The tour includes transportation from the meeting point, but conditions can vary. Some accounts describe a hot, unairconditioned vehicle, while others describe private transport. Bring water and dress for heat rather than assuming the transfer will be cool.

The outing can run longer than five hours. One departure lasted from about 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and another account found the trip back after lunch and tequila tiring. If you are on a cruise, leave a generous buffer before all-aboard time. Do not plan a second fixed activity immediately afterward.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this for someone who wants variety. You do not need to be an expert rider, and the staff can match beginners with calmer horses. It also suits couples and families who want a full day outside the main resort areas.

Horse owners may appreciate the condition of the animals. Several accounts specifically praised their health, calm behavior, training, and care. That does not remove the need to inspect your saddle and stirrups, but it is a positive sign.

The outing is also a good fit if you enjoy tequila but do not want to spend the whole day at a distillery. Here, the tasting is only one part of a larger schedule.

I would be cautious if you dislike heat, have difficulty sitting in a saddle for two hours, or need a strict timetable. I would also hesitate if your only reason for booking is the horse swim. That section can be canceled or replaced when the river is too dry, too deep, or too fast.

People over 220 pounds or 100 kilograms must be taller than 5 feet 7 inches or 170 centimeters. Check that requirement before paying.

What to pack for this particular day

Pack a swimsuit and towel first. Towels are not provided, and you may have access to both the river and the pool.

Wear secure shoes that will not fall off if they get wet. Water shoes are a practical choice. Avoid loose sandals or anything you would worry about losing in the river.

Also bring:

• A hat and sunglasses
• A change of clothes
• Drinking water
• A small backpack for dry items
• Sunscreen
• Clothes you can get dusty or wet

A hat may be available for purchase on site, but bringing your own is the better choice. A bandana is not essential, so do not feel pressured to buy one.

Cancellation and weather rules

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes made inside that window are not accepted, and cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

The activity depends on suitable weather and a minimum number of people. If poor weather or low participation cancels the outing, you are offered another date, another activity, or a full refund.

Should you book Horseback Riding & Swim?

Book it if you want a mixed Puerto Vallarta day with horses, tequila, Mexican food, salsa, and pool time. The guides are a major strength, and the horses are generally calm and well cared for. When the river is safe, the horse swim can be a truly unusual memory.

Book with realistic expectations if the forecast is hot or dry. The ride may use roads and dry riverbeds, and the river section may disappear. Confirm what alcoholic drinks are included, bring your own towel, and leave extra time if you are returning to a cruise ship.

I would choose this over a basic city tour if you want to see rural Jalisco and enjoy active food-and-drink stops. I would choose a dedicated riding excursion instead if mountain trails and river crossings are your only priority.

FAQ

How long does the experience last?

The advertised duration is approximately five hours, but some departures have lasted from about 10:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Av. Paseo de la Marina 121, Marina Vallarta, 48335 Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico.

Does the tour return to the meeting point?

Yes. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Can beginners ride the horses?

Yes. Safety instructions are provided, and horses are matched to your ability. The experience is described as suitable for people who have never ridden before.

Is swimming with the horse guaranteed?

No. River access and swimming depend on the water conditions. High current, rain, or dry riverbeds can change the route.

Should I bring a swimsuit?

Yes. You should bring a swimsuit in case river conditions allow swimming or you want to use the pool at La Dulce Vista.

Are towels provided?

No. Towels are not included, so bring your own.

What food is served?

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

Are drinks included?

Bottled water and alcoholic beverages are included. The description specifies lemon margaritas and says they are unlimited. Confirm the exact drink inclusions before departure.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You are offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the cancellation.