Horseback riding in the mountains of Puerto Vallarta

The real draw here is the combination of a mountain horseback ride and a walk across Puente Colgante El Jorullo, presented as the world’s longest vehicular suspension bridge. I like that the ride is not the whole story: you also get mountain scenery, a guide’s explanation of local plants and wildlife, and a tequila tasting to finish.

I also like the small group limit of 10 and the practical inclusions, especially transport, purified water, fruit, and one beer, water, or lemonade. The main caution is that the ride begins with some steep roads, and the horses use bits that one rider found harsher than expected for a tourist ride.

Key points to know before booking

• About two hours on horseback: The full outing lasts about five hours, but the actual riding time is roughly two hours.
• Steep access roads: You may ride down steep roads before reaching the main trail, so this is not a flat beginner stroll.
• Jorullo Bridge adds variety: You leave the saddle and walk across a major suspension bridge before the final tasting.
• Tequila tasting is a strong finish: Kevin, the tasting host, is friendly and explains the tequila without pressuring you to buy.
• A small-group outing: The maximum is 10 people, which should make transfers and instructions easier to manage.
• Know the limits: You need moderate physical fitness, and the maximum weight is 100 kilograms, or 200 pounds.

From Playa de Oro to Puerto Vallarta’s mountain country

You meet at the Canopy River Oficina Playa de Oro, at Playa de Oro 126 F in Puerto Vallarta’s hotel zone. From there, an open vehicle takes you to the park. That open transport is part of the experience, but you should be ready for sun, dust, and changing weather conditions.

The tour lasts about five hours from pickup through return. That makes it a useful half-day choice if you want to see beyond the hotel zone without giving up an entire day. You return to the same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a separate ride back.

The group size is capped at 10 people. I consider that a real advantage for a horseback outing. Small groups usually make it easier to hear the bilingual guide, keep the horses moving at a sensible pace, and avoid the long waits that can make larger organized tours feel slow.

You receive a welcome drink, purified water, seasonal fruit, and one national drink. The drink can be a beer, water, or lemonade. Food beyond the fruit is not included, and extra drinks and tips cost more, so plan your expectations around a light refreshment stop rather than a meal.

Getting comfortable before the ride

Once you reach the park, the horseback portion begins. The supplied details do not promise a formal riding lesson, so you should arrive ready to follow basic instructions and manage yourself around a horse. Moderate physical fitness is required.

You spend about two hours actually on horseback. That is long enough to feel like a proper trail ride, but not so long that the saddle takes over your entire day. If you are new to riding, the length can still feel demanding, especially if you are not used to sitting in a saddle.

One rider described steep roads leading down to the trail. This matters more than it may sound. A steep approach can be more tiring and less comfortable than a level path, particularly for first-time riders. Keep your hands steady, listen closely to the guide, and do not assume the horse will handle every slope without your attention.

The horses were described as being in good condition, which is an important positive. At the same time, one rider felt the bits were quite harsh for people who may not be skilled horsemen. I would treat that as a fair point to keep in mind. If you have concerns about tack or horse handling, ask questions before mounting and tell the guide if something feels wrong.

Riding through the Puerto Vallarta mountains

The ride takes you through the mountains around Puerto Vallarta, away from the built-up hotel area. The bilingual guide explains the local flora and fauna as you go. That extra context gives the ride more purpose than simply sitting on a horse while looking at the view.

The setting is best suited to people who want a gentle nature outing with a bit of adventure. You are not signing up for an advanced equestrian lesson or a fast ride. The available information points to a guided trail experience, with the scenery and setting doing much of the work.

I like the fact that the guide talks about the plants and animals. In a place as visually striking as the Puerto Vallarta mountains, it is easy to notice only the broad views. A guide can help you pay attention to what is around the trail, not just where the horse is stepping.

Still, guide quality can shape the day. One rider found the guide’s manner less engaging and felt the tour lacked a clear explanation of how the outing would unfold. That does not mean every departure will feel the same, but it is useful advice: ask at the start how long you will ride, where the bridge fits in, and when the tasting takes place. A clear briefing helps you know what to expect.

Crossing Puente Colgante El Jorullo

After the horseback ride, you walk across Puente Colgante El Jorullo. The tour describes it as the longest vehicular suspension bridge in the world. You are not simply passing a bridge in a vehicle, you are given time to cross it on foot.

This is a smart change of pace. Two hours on horseback can leave you ready to stretch your legs, and the bridge gives you a different way to experience the mountain setting. It also creates a memorable focal point for the outing, particularly if you want something more dramatic than a standard trail ride.

The bridge stop is not a separate excursion with a long list of activities. It is a walk across the bridge, so do not book this expecting a full adventure park visit. The value comes from adding a striking structure and a short walking segment to the ride.

You should also remember that crossing a suspension bridge may feel different from walking on solid ground. The supplied information does not give a precise crossing time, height, or accessibility details, so you should ask the provider if those points matter to you.

Finishing with tequila and a friendly host

The final activity is a tequila tasting. This is included in the price and gives the tour a distinctly Mexican finish without requiring you to plan another stop later in the day.

The tasting appears to be more than a quick pour. Kevin, the worker hosting this part of the experience, is described as friendly, upbeat, and generous with information. He explains the tequila without pushing people to buy anything, which is exactly the right tone for a tasting attached to a day tour.

I would give this part more weight than you might expect. Horseback rides can blur together if the trail itself is short or the guide is quiet. A well-run tasting gives the day a clear ending and a chance to ask questions in a relaxed setting.

Alcohol is available only to adults. One national drink is included elsewhere in the tour, but additional drinks are not. If you do not drink alcohol, the listed options also include water and lemonade, and you can still take part in the educational side of the tequila stop.

Is $85 a fair price?

At $85 per person, the tour is not the cheapest way to see the Puerto Vallarta mountains. But the price covers several separate elements: transport from the meeting point, a bilingual guide, the horseback ride, the bridge walk, water, fruit, a welcome drink, one national drink, and tequila tasting.

That package can be good value if you want variety and convenience. You do not need to arrange transport to the park, find a separate trail operator, or organize a tequila stop. The return to the Playa de Oro meeting point also keeps the day simple.

The value is less convincing if your only goal is a long horseback ride. You are on the horse for about two hours, not the full five-hour duration. The rest of the time goes to transport, getting organized, crossing the bridge, and tasting tequila.

I would compare this with your own priorities. Pay the $85 if you want a compact outing that mixes riding, scenery, a landmark, and drinks. Think twice if you want serious riding time, a formal lesson, or a meal included in the price.

Who will enjoy this most?

This tour suits adults and older children who can handle a moderate physical activity level, follow instructions, and feel comfortable around horses. It also works well for people who want to see a different side of Puerto Vallarta without committing to an all-day trip.

It is a good match for a mixed-interest group. One person can enjoy the horses, another can look forward to the bridge, and someone else may be most interested in tequila. The small maximum group size helps keep the outing from feeling like a large bus excursion.

I would be cautious about booking if you have limited mobility, serious discomfort with steep roads, or little tolerance for saddle time. The supplied information does not describe accessibility arrangements, and the route includes a walk across the bridge. Ask the provider directly if you need a specific accommodation.

The 100-kilogram, or 200-pound, maximum weight limit is firm enough to check before paying. It is better to confirm this early than arrive at the meeting point and discover you cannot ride.

What to bring and how to prepare

Wear clothes that allow you to sit comfortably for about two hours. Closed shoes are a sensible choice for a horseback ride and a bridge walk, though the tour details do not specify a required type of footwear.

Bring sun protection and any personal supplies you need for a five-hour outing. Purified water and seasonal fruit are included, but food is not. If you expect to want a full meal, arrange that before or after the tour rather than counting on the included refreshments.

Because the transport is open, prepare for outdoor conditions from the moment you leave the meeting point. The tour requires good weather. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.

You receive confirmation at booking. The activity is offered in English, with a bilingual guide. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted, and the cut-off uses Puerto Vallarta local time.

My call: book it for variety, not advanced riding

I would book this tour if I wanted a compact mountain outing with several different moments: an open ride to the park, roughly two hours on horseback, a walk across Jorullo Bridge, and a tequila tasting with Kevin. The small group, included transport, and useful refreshments make the day easy to manage.

I would skip it if my main goal were a long, technically demanding ride or a polished equestrian lesson. The steep access roads, reported concerns about the bits, and uneven guide experience mean you should approach it as a casual adventure rather than a serious riding program.

For the right person, $85 buys a varied half-day and a memorable change from Puerto Vallarta’s hotel zone. Check the weight limit, be ready for moderate exertion, and ask for a clear briefing before mounting. Those simple steps will help you get the best from the outing.

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 hotel zone.

Where does the activity end?

The activity ends back at the original meeting point.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately five hours.

How long are you actually on horseback?

The horseback portion lasts about two hours.

Is transportation included?

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

Is a guide included?

Yes. A bilingual guide is included, and the tour is offered in English.

What is included besides the horseback ride?

The tour includes a welcome drink, purified water, seasonal fruit, one national drink, a walk across Jorullo Bridge, and tequila tasting.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included, and additional drinks are also not included.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather cancels the experience, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.