Horseback riding in the mountains of Puerto Vallarta

The best views come with a little saddle time. This five-hour outing takes you from the hotel zone into the mountains for roughly two hours on horseback, followed by a walk across El Jorullo Bridge and a tequila tasting. I like the mix of outdoor activity and local flavor, and I like that the group is capped at 10 people.

The package also includes open transport, a bilingual guide, purified water, seasonal fruit, a welcome drink, and one national drink. The main caution is that the ride includes steep roads before reaching the trail, and the horseback portion may feel less polished if you expect detailed instruction or a gentle beginner lesson.

Key points to know before booking

• About two hours on horseback: The ride passes through the Puerto Vallarta mountains, with explanations about local flora and fauna.
• El Jorullo Bridge adds a second thrill: You walk across the longest vehicular suspension bridge in the world after the ride.
• Small group size: The tour accepts no more than 10 people, which should make transport and group movement easier.
• Tequila tasting is a highlight: Kevin, the host at the tasting, is friendly and informative without pressuring you to buy.
• Physical limits matter: You need moderate fitness, and the maximum weight is 100 kilograms, or 200 pounds.
• Plan for five hours: The tour starts and ends at the Canopy River Oficina Playa de Oro meeting point.

From Playa de Oro to the mountain trails

Your day begins at the Canopy River Oficina Playa de Oro office at Playa de Oro 126 F in Puerto Vallarta’s North Hotel Zone. The included transport uses an open vehicle to take you to the park. That ride is part of the transition from resort Puerto Vallarta to the mountain setting, but you should be ready for an open-air trip rather than a private, enclosed van.

The small maximum group of 10 is a real advantage here. Horseback tours can become slow when a large line of riders waits for the least experienced person in the group. A smaller party should make it easier for the bilingual guide to keep everyone together and explain what is happening.

A welcome drink, purified water, and seasonal fruit are included. You also receive one national drink, listed as beer, water, or lemonade. Food is not included, so do not treat the fruit and drinks as a full meal. If you tend to get hungry after active outings, plan around that before you leave.

The tour is offered in English, and the guide is bilingual. That matters most during the riding portion, when simple instructions and clear safety guidance are important. Still, the experience appears geared toward people who are comfortable with an active group outing rather than those seeking a formal riding lesson.

What the horseback ride is really like

The central part of the day is the ride through the mountains of Puerto Vallarta. You are on the horse for about two hours, according to the available trip details. The guide explains local flora and fauna along the route, giving the ride more purpose than simply sitting on a horse and waiting for the next photo stop.

You should expect a mountain route, not a flat beach ride. One account describes steep roads leading down on horseback before the trail begins. That detail is important. If you have never ridden before, downhill sections can feel more demanding than the riding time alone suggests.

The physical fitness requirement is listed as moderate. That does not mean you need to be athletic, but you should be comfortable mounting a horse, sitting in the saddle for a sustained period, and handling uneven or sloping terrain. You may find the activity tiring if you have back, hip, knee, or balance concerns.

The maximum weight is 100 kilograms, or 200 pounds. This is a firm planning detail, not a minor footnote. If you are close to the limit, confirm the current rule before booking so you are not surprised at the meeting point.

The horses were described as being in good condition, which is reassuring. At the same time, one account raised concern about the bits used on the horses, describing them as harsh for a tourist ride. That is worth considering if horse welfare strongly affects your choice of activities. The information available does not explain the tack or handling policy in more detail, so you may want to ask the operator about it before reserving.

A mountain ride with uneven instruction

This outing seems best for someone who wants a scenic horse ride but does not need a full lesson in riding technique. The available feedback suggests that the horses were healthy, but the experience of guiding can vary. One person found the guide did not make the ride especially enjoyable and felt that the ending was abrupt because there was little explanation of how the tour would unfold.

That does not mean your day will feel the same. It does mean you should set realistic expectations. This is a packaged adventure with several parts, not a private equestrian clinic. The guide’s role is to lead the group, explain the natural surroundings, and move everyone through the schedule.

I would ask for a clear overview at the start: how long you will ride, where the bridge fits into the day, and when the tequila tasting begins. That simple explanation can make the tour feel more organized, especially for first-time riders.

The natural education is a welcome touch. Learning about the plants and animals along the way gives you something to notice between the steeper sections and makes the ride feel connected to Puerto Vallarta rather than interchangeable with a trail ride anywhere else.

Crossing Puente Colgante El Jorullo

After the horseback ride, you walk across Puente Colgante El Jorullo. It is described as the longest vehicular suspension bridge in the world, so this is more than a quick stroll to the bus. The bridge provides a change of pace after the saddle and gives the day a second clear adventure.

The bridge stop is called a walk past Jorullo Bridge in the included features, while the main description says you cross it on foot. Either way, walking is part of the plan. If heights or swaying bridges make you uncomfortable, keep that in mind before booking.

The bridge also helps the tour appeal to people with mixed interests. One person may care most about the horses, while another may prefer the bridge and the mountain views. You get both without paying for separate excursions.

Do not expect a long independent visit with unlimited time. The activity lasts about five hours overall, and the group must stay on schedule for transport and the tasting. The bridge is one stop within a half-day outing, not the entire attraction.

Tequila tasting with Kevin

The final major part of the day is the tequila tasting. This is where the tour shifts from outdoor activity to a distinctly Mexican food and drink tradition. Alcoholic beverages are available only to adults, and the tasting is included.

The strongest personal praise in the available feedback went to Kevin, who hosted the tasting. He was described as friendly, upbeat, and generous with information, while avoiding a hard sell. That balance matters. A tequila tasting is much more enjoyable when you can ask questions and learn how the drink is made without feeling pushed into a purchase.

The tasting may end up being the most polished part of the outing. One person specifically preferred Kevin’s warm approach to the tone of the horseback portion. If you are mainly interested in tequila, this final stop could justify the tour for you. If you do not drink, the ride and bridge remain the main reasons to book, since alcohol is not the focus of the whole day.

Food is not included, and the included drink is limited to one national beverage. The exact tequila selections and tasting format are not provided, so do not book expecting a full meal or a formal spirits seminar.

Is $85 a fair price?

At $85 per person, the value depends on how you use the five-hour schedule. You are paying for transport from the meeting point, a bilingual guide, the horseback ride, the bridge walk, refreshments, and tequila tasting. Buying separate transport and activities could cost more, but the package also includes several short elements rather than one long, specialized experience.

I think the price is reasonable for someone who wants variety. You get horses, a major suspension bridge, and tequila in one half-day outing. The 10-person limit also adds value because the group should be easier to manage than a large commercial departure.

The value is weaker if you want excellent horseback instruction above all else. The ride lasts about two hours, not five, and the full time includes transportation, the bridge, and the tasting. A serious rider may prefer a dedicated equestrian experience with more detail about horses, tack, and riding technique.

The price becomes more attractive for first-time visitors who want a straightforward introduction to the mountain side of Puerto Vallarta. You do not need to arrange separate transport, and the included water and fruit are practical touches for an active morning or afternoon.

Who should book this outing?

I would recommend it to adults and older children who meet the weight limit, have moderate fitness, and enjoy a mix of activities. It suits you if you want a break from the hotel pool and prefer a day with movement, mountain scenery, a bridge crossing, and a local drink.

It may also work well for a small group with different interests. Horse lovers get the ride. Photographers get the mountain setting and bridge. Adults who want a taste of tequila get a final cultural stop. The group size is small enough to keep the day from feeling like a massive production.

I would hesitate if you need highly structured instruction, have limited mobility, dislike heights, or want a quiet nature walk. The steep roads before the trail and the time spent on horseback require a reasonable level of comfort with physical activity.

You should also think about the horse welfare concern raised about the bits. The horses were reported to be in good condition, but the equipment was not viewed positively by everyone. Ask the operator for current details if that issue is important to you.

The tour requires good weather. If poor weather cancels the activity, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. For a full refund in other circumstances, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

My booking advice

I would book this tour if you want a compact Puerto Vallarta mountain outing with three distinct pieces: a horseback ride, El Jorullo Bridge, and tequila. The strongest features are the small group, included transport, and the friendly tequila presentation with Kevin.

I would not book it expecting a premium riding school or a carefully explained equestrian program. Ask about the route, tack, and schedule before you go, wear practical clothing, and arrive ready for steep sections and a full five-hour activity.

For the right person, $85 buys a useful mix of adventure and local flavor. Just know what you are buying: a broad, active half-day experience, not a single specialized tour.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

It begins at the Canopy River Oficina Playa de Oro, located at Playa de Oro 126 F in Puerto Vallarta’s North Hotel Zone.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

It lasts approximately five hours.

How long are you on the horse?

The horseback portion 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 a bilingual guide is included.

What is the maximum group size?

The tour accepts a maximum of 10 people.

Is there a weight limit?

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

Is food included?

No. Food is not included, although seasonal fruit and some drinks are provided.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.