Horseback Riding & Swim: Tequila Tasting, BBQ & Margaritas

The most memorable part of this Puerto Vallarta outing can be a slow ride through the water, sometimes with a short swim beside your horse in the Mascota River. The day then shifts from cowboy trail to tequila tasting, salsa-making, BBQ, and margaritas at La Dulce Vista.

I like the calm, well-cared-for horses and the patient staff who match mounts to your ability. I also like the chance to see rural Jalisco beyond the resort zone, then settle beside a pool for good food and several styles of tequila.

The main catch is the river. Water levels and weather decide whether you cross or swim, so the horseback portion may instead pass through town, dry riverbeds, roads, or a shorter nature trail. The heat, long day, and sometimes warm transportation are worth considering before you book.

Key points at a glance

• Horse swimming depends on river conditions: You may ride into the Mascota River, but high current or dry riverbeds can change the route.
• Beginner-friendly horses: Staff offer horses suited to different riding abilities and provide safety guidance before setting out.
• La Dulce Vista is more than a tasting stop: You can make salsa, swim in the pool, taste several tequilas, and eat a full Mexican BBQ lunch.
• Guides make a real difference: Fabrizio, Martin, Valeria, Saul, Rafa, Roberto, and other staff are praised for patience, humor, and care around the horses.
• Pack for heat and water: Bring a swimsuit, towel, hat, sunglasses, water-friendly shoes, and a small bag for dry clothes.
• Allow a full half-day: The advertised time is about five hours, though some departures run longer, especially when transport or the riding route changes.

A horseback ride with a tequila finish

At $113.26 per person, this is not simply a trail ride. You are paying for transportation, a horse, guides, a tequila tasting, lunch, water, and alcoholic drinks, with the day ending at a poolside setting. For someone who wants several Mexican experiences in one outing, the price can make sense.

I would not book it only for a guaranteed river swim. That part is weather-dependent, and the exact riding route can change. Book it for the full mix: countryside riding, a chance to see ordinary local communities, a tasting of small-batch tequila, a hands-on salsa stop, and a generous meal with margaritas.

The group can reach 17 people. That is large enough for a social outing but still small enough for the staff to help riders mount, dismount, and handle the horses. The experience is offered in English, and confirmation arrives at booking.

Getting from Marina Vallarta to the countryside

The meeting point is at Av Paseo de la Marina 121 in Marina Vallarta. From there, the ride to Hacienda Dona Engracia takes about 25 minutes by the tour’s white bus, though transportation arrangements have varied. Some departures have used other vehicles, including rides arranged through a driver service, so I would allow extra time and confirm the pickup details carefully.

If you are arriving from a cruise ship, pay attention to the port distance. The walk from the terminal area to Marina Vallarta can take roughly 30 minutes, even though it is mostly flat and paved. A taxi or app-based ride may be easier, and you should leave a generous buffer for returning to the ship.

The ride to the ranch may feel hot. One vehicle has been described as warm and without strong air-conditioning, so bring water and wear light clothing. This is one of those small practical details that matters more as the day wears on.

Choosing the right horse at Hacienda Dona Engracia

At the ranch, staff match you with a horse based on your ability. Beginners receive instruction and help before getting in the saddle. Several people with little recent riding experience have found the horses gentle, steady, and manageable, while experienced riders can request a mount that suits a higher level.

The horses are one of the strongest parts of the outing. The available information points to animals that are cared for, calm, and trained to work with new riders. Staff members ride along, help with mounting and dismounting, and keep an eye on the group.

I especially value the reports from an experienced horse owner who was concerned about animal care before booking. The horses were described as healthy, well cared for, and happy. That does not remove every concern that comes with an organized riding operation, but it is an important sign for anyone who takes horse welfare seriously.

Wear shoes that stay on your feet. Sandals or loose footwear can be a poor choice, especially if the route includes water. Water shoes or secure closed shoes are more practical, and you should be comfortable getting them wet.

What the riding route is really like

The intended ride follows the Mascota River and passes through countryside vegetation and local scenery. Depending on conditions, you may cross the river several times, ride through shallow water, or have a short swim with the horse.

That is the best-case version, and it can be remarkable. Riding through the water gives the outing a special feel, and several people have found the horse swim to be the day’s highlight. If you are comfortable in the water, take the chance when the guide says conditions are safe.

The route is not fixed. High current can make the river unsafe, while dry weather can leave the riverbed without enough water for crossings. In those cases, the ride may pass through a local town, along roads, across hot sandy riverbeds, or on a section of nature trail. Some riders have found that substitute route pleasant, while others felt it did not match their expectations.

You should also expect heat and limited shade. The horseback portion can last around 1.5 to 2 hours, and the sun may be strong. A hat is essential, though one person felt that buying a bandana on site was not worth the cost. Bring your own hat and sunscreen, and drink water before you feel thirsty.

The route may include sights that are less polished than the resort area. You could see roadside rubbish or ordinary working neighborhoods. That can be part of seeing a less packaged side of Puerto Vallarta, but it may disappoint you if you expect a pristine mountain trail from start to finish.

The staff and the beginner experience

The human side of this trip gets a lot of praise. Fabrizio, Martin, Valeria, Saul, Rafa, Roberto, and other guides are repeatedly described as funny, patient, helpful, and attentive around the horses. Names and staff assignments can change, but the important point is the hands-on support.

If you have not ridden in years, tell the guide at the start. If you have never ridden at all, this can still be possible because safety instructions are provided and the horses are selected for different abilities. You should not confuse beginner-friendly with effortless, though. Sitting in a saddle for a long ride under the sun can leave you tired, especially after the drive.

Staff can help you get on and off the horse, and guides ride with the group to help keep things orderly. A riding accident was reported after a stirrup broke, which is a reminder to mention any equipment concern immediately and follow the guide’s instructions.

The experience is better suited to someone open to a relaxed, guided ride than to a rider seeking speed or technical trail work. It is about seeing the countryside, handling a calm horse, and enjoying the setting rather than testing your riding skills.

Tequila tasting at La Dulce Vista

After the riding, the group heads to La Dulce Vista. Here the mood changes. You can taste the property’s artisanal boutique tequila in blanco, reposado, and añejo styles, along with premium pink tequila made in small batches in Tequila.

This is more useful than a quick shot at a bar because you can compare how the different styles taste. Blanco is the clear, fresh style. Reposado spends time resting in wood, while añejo is aged longer and usually has a deeper profile. The exact presentation can vary, but the tasting gives you a basic way to tell them apart.

Almond tequila has been a favorite for some people, and the blanco has also won fans. The tequila is easy to drink, so pace yourself. You may already be warm and tired from the ride, and margaritas follow at lunch.

A point of caution: one disappointing departure felt that the tasting was mainly a sales pitch, while others found the presentation professional and enjoyable. That difference may come from the group size, the staff member leading the tasting, or personal expectations. Go in expecting a commercial tasting with products available for sale, not a quiet museum-style lesson.

Making salsa before the Mexican BBQ

The food stop is one of the reasons this tour works as a full-day experience rather than just a riding excursion. You may make your own salsa, often with guidance from the hosts, before sitting down to eat.

The meal includes Mexican BBQ with chicken, meat, beans, rice, vegetables, salsa molcajete, and quesadillas. Vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian choices are available, so state your dietary needs when booking or at the start of the day.

The food receives unusually strong praise, and I can see why it matters. After a hot ride, a proper plate of beans, rice, meat or vegetables, and quesadillas is far more satisfying than a snack. The salsa-making also gives you something to do with your hands and makes the meal feel less like a standard buffet stop.

Lunch is served with lemon margaritas and other included alcoholic drinks. Bottled water is also included. The margaritas can keep coming, but that is not a reason to rush. Eat first, drink water, and remember that you still need to get back to the meeting point.

Pool time and the question of towels

La Dulce Vista has a swimming pool, so bring your swimsuit even if river swimming is canceled. The pool gives you a second chance to cool off after the ride, and it is a good place to relax before the return trip.

You need to bring your own towel. Towels are not included, and this is easy to overlook when the focus is on horses and tequila. Pack one in a small backpack along with dry clothes, a swimsuit cover-up, sunscreen, and a secure phone pouch if you want to take pictures.

Guides may take photos of you along the way using your camera if you wish. A waterproof phone case or a small dry bag is sensible, especially if the river route is open.

Timing, group size, and comfort

The stated duration is about five hours, but the day may run longer. One outing lasted from roughly 10:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., and another person felt the combination of riding, transport, tasting, and lunch made for a very long hot day.

Plan on being away for most of the day. Do not schedule a tight dinner reservation or an airport transfer immediately afterward. Cruise passengers should be especially careful with return timing, even though some groups have made it back in time.

The maximum group size is 17. That keeps the outing lively, but it may also mean some waiting while riders mount, the group regroups, or the tasting begins. Smaller groups can feel more personal, but one very small booking had trouble when the planned tasting leader declined to conduct it for only two people. If you are booking a private-feeling experience for a special occasion, ask how the day will operate with a very small party.

The activity requires good weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather cancels the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Who should book this Puerto Vallarta excursion?

I would choose this for couples, families, friends, and solo visitors who want several activities in one outing. It suits first-time riders particularly well, provided you are comfortable with heat, a long day, and the chance that the river portion may change.

It is also a good choice if you want to see more than Puerto Vallarta’s hotel zone. The town sections, dry riverbeds, working roads, and countryside are not polished attractions, but they show a more ordinary side of the region.

I would think twice if the horse swim is the only reason you are booking. River conditions may cancel it, and the replacement route may feel basic. I would also reconsider if you dislike sales-oriented tastings, strong sun, long transport, or organized group activities.

Should you book Horseback Riding and Swim?

Book it if you want horses, tequila, Mexican food, salsa, pool time, and margaritas in one day, and you can treat the river swim as a bonus rather than a promise. The calm horses, supportive guides, good lunch, and chance to reach rural Jalisco give the experience real value at $113.26.

Skip it if you need a guaranteed mountain trail, cool transportation, or a quiet, purely local tequila lesson. Pack a swimsuit, towel, hat, secure shoes, water, and patience for changing conditions. With those expectations, this can be a lively and memorable break from the resort strip.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

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

How long does the experience last?

The stated duration is approximately five hours, but some outings run longer. One departure lasted from about 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Is swimming with the horse guaranteed?

No. Horse swimming and river crossings depend on river conditions and weather. High water, strong current, or dry riverbeds can change the riding route.

What should I bring?

Bring a swimsuit, towel, hat, sunglasses, water-friendly shoes that stay on your feet, and a change of clothes. Towels are not included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch 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, alcoholic beverages, lemon margaritas, and the tequila tasting are included according to the tour details.

Can beginners ride?

Yes. Horses are matched to your riding ability, and safety instructions are provided. Most people can participate, but you should be comfortable spending time in the saddle.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded. Weather or minimum-participant cancellations result in an alternate date or a full refund.