Punta de Mita/Sayulita: Horseback Riding Tour

The best part of this horseback ride is the changing scenery. You go from the ranch to the little town of Higuera Blanca, then through jungle and out onto Litibú Beach, where you may have the chance to gallop. It is a more varied outing than a simple beach ride.

I like the calm, well-fed horses and the guides who take time to explain how the animals behave. I also like the ranch itself, with donkeys, ponies, macaws, water buffalo, deer, turkeys, peacocks, and the enormous bull Soruyo. The main consideration is time: the riding lasts 1.5 hours, but transport and the ranch stop can make this a much longer outing.

• Three settings in one ride: Higuera Blanca, jungle trails, and Litibú Beach.
• Gentle horses: The animals are cared for and matched with riders after a short safety briefing.
• Friendly named guides: Ricardo and Carlos are often involved in the riding portion, while Nico leads the tequila tasting.
• A full ranch visit: See farm animals, enjoy the property, and take a photo with Soruyo, a bull weighing more than one ton.
• Beach gallop option: You may be able to pick up the pace on the sand, depending on conditions and the guide.
• Good practical value: Transportation, bottled water, and tequila tasting are included in the $103 price, but lunch and photographs cost extra.

A horseback ride with more than beach scenery

Many coastal riding trips follow one predictable route. This one changes character several times. You begin at a ranch, pass through a typical Mexican town, ride under jungle cover, and finish at the broad shore of Litibú Beach in Riviera Nayarit.

That variety is the real reason to book it. You are not only sitting on a horse and looking at sand. You get a short look at local village life and countryside that you could easily miss from a resort shuttle or paved highway.

The riding portion lasts 1.5 hours. That is long enough to make the outing feel worthwhile without committing you to an all-day saddle trip. Still, plan extra time around it. Pickup, the ranch visit, tequila tasting, and optional lunch can stretch the total outing well beyond the stated riding time. One participant reported spending close to six hours from pickup to return, so do not place this tour beside a dinner reservation or airport transfer.

Meeting the horses at the ranch

The ranch is part of the experience, not just a place to mount up. You arrive among a large collection of animals, including donkeys, ponies, macaws, roosters, water buffalo, deer, turkeys, and peacocks. That gives you something to see before and after the ride, especially if you are traveling with children or have little interest in sitting around while the group gets organized.

You first hear a brief safety talk, then meet your horse and get saddled. The horses are described as calm, friendly, well-fed, and kept in good condition by the ranch cowboys. That matters for beginners. A quiet horse can make the difference between enjoying your first ride and spending the whole time gripping the saddle.

Guides such as Ricardo and Carlos are a useful part of the setup. Ricardo is noted for making riders feel safe and welcome, while Carlos explains horse behavior and keeps the mood light. The exact guide can vary, but the riding team speaks English and Spanish.

You should still be honest about your comfort level. This is guided riding, not a private lesson, and you will be outdoors around animals. Follow the safety instructions, keep your feet properly placed, and tell the guide if you are nervous or inexperienced.

Through Higuera Blanca, a real working village

The route heads through Higuera Blanca, a small Mexican town. This is one of the most appealing parts of the tour because it gives you a glimpse of ordinary local surroundings rather than keeping you inside a resort or purpose-built attraction.

Do not expect a major sightseeing stop with monuments and museums. The appeal is simpler. You are moving slowly through a typical village, seeing homes, roads, and daily life from horseback. That slower pace helps you notice details that disappear from a van window.

I especially like this part for visitors staying around Punta de Mita or Nuevo Vallarta who want a little contact with the area beyond hotel grounds. It is a modest experience, but it feels more connected to the region than a ride confined to a private ranch.

The town section also helps break up the ride. You are not asked to spend the full 1.5 hours on one type of trail. After the village, the route changes again as you enter the jungle.

Jungle trails and a change of pace

The jungle section brings shade, plants, and a more rural feel. The supplied information does not promise wildlife sightings, a nature lecture, or a strenuous trail, so book this for the setting rather than for a formal ecology tour.

The route is guided, and the horses are escorted by cowboys familiar with the animals and the area. That makes the ride easier for people who have only ridden a few times. You can focus on staying comfortable and looking around instead of trying to navigate.

The jungle also gives you a useful contrast with the coast. At the ranch, you see working animals and open property. In town, you get local life. Under the trees, the ride feels quieter and more removed. Then the trail opens toward Litibú Beach.

Bring insect repellent. It is specifically recommended, and the jungle portion is the obvious reason. Wear comfortable clothing that lets you move freely. Long pants may be more comfortable than shorts around a saddle, though the tour information only requires comfortable clothes.

Litibú Beach and the optional gallop

Litibú Beach is the payoff for the route. You reach a beautiful stretch of coast where the setting opens wide and the horse ride takes on a more classic beach-trip feel.

Some riders particularly enjoy the chance to gallop on the beach. This is optional, not a guarantee that every rider will spend a long time at a full gallop. Your guide will determine what is suitable for the group, the horses, and the conditions. If you are new to riding, you can enjoy the beach at a slower pace.

The beach section may appeal most to riders with some experience. Beginners can still take part, since the horses are chosen for their calm nature, but you should not feel pressured to gallop. A walk or gentle pace lets you enjoy the shore without turning the outing into a test of skill.

There is a practical limitation here: cameras and cellphones are not allowed. That may seem strict, but it keeps riders from handling devices while on horseback. The ranch may have a photographer taking pictures along the route. The photographs cost extra, and they are not cheap by every budget, but several riders felt the finished images were worth buying, especially for the beach portion.

If photos matter to you, ask about the package and price before committing. If you normally skip tour photography, you may still want to look at the pictures before deciding. You cannot simply rely on your own phone during the ride.

The ranch animals and Soruyo

After riding, you have more time to enjoy the ranch. The range of animals gives the property a relaxed, country feel. You might see peacocks and macaws alongside more familiar farm animals, while the water buffalo and deer make the ranch more unusual than a standard riding stable.

A signature moment is the photo with Soruyo, a bull weighing more than one ton. This is not a casual encounter to treat like a petting zoo stop. Follow staff instructions and keep a respectful distance around any large animal.

The ranch is also a place to slow down. The riding route is active, but the property gives you room to sit, look around, and decide if you want lunch. That makes the experience feel fuller than the advertised 1.5 hours alone.

Tequila tasting with Nico

The tequila tasting follows the ride and provides a social finish. Nico leads the tasting, and the tone is described as funny and lively. This is not presented as an advanced spirits class. It is a casual introduction and a chance to sample tequila after being outdoors.

Tequila tastings can be useful for visitors who want more context around a familiar Mexican drink, but keep your own limits in mind. You have already been riding and may have a long drive back. Drink modestly, especially if you are using the included transportation and have plans later.

The tasting is included in the $103 price, along with bottled water and round-trip transportation from certain pickup points. Lunch is not included. You can buy food at the Mexican restaurant on the property, which is convenient but adds to the final cost.

Is $103 a fair price?

At $103 per person, this is not the cheapest short horseback ride in the area. The value depends on what you count as part of the outing.

You are paying for more than saddle time. The package includes transportation from certain pickup points, water, a guided route through three distinct settings, access to the ranch, and tequila tasting. The ranch animals and the post-ride time also add value, particularly if you want a complete half-day activity rather than a quick ride and return.

The price is easier to justify if you need transport from your hotel area and plan to eat at the ranch. It is less compelling if you only want a basic beach ride and have your own car. Lunch and photos are extra, so budget for those only if you want them.

Pickup location matters. The activity partner confirms the meeting point and time after booking, and you should be ready 10 minutes early. Not every hotel pickup is necessarily available, so check the pickup details before paying.

Who will enjoy this ride most

I would recommend this tour to:

• First-time riders who want calm horses and close guidance.
• Couples looking for a scenic activity with a social finish.
• Solo visitors who are comfortable joining a group.
• Riders who want town, jungle, and beach scenery in one outing.
• Visitors staying around Punta de Mita, Sayulita, or nearby coastal areas who want to see more of the countryside.
• People who enjoy ranch animals and do not want the ride to end as soon as they dismount.

It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or anyone over 260 pounds, or 118 kilograms. Sandals and flip flops are not allowed, so wear closed footwear suitable for riding.

The outing may not suit you if you want a private ride, a long technical trail, or a tour built around detailed history and wildlife study. It is a friendly, scenic riding experience with local flavor, not an expert equestrian clinic.

Booking details that affect the day

The tour is offered in English and Spanish, with starting times based on availability. Pickup is included from certain points, and the operator contacts you after booking to confirm where and when to meet.

You can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your schedule is still changing. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund.

Do not bring a camera or cellphone on the ride. Bring comfortable clothes, insect repellent, and a willingness to leave your phone behind for a while. That restriction is worth knowing before you arrive, particularly if taking your own beach photographs is important to you.

Should you book the Higuera Blanca horseback ride?

Book it if you want a well-rounded countryside outing with gentle horses, a real village, jungle, and Litibú Beach in one route. The strongest parts are the variety of scenery, the cared-for animals, and the guides, especially Ricardo and Carlos when they are leading the group.

Skip it if your priority is a short, inexpensive ride with no extras. The total day can run much longer than 1.5 hours, and lunch and photographs cost more. For most visitors who value local scenery and a relaxed ranch stop, the $103 price is reasonable, particularly when transportation and tequila tasting are useful to you.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding tour?

The horseback riding portion lasts 1.5 hours. Pickup, the ranch visit, tequila tasting, and optional lunch can make the total outing considerably longer.

Where does the horseback ride go?

The route passes through Higuera Blanca, continues through jungle, and reaches Litibú Beach in Riviera Nayarit.

Can beginners join the ride?

Yes. The horses are described as calm and friendly, and the tour includes a safety briefing and guide support. You should still tell the guide about your riding experience.

Is galloping included?

You may have the option to gallop on Litibú Beach. It is optional and depends on the conditions, the group, and the guide’s instructions.

Are transportation and drinks included?

Round-trip transportation from certain pickup points, bottled water, and tequila tasting are included. The activity partner confirms the pickup location and time after booking.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is available to purchase at a Mexican restaurant on the property.

Can I bring my cellphone or camera?

No. Cameras and cellphones are not allowed during the activity. Photos may be available for purchase from the tour photographer.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear comfortable clothes and closed footwear. Sandals and flip flops are not allowed. Insect repellent is recommended.

Who should not take this tour?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or people over 260 pounds, or 118 kilograms.