Horseback Riding & Swim: Tequila Tasting, BBQ & Margaritas

The unusual hook here is the chance to swim with your horse in the Mascota River. That part depends on water levels and current, but even when the river is off limits, you still get a countryside ride, tequila tasting, salsa making, a pool, and a Mexican BBQ lunch.

I like the gentle, well-trained horses and the guides’ patient help, especially for first-time riders. I also like the way the day moves beyond Puerto Vallarta’s hotel zone into rural Jalisco. The main drawback is the heat: the ride can feel long, and the transport may be warm or less polished than expected.

Key points to know before you book

• Horse swimming depends on the river: High current, rain, or dry riverbeds can change the ride.
• Fabrizio, Martin, Saul, Valeria, and other guides are praised for safety help, humor, and patience.
• The tequila tasting is more than a quick sample: Expect Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, pink tequila, and other small-batch flavors.
• Lunch is served beside a pool at La Dulce Vista: Mexican BBQ, salsa making, quesadillas, beans, rice, vegetables, and margaritas are part of the appeal.
• Bring water-friendly gear: Pack a swimsuit, towel, hat, sunglasses, and shoes that stay on your feet when wet.
• Plan extra time: The advertised duration is about five hours, but some departures have lasted closer to five and a half hours or more.

Riding from Hacienda Doña Engracia into rural Jalisco

The day begins at Av Paseo de la Marina 121 in Marina Vallarta. From there, the trip to Hacienda Doña Engracia takes about 25 minutes, though the full outing can run longer than the five-hour estimate.

At the ranch, the staff matches you with a horse based on your ability. That matters. You do not need to be an expert rider, and first-time riders receive safety guidance before setting out. Riders who have not been on a horse for years can ask for extra help mounting, dismounting, and handling the reins.

The horses are one of the strongest parts of the outing. I would pay attention to this on any horseback tour, and the available information points to calm, gentle, well-cared-for animals. Guides ride along with the group and help keep the pace manageable. The staff also takes breaks, which is welcome in Puerto Vallarta’s hot sun.

The route is meant to follow the Mascota River and pass through countryside vegetation, local roads, and rural scenery. In good conditions, you may cross the river several times. Some rides include a short swim with the horses, usually bareback, which is the moment that gives this tour its unusual character.

But do not book this expecting a guaranteed river adventure. Water levels control the route. During dry conditions, the riverbed may be sandy and dry. During heavy rain, the current can be too strong for horse swimming. In those cases, the ride may use roads, a local town, a nature trail, or hillside routes instead.

That change can affect your opinion of the tour. Some riders find the alternate route perfectly enjoyable and appreciate seeing a part of Jalisco outside the resort zone. Others expect a scenic mountain ride and feel let down by roads, heat, or dry riverbeds. The tour description does mention the river condition, so treat swimming as a bonus rather than the central promise.

What the horse ride feels like for beginners

The route is not simply a short photo stop beside a ranch. Several accounts describe roughly two hours of riding, and some people found the full day tiring. The combination of heat, sun, saddle time, and later activities can wear you out.

That makes the horse match important. If you are new to riding, tell the staff clearly. Guides such as Fabrizio, Martin, Saul, and Valeria are repeatedly praised for staying close, explaining what to do, and helping people who feel nervous. You can expect a guided pace rather than a free ride.

Wear shoes that will not slip off. If you enter the river, your shoes may get wet, so old water-friendly footwear is a better choice than delicate sandals. A hat and sunglasses are useful, but bring your own if possible. One account complained about the price of a bandana sold on site, and there is little reason to buy one if you already have sun protection.

The tour has a stated maximum of 17 people. That is large enough to create a group feel, but small enough for staff to keep an eye on riders. Exact group size can affect the mood and the level of individual attention. One unusual account involved a very small booking, and the tequila presentation was reduced because only two people were attending, so a larger departure may provide the fullest version of the program.

There is also a weight and height rule worth noting. If you weigh more than 220 pounds or 100 kilograms, your height must be above 5 feet 7 inches or 170 centimeters. Check this before booking if it applies to you.

The Mascota River swim, when nature cooperates

If river conditions are safe, swimming with the horse is the tour’s special feature. You may ride into the water and spend a short time there with the horse. It is not something to assume will happen every day, but it can turn a normal trail ride into a memorable afternoon.

Bring a swimsuit, not just clothes you do not mind getting dirty. Pack a towel too, since towels are not included. A small backpack with dry clothes is sensible, especially if you plan to use the pool later. The guide can take photos with your camera if you want pictures, so carry a phone or camera in a secure, water-safe case.

If the river is closed, you may still get wet at the pool at La Dulce Vista. That gives you a second chance to cool down, though it is not the same as riding through the river. High current and poor weather are safety issues, not minor itinerary changes, so the route may be altered for good reason.

La Dulce Vista: tequila, salsa, and a poolside lunch

After the ride, the group continues to La Dulce Vista. This is where the outing shifts from ranch activity to food and drink. The setting includes a pool and a pleasant place to sit, eat, and cool down.

The tequila tasting focuses on La Dulce Vista’s own artisanal boutique tequila. You are scheduled to taste Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo, along with premium pink tequila made in small batches in Tequila, Jalisco. The different styles give you a useful introduction to how aging changes tequila’s color and flavor.

The tasting is not only about taking shots. The staff explains the differences between the bottles, and some unusual flavors may appear. Almond tequila receives special praise, while Blanco and mezcal are favorites for others. The tequila is easy to drink, so pace yourself. Horseback riding in the heat followed by several samples is a poor time to discover your limits.

The salsa activity adds something hands-on. You can make your own salsa, work with a molcajete, and then sit down to lunch. This is a small detail, but it helps the meal feel like an activity rather than a buffet stop.

The listed meal is Mexican BBQ with chicken, meat, beans, rice, vegetables, salsa molcajete, and quesadillas. Vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian choices are available, but state your preference when booking or before the meal so the staff can prepare appropriately.

Lunch is one of the best value points. The food is substantial, and the pool gives you a chance to recover from the ride. Lemon margaritas and bottled water are included in the published package. One account reported being charged for alcoholic drinks during part of the day, so I would confirm exactly which drinks are included before accepting extras. The advertised package specifically includes lunch, bottled water, alcoholic lemon margaritas, and the tequila tasting program.

Heat, transport, and the parts that may test your patience

The tour uses private transportation in a white bus according to the stated inclusions. The trip from Marina Vallarta is short, but the ride to and from the ranch and La Dulce Vista adds time to the day. Several accounts describe hot transport, including an unconditioned van, and a very small booking was handled with rideshare vehicles instead.

That variation matters if you expect air-conditioned, polished transport. It is wise to ask about the vehicle when confirming your pickup. If you are arriving from a cruise ship, allow time to leave the terminal area and reach Marina Vallarta. One account described roughly a 30-minute walk from the cruise terminal, while a taxi or rideshare can save time.

The outdoor portion has limited shade. Bring water, even though bottled water is included, and use sunscreen. The heat can make the tequila tasting arrive later than you would like, especially if the ride takes two hours or the route changes.

The tour is also not perfectly predictable. A river route can become a town route. A scheduled swimming stop can disappear. A small group can change the presentation. These are not automatic reasons to reject the tour, but they should shape your expectations.

There was also one report of a broken stirrup and an uncomfortable saddle. That is a serious concern, even though other accounts describe safe horses and competent staff. Tell the guide immediately if your saddle or stirrup feels loose. You should not continue riding with faulty equipment.

Is $113.26 good value?

At $113.26 per person, the price is reasonable if you use most of the package: transportation, a substantial lunch, tequila tasting, salsa making, margaritas, pool time, and a guided horseback ride. Booking each part separately would be difficult, and the rural setting adds something you will not get from a standard Puerto Vallarta food or bar excursion.

The value is strongest for someone who wants a full half-day with several activities. You are not paying only for the horse ride. You are also paying for staff, transport, food, drinks, and access to a countryside property.

The value is weaker if your only goal is swimming with a horse. That part is weather and river dependent. If the water is too high or too low, you may spend the ride on roads, trails, or through town instead.

The same applies if you dislike organized group outings or want a quiet, athletic horseback trip. The tequila tasting, salsa activity, lunch, margaritas, and pool make this a social package. You may enjoy it more if you see the ride as one part of a broader Mexican day.

Who should book this Puerto Vallarta excursion?

I would recommend it to couples, families, friends, and solo visitors who want to leave the hotel district and see rural Jalisco. It suits beginners because the horses are described as calm and the guides offer patient help. It also works for experienced riders who care about horse welfare and want more than a short loop around a ranch.

Families should consider the heat, the length of the ride, and the alcohol component. The activity is open to most participants, but children and inexperienced riders may need extra attention. The stated maximum of 17 people keeps the group from becoming enormous, though it is still a group outing.

This is less suitable for anyone who needs a guaranteed river swim, cool transport, a short itinerary, or a polished luxury setting. It is also not ideal if you do not want to get wet or cannot sit comfortably on a horse for an extended period.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Within 24 hours, changes and refunds are not accepted. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants can lead to a new date, another activity, or a full refund.

What to pack for the five-hour outing

Bring a swimsuit and towel. Towels are not supplied, despite the pool and possible river swim.

Pack a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, bottled water or a refillable bottle, dry clothes, and water-friendly shoes. A small backpack is more useful than a shoulder bag while riding.

Keep your phone protected from water and secure it before mounting. Guides can take photos with your camera, but you are responsible for keeping it safe.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin and end?

The tour begins at Av Paseo de la Marina 121, Marina Vallarta, 48335 Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. It ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the activity last?

The stated duration is about five hours. Some departures have lasted longer, including one that ran from about 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Is swimming with the horse guaranteed?

No. Horse swimming depends on river conditions. Rain, high current, or dry riverbeds can lead to a different riding route.

Do I need previous horseback riding experience?

No. Most participants can take part, and the staff matches you with a horse based on your ability. Safety instructions and help from the guides are provided.

What food is served?

The listed main meal is 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 lemon margaritas are listed as included, along with alcoholic beverages. The activity also includes a tequila tasting. Confirm which additional drinks, if any, cost extra.

Should I bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included, and you may use the pool or enter the river if conditions permit.

Is there a weight or height requirement?

If you weigh more than 220 pounds or 100 kilograms, your height must be above 5 feet 7 inches or 170 centimeters.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 17 participants.

Should you book it?

Book this if you want a lively day that combines horses, rural scenery, tequila, salsa, Mexican food, margaritas, and a pool. The guides and horses receive the most consistent praise, and the full package offers good value for $113.26.

Go in with flexible expectations. The Mascota River swim is a possible highlight, not a promise, and the heat and transport may be less comfortable than the price suggests. Bring proper gear, confirm the drink details, and allow extra time. If you can accept those conditions, this is a fun way to see a more rural side of Puerto Vallarta without arranging several separate activities.