A calm trail ride with real small-town stops sounds simple, yet this one stitches together jungle, village life, and Litibú Beach into 1.5 hours that feel longer. I like that the horses are described as gentle and well cared for, and that guides keep you moving at a steady, confidence-building pace. You’ll also get a genuine taste of rural Nayarit at Higuera Blanca, not just a quick photo stop.

One thing to plan around: you’re not allowed to bring your own camera or cellphone, so if you want photos, you’ll be buying the tour’s professional picture package.

Key highlights at a glance

• Calm, well-cared-for horses guided by working cowboys throughout the ride
• Higuera Blanca on horseback, so you see the town as part of the trail
• Jungle-to-beach route that stays scenic instead of rushing past views
• Litibú Beach ride with an option to gallop (weather and trail conditions permitting)
• Tequila tasting included, plus time to grab lunch afterward
• A big bull photo moment with Soruyo, named and weighing over 1 ton

From Ranch Animals to Saddles: What the Start Feels Like

The experience begins at a ranch where you’ll meet more than just horses. You can expect a real animal-filled property, with donkeys, ponies, macaws, roosters, water buffalo, deer, turkeys, and peacocks roaming the grounds. It’s a fun mental shift right away: instead of showing up and vanishing, you get a short “this is a working ranch” introduction.

Before anyone mounts up, you’ll get a quick safety briefing, then the guides help you get saddled and started. People often mention how comfortable they felt with staff like Ricardo and Carlos, and that matches the vibe here: calm handling, clear guidance, and a ride that’s meant to be enjoyable even if it’s your second time on a horse (or your first).

You’ll also have bottled water as part of the tour, which matters in this heat. And since there’s a live guide in English and Spanish, you’re not stuck guessing what’s happening next.

Higuera Blanca on Horseback: The Small-Town Stop That Changes Everything

The most memorable part for many people is the fact that you’re not just passing through a town—you ride through it. Higuera Blanca is the classic “quiet, local” kind of Mexican community, and the trail route gives you time to actually see it from the pace of the horses.

This is the difference between a scenic ride and a sightseeing ride. Instead of watching a town from a bus window, you experience streets and everyday life at human speed—slow enough to notice details, but structured enough that you’re not wandering.

Guides often chat while you’re riding. Staff like Ricardo and Carlos are mentioned as being welcoming and informative, and that’s a big part of why this feels less like a chore and more like a real morning or afternoon out of the ordinary. If you like authentic places where daily life continues, you’ll appreciate this stop.

Jungle Trails: Why the Ride Feels Relaxed (and What to Watch For)

After the town section, you move into the jungle stretch. This is where the ride becomes quieter and more “out on your own,” even though you’re still with guides. Horses are described as calm and well-fed, and the escorts keep things steady, which is why many riders say they felt safe and supported.

Practical note: jungle riding usually means bugs. You’ll want insect repellent ready, and you’ll be glad you wore comfortable clothes instead of something that catches on tack or feels too exposed.

Also, keep your expectations realistic about “horseback” comfort. This is not a luxury padded-saddle spa setup. It’s a straightforward ride, and if you’re sensitive to bumps, you’ll want to wear clothes that help you feel secure and covered. The tour isn’t suited for everyone—if you have back issues, you should skip this.

Litibú Beach in Riviera Nayarit: The Coast Part You Came For

Then comes the payoff: the beach. The trail leads you to Litibú Beach in the Riviera Nayarit area, and at that point the whole tour changes mood. Sand, open space, salt air—suddenly you’re not in a village or a shaded path. You’re moving along the coastline.

One of the best moments is the optional gallop. You won’t control it—it depends on conditions and how the ride is managed—but when it’s offered, it’s the moment you’ll remember later. If you want the “cinematic” horse-on-the-beach memory, this is the section that delivers.

Closed footwear matters here. Sandals and flip-flops are not allowed, which is exactly what you want for safety and comfort on a mix of ranch ground and beach sand. Bring shoes you can walk in too, since you’ll be moving around before and after mounting.

Tequila Tasting + Lunch Time + The Soruyo Photo Moment

The tour doesn’t end when you dismount. Tequila tasting is included, and the finish is built to feel social rather than rushed. Nico is specifically mentioned as fun, which makes sense: tequila tastings work best when the guide treats them like a story, not a script.

Food is not included, but you’ll have the option to purchase lunch at a restaurant on-site or nearby through the property setup. That’s helpful because you can decide how hungry you feel after riding. In other words: you’re not forced into a fixed meal you might not want.

And then there’s the photo moment with a serious centerpiece: the ranch has a majestic bull named Soruyo, described as weighing over 1 ton. Even if you don’t love photos, it’s worth understanding what you’re getting here. It’s a bit of rural showmanship in the best way—an animal you won’t see anywhere else in a normal day trip.

Again, remember the camera rule: since you can’t use your own camera or cellphone, you’ll either skip personal photos or plan to buy the professional ones offered during the experience.

Price and Logistics: Is This $103 Worth It?

At $103 per person, this horse tour is priced in the mid-range for the area, but the value comes from what’s included. You get round-trip transportation from certain pickup points, bottled water, a guided ride across multiple environments (town, jungle, beach), and tequila tasting.

The ride time listed is 1.5 hours, but you should think bigger than just time on the horse. People mention that the drive back to hotels can take a while when pickups are farther out (one rider noted nearly a full 6 hours back). So if you’re staying far from the ranch, this can become a “block of the day” activity.

Also factor in the photo situation. Since you can’t bring your own camera, you may end up spending extra on the tour photos if you want a full set. Many riders say the picture cost was worth it—especially because the beach and gallop shots are the kind you’ll want later.

My practical take: if you want a guided horseback ride that combines three different environments and includes tequila, $103 makes sense. If you only want a quick beach activity and you hate paying for photos, you might feel less satisfied.

What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind)

For comfort and safety, plan your outfit like you’re going to walk and ride. Here’s what the tour data emphasizes:

• Wear comfortable clothes suited for outdoors
• Use insect repellent for the jungle sections
• No sandals or flip-flops
• You can’t bring cameras or cellphones

That last point is the one most people underestimate. If you’re the type who documents everything, accept that this is a “live in the moment” kind of tour. You’ll be relying on the guides and the on-site photographer.

If you want to capture your own memories, the best workaround is mental: notice the small changes as the route moves from town to jungle to beach. It’s the variety—more than a single scenic view—that makes this ride stand out.

Who Should Book This Punta de Mita / Sayulita Horse Tour

This tour works best if you like hands-on, outdoorsy travel and you enjoy seeing places on local terrain. People also mention the horses feel gentle and riders of different experience levels feel comfortable, which is a good sign if you’re nervous about horseback.

It’s also a strong choice if you want a break from the typical beach routine. The route isn’t only coast. It’s town first, then jungle, then the beach payoff.

That said, it’s not for everyone. The tour is not suitable for:

• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People over 260 lbs (118 kg)

If you fall into any of those categories, skip this one and look for a gentler alternative.

So, Should You Book? My Honest Recommendation

I think you should book this horse tour if your idea of a great day is: a calm ride, real local sights, and a beach moment that actually feels special. The combination of Higuera Blanca, the jungle trail, and Litibú Beach with an option to gallop is the kind of mix you don’t get from a simple coastal tour.

Book with extra time only if you’re coming from farther away, since pickup-and-return can stretch the day. And if you hate paying for photos, you’ll want to mentally commit to the fact that your own camera and cellphone are not allowed.

If you want a straightforward, guide-led horseback experience that feels authentic and well run—this is a solid choice.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding tour?

The experience runs for 1.5 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Is transportation included?

Yes—round-trip transportation is included from certain pickup points. You’ll be contacted after booking to confirm your pickup point and time, and you should arrive about 10 minutes early.

What’s included besides the ride?

The tour includes bottled water, a tequila tasting, and a live tour guide (English and Spanish).

Do I get food as part of the tour?

Food is not included, but you can purchase lunch at a Mexican restaurant connected to the property.

Are cameras or cellphones allowed?

No. Cameras and cellphones are not allowed during the experience.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable clothes and insect repellent. Also plan for closed footwear, since sandals or flip-flops are not allowed.

Who shouldn’t take this tour?

It’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or anyone over 260 lbs (118 kg).