Ride deep into the lush Sierra Madre foothills on this scenic horseback adventure following the Rio Cuale from the rural village of Paso Ancho to the natural springs at Rancho Mi Abuelo. This immersive journey combines jungle trails, river crossings, and mountain views with a relaxing soak in natural pools, great food, and a touch of local culture, making it one of the most authentic horseback riding experiences in Puerto Vallarta.
Small Group Horseback Ride in Puerto Vallarta
Your day begins at the stables in Paso Ancho, where the guides take time to carefully match each rider with the perfect horse and provide a short orientation on handling and riding. This is a true small-group experience led by local horsemen who know the land, the animals, and the river intimately. Their passion for what they do shines through as they share stories of the area, the traditions of the ranching community, and the natural beauty of the Cuale River canyon.
Rio Cuale Horseback Riding Experience
The ride follows dirt trails and winding paths through tropical forest, crossing the river multiple times and even riding briefly up a shallow stream. Along the way you’ll pass small waterfalls, towering trees, and hear the sounds of birds and wildlife that thrive in this protected valley. The ride up to Rancho Mi Abuelo takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, offering plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and settle into a relaxed rhythm in the saddle.
Natural Springs & Free Time at Rancho Mi Abuelo
At the top of the ride you’ll arrive at Rancho Mi Abuelo, a beautiful riverside retreat known for its natural river spring pools, rustic restaurant, and laid-back mountain atmosphere. Here you’ll have plenty of free time to soak in the mineral waters, cool off in natural pools, enjoy lunch or drinks, and simply relax while the horses rest. For those looking for a little extra adventure, paintball is also available on site. The time spent at the ranch is intentionally flexible and entirely up to the group, allowing you to fully enjoy this special place before beginning the ride back down. (Food and beverages not included.)
Small Batch Tequila Tasting
No experience in Mexico is complete without tasting its most iconic spirit. Before beginning the one-hour ride back down the mountain, you’ll enjoy a guided tasting of small-batch tequila and mezcal produced by the family distillery at Rancho Mi Abuelo. Learn about traditional production methods, agave varieties, and flavor profiles while sampling locally crafted spirits in a beautiful mountain setting. The perfect way to end the day before our hour ride back down the mountain.
This Rio Cuale Horseback Ride to Rancho Mi Abuelo is the perfect blend of nature, culture, relaxation, and authentic local experience. Reserve your space today and discover one of Puerto Vallarta’s most memorable horseback adventures with The Real Deal Tours.
Puerto Vallarta Horseback Riding Tour to Rancho Mi Abuela Details
Rio Cuale Horseback Ride Includes:
Departures: Mondays and Thursdays at 10:00am from the stables in Paso Ancho. Exact meeting instructions will be provided on your confirmation voucher via email.
Length: Approximately 6 hours (depending groups preference).
Rio Cuale Horseback Ride Recommendations:
Children: Minimum age is 5 years old. Children pay the same price as an adult. Children can ride with their parents so long as they do not exceed the maximum weight of 113 kg (250 lbs).
Insider Tip: We love this horseback riding tour in Puerto Vallarta as it is unique and authentic. They work only with small groups, and it is a very relaxed ride up the trails heading up the Rio Cuale. As ATVs buzz by, you get to saunter and enjoy the beautiful scenery while crossing rivers and streams. You can almost always spot the Macaws flying overhead as well as other birds such as mot mots and trojans that are in abundance there. They give you plenty of time to enjoy the springs, get some food, and even play paintball if you wish while the horses rest up at the top. And they allow the group to decide when to go back down. So, if you are having fun, the itinerary can be very flexible.
Restrictions: No previous horseback riding experience is necessary. Horseback riding is not recommended for people with back or neck injuries or pregnant women. For the safety of the horses and the riders, the maximum weight is 113 kg (250lbs) to participate.
About Your Online Reservation: Booking online does not guarantee that spaces are available and your reservation is confirmed. Our reservation offices are open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm CST daily and we do our best to confirm your reservation and send your confirmed voucher with meeting instructions within 24 hours. If you are booking a tour in less than 24 hours in advance, we recommend you contact us to check availability for you.
Important Notice: Due to significant fluctuations in USD exchange rates, some prices may vary or be adjusted at the time of booking or payment. In certain cases, payment may be requested in local currency using the prevailing daily exchange rate.
Thank you for your understanding as we navigate these temporary currency changes.
Retail: $110.00
Real Deal: $98.00
