Fun Horseback Tour in Mismaloya

Jungle horseback riding in the mountains sounds good, right? This tour gives you a fast reset from Puerto Vallarta’s busy streets, with a small group and a guide who stays close to make sure you feel comfortable. I really like that it’s built for beginners, so you’re not spending your first hour worrying about reins and balance, and the horses follow a route that keeps things smooth.

My other favorite part is the change of scenery: you go from shaded jungle trails to the river area, then up to El Eden for a breather with swim time and mountain views. One possible drawback: El Eden’s food and extra activities cost extra, so come prepared to spend a little if you want snacks, drinks, or zip line time.

The tour runs about 3 hours total, with an El Eden stop of about 1 hour. You can choose a morning or afternoon departure, and guides like Emmanuel (and his team) keep the pace friendly, especially for kids and first-timers.

Key Highlights Worth Planning For

• Beginner-friendly riding: no prior experience needed, and the horses handle the route
• Small-group comfort (max 10): more attention and an easier pace
• El Eden stop with included admission: about an hour to relax, swim, and enjoy views
• Jungle + river route: trails, stream crossings, and dirt-road segments
• Great for families: even kids as young as 8 tend to do well with a good guide
• Bring bug spray and sunscreen: you’ll be outside, often in the sun and near water

Leaving Puerto Vallarta’s Streets Behind

If you want an easy day that still feels like an adventure, this horseback tour hits the sweet spot. The drive up through the Mismaloya mountains shifts you away from the town and toward a more quiet, green world. You’re not just moving through scenery—you’re actually traveling through it on horseback, which makes the whole trip feel more personal and less like a checklist.

What I like most is that the tour doesn’t demand skill. You’re there to ride, not to pass a test. The horses are calm and know where they’re going, so you can focus on enjoying the jungle sounds, the river crossings, and the moment when the trail turns into something more remote.

A small group matters here. With a maximum of 10 people, it’s easier for your guide to check in, adjust the pace, and handle the little stuff that pops up with first-time riders or kids.

The 3-Hour Flow: Morning or Afternoon, and What to Expect

The total time is about 3 hours, and you’ll get to choose either a morning or afternoon tour. That flexibility helps if you’ve got other Puerto Vallarta plans—like beach time, a city tour, or dinner reservations later. The rhythm is simple: you head up through the mountains, ride with plenty of scenic stops along the way, and then return back to the same meeting point.

The tour includes a certified guide, and you’ll also have a mobile ticket for check-in. The meeting point is at Barceló Puerto Vallarta Manzanillo – Puerto Vallarta Km. 11,5, Zona Hotelera Sur (48300 Puerto Vallarta). The tour ends right back at that same point.

If you’re wondering whether 3 hours is too short, it’s probably perfect. You get real riding time plus an El Eden break, without feeling like you’re gone all day. Just remember the day depends on good weather; if conditions are poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

El Eden Stop: Included Admission, Swim Break, and Optional Extras

El Eden is your “pause and reset” moment. You get about an hour there, after your ride up through the mountains of Mismaloya. Admission to El Eden is included, which is a nice value boost because this is where you actually slow down, stretch, and enjoy the view.

This is also where you can choose your level of activity. You can relax, grab a drink, take a swim in the mountain waters, or do something active like zip line (if it’s operating that day). The big point: food and activities at El Eden are charged separately, so bring cash or a card and don’t expect meals to be included.

One practical note from the experience vibe: the mountain water can feel very cold. That can be refreshing in the right moment, but it’s not the warm-water float most people picture from a beach. If you’re bringing kids, I’d still treat this as a fun option, not a must-do.

Back on Horseback: River Trails, Stream Crossings, and Jungle Dirt Roads

The riding portion is where the tour earns its reputation. The route is a mix of trail segments along the river and dirt-road stretches, with plenty of interesting moments like stream crossings through the forest. That variety keeps it from feeling repetitive, even if you’re riding for the first time.

You should expect roughly an hour each way on the horse. The total still comes in at about 3 hours because you’ll get your El Eden break in the middle and the day stays well-paced.

This is the kind of trail that feels like a real outing, not a short loop. You’re moving through a jungle mountain river setting, and it’s the little details that make it fun: the shade under trees, the sound of water nearby, and the quiet feeling you get when you’re not surrounded by traffic.

If you’re worried about safety or control: the horses follow the known route, and guides stay attentive. You’re not expected to manage complex riding skills—think of it more like guided transportation through nature.

Guides Like Emmanuel: Patient Coaching for First-Timers and Kids

A lot of tours say they’re beginner-friendly. This one is different because it’s built around patient guidance and horses that handle the route confidently. I love that first-time riders aren’t treated like a burden. You’ll get clear direction, and the guide’s job is to help you enjoy the ride, not to rush you.

I’ve seen how much this matters with families. Guides are especially helpful when you’ve got kids on board, and the vibe is that the pace can be adjusted so younger riders feel secure. Emmanuel (mentioned by name in the experience details) is one of the guides you might get, and his style comes through as calm and supportive.

One comfort detail: the horses are described as well taken care of and pretty relaxed. That helps your brain relax too. When your horse seems steady and comfortable, you stop thinking about balancing and start noticing the scenery.

If you get nervous easily, tell your guide right away at the start. Small adjustments—where you sit, how you hold the reins, and how you pace yourself—can make a big difference.

What to Pack: Sunscreen, Bug Spray, and Pants

This is an outdoor ride with sun exposure and time near water. I strongly recommend you show up ready to deal with both. Bring bug spray and sunscreen. Even if you’re under tree cover part of the time, you’ll spend enough moments in open air that sun and insects can catch you off guard.

Clothing is also worth thinking about. Some photos you may see online show people riding in shorts. For me, the safer-feeling option is jeans or long pants, especially if you want a little more comfort while you’re mounted. Closed-toe shoes help too, though the exact shoe type isn’t spelled out here—so choose something that grips and won’t slip.

If you plan to swim at El Eden, pack swimwear and a dry change of clothes. The day is short, but a quick rinse and dry clothes can make the return ride more comfortable.

Value for Your Time in Puerto Vallarta

The value here comes from three smart pieces: real riding time, a meaningful El Eden stop, and a guide who keeps the experience smooth. You’re not just sitting on a horse for a photo and heading back. You get an actual route with river scenery and forest crossings, plus an hour to relax at El Eden.

The “small group” cap (up to 10 travelers) is also value, even if it’s not listed as a feature that sounds exciting. It usually means less waiting, faster feedback for beginners, and a more personal feel when you’re adjusting to the ride.

One cost consideration: alcohol and lunch are not included at El Eden. The tour does include the certified guide and El Eden admission, but you’ll pay separately for extras like drinks, food, and zip line. Still, it’s a flexible setup—if you want to keep spending low, you can focus on the included admission and swim break.

If you’re trying to balance adventure with comfort, this tour fits that goal nicely.

Should You Book This Horseback Tour in Mismaloya?

Yes, if you want a beginner-friendly ride, a calmer break from town, and a real nature setting in a few hours. It’s a strong option for families and anyone who prefers guided attention over a chaotic group.

Skip it or think twice if you hate cold water swims or you’re hoping for food and drink to be fully included at El Eden. Also, since the experience depends on good weather, plan with the understanding that the day could shift.

If your ideal Puerto Vallarta day includes jungle trails, river crossings, and a one-hour El Eden reset, this is the kind of tour that makes the time feel worth it.

FAQ

How long is the horseback tour?

The tour is about 3 hours total.

Do I need prior horseback riding experience?

No prior experience is required. Most travelers can participate.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What is included in the tour?

A certified guide is included, and El Eden admission is included during the stop.

What is not included?

Alcoholic beverages and lunch are not included. Food and activities at El Eden are charged separately.

How much time do we spend at El Eden?

You’ll have about 1 hour at El Eden.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Barceló Puerto Vallarta Manzanillo – Puerto Vallarta Km. 11,5, Zona Hotelera Sur, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico, and ends back at the same meeting point.

What happens if weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.