Horseback Riding & Swim: Tequila Tasting, BBQ & Margaritas

A river ride, tequila, and BBQ in one day. This Puerto Vallarta tour matches you with a horse at Hacienda Dona Engracia and, when Mascota River conditions allow, you might even swim with your horse. Later, you head to La Dulce Vista for tequila flights from Tequila town and lunch with unlimited lemon margaritas.

The main thing to consider is that the big river moments can be weather-dependent, so if conditions aren’t right you’ll ride more through town and dry riverbeds. Either way, guides like Saul and Martin tend to keep the day organized and fun.

Key Highlights at a Glance

• Small group size (max 17): easier to get help and stay organized around the horses and dining.
• Horse matching for your ability: you’ll get the ride that fits you best before you go out.
• Mascota River ride with optional horse swim: bring swim gear because the payoff can be huge when it works.
• La Dulce Vista tequila tasting: Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, plus a premium Pink tequila.
• BBQ lunch + salsa time + unlimited margaritas: this is more than just a quick stop to eat.
• No towels provided: plan on water footwear and a change of clothes if you want comfort later.

Hacienda Dona Engracia Horse Matching: Your Ride Starts Off Ranch-Style

Your day kicks off in Marina Vallarta at Av Paseo de la Marina 121. You’ll board a private white bus and ride about 25 minutes to Hacienda Dona Engracia, which is where the tour really begins—at least from the animal side of things.

At the hacienda, the crew matches you with a horse that fits your ability level. That matters. A horseback tour goes smoother when you’re not fighting the horse or getting stuck with a mount that’s too much (or too slow) for your comfort. Even if you’re brand-new, you’re not expected to “figure it out” on your own.

Before you go, you should pay attention to the safety guidance and how they handle mounting and riding positions. People in the group range from first-timers to more experienced riders, and the tour is set up to handle that mix. If you feel even slightly unsure, speak up early—this is when adjustments are easiest.

Mascota River Countryside Ride: The Part You’ll Remember

Once you’re mounted, you’ll ride through the countryside toward and along the Mascota River area. The goal is a calm, scenic ride—rural paths, local vegetation, and views you just don’t get from the coastal strip.

Here’s the big feature: if river conditions permit, you may get a short swim with your horse. That’s not a guaranteed stop—it’s conditional. When it’s possible, it turns the ride from a pleasant experience into a story you’ll tell for years. When it isn’t possible, you still get a full horseback outing, but it may be more walking and riding through dry spots or alternative routes.

Two practical notes if you want this part to feel great:

• Wear shoes that won’t easily fall off and are okay if they get wet.
• Bring a plan for getting comfortable after. A small backpack for a change of clothes can save you from feeling sweaty and cold later, depending on the day.

Also, your guide can take photos with their camera along the way if you want. Ask early so you’re not doing it mid-ride when getting a good shot is harder.

When the River Isn’t Swim-Friendly: What Changes Without the Big Water

This tour is built around the river idea, but nature doesn’t always cooperate. On some days, conditions may be too rough (high current) or too dry (dry riverbeds), which can reduce or remove the swimming and river crossings.

If the river part gets scaled back, you may ride through town or along road and path sections instead. That can still be fun—especially if you enjoy seeing everyday Jalisco scenery—but it’s not the exact same “horses in water” fantasy.

So go in with the right expectations. If you’re traveling during a season when weather swings are more common, assume you might get a different version of the ride. The positive side: the day doesn’t collapse. You still get horses, tequila, and a full lunch with drinks. The negative side: you shouldn’t plan your photos or your clothing only for swim mode.

La Dulce Vista Tequila Tasting: Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and Pink

After the ride, the tour takes you to La Dulce Vista, where the mood shifts from ranch calm to tasting-and-lunch time.

Tequila tasting here includes multiple styles:

• Blanco
• Reposado
• Añejo
• A premium Pink tequila

What I like about this setup is that it’s not just one pour and a goodbye. You get to compare different tequila expressions in a single stop, and the tour frames it as small-batch production made in the city of Tequila. That context helps you understand what you’re tasting, even if you don’t consider yourself a tequila expert.

If you’re a fan of learning by doing, this stop is also where the group energy changes. People tend to ask questions, trade impressions, and get a little more social. Guides at the ranch-to-resort flow often know how to keep it light while still explaining what’s different between the bottles.

One small caution to keep things smooth: alcohol can be easy to order casually once you’re tasting and relaxing by the pool. The tour does include drinks with lunch, but if you’re considering additional purchases beyond what’s clearly included, it’s smart to confirm pricing before ordering.

Mexican BBQ Lunch by the Pool: Eating Like You’re on Vacation

Lunch at La Dulce Vista is a traditional Mexican BBQ spread. The menu you’ll see includes items like chicken, meat, beans, rice, veggies, salsa molcajete, and quesadillas. If you’re vegetarian, vegan, or pescatarian, options are available.

The drinks side is where this tour scores points. Lunch includes unlimited margaritas (lemon margaritas) plus bottled water. That makes the meal feel like a full experience, not just a quick refuel between activities.

A nice detail for food lovers: you may also get the chance to make your own salsa. That’s one of those small activities that turns lunch into a memory. It also helps you connect the tasting and the meal—tequila, then flavor building with salsa and molcajete.

If you’re sensitive to heat, plan your pace. This is a day that can run warm from start to finish. Eat when you’re offered food, then slow down with drinks and shade.

The Full Timing and What “5 Hours” Feels Like in Real Life

The tour runs about 5 hours total. In practice, it can feel like a long, active half-day, especially if it’s sunny. You’re moving: drive out, horse time, possibly water time, then tastings and lunch.

A couple of reviews flagged that the day can feel draining if you’re wiped out from the heat before tequila and BBQ. That’s why your best strategy is to prep your body early. Bring sunscreen. Wear a hat. Stay hydrated with the bottled water provided, and don’t wait until you feel cooked to ask for help.

You’ll also be returning to the meeting point at the end, so you can plan your next stop in Puerto Vallarta without needing complicated logistics.

Guides, Safety, and Getting on a Horse Without Stress

I’ve learned to treat horseback tours like an instruction course plus scenery. The best ones do two things well: they match you to the right horse and they handle the safety basics clearly.

This tour includes safety instructions beforehand and uses staff who help getting on and off when needed. Many people mention the horses are calm and well trained, which is exactly what you want on day one.

Guide names that show up often include Saul, Martin, Fabrizio (spelled a few ways), Raphael, and Valeria/Rafa. Different hosts have different styles, but the overall pattern is friendly, patient guidance—especially for people who haven’t ridden in years.

Still, a horseback ride isn’t zero-risk. If the saddle or stirrups feel wrong, speak up right away. If you feel unstable, the best moment to fix it is before you start trotting.

Cost and Value: Is $113.26 a Good Deal?

At $113.26 per person, you’re paying for a package, not just a ride. For that money, you typically get:

• Transportation by private white bus
• Horse matching and horseback riding
• Lunch at La Dulce Vista
• Unlimited margaritas with lunch
• Tequila tasting with multiple styles
• Bottled water

Where the value really shows is that tequila tasting and a proper BBQ lunch aren’t “add-ons.” They’re built into the flow. Many Puerto Vallarta tours bundle one highlight and leave the rest to chance. This one stacks the day: horse time, then tasting, then eating and drinks in a single ticket.

Also, the small group limit of 17 helps. When the group is small, the ride and dining flow often feels more personal, and you’re less likely to get lost in a crowd while switching between activities.

What to Pack: Swim Gear, Water Shoes, and a Hat That Means Business

If you want comfort, pack for both horse and water options—even if the swim doesn’t happen.

Bring:

• Swimsuit
• Hat and sunglasses
• Shoes that won’t fall off and are okay getting wet
• A change of clothes if you plan to swim

Important: towels are not included. That’s a small detail, but it can ruin your day if you show up expecting everything to be provided. If you can, bring a quick-dry towel or a towel you don’t mind getting damp in transit.

Also consider carrying:

• Sunscreen
• A small backpack or bag for wet items (if you swim)

Getting There: Marina Vallarta Meeting Point and the Cruise Port Reality

The meeting point is Av Paseo de la Marina 121, Marina Vallarta. The tour is marked near public transportation, but how you arrive affects your comfort.

If you’re coming from a cruise terminal, plan for a walk to the marina area. One guide-to-adventure rule is simple: don’t underestimate the first leg of a half-day tour. If it’s hot, even “flat” walking can feel longer than you expect.

If you’re using a rideshare, double-check the exact pickup location. The marina addresses can be tricky, and you don’t want to burn time looking while the bus is waiting.

Who Should Book This Horseback + Tequila Day

This is a great match if you want:

• A real Puerto Vallarta countryside experience beyond resort time
• A horseback day with a serious highlight option (the horse swim if conditions allow)
• A tequila stop that includes multiple styles, followed by an actual BBQ lunch
• Unlimited margaritas with lunch and shade-time by the pool

It’s also a solid pick for couples and small groups. The max group size helps keep it manageable. Even families can make it work since the tour matches horses to ability and people report supportive help if you need it.

When This Tour Might Not Be Your Style

You might want to skip or adjust expectations if:

• Your top priority is always swimming in the river. It’s conditional.
• You hate long, hot days. This is active time plus outdoor time.
• You’re sensitive to long stretches between major stops. You’ll ride first, then enjoy tequila and lunch later.
• You prefer an ultra-custom experience. This is structured, and it runs on a schedule.

Also, while most people love the food and drinks setup, there are occasional complaints about the day feeling more like a sales rhythm in certain alcohol moments. If you like to stay in control of spending, stick with included drinks and ask before ordering extras.

Should You Book This Horseback Riding & Swim With Tequila?

If you want a half-day that mixes horses, Jalisco scenery, tequila tasting, and a real lunch with drinks, this is a strong pick for Puerto Vallarta. The best version of the day includes that river ride plus the horse swim, and even the scaled-back versions still deliver a full package.

Book it if:

• You can handle the possibility of no swim
• You’ll bring the right gear (swimsuit, water shoes, hat, and no reliance on a provided towel)
• You want one ticket that covers horse time, tequila, and BBQ without extra planning

Skip it (or reconsider) if the river-swim is non-negotiable or if a hot, active schedule sounds miserable. In that case, look for a more consistent water experience or a shorter, more relaxed tour.

FAQ

How long is the Horseback Riding & Swim with Tequila, BBQ, and Margaritas tour?

The tour lasts about 5 hours.

Where does the tour start and where do you end?

It starts at Av Paseo de la Marina 121, Marina Vallarta, 48335 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

Is swimming with the horse guaranteed?

No. You may be able to swim if river conditions permit, but it depends on the conditions that day.

What should I bring for this tour?

Bring a swimsuit, hat, sunglasses, and shoes that won’t easily fall off and are okay if they get wet.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included, so you should bring one.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch is included (Mexican BBQ), plus bottled water. Alcohol included with lunch includes lemon margaritas, and margaritas are unlimited with the meal.

What tequila types are tasted?

The tasting includes Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and a premium Pink tequila.

What is the maximum group size?

The tour has a maximum of 17 travelers.

Can beginners participate?

Most travelers can participate. You’ll be matched with a horse that suits your ability level, and the day includes guidance from the staff.

What is the cancellation window for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.