Horseback Riding & Swim: Tequila Tasting, BBQ & Margaritas

This is a fun mix because you get horseback riding in rural Jalisco and, when conditions allow, a real horse swim moment. I love that they match you with the right horse for your comfort level, and I also like the way the day pairs the outdoors with a proper tequila tasting and a full sit-down lunch.

The main thing to plan around is river and weather conditions. If the Mascota River is running too fast or too dry, you may ride without the dramatic river crossings and swim portion, and you should come ready for a hot, active day with a hat and your own towel (towels are not included).

Quick hits you will actually care about

• Horse matching for your ability so first-timers and experienced riders can ride comfortably.
• Swim option tied to conditions with the chance of a short swim with your horse when the river allows it.
• Tequila tasting with Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, plus Pink from small batches made in the city of Tequila.
• Salsa making and Mexican BBQ lunch followed by unlimited lemon margaritas.
• Small group size (max 17) with guides you will see moving through the day, like Saul, Martin, and Fabrizio.
• Bring wet-ready gear: swimsuit, water shoes, hat, sunglasses, and a towel.

Riding out of Puerto Vallarta, Hacienda Dona Engracia, and the Mascota River route

Your day starts in Marina Vallarta at Av Paseo de la Marina 121. From there, you ride by white bus to Hacienda Dona Engracia, about a 25 minute drive. That transfer matters more than it sounds. It gets you out of the city mindset, and it positions you for a countryside ride instead of a short, fence-to-fence experience.

At the hacienda, you get matched with a horse that fits your ability. Many riders specifically praise how calm and well trained the horses are, and how guides help you feel steady from the first steps. If you are a cautious beginner, this matters. A good match turns horseback riding from scary into fun fast.

Then you head out along the region around the Mascota River, with views of local vegetation and scenery. Some days include more adventurous terrain, with hills and river crossings when the river cooperates. On other days, the route can be more town-based if conditions are not right. Either way, the goal is countryside time, not just sitting on a horse for a photo and getting back on the bus.

One practical note: the guides take photos along the way if you want them, using your camera. That’s helpful because you do not have to worry about switching phones while you are riding.

The horse swim moment, plus what happens when the river does not cooperate

This experience is built around the idea that you may get a short swim with your horse. They ask you to bring your swimsuit because the pool and river are both part of the plan when conditions permit. But real rivers have real moods.

Here is what you should expect based on the range of experiences people reported:

• If the current is too strong, you might not swim with the horse and you may ride without the water portion.
• If the river beds are dry, you may not get the promised river crossings and instead do more riding through roads and side paths.
• If the weather is rainy, the itinerary can shift, and you might end up with less river time but still get the tequila and BBQ portion.

When the swim is available, it gets described as magical and memorable. People also stress that you should wear water footwear and keep your shoes secure, because you will get wet. One rider even suggested bringing a backpack with a change of clothes so you can get comfortable after.

Also watch the small details. A few negative comments mention towels were not offered at certain moments, which lines up with the fact that towels are not included. Bring your own towel and do not count on a last-minute loaner.

Finally, safety helps a lot here. Multiple riders mention cowboys and guides being kind and supportive when it comes to getting on and off the horse. If you are nervous about mounting, this is where the calm setup pays off.

La Dulce Vista for tequila tasting, Pink tequila, and a real small-batch story

After the ride, you head to La Dulce Vista for the tequila portion. This stop is a big part of why the tour feels like more than just a horseback outing. You taste artisanal tequilas including Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo, plus a premium Pink tequila.

What I like about this setup is that it is not only one sip and a quick stamp. You get a chance to compare styles. Blanco tends to feel fresher and more direct, while Reposado and Añejo typically taste more rounded due to aging. And the Pink tequila gives you something different to try, not just a repeat of the same base flavor.

Some riders name favorites, like enjoying an almond tequila option during the tasting. That tells me the tasting experience can have variety beyond the three classic categories, even if the main menu lists those main types.

The biggest practical value here is pacing. Tequila tasting can go fast once you get comfortable, and the day already includes riding and sun. If you want to savor the flavors, take a slow approach and keep drinking water. Bottled water is included.

Salsa-making, Mexican BBQ lunch, and unlimited lemon margaritas

Food is not an afterthought on this tour. You arrive hungry and you leave full.

At La Dulce Vista, you get a traditional Mexican lunch with options including vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian choices. The BBQ-style menu includes items such as chicken and meat, beans and rice, veggies, salsa molcajete, and quesadillas. You also get to make your own salsa, which many riders call out as a highlight because it is hands-on and memorable.

Then comes the part that helps the day feel like a celebration: unlimited margaritas. The included alcoholic beverage is listed as lemon margaritas. This is not just one free drink and done. It is part of the meal rhythm, and it is why the tour can feel like a solid package when you price out everything separately.

A small reality check: you will be in the heat, riding a horse, and then eating. If alcohol is not your thing, still treat this stop as a strong lunch and salsa experience. If you do plan to drink, do it in moderation and keep an eye on sun fatigue. One rider even mentioned the day leaves you tired at the end, which makes sense given the flow.

How long it really takes, how the group size affects the vibe, and transport basics

The tour runs about 5 hours. In the real world, some days run longer when weather and river conditions shift. That does not have to be bad, it just means you should stay flexible.

The group size max is 17 travelers, which tends to feel friendly and manageable. You are not lost in a crowd of strangers all day. Guides can move through the group and help with questions and safety points, especially around getting on and off horses.

Transport is handled by private transportation on a white bus. Riders mention the bus ride can feel hot, so plan for that. Drink water, use sun protection, and consider wearing something breathable under your riding gear.

Meeting back at the original point is also part of the comfort factor. The start and end are the same location in Marina Vallarta, which keeps the last step simple.

What to pack so you are not miserable during the hot parts and wet parts

This is an active outing. Packing matters.

Bring:

• Your bathing suit for the pool and possible horse swim.
• A towel. Towels are not included.
• Hat and sunglasses. A couple riders note they may charge if you forget a hat, so do not wing it.
• Shoes that do not easily fall off and that you are ok if they get wet.
• A bag or small backpack if you want a change of clothes after you get wet.

You might also want to think about the “long day in the hot sun” issue. Even if the horse ride portion feels controlled, sun exposure adds up. Riders talk about bringing water during the ride, and that is great advice here.

And one gear tip from a rider: skip buying extra items on site like a bandana if you are offered one. It may not be necessary, and you can save your money for tequila.

Price and value: why $113.26 can make sense for the full package

At $113.26 per person, you are paying for a lot more than horseback riding alone. Based on what is included, you get:

• Private transportation (white bus)
• Lunch (with vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian options)
• Tequila tasting
• Alcoholic beverages (lemon margaritas)
• Bottled water

That matters because a standalone tequila tasting plus a lunch plus transportation can easily add up. This tour bundles all of it into one schedule. In that sense, the price can feel fair, especially if you are excited about the combo of horseback riding plus tequila plus BBQ.

Where value can wobble is when river conditions change the core horseback promise. Some riders say they did not get the river crossings or the horse swim as described. Still, most people who had a more town-based ride reported that the tequila tasting, salsa-making, and lunch were strong enough to keep the day worthwhile.

One more careful point: the standard includes margaritas with lunch, but a couple negative comments mention alcohol felt unclear or required extra payment. To keep it smooth, ask the host on the day what is covered under the unlimited margaritas portion, then you will know you are on the same page.

Should you book this horseback, swim, and tequila tour?

I think you should book if you want an outdoors day that still includes the easy comforts: good food, tequila tasting, and a fun atmosphere. This works especially well if:

• You like horses and want a calm, supported ride (beginner-friendly based on riders’ experiences).
• You want tequila tasting beyond the tourist version, including Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and Pink tequila.
• You enjoy hands-on fun like making salsa.
• You are ok with the fact that the river and swim part are condition-based.

I would hesitate if:

• You need guaranteed river crossings or guaranteed horse swimming. Conditions can change.
• Wet comfort is a dealbreaker for you and you do not want to bring swim gear and water-friendly shoes.
• You are sensitive to heat and long active stretches. The day can feel longer, and the bus ride can be warm.

My best practical advice: come packed for wet gear and sun, and treat the river swim as a bonus, not the only reason to go. If you do that, you are likely to walk away feeling like you got a whole-day experience, not just a short ride. And if you get guides like Saul, Martin, or Fabrizio on your day, you are in good company.

FAQ

How long is the Horseback Riding & Swim with Tequila Tasting tour?

It lasts about 5 hours.

What is included in the price?

Lunch, private transportation by white bus, lemon margaritas, tequila tasting, and bottled water are included.

Do I need to bring a swimsuit?

Yes. You should bring a bathing suit because swimming is possible, depending on river conditions.

Is swimming with the horses guaranteed?

No. Swimming depends on river conditions. If conditions are not right, the ride and route may not include river swimming or crossings.

Are vegetarian and other dietary options available for lunch?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian options are available.

What should I bring for the ride and water parts?

Bring a hat and sunglasses, wear shoes that stay on and are okay if they get wet, and bring a towel since towels are not included.

What are the weight and height requirements?

If you are over 220 lbs (100 kg), your height must be above 5’7″ (170 cm).

What is the cancellation policy if plans change?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience starts, it is not refunded.