Punta de Mita/Sayulita: Horseback Riding Tour

A beach gallop, minus the crowds. This horseback ride in the Punta de Mita/Sayulita area strings together a real village stop, leafy jungle paths, and a proper Riviera Nayarit beach finish at Litibú Beach.

I especially like the way the ranch handling keeps the ride comfortable, with well-fed, calm horses looked after by cowboys, and the mix of Higuera Blanca town, jungle, then beach, so you get more than just a circle-in-the-sand outing. One thing to plan around: depending on where you’re picked up, the whole day can stretch well beyond the 1.5-hour ride.

Key Points If You Want The Best Bits

• Calm, well-cared-for horses that make the experience feel safe and steady
• A real town ride through Higuera Blanca, not just a resort photo stop
• Jungle-to-beach route, with Litibú Beach as the payoff
• Optional gallop on the sand once you reach Litibú Beach
• Ranch animal meet-and-greet with everything from macaws to water buffalo
• Tequila tasting after the ride, led by Nico

The Ranch World You Step Into Before Riding

This tour starts at a working ranch where you’ll meet the animal-filled setting before you ever touch the reins. You can expect to see a range of animals like donkeys and ponies, macaws, roosters, water buffalo, deer, turkeys, and peacocks. It sets the tone fast: this isn’t a barebones “show up, ride, leave” operation.

When you arrive, there’s a quick safety briefing, then you get matched up with your horse and saddled. From the way the ride is described, the horses are chosen for temperament, and the ranch staff (cowboys who escort you) focus on keeping things calm. That matters on a route that includes both village streets and natural terrain.

Practical tip: wear the kind of clothes you can get a little dusty in. The ride goes through beach areas and jungle paths, so you’ll want comfort over style. And bring insect repellent, since you’re in outdoor terrain where bugs are part of the bargain.

Higuera Blanca on Horseback, The Part Most People Don’t Expect

The “wow” isn’t only the beach. It’s the switch from countryside to a small Mexican town experience, Higuera Blanca, where you ride through local streets and see everyday life from a slower perspective.

That town segment gives you something many horse tours skip. You’re not just following a trail behind a fence line. You’re passing through a place where people live, and that changes how the whole outing feels. It’s easier to pay attention to details, like how the pace of life looks from the saddle, not from a bus window.

This also helps if you’re new to horseback riding. A town route tends to feel more predictable than deep trail riding, so it can be a good transition before the jungle section.

Through the Jungle: Where the Ride Starts to Feel Like an Adventure

After the town, you move into the jungle portion of the route. This is where the tour’s character shifts from “guided sightseeing” to “active travel,” with the guide helping you follow the route while you take in the greenery and the sounds of the outdoors.

The big advantage here is variety. In one outing, you get different surfaces, different scenery, and different rhythm. And because the horses are described as calm and well handled, this part is meant to feel controlled, not chaotic.

You’ll also appreciate that the ride is guided. In natural areas, it’s easy for a group to get scattered. Here, the cowboys escort you, which is a big reason the whole day stays organized.

Litibú Beach, the Payoff Stop, and Your Gallop Option

Eventually you arrive at Litibú Beach on the Riviera Nayarit, and this is the headliner. The tour is built to end with a true beach moment, not a short walk and a quick photo. You reach the sand after riding through different terrain, which makes the beach feel like a reward.

Most riders are here for one specific thing: the option to gallop. If you want that fuller-motion experience, this is the moment to ask for it. Just remember that galloping is not the same as riding casually at a walk. You’ll want good posture, steady hands, and shoes that feel secure.

Important note for your planning: you’re not allowed to bring cameras or cellphones on the tour. That means you should expect that your best beach shots will likely come from the tour’s photography setup rather than your own phone.

The Tequila Tasting That Turns a Ride Into a Full Experience

After the riding portion, you’ll have a tequila tasting included in the price. This is usually where the tour turns from physical activity into something social and relaxed. In the tour experience descriptions, Nico is specifically mentioned as the tequila tastings host, and people describe him as funny and entertaining.

What I like about adding tequila tasting here is that it’s a good “cool down” activity. You’re done with the saddle, you’ve seen the town and beach, and then you get a guided taste that fits the regional theme without turning into a long, complicated stop.

You can also buy lunch after the tour at a Mexican restaurant on-site. Food is not included, so if you’re hungry, plan to budget extra for it. The upside is choice: you can eat what you actually want instead of being locked into one set meal.

Photos, Cameras, and Why You Should Decide in Advance

This is one of those details that can surprise people, so take note. Cameras and cellphones are not allowed during the tour. That means you’re giving up the usual habit of filming your own best moments.

The good news is that there’s a photography component, and multiple people mention that the photo packages cost extra but are worth it for the shots. The practical move is to think about what you want from your memory. If you love having a polished set of riding photos to take home, you’ll likely feel good about the upgrade. If you hate paying for photos, consider taking notes on what you want remembered, since you won’t be documenting it yourself during the ride.

Transportation, Time, and the Real Meaning of 1.5 Hours

The ride duration is listed as 1.5 hours, but don’t treat that as your total time commitment. You’ll likely need time for pickup, travel to the ranch, and the post-ride tequila and restaurant stop.

Some people mention the ride itself is 1.5 hours, while the drive can be significant depending on where you’re staying. If you’re staying farther out, the whole day can become a longer outing than you expect. That’s the main logistics consideration I’d keep in mind.

If you’re planning a tight itinerary, give yourself flexibility. This tour works best when you treat it like a planned experience, not a “quick morning activity” before you dash somewhere else.

Price and Value, What You Get for $103

At $103 per person for a 1.5-hour horseback tour, plus bottled water and tequila tasting, the value is mostly in the included extras. Horseback riding tours can get pricey fast once you factor in guide time, horse handling, and any add-ons. Here, the tequila tasting brings something extra that feels tied to the region.

You’re also paying for more than time in the saddle. The experience is structured around a ranch visit, town riding through Higuera Blanca, jungle scenery, Litibú Beach, and the potential gallop option. That mix gives you different “chapters” in one outing, which tends to feel better than a single-purpose ride.

Where the cost can creep up is after the fact: lunch is not included, and photography typically costs extra. If you plan for those, the base price feels more predictable.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This tour is a strong match if you want a horse ride that feels varied, guided, and scenic, without spending a whole day hiking.

It’s especially good for people who:

• Want to see Higuera Blanca by horse, not just pass it by
• Care about horse temperament and prefer calm, well-kept mounts
• Like a clear “finish point” at a real beach with a gallop option
• Enjoy a cultural add-on after the activity, like the tequila tasting

It’s likely not your best choice if you:

• Have back problems
• Are pregnant
• Are over 260 lbs (118 kg)
• Need to rely on sandals or flip flops (those are not allowed)

Quick Practical Checklist (So You Don’t Get Stuck)

Bring:

• Comfortable clothes for a mix of town, jungle, and beach conditions
• Insect repellent

Wear:

• Closed-toe footwear, since sandals and flip-flops are not allowed

Skip:

• Cameras and cellphones, because they’re not allowed on the tour

Should You Book This Punta de Mita or Sayulita Horseback Tour?

I’d book this if you’re looking for one outing that delivers horseback riding plus real town sights plus a beach finale, with calm horses and a guided experience that feels professionally run. The strong feedback tied to named guides like Ricardo and Carlos, and the tequila tasting vibe from Nico, is a good sign you’ll be in capable hands.

I’d think twice if you hate paying extra for photos or you rely on filming everything yourself, since cameras and cellphones are not allowed on the tour. Also, if your trip schedule is tight, plan for a longer day than the 1.5-hour ride suggests, especially if your pickup is far from the ranch.

If you want a memorable horseback day in Riviera Nayarit that mixes local life with Litibú Beach, this is a solid bet.

FAQ

What is the duration of the horseback riding tour?

The tour lasts about 1.5 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

It costs $103 per person.

Where does this experience take place?

It’s in Jalisco, Mexico, with the riding route tied to the Riviera Nayarit area, including Litibú Beach.

Is transportation included?

Round-trip transportation is included from certain pickup points.

What is included in the price besides the ride?

Bottled water and a tequila tasting are included.

Is lunch included?

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

What languages are the guides available in?

The tour guide is available in English and Spanish.

Are cameras or cellphones allowed during the tour?

No. Cameras and cellphones are not allowed.

What should I bring and wear?

Bring comfortable clothes and insect repellent. Sandals or flip-flops are not allowed.

Who should not take this tour?

It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, and people over 260 lbs (118 kg).