Horseback in the Vallarta mountains is a real escape. You get a horse ride with a guide who talks about flora and fauna, then you walk past Puente Colgante El Jorullo, and the day ends with a tequila tasting. One thing to plan for: you should be ready for some steep going, including downhill moments right before the trail.

I like that this is built like a half day, about 5 hours, with a small group (max 10) and a bilingual guide. You also get the comfort basics, like purified water, a welcome drink, seasonal fruit, and a national drink (beer, water, or lemonade). The main drawback to keep in mind is that tour quality can depend on the guide, so go in with a patient, flexible mindset.

Key points that matter

• About 2 hours on horseback, so it feels like real riding, not a short photo stop.
• Puente Colgante El Jorullo is the headline walk, and it is described as the longest vehicular suspension bridge in the world.
• Flora and fauna commentary adds meaning to the views, especially if you like nature facts.
• Tequila tasting is often the most satisfying part of the day, with a friendly, information-led approach.
• Small group size (max 10) keeps it calmer and easier to manage on uneven ground.
• Moderate fitness helps, because steep roads and trail segments are part of the deal.

Mountain horseback pickup in Puerto Vallarta, then straight to nature

This tour starts with pickup at the Canopy River oficina at Playa de Oro. You ride in an open transport from the meeting point, then head to the park where the horses and briefing happen. Expect a drive that gets you out of the hotel zone mood and into the real hills fast.

Once you are in the park, the day turns into a guided nature experience. A bilingual guide talks about what you are seeing, including local plants and animals. I like this approach because you are not just riding through scenery, you are learning what makes that part of the mountains tick.

You should know the tone is active. This is not a sit-and-watch tour. You will be mounted, and you will move through uneven, sloped terrain. If steep, bumpy sections make you nervous, this is the time to decide if horseback is your kind of challenge.

The ride itself, steep roads, and what about 2 hours feels like

The biggest practical detail is time on the horse. You are on the horse for about 2 hours, which is enough to settle into the rhythm and actually feel like you did something. Before you reach the main trail, you may ride down some steep roads. That piece matters because it sets the tone, and it can feel intense if you are not used to horses or hills.

Horses are in good condition, which is a huge comfort factor. Still, the tack and bits can feel strong, especially for people who are not skilled horse riders. If you have limited experience, keep a calm grip, listen closely, and tell the guide if anything feels off. You do not have to muscle through it, you do better when you ride with the instructions.

The upside is that the ride is scenic and hands-on. The guide’s talk helps you pay attention instead of just bracing for the next step. Even when the terrain gets steep, it feels purposeful, like you are working your way into the mountain zone where the best views and quiet happen.

Puente Colgante El Jorullo, why this bridge walk is the perfect midpoint

After the ride, the day shifts to a very different kind of thrill: walking near Puente Colgante El Jorullo. The bridge is described as the longest vehicular suspension bridge in the world, and you do not just look at it from afar. You walk past it, so you get that close-up, suspended feel.

This is a smart break point in the day. Riding gets your energy up, then the bridge walk slows you down just enough to take photos, stretch legs, and actually look at the structure. Suspension bridges can mess with your sense of scale in the best way, and the views from that corridor of air and height are memorable.

One consideration, since you are coming from the horse trail, is that your body is already working. You will want decent balance shoes. You do not need hiking boots, but sandals are not the move here. Treat the bridge area as part of the active portion of the tour.

Flora and fauna talk, and how to make it worth listening

A good part of the experience is the guide explanation along the route. The guide covers flora and fauna in the park area, so the ride has context. You might recognize plants you see in Mexico’s coastal regions, then learn how they survive in hillside conditions. That is the kind of information that turns a view into a story.

That said, I would not count on every guide moment to feel perfectly smooth. On some days, you might get a brief or uneven explanation. If that happens, do not waste the day being annoyed. Ask a simple question. Where do they find the plants they are pointing out? What animals are most common here? When you steer the conversation, the tour usually gets better fast.

If you love nature facts, this is the best reason to pick this option over a generic horseback ride. If you are mostly there for the ride and photos, you will still enjoy it, but bring your own curiosity to fill in the blanks.

Tequila tasting at the end, what to expect and how to enjoy it

The tour ends with a tequila tasting, and this is where the experience often clicks. In the best moments, the tasting is led by someone friendly and upbeat, with lots of info about tequila without getting pushy. I love that style because it keeps the mood relaxed, and you are free to ask questions.

Practically, this is also a good finish. After time in the saddle and a bridge walk, you want something warm and social, not another hike. The tasting gives your day a clean landing, and you can taste at your own pace.

A small tip for getting more out of it: go in ready to compare. Pay attention to aroma and how it feels on your palate. If you are offered options, ask what makes each one different. The guide and staff often share real-world details, not just marketing language.

If alcohol is not your thing, keep in mind that the tour includes alcohol only for adults. The tour also mentions non-alcohol choices within the included national drink, like water or lemonade, so you are not forced into drinking.

What is included, what you pay extra for, and real value at $85

For $85 per person, the value is mostly in what you get bundled into one ticket. Included basics cover transport service, a welcome drink, a bilingual guide, purified water, and seasonal fruit. You also get 1 national drink (beer, water, or lemonade), plus the walk past Puente Colgante El Jorullo and the tequila tasting.

That matters because this is not only the horse ride. You are also paying for access to the park, guide time, the bridge portion, and a structured finale. If you tried to piece this together yourself, you would likely spend more on separate transport, a guided ride, and a tasting experience.

What is not included is also clear. Food and drinks are not included, and tips are not included. So if you get hungry mid-afternoon, plan ahead. Bring a light snack before pickup, or have a plan for a meal right after.

Overall, I think $85 makes sense if you want the full combo: horseback plus bridge walk plus tequila. If you only want horseback, you might find cheaper options. If you also want an actual end-of-tour activity, this ticket feels more efficient.

Small group limit, English support, and pacing on uneven ground

The tour caps at 10 travelers, which is a real plus for a route that includes uneven terrain. Smaller groups generally mean less waiting around at decision points and better space around horses during mounting and adjustments.

English is offered, which makes a big difference in how you experience the guide’s nature talk and how comfortable you feel asking questions. Even if your Spanish is decent, having full English support can help you understand safety instructions and details on what you are seeing.

Pacing is built for a half-day experience, about 5 hours total. That is long enough to feel it, but short enough to still do other things later in Puerto Vallarta. If you plan a big dinner reservation, aim for something after the tour window so you are not rushing.

Who this tour suits best, and who should think twice

This tour fits best if you want an active outdoors day that still includes an iconic cultural stop at the end. It is especially good for people who like nature facts, enjoy being on a horse for real time, and do not mind some steep terrain.

You should also have at least moderate physical fitness. The steep roads to go down on horseback before the trail are the main reason. The tour also lists a maximum weight of 100 kg (200 lb), so keep that in mind.

If you are very sensitive to height, suspension bridges might not thrill you. If you are extremely nervous about horses, this might feel like too much, especially if you are not comfortable with bits or horse movement on slopes. On the other hand, if you are open to instructions and can stay relaxed, you will likely find it fun and memorable.

Adults should also note that alcoholic drinks are only for adults. If you want zero alcohol, the tour’s included national drink options mention water and lemonade, which helps.

Practical tips so your day stays smooth

I would pack for a mix of riding and walking. Wear shoes with grip, since the horse area and bridge approach can be rough underfoot. Bring a hat and sunscreen, because mountains and open air go together, and you will likely be exposed.

Bring water attention too. Purified water is included, which is great. Still, you might want a small extra bottle if you burn through water quickly in the sun.

For comfort, consider how you handle saddle time. Loose clothing helps, and you might want light layers in case of temperature shifts between coastal Puerto Vallarta and higher mountain air. Keep your phone secure, because you will be bouncing on horseback.

Finally, have a realistic mindset about the guide. One guide might feel energetic and talkative, another might be having an off day. You can still enjoy the ride, especially since the structure includes the bridge walk and the tequila tasting.

Should you book this horseback ride, bridge walk, and tequila tasting?

I would book this if you want a true half-day experience that mixes mountain horseback riding, an iconic Puente Colgante El Jorullo walk, and a tequila tasting that often wins people over. The $85 price becomes easier to justify because transport, guide support, water, fruit, a national drink, bridge access, and tasting are all included.

You might skip it if you are very uncomfortable with steep terrain, or if you only want gentle, flat riding. This tour is active. It is also worth choosing with your expectations in the right place: the nature talk is a bonus, and the tequila tasting is often the most memorable finish.

If your priority is comfort and predictability above all else, send a message when booking to ask how the guide typically runs the tour. If your priority is adventure with a structured payoff, this one is a solid pick.

FAQ

How much does the horseback riding and tequila tasting tour cost?

It costs $85.00 per person.

How long is the tour?

The tour runs about 5 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Canopy River Oficina Playa de Oro, Playa de Oro 126 F, Zona Hotelera Nte., 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

How long do I spend on horseback?

You are on the horse for about 2 hours.

Which bridge is part of the experience?

You walk past Puente Colgante El Jorullo, described as the longest vehicular suspension bridge in the world.

What’s included in the price?

Included are transport service, welcome drink, bilingual guide, purified water, seasonal fruit, 1 national drink (beer, water, or lemonade), walk past Jorullo Bridge, and tequila tasting.

Are meals included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, and tips are also not included.

What happens if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.