Horseback, tequila, and a possible swim. This is a rare Puerto Vallarta day that blends calm ranch riding with La Dulce Vista tequila—and if the water cooperates, you can even get a short moment in the pool or river. The horses are matched to your skill, so beginners aren’t shoved into the deep end, but one key catch is that river swimming depends on conditions.

I also like how the day keeps moving: ride through rural scenery, then switch gears to a tequila tasting you can actually follow, plus BBQ lunch and unlimited margaritas. Guides like Martin, Fabrizio, and Saul show up as friendly, hands-on crew, and you’ll get help getting on and off. The main drawback to plan around is that heat, transport comfort, and whether you ride through the river all vary with the day’s weather.

Key things to know before you go

• River swim is conditional: you’ll go in only if current and conditions allow.
• Small group: capped at 17 travelers, which keeps the day from feeling like a conveyor belt.
• Bring swim gear and towel: towels are not provided, and you’ll want water-ready shoes.
• Tequila tasting includes Blanco, Reposado, Anejo and Pink tequila (small-batch style from Tequila).
• BBQ + unlimited lemon margaritas: you’re not just sipping; you’ll eat and cool off by the pool.

A 5-hour mix of horses, countryside, and tequila

This tour is built like a country day trip, not a single highlight stretched thin. After you meet at Av Paseo de la Marina 121 in Marina Vallarta, you’ll transfer about 25 minutes to Hacienda Dona Engracia. From there, the focus becomes riding—slow down, take in the vegetation and the rural feel—and then it shifts to La Dulce Vista for the tequila and meal.

The total time is listed at around 5 hours, but I’d treat it as a half-day with some flexibility. Some days run right on schedule; other days feel longer because of heat, timing for groups, and river conditions (especially if swimming is canceled). If you’re on a cruise with a tight return window, plan a little buffer.

Value matters here. At $113.26, you’re paying for transportation, horse handling and safety setup, lunch, and alcoholic drinks (lemon margaritas). The tequila tasting and salsa-making style activities also take time, so the pricing makes more sense than a simple “horse ride only” excursion.

Hacienda Dona Engracia: getting matched to your horse

The first real moment of the experience is at the hacienda, where you’re matched with a horse that fits your ability. That matters. When people are nervous, it’s often not the riding part that scares them—it’s wondering whether they’ll be given a horse that’s too advanced for their comfort level.

You’ll also get safety instructions before you start riding. Multiple guides stand out in feedback—Martin, Fabrizio, Saul, Raphael, and Valeria among them—and the common thread is that the team pays attention to comfort and control. If you need help getting on or off, you should expect support.

Practical gear tips

• Bring a hat and sunglasses. Sun is a real factor out there.
• Wear shoes that won’t slip and that you’re okay with getting wet.
• If you have any doubts about water-ready footwear, choose sturdier sandals or water shoes. A dry shoe plus river/cold-water surprise is a bad combo.

There’s also a weight/height note: if you’re over 220 lbs / 100 kg, you must be above 5’7” / 170 cm. That’s not “nice to know”—it’s a must-check before booking.

Riding the Mascota River area: when the water swim happens

The tour’s big promise is riding along the Mascota River with chances to see local scenery and vegetation. On a good day, you may ride through shallow areas and even get a short swim opportunity with the horse, as long as river conditions permit.

But you should go in with the right expectation: the river is weather- and current-dependent. Some days bring calmer water; other days, the river can be too rough or low. When the swim isn’t possible, you’ll still ride—but the route may shift toward town or side trails instead of full river crossings.

That’s why the clothing advice is so important. The day is not “dry ranch riding.” Bring your swimsuit and be ready for the possibility of splashes and wet gear. If you’re hoping for a full river swim every single time, accept that Mother Nature has veto power.

A few extra details that can help your planning:

• Photos are optional: your guide can take photos along the way using your camera if you want.
• The pace includes breaks. The goal is enjoying the countryside, not rushing.

La Dulce Vista tequila tasting: Blanco, Reposado, Anejo, and Pink

Once the riding part is done, you’ll head to La Dulce Vista for the tasting and lunch area. This is where the day stops being just scenic and turns into a hands-on food-and-drink experience.

The tequila lineup includes:

• Blanco
• Reposado
• Anejo
• plus a premium Pink tequila

The tour is set up so you don’t just take shots and move on. You’ll taste different styles made in small batches in the city of Tequila, and you’ll get guidance on how each one tastes and why. People often call out certain favorites in their tastings—one common mention is almond tequila.

One thing I like about this stop is that it’s not hidden in a back room. It’s tied to a resort-like lunch setting, so even if you’re not a serious tequila person, you’re still getting a pleasant environment and a real reason to learn a little.

BBQ lunch by the pool + unlimited margaritas

After tequila, it’s time to eat. The lunch is a traditional Mexican BBQ with options for different diets: vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian are available.

The sample BBQ menu includes things like:

• chicken, meat, beans, rice, veggies
• salsa molcajete
• quesadillas

Drinks are also part of the deal. You get unlimited margaritas during lunch (listed as lemon margaritas), plus bottled water.

This is one of the strongest value points on the itinerary. Many tours sell a “ride + snack.” Here, you get a proper meal, you can cool off by the pool, and the margaritas keep coming as part of the experience flow.

Two practical notes:

• Towels aren’t included, even though you’ll likely want one. Bring your own.
• After a long ride in the sun, you’ll probably feel like you’ve earned every bite. Pace yourself with the drinks so you don’t feel rough at the end.

Salsa-making and the bonus cultural touch

A lot of the day’s charm comes from the small “workshop” moments. In addition to tasting tequila, you’ll make your own salsa. That’s a fun break because it’s active, messy, and fast—perfect when you’ve already been sitting on a horse and need something hands-on.

It also adds context. Tequila tasting can stay abstract if it’s only about names and flavors. Salsa-making brings you into Mexican flavor logic right away: acid, heat, salt, and what you personally like.

If you’re traveling with friends, this part is easy to enjoy together. If you’re solo, it’s a great way to feel involved without being forced into a long conversation.

Horse care, safety, and comfort: what to expect

From the majority of experiences, the horses are treated well and handled with care. People highlight that the horses are calm and that staff make riding feel manageable for first-timers. Safety instructions also show up as a consistent point—help on mounting, reminders during the ride, and guidance on how to hold and balance.

Still, this is an animal-based activity, so it’s not risk-free. A couple of unfavorable experiences mention uncomfortable saddles and an incident where a stirrup broke for one rider. That’s not the norm in the overall feedback, but it’s a useful reminder to choose clothing and gear that doesn’t restrict movement, and to alert your guide immediately if anything feels off.

Also, note that heat can affect comfort. Some people report the bus ride felt hot and that air conditioning wasn’t strong. If you run hot easily, wear breathable clothes and plan to drink water. Bottled water is included, which helps.

Price and logistics: does it feel worth $113.26?

At $113.26 per person, this tour looks pricey at first glance—until you add up what’s included. You get:

• transport on a white bus
• lunch (with diet options)
• alcoholic drinks (lemon margaritas, unlimited during lunch)
• bottled water
• a structured horseback experience with matching and safety instruction

And you’re not just eating after: the day includes the tequila tasting portion and the salsa-making activity. For many people, those added stops are what make the price feel fair.

Where the value can shift is with your expectations for the river swim. If conditions allow it, this is a standout memory. If conditions cancel the swim and the route turns into town riding, it can feel like a “good day out” instead of the big dream scenario.

If you’re booking with a cruise or a tight schedule, also remember that the listed time is approximate. I’d plan for a half-day that can stretch.

Quick tips that will save your day

These are the small moves that make a noticeable difference:

• Bring your swimsuit and towel. Towels aren’t provided.
• Wear water-friendly shoes that won’t pop off.
• Pack a small change of clothes. One review advice hit hard: you’ll want dry clothes after the water time.
• Use a hat and sunglasses early. Sun hits fast in rural riding areas.
• If you’re offered add-ons on-site (bandanas came up in one experience), bring your own if you already know what you like.

Should you book this horseback riding and swim with tequila, BBQ, and margaritas?

Book it if you want a day that mixes real riding with a social lunch scene—tequila tasting, BBQ, and margaritas included. This is especially good for couples and small groups who like a “one ticket, many moments” format, and for beginners who benefit from matching horses and safety help.

Skip it or go in with flexible expectations if your main goal is guaranteed river swimming every time. That part depends on conditions, and on some days the ride shifts toward town or trails instead of full water crossings.

If you’re the type who enjoys learning through food—tequila styles, salsa-making, and then a poolside meal—this tour fits nicely. It’s not a slow, fancy sit-down day. It’s active, sunny, and fun, with the alcohol kept tied to the meal rather than taking over the whole schedule.

FAQ

What is the meeting point for this tour?

The start point is Av Paseo de la Marina 121, Marina Vallarta, 48335 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the tour last?

The tour is listed as approximately 5 hours.

Do I need to bring a swimsuit?

Yes. You should bring a swimsuit. If river conditions permit, you may enjoy a short swim with your horse.

Are towels provided?

No. Towels are not included. The experience also asks you to bring your towel.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch is included, and alcoholic beverages are included as lemon margaritas. Bottled water is also included.

Is the tequila tasting included?

The experience includes tequila tasting as part of the day, including Blanco, Reposado, Anejo, and premium Pink tequila.

What clothing and shoes should I wear?

Bring a hat and sunglasses, and wear shoes that won’t fall off easily and that you’re okay with getting wet.

What are the height/weight requirements?

If you are over 220 lbs / 100 kg, you must be above 5’7” / 170 cm.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time.