Riding Horses in Puerto Escondido: A Total Blast

I'm sitting on a horse named Trueno, with the Pacific Ocean breeze hitting my face as we gallop along Zicatela Beach. My sneakers are full of sand, my grin is huge, and honestly, I can't remember the last time I felt this alive. This is horseback riding in Puerto Escondido, and trust me when I say it's an absolutely incredible experience. As someone who came here just expecting to catch some good sunsets and eat fantastic tacos, I left completely blown away by everything this place has to offer for horse lovers.

Puerto Escondido isn't just a surf destination—though it's definitely that too. It's a paradise for anyone who wants to experience Mexico from horseback. Whether you're an experienced rider or someone who's never been in a saddle, this place has something magical to offer. The Puerto Escondido horse tours take you through landscapes so diverse it's hard to believe they're all in the same place.

The Diversity of Landscapes

What makes horseback riding here so special is the incredible variety of terrain you can explore. In just one week, I rode across golden beaches, ventured into tropical jungles, crossed crystal-clear rivers, and climbed hills with panoramic views that left me breathless. My local guide, Eduardo, explained that this diversity is what makes Oaxaca such a unique destination for equestrian tourism.

The beaches are probably what impressed me most at first. Picture yourself galloping for miles along golden sand with waves crashing beside you and the sun gleaming off the water. It's like being in a movie, except it's completely real. The local horses are so used to the beach they don't even flinch when the bigger waves roar up near their hooves.

The Horses: Perfect Companions

Let's talk about the horses for a moment, because they're truly special. Trueno, my favorite companion during my stay, is a Mexican Criollo with a personality as big as his endurance. These Puerto Escondido horses are perfectly adapted to the tropical climate and varied terrain. They're strong, intelligent, and have incredible patience with riders of all skill levels.

What impressed me most was how each horse has its own personality. There was a mare named Luna who was perfect for beginners—calm, predictable, and extremely gentle. Then there was Rayo, a young stallion full of energy who was perfect for long beach gallops. Eduardo told me that many of these horses have been working with tourists for years and genuinely enjoy the variety that each day brings.

The Adventures That Await

Every day with the horses was a new adventure. One of my favorite days was when we rode out to a hidden lagoon surrounded by mangroves. The trail wound through jungle, with tropical birds singing overhead and occasional sightings of iguanas sunbathing on logs. When we finally reached the lagoon, we stopped to let the horses drink while we enjoyed the most peaceful view I've ever seen.

Another memorable day was our sunrise ride along the coast. We headed out before dawn, and as the sun rose over the mountains behind us, it painted the entire ocean in gold and pink. Puerto Escondido sunrise horseback rides are something you definitely need to experience if you get the chance. There's something magical about being in motion while the world wakes up around you.

Local Culture and Hospitality

One of the things I loved most about this experience was the opportunity to connect with local culture. Eduardo and the other guides weren't just expert riders—they were true ambassadors for Oaxaca. They taught me about medicinal plants growing in the jungle, shared local legends about the places we visited, and told stories about the region's rich equestrian traditions.

I learned that Oaxaca's equestrian tradition goes back centuries, when the Spanish brought the first horses to the region. But the local indigenous peoples quickly adopted and adapted these practices, creating their own unique style of horsemanship that you can still see today. It's a beautiful blend of European techniques with local indigenous knowledge.

Practical Tips for Your Adventure

If you're thinking about trying Puerto Escondido equestrian tours, here are some tips I learned during my time there:

• Best time is during the dry season (October to April) when trails are most accessible.
• Wear comfortable clothes you can get dirty—you're going to sweat and probably pick up some dust.
• Closed-toe shoes are essential—no sandals or flip-flops.
• Bring sunscreen—the tropical sun can be intense.
• A water bottle is a must, especially on longer rides.
• Don't forget your camera—you'll want to document these incredible views.

As for the experience itself, don't worry if you're a beginner. The guides are amazing at adapting the experience to your comfort level. They started me off with short, easy rides to get comfortable with Trueno, and gradually increased the intensity and duration as I felt more confident.

Different Types of Tours Available

One of the great things about horseback riding in Puerto Escondido is that there are options for everyone. If you're more adventurous, you can opt for full-day excursions that take you to remote spots like hidden waterfalls or mountain viewpoints. For those who prefer something more relaxed, there are shorter coastal rides that are perfect for families or less experienced riders.

Sunset tours are particularly popular, and I can understand why. There's something romantic and peaceful about riding as the sun sets over the Pacific. It's the kind of experience that creates memories that last a lifetime.

Safety and Horse Welfare

One thing I really appreciated was the obvious care taken with the horses. All the animals looked healthy, well-fed, and happy. The guides explained their care routines to me and how they ensure the horses get adequate rest time between tours. It's clear this isn't just business for them—they genuinely love and respect these animals.

In terms of safety, all tours include helmets and the guides always maintain an appropriate pace for the group. I never felt unsafe, even when we were exploring more challenging terrain in the mountains.

The Impact on My Trip

Honestly, the horseback rides completely transformed my Puerto Escondido experience. What I had planned as a chill surf vacation turned into an epic equestrian adventure that connected me with nature and culture in a way I'd never experienced before.

Every day in the saddle gave me a new perspective—literally and figuratively. From the height of horseback, I could see landscapes I never would have reached on foot. But more than that, the experience taught me to slow down, to be present in the moment, and to appreciate the simple beauty of moving in harmony with such a magnificent animal.

Why You Should Try It

If you're in Puerto Escondido and you're considering trying a horseback tour, my advice is simple: do it. No matter your experience level with horses, this is an opportunity to see Oaxaca in a completely unique way. It's adventure, it's culture, it's nature, and it's pure fun all rolled into one.

Puerto Escondido horse tours aren't just a tourist activity—they're a way to connect with the essence of this incredible place. You'll go home with stories your friends won't believe and photos that will make everyone want to plan their own trip to Oaxaca.

Ready for your own equestrian adventure? Contact us for more information about our tours. And if you've already ridden horses in Puerto Escondido, I'd love to hear about your experience in the comments. See you on the trails!