Whale Watching Is Like Harassment, Ride A Horse Instead
"Beauty and calm just 15 minutes away from my hotel? I'll be doing this again and again!"
— Sarah, TripAdvisor Guide (January 2023)
Tropical Forest Ride
$89/person (children 6 and younger free); 3 hours, about 5 miles (8 km)
The Tropical Forest Ride is great for people of all ages and experience levels
We start our adventure in Playa Grande, just 15 minutes from the hotel zone, and head south along the river where we’re flanked by mountains above. We wind along this flowing creek bed and make our way to a gravel pit that presents us with a great photo opportunity — who would have thought Vallarta was right there?
We continue to travel upstream along this 500,000-year-old river, through the back part of town, along the tree line of the forest. A little bit of zigging and zagging with the cliff faces staring down at us before we enter into the forest. With the trees towering above us and new sounds to explore, we visit a small seasonal waterfall before turning around and heading back.
Included in this ride:
complimentary pick-up and drop-off at the Los Mangos Biblioteca,
the best tour guides in all of Vallarta,
a helmet to keep your brain safe from the vendors on the Malecón,
light snacks and bottled water,
a horse, of course,
a great time.
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Mountain Waterfall Ride
$129/person (children 6 and younger free); 5 hours, about 10 miles (16 km)
The Mountain Ride is great for all experience levels who seek a little more adventure
We start our adventure in Playa Grande, just 15 minutes from the hotel zone, and head north on horseback through the back part of town where we find a trail to lead us up and onto the mountai
We stop to admire the marvelous the mountain presents before going further into its hills. We twist and turn along multiple trails and are greeted by lush plants and wildlife before heading deep into the forest to find the gentlest of waterfalls that formed over a million years ago.
We work our way back into town on a gradual descent where trees and grasses are plentiful and thriving.
Included in this ride:
complimentary pick-up and drop-off at the Los Mangos Biblioteca,
the best tour guides in all of Vallarta,
a helmet to keep your brain safe from the vendors on the Malecón,
light snacks and bottled water,
a horse, of course,
a great time.
Book Now
Wild Tour
$129/person (adults only); 5 hours, about 10 miles (16 km)
The Wild Tour is a wonderful adventure for those who are experienced on horseback
Our Wild Tour follows a similar path as our Mountain Waterfall ride, but at a faster-pace: this one’s for experienced riders only. Trot, canter, and gallop along with the Vallarta’s most experienced wranglers, and descend with a fascinating and exhilarating finish.
We start our adventure in Playa Grande, just 15 minutes from the hotel zone, and head north on horseback through the back part of town where we find a trail to lead us up and onto the mountain.
We stop to admire the marvelous the mountain presents before going further into its hills. We twist and turn along multiple trails and are greeted by lush plants and wildlife before heading deep into the forest to find the gentlest of waterfalls that formed over a million years ago.
We work our way back into town on a descent nicknamed The Devil’s Trail which, to our knowledge, hasn’t yet been featured in a Stephen King film, so that’s cool.
Included in this ride:
complimentary pick-up and drop-off at the Los Mangos Biblioteca,
the best tour guides in all of Vallarta,
a helmet to keep your brain safe from the vendors on the Malecón,
light snacks and bottled water,
a horse, of course,
a great time.
Book Now
Are you considering a whale watching excursion during your visit to Puerto Vallarta? We understand the appeal, but we also believe in responsible and sustainable tourism. That's why we encourage you to consider a horseback riding excursion at Rancho el Charro instead.
Whale watching, while seemingly innocent, can actually be quite harmful to these magnificent creatures. The loud noise from the boats can disrupt their communication and mating patterns, and the close proximity can cause stress and alter their natural behaviors. In some cases, it can even lead to collision and injury.
At Rancho el Charro, we believe in responsible and sustainable tourism that allows you to experience the beauty of nature without causing harm to the local wildlife. Our horseback riding excursions provide a unique and intimate experience with the natural surroundings, allowing you to see the beauty of Puerto Vallarta from a new perspective. Our horses are gentle and well-trained, and our guides are knowledgeable and passionate about the area and its wildlife.
So why not choose a horseback riding excursion at Rancho el Charro? Not only will you be able to witness the breathtaking beauty of Puerto Vallarta's coastline, but you'll also be doing your part in protecting the local wildlife. Book your horseback riding excursion today and make memories that will last a lifetime!
At Rancho el Charro, we are dedicated to providing our guests with a responsible and sustainable tourism experience. Our friendly staff will ensure that your horseback riding excursion is an unforgettable adventure, and we can't wait to share it with you! Book now and discover the beauty of Puerto Vallarta on horseback, without causing harm to the local wildlife.
Recent Tour Reviews
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This was my first horse ride and it was nothing shy of amazing! I highly recommend it for everyone looking for something fun to do! The host, the tour guide, and horse was just perfect!! Amazing views! Beautiful river and the waterfall!!
RodneyDemetrius on TripAdvisor, August 2022
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A delightful relaxing ride aimed at beginners through lovely scenery. Brilliant horses that were very calm, I had Casper the very friendly one! Abel was a great guide and it all made for a fabulous experience. Definitely recommend to anyone that loves nature, adventure and getting away the strip. Also a really pretty little town!
charlied50 on TripAdvisor, June 2022
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Experiencing the beauty of the Sierra Madre on these wonder animals , highly recommend this ranch and the horses, plus Tomas was a brilliant guide
1505Pats on TripAdvisor, November 2022