Cancun & Playa del Carmen: Horseback Riding & Cenote Swim Tour

Summary

Horseback through Yucatan jungle to cool cenotes and Mayan flavors

You’ll ride gentle horses through Yucatan jungle trails near Cancun or Playa del Carmen, spot wildlife with your local guide, swim in a cool cenote, and taste real Mayan-style bubblegum in an orchard. Includes hotel pickup, snacks, towels—all you need is your swimsuit and curiosity.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re holding the reins too tight,” our guide grinned at me, and honestly, he was right. The horses seemed almost bored by my nerves as we set off from Bonanza into this green tangle outside Cancun. The air smelled damp and sweet, like crushed leaves after rain—even though it hadn’t rained in days. We’d barely gone ten minutes before someone spotted a flash of something orange—maybe a bird? Our guide said it was a motmot but I’m not sure I saw more than a blur. There were monkeys somewhere above us too, chattering just out of sight. It’s funny how you can feel watched in the jungle without seeing a soul.

The ride itself was slow enough for us beginners (I’m not a cowboy), winding through fruit orchards where the trees dropped sticky sap onto my jeans. At one point I tried to ask about the Zapote trees in Spanish—Li laughed at my accent and then explained how they used to make bubblegum from them, back when only Mayan kings could chew it. I didn’t expect to be thinking about chewing gum history on a day trip from Playa del Carmen, but there you go.

The cenote was colder than I thought it’d be—a shock after the heat. You know that feeling when your skin tingles for five minutes straight? That was me, floating under vines with sunlight flickering on the water like coins. It’s weirdly quiet down there except for everyone’s splashing and some distant birds. Afterward, they handed out homemade snacks and this chewy gum that tasted earthy-sweet, nothing like what you get at home. I still think about that view looking up from inside the cenote—just sky and green edges—and how small everything felt for a second.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Horseback ride and cenote swim

• Pickup from hotel
• Horseback ride through jungle and orchards
• See monkeys, birds, and lizards
• Visit two cenotes
• Swim in one cenote
• Walk through Zapote orchard
• Taste artisanal bubblegum
• Enjoy snacks and non-alcoholic drinks
• Return to hotel

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this horseback riding & cenote tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from Cancun or Playa del Carmen.

Do I need horse riding experience for this day trip?

No prior experience is needed; the tour is designed for novice riders but some experience is recommended.

What should I bring for the horseback riding & cenote swim?

Bring biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent, long pants for riding, swimsuit, sunglasses, and a camera.

Are there age or weight restrictions?

The minimum age is 8 years old; maximum weight allowed is 220 lbs (100 kg).

Is lunch provided on this tour?

No full lunch is provided but snacks and soft drinks are served at the end of the activity.

How long does the horseback riding last?

The ride is slow-paced through jungle trails and orchards; exact duration may vary but it's part of a half-day tour.

Can pregnant travelers join this tour?

No, pregnant travelers are not recommended to participate due to safety reasons.

Will we visit more than one cenote?

You will visit two cenotes but only swim in one during the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Cancun or Playa del Carmen, all necessary equipment for horseback riding and swimming in a cenote, use of lockers and towels so you don’t have to worry about your stuff getting wet or lost, plus bottled water, soft drinks, and tasty snacks at the end before heading back.