Horseback Riding in Puerto Escondido: Hot Springs & Local Culture

Ride bareback through river crossings to thermal springs the way local people do

Horseback riding from Puerto Escondido to Atotonilco hot springs with a local guide who lives in San Jose Manialetepec village. You ride for about 50 minutes on calm horses, cross the Manialtepec River six times, and swim in both cold and hot water. The route includes stops at two traditional homes where families produce cheese and tortillas, plus a mezcal tasting. Private transportation is included, and the guide speaks English and Spanish.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit village and hot springs

• Meet in Puerto Escondido
• Visit San Jose Manialtepec village
• See local house and culture
• Visit house making tortillas
• Ride horses to hot springs
• Cross Manialtepec river six times
• Swim in cold and hot water

The experience

The ride starts in San Jose Manialetepec, a farming and cattle village where your guide lives. Before heading to the hot springs, you'll visit his house to learn about Chatina culture, then stop at a traditional home to watch how families make tortillas by hand. This is not a staged cultural stop. It's the economic activity that sustains the community, and you see it as it happens.

The 50-minute ride to Atotonilco hot springs takes you across the Manialtepec River six times on calm horses. You'll ride bareback, the way local people do during the rainy season, and the route crosses through the river itself. When you reach the springs, you can swim in both the cold river water and the thermal pools, and your guide will give the horses a chance to cool off in the water too.

Private transportation picks you up in Puerto Escondido and brings you back. Along the way, you'll taste handmade mezcal from Sola de Vega and have coffee or tea. The guide speaks English and Spanish, and the experience works for families: children from age one are welcome, and specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Puerto Escondido.
• a local guide who speaks English and Spanish.
• handmade mezcal tasting from Sola de Vega.
• coffee and/or tea.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00, 08:30, 11:30 and 14:30Last departure this season: 31 Dec

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Child (6 to 17 years): free · Infant (1 to 5 years): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 8.24

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePets welcomeNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by experiencias nativas

Is this one for you?This is a private ride, so families and small groups travel together without joining strangers. The bareback riding and river crossings suit riders comfortable with horses in natural conditions, not arena settings.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 17 years): free; Infant (1 to 5 years): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How many times do you cross the river on this ride?

The Manialtepec River crossing happens six times during the 50-minute ride to Atotonilco hot springs. The horses wade through the water as part of the route, and you'll ride bareback like local riders do.

What do you see at the traditional homes you visit?

You'll stop at two houses in San Jose Manialetepec where families produce cheese and tortillas as their main economic activity. Your guide shows you how these are made by hand, and you see the work as families actually do it.

Can you swim at the hot springs?

Yes, Atotonilco has both cold river water and thermal pools where you can swim. The horses also get a chance to cool off in the water before you head back to Puerto Escondido.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

Private transportation is included and your guide will arrange pickup from wherever you are in Puerto Escondido. Let him know your location when you book.