Oaxaca Coast: Horseback Ride at Sunset with Local Guide

Summary

Horseback riding by river, lagoon & beach on the Oaxacan coast

You’ll ride horseback through Oaxaca’s riverside fields, cross to a wild beach at sunset, and meet local families who share fresh seafood or drinks if you want them. With your guide leading the way and stories about life here, you’ll feel part of this place—something you’ll remember long after heading home.

What’s the experience like?

We started out clambering onto our horses just outside Manialtepec — I was honestly a little nervous (I haven’t ridden since I was a kid), but our guide, Martín, just grinned and told me not to overthink it. The air smelled like wet earth and something sweet from the fields nearby. We set off in a slow line, hooves squelching through patches of mud as we passed cows flicking their tails and kids waving from a distance. It felt like everyone knew Martín; he’d call out greetings in Zapotec or Spanish every few minutes.

The trail took us right along the Manialtepec river, which shimmered weirdly silver in the late afternoon light. At one point we stopped so Martín could show us where the lagoon meets the Pacific — he explained how sometimes you can see bioluminescence here at night (I tried to say “bioluminiscencia” and totally mangled it; he laughed but didn’t correct me). The breeze picked up as we crossed toward the beach, salty and cool against my face. My horse seemed to perk up too — maybe she could smell the ocean coming.

Riding along the sand with the sun dropping fast behind the waves was… well, it’s hard to describe without sounding cheesy. There were fishermen pulling in nets, and a couple of dogs chasing each other around driftwood piles. We stopped at this little wooden cabin right on the beach — a family runs it, and they offered us cold coconut water or beer (I went for coconut). Someone grilled shrimp nearby; you could smell garlic and smoke drifting over. I still think about that view from their porch — everything gold and blue and kind of unreal for a minute.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Horseback Ride to Sunset Beach

• Meet horses at starting point
• Ride along Manialtepec River through farmland
• Cross horses to beach at river-lagoon union
• Ride along beach facing the sea to watch sunset
• Visit native family cabin for drinks and seafood

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this horseback tour?

No, but air-conditioned vehicle transport is included from a meeting point near Manialtepec.

Can I buy food or drinks during the ride?

Yes, you can buy drinks or fresh seafood like shrimp or fish at a local family’s cabin on the beach.

Is this horseback ride suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels except pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

How long does the horseback ride last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but includes time riding along river, lagoon, and beach before sunset.

Will there be a local guide during the experience?

Yes, a local guide leads the group throughout the tour.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to the meeting point.

What should I bring for this day trip near Manialtepec Lagoon?

You may want comfortable clothes for riding and some cash if you wish to buy food or drinks at the beach cabin.

What’s included

Your day includes transport in an air-conditioned vehicle from near Manialtepec to meet your horse; after riding through riverside fields and onto the beach at sunset with your local guide leading, you’ll have coconut water or beer included—and time to relax at a family-run cabin where you can purchase fresh seafood if you’d like before heading back.