Puerto Vallarta: Horseback Riding, Tequila Tasting & BBQ Lunch

Summary

Ride horses by Mascota River taste small-batch tequila and feast on BBQ

You’ll ride horseback along Puerto Vallarta’s Mascota River with local guides before cooling off (maybe even swimming with your horse), then taste small-batch tequilas crafted nearby. A traditional Mexican BBQ lunch follows—with unlimited margaritas—leaving you sun-warmed and happily full. It’s less about perfection than sharing laughter under open skies.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed at Hacienda Dona Engracia wasn’t the horses or even the smell of leather and dust — it was how everyone seemed to know each other already. Our guide, Miguel, handed me a hat (“sun here is sneaky,” he grinned) and matched me with a horse named Canela. She had this patient way of blinking at me like she’d seen plenty of nervous city folks before. I nearly lost my sandal in the stirrup right away — Miguel just laughed and said, “You’ll be fine, just hold on.” So yeah, not exactly a graceful start.

We rode along the Mascota River where the air smelled like wet earth and something sweet from the wildflowers. The river was low enough that day so we could actually take the horses in for a splash — which felt weirdly freeing, legs half-soaked, jeans sticking to my knees. Someone behind me tried to film but dropped their phone (don’t worry, they fished it out). It was loud with birds and you could hear distant music from somewhere up the valley. I kept thinking how different it felt from town — slower, softer somehow.

Afterwards we landed at La Dulce Vista for tequila tasting. I thought I knew tequila but these were nothing like what you get at bars back home — smoky Blanco, then Reposado with this mellow warmth, and even a pink one that tasted like summer if that makes sense. Miguel explained how his uncle’s family makes them in Tequila city; he poured tiny sips and watched our faces for reactions. Li laughed when I tried to say “Añejo” in Spanish — probably butchered it.

Lunch was a blur of grilled chicken, beans, rice, tortillas still warm from the pan, and salsa that made my nose run (in a good way). Unlimited margaritas too — I stopped counting after three because someone started telling stories about growing up in Jalisco and time just slipped away. There was no rush to leave; people lingered around tables or wandered out to look at the hills. Honestly I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck on the subway back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Horseback riding and tequila tasting

• Drive to Hacienda Dona Engracia
• Match with suitable horse
• Ride along Mascota River
• Swim with horse if allowed
• Guide takes photos
• Taste artisanal boutique tequilas
• Enjoy traditional Mexican lunch
• Drink unlimited margaritas

Top questions

How far is Hacienda Dona Engracia from Puerto Vallarta?

It’s about a 25-minute drive from the meeting point near Puerto Vallarta.

Do I need riding experience for this horseback tour?

No experience needed; guides match horses to your ability level.

Is swimming with the horse always possible?

Only if river conditions allow—sometimes it’s not safe or water is too low.

What tequilas do we taste during the tour?

You’ll try Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and their premium Pink Tequila—all made in small batches.

Are vegetarian or vegan lunch options available?

Yes—vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian options are offered for lunch.

Is transportation included from Puerto Vallarta?

The tour includes pickup by open concept bus from a central meeting point near Puerto Vallarta.

Is there an age limit for tequila tasting?

You must be at least 18 years old to participate in tequila tasting.

What should I bring for this day trip?

A bathing suit, towel, hat, sunglasses, and shoes that can get wet but won’t fall off easily.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup by open concept bus from Puerto Vallarta (no A/C), bottled water throughout the ride along Mascota River, all artisanal tequila tastings at La Dulce Vista (for guests 18+), plus a traditional Mexican BBQ lunch with unlimited lemon margaritas before heading back in the afternoon.