San José Manialtepec River Horseback Riding & Hot Springs Tour

Five hours on horseback through dense forest, crossing the river to reach Atotonilco's thermal springs.

A five-hour horseback tour from San José Manialtepec takes you through mountain vegetation and across the river to Atotonilco hot springs, where you swim in thermal water before returning to town. The guide is local and speaks English or Spanish. Pickup from your lodging is included. Children from age 6 are welcome, and the pace suits all fitness levels.

The experience

The tour starts with pickup from your lodging and a short drive to San José Manialtepec, where you meet a local family who will host the beginning of your ride. From there you mount a horse and head into the vegetation, crossing the river several times as the path winds deeper into the forest. The ride takes about an hour, and as you go you'll hear birds, see the variety of trees and plants that grow here, and feel the shift from open paths into denser growth.

You arrive at Atotonilco, a natural hot spring where the water stays warm year-round. You have time to swim in the thermal bath and cool off in the river if you want, moving between the two as you choose. After you've had enough time there, you ride back to San José and return to your lodging.

A guide who knows the area leads the whole day and speaks English or Spanish. Bottled water is provided, and the ride is suitable for riders of all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for anyone with spinal injuries. Children from age 6 can join.

What’s included

• Bottled water throughout the day.
• air-conditioned vehicle pickup from your lodging and return.
• a local guide in English or Spanish for the full five hours.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30 and 15:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (16 to 59 years) · Senior (60 to 70 years) · Youth (12 to 15 years) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 30

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Manglar Birdwatch

Is this one for you?Book this if you're staying in San José without a car: hotel pickup gets you to the forest, and your guide is local so you're learning from someone who actually lives here.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 15 years); Child (6 to 11 years). Under 6: they can't be included in the booking.

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 long is the actual horseback riding on this tour?

The ride itself lasts about an hour, covering the path from San José Manialtepec through the forest to Atotonilco hot springs. The full tour, including time at the springs and the drive to and from town, takes five hours total.

What is Atotonilco and what can you do there?

Atotonilco is a natural hot spring in the mountains where the water stays warm. You can swim in the thermal bath and also cool off in the river if you want, and you'll have enough time to enjoy both.

Will I cross the river on horseback during the ride?

Yes, you'll cross the river several times on horseback as the path winds through the forest toward the hot springs.

Does the tour include pickup from my hotel or lodging?

Yes, pickup from your lodging is included. The tour starts with a drive to San José Manialtepec, where the horseback portion begins.