San Miguel: Horseback Riding Canyon Tour & Ranch Meal

Summary

Ride horses through canyons by the river pause for ranch lunch and laughter

You’ll ride horseback through canyons near San Miguel de Allende, cross rivers (and maybe get your socks wet), pause for wild views or even try rappelling cliffs, then share a ranch-style meal with new friends. It’s less about perfect riding and more about real moments—the kind you remember on quiet days back home.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever ridden before?” That’s what Carlos asked me as he handed over the reins outside San Miguel de Allende. I admitted I hadn’t, unless you count one wobbly pony ride at age seven. He grinned, showed me how to sit up straight, and then we were off—just like that. The horses seemed to know the way better than I did. The air smelled faintly of mesquite smoke, and there was this low hum of insects somewhere in the grass. I kept glancing at my boots to make sure they weren’t slipping out of the stirrups.

The first river crossing was honestly more splashy than graceful—my horse took it slow but I still got a bit wet (should’ve worn thicker socks). We followed the canyon edge, hooves crunching over gravel, while Carlos pointed out a hawk circling above us. At one point he asked if anyone wanted to gallop; two people did, their laughter echoing off the cliffs. I stuck to a trot—maybe next time. There was a rest stop up high where we could see for miles, all dusty golds and greens. Some folks tried rappelling down a 150-foot cliff—I watched with my heart in my throat but cheered them on anyway.

After that break we rode across open plains dotted with cattle who barely looked up as we passed by. The sun felt warmer here, and someone joked about cowboy movies (I think I hummed a theme song under my breath). Descending back into the canyon was bumpy but kind of peaceful—just the sound of water trickling somewhere below and birds flitting between rocks. By then I’d stopped worrying about my posture or how much dust was on my jeans.

Back at the ranch, the ladies had already started cooking—something spicy and smoky drifted from their kitchen window. We sat around a big table in one of the casitas with plates piled high: beans, tortillas still warm from the pan, grilled veggies from their garden. It tasted like everything good about being outdoors after a long ride. Someone tried to thank our hosts in Spanish; everyone laughed together when she mixed up her words (I probably would’ve too). Honestly, I still think about that meal sometimes when I’m hungry late at night.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Half-day horseback riding adventure

• Travel from San Miguel to canyon
• Ride along river edge
• Cross river multiple times
• Enjoy gallops for excitement
• Rest stop in canyon
• Ride up to canyon cliffs
• Pause for photos and rappel
• Ride over plains and cattle
• Descend 40 minutes to canyon bottom
• Cross La Virgen river again
• Enjoy organic ranch-style meal
• Return to San Miguel

Top questions

How long is the horseback riding tour from San Miguel?

The total excursion takes around 5 hours including transportation from San Miguel de Allende.

Is this horseback tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, comprehensive instruction and a riding lesson are included before heading out.

Are meals included during the horseback riding adventure?

Yes, an organic ranch-style meal is served after the ride at one of the casitas on the homestead.

Can children join this horseback tour near San Miguel?

Kids as young as 2 years old can participate if accompanied by an adult.

Is pickup included for this day trip from San Miguel de Allende?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points are included.

Do I need prior experience to join this horseback riding tour?

No prior experience is needed; guides provide full instruction before starting.

Are there any physical restrictions for participants?

The tour isn’t recommended for those with poor cardiovascular health or certain injuries; weight limit is 250 lbs (113 kg).

What should I wear for horseback riding in San Miguel?

Wear comfortable laced shoes or boots (no sandals), long pants, long sleeves or light jacket, and sunblock; cowboy hats are available at the ranch.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from San Miguel de Allende, bottled water throughout the ride, comprehensive instruction plus a riding lesson before setting off into the canyon trails for 2.5 hours on horseback—with time for breaks—and finishes with an organic ranch-style meal cooked fresh at one of the casitas back at the homestead before heading home again.