Sayulita: Jungle Horseback Ride & Secluded Beach with Pickup

Summary

Horseback ride Sayulita jungle to beach with local cowboys

You’ll follow local cowboys on horseback from Sayulita through tangled jungle trails and past quiet farms, crossing a river before reaching an uncrowded beach. Expect friendly guides, hotel pickup, tequila tasting back at the ranch, and moments where time slows down—especially when all you hear is water and hoofbeats.

What’s the experience like?

“Wait, is that the river?” I asked, half-laughing as my horse (her name was Estrella — she had this soft nose) picked her way along the muddy path. The air smelled like earth after rain, even though it hadn’t rained in days. Our guide, Luis — he grew up just outside Sayulita — grinned and told us to watch for iguanas sunning themselves on the rocks. I tried to spot one but mostly just caught flashes of green and heard the birds shouting over each other. The horses seemed to know exactly where to go, which was good because I definitely didn’t.

We started at this ranch about ten minutes from town (pickup was easy, they just swung by our Airbnb), and after a quick intro — helmets on, saddles checked — we headed straight into the jungle. It’s not manicured or anything; vines everywhere, leaves brushing your knees if you’re not careful. Luis pointed out some fruit trees and tried to teach us the names in Spanish. Li laughed when I tried to say “guanábana” — probably butchered it. There was this moment at the river where everything went quiet except for water moving over stones. I still think about that silence.

The last stretch opened up suddenly — sunlight bouncing off sand that looked almost white after all that green. Playa Escondida really is quieter than Sayulita’s main beach; we were basically alone except for a couple of fishermen way down by the rocks. The horses got a break while we walked barefoot for a bit (sand hot but not burning), then someone from the ranch handed out little cups of tequila back at base. Not sure if it was the ride or the heat but it tasted stronger than usual. So yeah — if you want a horseback riding tour in Sayulita that actually feels like you’re somewhere wild, this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Horseback riding through jungle to beach

• Pickup from hotel or meeting point
• Introduction to horses at ranch
• Begin horseback ride through jungle trail
• Stop at ranch for photos
• Ride to river Gorguyo and stop
• Continue ride to Playa Escondida beach
• Enjoy beach and take photos
• Return ride to ranch

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Sayulita horseback riding tour?

Yes, free roundtrip transportation is included from your accommodation or meeting points in Sayulita.

How long does the horseback riding tour last?

The ride itself lasts about 2 hours from start to finish.

Do I need horseback riding experience?

No experience needed—horses are matched to your comfort level and age.

Are there stops during the ride?

Yes—at the ranch, at River Gorguyo, and at Playa Escondida beach for photos or just taking in the view.

Is lunch included?

No lunch is included, but there is a tequila tasting at the ranch after your ride.

Can children join this horseback riding tour?

Yes—horses are chosen based on age and experience; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers or those with health issues?

No—it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your day includes free hotel or Airbnb pickup in Sayulita or meeting point transfer to a nearby ranch, safety gear and briefing before heading out with local cowboys as guides, stops at a river and secluded beach for photos or relaxing moments along jungle trails—and ends with a tequila tasting back at base before drop-off.