You’ll ride gentle horses through Hacienda Campo Rico’s lush trails near San Juan, guided by locals who know every story behind those fields. Expect moments of quiet beauty, glimpses of native wildlife, and hands-on help if you’re new to riding. With hotel pickup included from central San Juan districts, it’s easy to let go for a few hours and just breathe in Puerto Rico’s countryside.
The first thing I noticed at Hacienda Campo Rico was the way the sun hit the grass — sort of gold and green at once, like someone turned up the color on real life. Our guide, Roberto, had this easy way about him, like he’d been around horses and tourists forever. He handed me the reins to a chestnut mare named Canela (which means cinnamon — I liked that), and before I could overthink it, we were moving. The saddle creaked under me and I remember thinking how different everything sounds when you’re not in a car — just hooves in the dirt, birds somewhere out in the trees, and little bursts of wind that smelled faintly sweet, almost like sugarcane.
Roberto kept chatting as we rode out past rolling hills and tangled wildflowers. He pointed out a flash of blue — a tody bird, I think he called it? — and then started telling us stories about the hacienda’s old days. At one point he stopped to check my stirrups (I’m not exactly a natural rider) and gave me this grin like, “Don’t worry, she knows what she’s doing more than you do.” Which was true. The trail wound through patches of shade where everything felt cool for a minute, then back into sunlight so bright it made me squint. It’s funny how time moves differently when you’re riding — slower but somehow more vivid.
I didn’t expect to feel so calm out there. Even with other riders nearby (everyone spaced out just enough), it was mostly quiet except for Roberto’s voice drifting back now and then. There was this one spot where you could see El Yunque off in the distance, kind of hazy but unmistakable. I caught myself wishing I could stay longer or maybe just trade places with Canela for a day. When we finally looped back toward the stables, my legs felt wobbly but my head was clear in a way I hadn’t felt in ages.
The exact duration isn’t specified but expect a morning outing including travel time from San Juan to Hacienda Campo Rico.
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for guests staying in Isla Verde, Condado, Miramar & Old San Juan districts.
No prior experience is needed; basic riding lessons are provided before heading out on the trail.
Wear long pants, a T-shirt, closed-toe shoes; bring sunglasses and sunscreen. Bathing suits or see-through clothing aren’t allowed.
The minimum age is 8 years old; riders under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Yes, there is a maximum weight limit of 240 lbs per rider for horse well-being.
This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.
You may spot native birds and other local wildlife along the trails at Hacienda Campo Rico.
Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off within central San Juan areas (Isla Verde, Condado, Miramar & Old San Juan), basic horseback riding instruction from one of the ranch trainers at Hacienda Campo Rico, plus all guidance during your scenic ride through private countryside trails before returning to your hotel afterward.
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