You’ll saddle up on gentle Paso Fino horses at a private ranch just outside San Juan, following local guides through lush trails and past hidden lagoons. Hear stories about Puerto Rican horses and end your ride at a breezy hilltop mojito bar—perfect for cooling down and soaking up those views you won’t forget soon.
I didn’t expect to feel nervous mounting up — I mean, it’s just horseback riding, right? But standing there at Hacienda Campo Rico, the air sticky and sweet with grass and something else (maybe sugarcane?), I realized I hadn’t been this close to a horse since I was a kid. Our guide, Carlos, noticed me hesitating and patted his horse’s neck. “Don’t worry, these Paso Finos are smoother than salsa,” he grinned. He was right. Once we started moving, it felt more like gliding than riding — no jolts, just this gentle rhythm under the sun.
The trails wound through palms and tangled green that looked almost too lush to be real. At one point we paused by a lagoon — birds everywhere, some kind of heron picking its way through the reeds. Carlos told us about how the Paso Fino breed is part of Puerto Rican history (he said it better in Spanish; Li laughed when I tried to repeat it). The horses seemed proud somehow, ears flicking back whenever someone new spoke. The day trip from San Juan didn’t take long at all but felt like another world once we were out there.
After the ride my legs wobbled a bit — not sore, just sort of floaty. We ended up at this hilltop Mojito Bar that honestly looks like something from an old postcard: bright colors, breeze coming in off the hills, mint crushed fresh for every drink. Sitting there with my boots still dusty and a cold glass sweating in my hand… I don’t know, it just hit different. Still think about that view sometimes when city noise gets too much.
The ranch is just minutes from San Juan by car; travelers use their own transportation.
No, transportation is not provided; guests arrive on their own using GPS directions.
The minimum age is 8 years old; anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Yes, use of helmet is included for all riders as part of the tour.
No meals are included; drinks are available for purchase at the Mojito Bar after your ride.
A maximum of 4 travelers per booking; larger groups will be split accordingly.
The tour uses well-trained Paso Fino horses and includes a safety briefing; moderate fitness is recommended.
The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.
Your day includes a guided horseback ride on well-trained Paso Fino horses with helmet provided, local taxes covered, and plenty of time to relax at the hilltop Mojito Bar after your adventure—just remember you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the ranch before checking in for your tour.
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