Horseback Riding in Cancun: The Best 7 Tours to Join in 2023
Horseback riding in Cancun is a great way to relax and enjoy the amazing nature of the area. Horseback riding tours will take you out of the hassle and bustle of the Cancun hotel zone, and give you quiet time to really appreciate the beauty of the area.
Whether you are an experienced rider or want to try horseback riding for the first time, you will enjoy a horseback riding tour.
Keep reading to learn about the best horseback riding tours in 2023.
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Horseback Riding in Cancun: Essential Information
Horseback riding tours are some of the most popular tours in Cancun. Going for a ride on a horse is thrilling and somehow relaxing at the same time.
Horseback riding tours will take you through jungle trails, giving you the chance to get up close and personal with nature.
In addition to a complete safety briefing about riding horses, your guide will also teach you about the local plants and animals you can expect to see in the jungle.
There are several different ranches you can visit in the Cancun area to go horseback riding. Some are home to horses that have been rescued and rehabilitated!
Many tours combine horseback riding with other thrilling activities, such as ziplining, ATV driving, and swimming in cenotes!
No horseback riding experience is necessary for most tours; however, there are a few restrictions on who can participate in these tours.
Check with your tour operator if there is a minimum age limit- some tours require that the participants be at least 8 years old.
Also, some tour operators have a maximum weight limit for participants.
Top Horseback Back Riding Tours in Cancun
When it comes to horseback riding tours, you have several choices to pick from! Most tour operators combine horseback riding with other activities for tours that last around 5 hours.
This is an easy-for-you way to have fun and get the adrenaline pumping. The best tour operators want you to have a good time but will prioritize your safety above all else.
Below are some of the best horseback riding tours to choose from:
1. Horseback Riding and Cenote Swim from Cancun or Playa del Carmen
5⭐ 1,020 Reviews
Enjoy a peaceful horseback ride through the jungle to a natural cenote where you can swim. This tour includes roundtrip transportation from your hotel to Rancho Bonanza.
When you arrive at the ranch you will be given instructions for the day and introduced to your horse.
All horses here were rescued and rehabilitated and you will be matched with a horse suitable for your skill level.
No previous horseback riding experience is necessary.
Your guide will lead you on a peaceful ride through the jungle. They will teach you about the flora and fauna of the area.
You will arrive at a cenote where you can jump in and cool off. Here you will be able to relax and enjoy a snack and drinks before returning to the ranch.
This tour lasts around 2 hours.
Wonderful experience
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ DianeC_L, Nov 2022
Excellent staff. Great safety. Wonderful combo of riding, seeing the jungle, history of the area, and swimming in the cenote. It was wonderful. The experience accommodates beginners for sure
2. Horseback Riding in Cancun Includes ATV, Cenote, Ziplines, Lunch and Transfer
4⭐ 272 Reviews
Enjoy a day of adventures with this 4-in-1 tour. Your tour includes transportation into the heart of the jungle.
You will get suited up in a harness and your first activity will be zip-lining where you will fly over the trees.
You will then hop onto an ATV for an exciting ride up and down ascents and descents, over rocks, and through the mud in the jungle.
After the adrenaline, you will have the chance to relax on a peaceful horseback ride through the jungle to a cenote.
You can jump into this freshwater pool to cool off before enjoying chicken fajitas for lunch. This tour lasts around 4 hours.
Tranquil.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Glenda_H, Mar 2023
Extremely nice experience, and everyone was so polite and welcoming‼️ My significant other and I really enjoyed the time spent and the location.
3. ATV Combo (Horseback, Ziplines, Cenote, Water, Lunch and Transfer Included)
4⭐ 72 Reviews
Enjoy four different activities in this easy, hassle-free tour. Your tour includes round-trip transportation.
Once suited up you will start your day on the zipline circuit. You will be amazed by how quickly you fly through the jungle.
Once back on the ground, you get to drive a powerful ATV through jungle trails. After the speed of the zipline and ATV, you will change gears and get on a horse for a peaceful ride through the jungle.
You will get to enjoy the flora and fauna as you make your way to a cenote. You will get to take a refreshing dip in the water before being served a snack.
This tour lasts approximately 5 hours.
A must-do excursion!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Angie_C, Feb 2023
We had a blast on our mother-daughter outing! Daniella “Dani” made the experience personable and adventurous!! She was amazing!!
4. Horseback ride with ATV, 6 zip lines, swim in a cenote with lunch and transportation
4⭐ 57 Reviews
Your tour included round-trip transportation to the adventure park in Puerto Morelos. There you will get to enjoy four thrilling activities.
You will start your adventure by ziplining through the jungle. Next, you will get the chance to drive an ATV through a challenging path of rocks, climbs and descents, and mud.
You will hop off the ATV and onto a horse for a peaceful ride through the jungle. Enjoy the sunlight shining on the vegetation as you ride to a cenote.
If you want to swim in the cenote you can choose between a cliff dive into the water, ziplining into the water, or climbing down a ladder.
Your tour will end with a delicious Maya-inspired lunch before returning to your hotel. This tour lasts around 5 hours.
Best ever!!!!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Prospera_O, Dec 2022
This was by far the best activity we had on our trip and a major part of that was the guide Daniela. She was amazing and made sure we were having fun. The photographer Kevin was excellent. His pics came out amazing.
5. Horseback, ATV´s, Ziplines, Cenote, Hanging bridge Lunch and Round Trip Included
5⭐ 10 Reviews
Experience the jungle in four different ways on this tour. You will start your adventure with a horseback ride on jungle trails on a beautifully cared-for horse.
You will then pick up speed with a drive over rugged, muddy terrain on an ATV. Next, you will fly over the trees on a safe, and thrilling zipline circuit.
Your adventure ends with a visit to a natural cenote where you can get into the water for a refreshing swim.
For your convenience, this tour has morning or afternoon departure times and includes roundtrip transportation from your hotel, water, and lunch.
The tour lasts about 5 hours.
Girls Trip
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rakisha_B, Nov 2021
Had an excellent trip worth the experience. If ever in Cancun got to try good tequila and zip lining fun
6. Horseback riding in Cancun, ATV, zip lines, cenote, lunch, drinks, and transfer
4⭐ 69 Reviews
Explore the Puerto Morelos jungle in the air and on land with this tour. After being picked up at your hotel and brought to Puerto Morelos, you will start your day with a beautiful horseback ride through the jungle.
Next, you will get the chance to drive through jungle trails on an ATV. From there your guide will help you get suited up to go ziplining.
This includes the chance to walk across suspended bridges and do spider web climbing. You will finish the tour with a swim in an interactive cenote, complete with a jump platform.
Your tour includes lunch and refreshing drinks. The tour lasts approximately 8 hours.
A must do
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Debbie_A, Feb 2023
Such a great day. The perfect amount of time at each activity and the lunch was delicious. The guides are very helpful. And the best deal on photos we have gotten
7. Horseback Riding + ATV + Cenote + Zip-Line from Cancun and Playa del Carmen
4⭐ 17 Reviews
Tap into your adventurous side with this tour includes horseback riding, ATV driving, ziplines, and a swim in a cenote.
You will start your day with a horseback that will take you through the jungle and give you great ocean views.
Your guide will teach you about the nature of the area. No horseback riding experience is necessary.
Next, you will get the chance to drive a powerful ATV on jungle paths. You will then get to fly over the trees on a zipline circuit.
Lastly, you will go swimming in the crystal clear waters of a cenote. This tour also includes snacks, drinks, and a tequila tasting!
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours.
Great value for what is included!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Cody_H, Jul 2022
The tour guides were friendly and funny. The places were beautiful that they brought us to. Horses are well looked after.
Safety Precautions for Horseback Riding in Cancun
Horses are strong animals, and falling off of one could lead to injury. The last thing tour operators want is someone getting hurt on a tour.
They work hard to train the horses to make sure they are calm and well-trained for taking tourists on rides.
As a rider, it is your responsibility to pay attention to the safety briefing and instructions that your guide gives you.
Whether it is your first time on a horse, or you are an experienced rider, your guide will explain to you the specific protocols to follow.
Whenever you ride a horse it is important to avoid shouting or making abrupt movements. Your tour operator will give you a helmet to wear, it is your responsibility to make sure you have it properly secured on your head at all times.
Your guide wants you to have a great experience riding a horse through the jungle. Remember to ask them any questions you have, and let them know if you are feeling nervous.
They will do everything they can to help you.
What to bring on a horseback riding tour
Horseback riding tours in Cancun take place in the jungle. It is a good idea to take eco-friendly mosquito spray with you.
Even though there is plenty of shade in the jungle, it is a good idea to take eco-friendly sunscreen with you- you will still be exposed to plenty of sun.
It is recommended to wear long pants while horseback riding for your comfort. If you have a pair, you should take them with you, as well as closed-toe shoes.
Many horseback riding tours also include ATV rides, ziplining, and a swim in cenotes. With all these adventures you may get dusty and dirty, so it is not a bad idea to take a change of clothes with you.
If you want to swim in the cenote make sure to bring your swimsuit. And, don’t forget to take some cash with you to tip your guide at the end of the tour.
Other activities to try in Cancun
Many horseback riding tours in Cancun combine horseback riding with several other thrill activities.
This leaves you time on vacation to do other activities, and there is no shortage of fun stuff to do in Cancun.
One of the best parts about horseback riding in Cancun is that it gives you a chance to connect with nature and explore the jungle.
As you peacefully ride through the jungle you will have the chance to spot different wildlife. The Cancun area has tons of great ways to connect with nature, and wildlife lovers should try snorkeling or scuba diving.
Just off the coast of Cancun is an amazing coral reef that is part of the second-largest barrier reef system in the world!
This reef is full of corals and sponges and is home to countless colorful fish, sea turtles, and rays. The crystal-clear water makes it a great place to snorkel because you can easily see the reef below you.
If you are comfortable in the water, try scuba diving. Dive shops can give you an introduction class and take you for your first dives on the reef!
All throughout the Yucatan Peninsula are Mayan ruins. These archeological sites can be found on the coast or in the jungle.
You do not want to miss the opportunity to visit Mayan ruins and learn about how this ancient civilization once lived.
Horseback Riding in Cancun: Frequently Asked Questions
Can you ride horses in Cancun?
Yes! There are several tour operators who have tours that include horseback riding. No prior horseback riding experience is necessary to participate in these tours, your guide will teach you everything you need to know.
Can I ride horses on the beach in Cancun?
No. In an effort to spot erosion and protect delicate marine ecosystems, you can no longer ride horses on the beach, or take horses into the ocean. Most horseback riding tours in Cancun will take you on scenic rides through the jungle.
What are the best horseback riding tours in Cancun?
The most popular horseback riding tours in Cancun combine horseback riding with other thrilling activities such as zipline, ATV driving, and swimming in a cenote.
The best tour will be the one that includes other activities that you are interested in trying!
Horseback riding in Cancun: Final Thoughts
If you want to get out of your hotel and explore the jungles around Cancun, you should book a horseback riding tour!
The best horseback riding tours combine a peaceful ride through the jungle with adrenaline-pumping activities such as ziplining and the chance to drive ATVs.
And, no tour in the jungle is complete without the chance to jump into a refreshing cenote. There is a reason these tours are so popular, so make sure to book yours in advance.
About the Author
Adrienne Banka is a Michigander and fell in love with diving at 16 years old. Now she is an island living dive instructor turned brewmaster, turned mom. When she is not in the water she enjoys riding her bike and chasing after her dog and her little girl.
