Hot Springs Horseback Riding Adventure

The best part of this half-day outing is the change of pace. You leave Puerto Escondido by air-conditioned minivan, then trade pavement for farmland, mountain views, farm animals, and a steady ride to the Manialtepec thermal springs. The reward is a swim in very hot natural pools far from the town center.

I like the personal help from local guides, especially for first-time riders, and I like the way this trip reaches places a car cannot. Hotel pickup, drop-off, water, snacks, and a guide are included, which makes the day simple to arrange. The main caution is that you need moderate physical fitness, and some riders have found the horses more lively on the return trip.

Key points to know before you book

• About five hours door to door: Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, with morning and afternoon departures available.
• A real countryside ride: The route passes farmland, local homes, farm animals, mountain scenery, and sometimes river crossings.
• Hot springs are the main reward: Plan on about two hours at the thermal pools on some departures, with time to swim and relax.
• Good support for beginners: Guides including Efrain, Jessie, Javier, and Jaciel have helped nervous and first-time riders.
• Small-group feel: The maximum group size is 14 people, so this is not a large coach excursion.
• Pack for riding and swimming: Bring a camera, water-friendly clothes, and something comfortable for a ride that may include uneven ground.

Leaving Puerto Escondido for the Manialtepec countryside

The day begins with pickup at your hotel in Puerto Escondido. You ride in an air-conditioned minivan, with transportation included both ways. That matters here because the thermal springs are outside town, and arranging your own ride to a rural starting point would add time and hassle.

The drive to the village where the horses are kept has taken about 30 minutes on some departures. The setting changes quickly. Instead of restaurants and beach hotels, you see farmland, small local properties, and people going about daily life. The trip is not only a transfer to the springs. The countryside is part of the experience.

Once you reach the riding area, you meet the horses and the local riding team. The horses are described as highly trained and steady, and the group moves at a pace suited to the riders. This is useful if you have never ridden before. One first-time rider found that the horse followed the other horses at a calm pace, while the guides offered help along the route.

Still, horseback riding is physical. You will spend several hours in the saddle, and the road can be uneven. If you have back, hip, or knee problems, or if you are unsure about your fitness, ask the operator before booking. The activity is listed for people with a moderate fitness level, not for anyone seeking a completely effortless outing.

Riding through farms, mountains, and local life

The riding route is the reason to choose this tour over a simple drive to a thermal bath. Horses take you along farmland and paths that cars cannot use. You may pass grazing animals and small farms, with mountains behind the fields. The pace leaves room to notice details that disappear from a van window.

Guides have also added local context along the way. Efrain has shared information about birds, the local economy, and nearby communities. Another outing included a stop at a local garden project growing medicinal herbs and vegetables. These details give the ride a stronger connection to the area than a basic horse rental.

You should expect a guided group ride, not a private lesson in horsemanship. The horses generally follow the group, and the guide remains responsible for the route and the pace. That setup works well for beginners and families, though experienced riders looking for long stretches of independent fast riding may find it restrained.

Some outings have included river crossings, which can be a memorable part of the ride. Conditions depend on weather and the route used that day, so you should not treat a crossing as guaranteed. The same applies to wildlife sightings. Efrain has pointed out birds, but this is not a dedicated bird-watching trip.

The countryside is at its best when you allow the ride to unfold slowly. You may hear farm animals, pass local children, and see how the area around Puerto Escondido changes just a short drive from the coast. A little patience helps. This is not a tour built around constant activity.

Arriving at the very hot thermal pools

After roughly an hour on horseback on some departures, you reach the hot springs. The pools are volcanic thermal waters, and the water can be very hot. Test the temperature carefully before getting fully in, especially if you are not used to thermal bathing.

The usual rhythm is simple: tie up the horses, settle in, swim, and rest. Some outings have allowed about two hours at the springs, giving you enough time to enjoy the water without rushing straight back to the saddle. The quiet setting makes this the most restful part of the day.

The pools are not presented as a polished resort with a long list of facilities. You are going for the natural thermal water and the rural setting. Bring practical swimwear and a way to keep wet items separate from your belongings. The operator provides bottled water and snacks, but you should not assume that every personal comfort item is supplied.

A meal or breakfast has been part of some outings, and one account described the food as a highlight. However, the standard inclusions specifically list snacks, not a guaranteed full meal. If eating a substantial breakfast matters to you, ask what is planned for your departure rather than relying on a meal being included.

Guides remain with the group at the springs. Efrain, in particular, has explained the history and local importance of the thermal waters and allowed plenty of time for swimming. Jessie has helped younger or nervous riders feel more comfortable. The guide’s presence is useful here because the springs are the main destination, not merely a short photo stop.

The return ride and what can change

You return to the starting point by horse, then take the minivan back to your hotel. The return route may follow the same general path, so the scenery will feel familiar. The afternoon light, however, can change the look of the fields and mountains.

One important practical point: a rider with no previous experience found the horses a little more anxious on the way back, with some galloping. That does not mean every departure will include fast riding, but it is worth knowing before you book. Tell the guide clearly if you are uncomfortable with speed. Good communication matters more than trying to keep up with a stronger rider.

The trip lasts about five hours in total, but exact timing can shift with pickup locations, the pace of the group, and time at the springs. Morning and afternoon departures give you some flexibility. A morning start may suit you if you want the rest of the day free, while an afternoon outing may work better if you prefer a slower start in Puerto Escondido.

Weather can also affect the schedule. The experience requires good weather, and a cancellation for poor conditions comes with the choice of another date or a full refund. That is a useful safeguard for an outdoor activity, since wet trails and poor conditions can change the ride significantly.

Guides make the difference for beginners

Several guides are associated with these outings, including Efrain, Jessie, Javier, Jaciel, and Neufrain. The assigned guide can vary, but the pattern is clear: personal assistance is a major part of the experience.

Efrain has helped riders at the hot springs, pointed out birds, explained local matters, and spoken excellent English. Jessie has worked patiently with a child who was afraid of riding. Javier has handled hotel pickup and also helped with practical travel matters after the tour, including arranging a bus to Oaxaca. Jaciel has focused on the local region, farms, and eco-tour activities.

These details matter because a countryside ride can feel awkward if you are left to manage an unfamiliar horse on your own. Here, the guides are expected to help with the horses and the route. If you are nervous, say so at the start. You do not need to pretend to be an experienced rider.

The guides also add a human side to the outing. Conversations may touch on local farms, plants, birds, and the area’s economy. That is a better fit for you if you want contact with local life rather than a ride that treats the countryside as scenery only.

Value, group size, and what is included

No tour price is provided here, so I cannot judge the exact cost. The value comes from what is bundled: hotel pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned minivan, a driver-guide, bottled water, snacks, the horse, riding assistance, and access to the thermal springs.

That package can be worthwhile if you would otherwise need to arrange several separate transfers. It also removes the need to find a rural horse provider and figure out how to reach the springs. For a short trip from Puerto Escondido, the convenience is a real part of the value.

The maximum group size is 14 people. That is small enough to allow more direct contact with the guide than a large bus tour, though it may still feel like a group ride rather than a private outing. If you want a private horse and guide, ask about that before booking.

Souvenir photos are not included, but they may be available for purchase. Bring your own camera or phone if you want pictures of the route, the horses, and the springs. Protect it from water and dust, and only take it out when you are safely stopped.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. Since weather can cancel the activity, check the forecast and keep some flexibility in your schedule.

Who should book this horseback hot springs trip

I would choose this tour if you want a half-day outside Puerto Escondido and like the idea of combining gentle adventure with a long soak. It suits couples, families with older children, and first-time riders who want a guide close by. One couple took the ride as part of a honeymoon, while another family found the support helpful for an 11-year-old who was nervous around horses.

You will also get more from it if you enjoy rural scenery and conversation. The farms, plants, animals, mountain views, and possible river crossings are not filler. They are the reason the ride feels different from simply visiting a swimming pool.

I would hesitate if you dislike horses, have limited mobility, or want a tightly timed sightseeing tour with no physical effort. You should also think twice if very hot water or a saddle for several hours sounds unpleasant. The return ride may include a quicker pace, so tell the operator about your comfort level before setting out.

What to bring for a smoother day

Keep your packing simple:

• Comfortable clothes suitable for horseback riding
• Swimwear and a small way to separate wet items
• Sunscreen and a hat if you use them
• A camera or phone for photos and video
• Water, although bottled water is included
• Shoes that can handle a farm path and riding area

Do not count on every departure having a full meal. Snacks are included, and a breakfast or meal may be offered on some outings, but confirm if that is important to you. Also ask about any personal needs before booking, since the listed activity requires moderate fitness.

Should you book it?

Book this horseback trip if you want to see the countryside around Puerto Escondido at a slower pace and value a local guide who can help you along the way. The combination of farmland, mountain views, horses, and thermal pools gives the day a clear sense of place.

The best reason to go is not simply the hot water. It is the route to get there, with local farms, rural paths, and time to talk with guides such as Efrain, Jessie, Javier, or Jaciel. Just go in prepared for a physical ride, very hot pools, and the possibility of a livelier return. For the right visitor, this is a memorable way to spend five hours beyond the beach.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding hot springs tour last?

The experience lasts approximately five hours, including hotel pickup and drop-off, the horseback ride, time at the thermal springs, and transportation.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off at your hotel are included, along with transport in an air-conditioned minivan.

Are morning and afternoon departures available?

Yes. The tour offers both morning and afternoon departure options.

Do I need previous horseback riding experience?

Previous experience is not stated as a requirement. Guides have helped first-time and nervous riders, but you should have a moderate level of physical fitness.

What is included in the tour?

The tour includes bottled water, snacks, transport by air-conditioned minivan, a driver-guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, horseback riding, and the visit to the thermal springs.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You must cancel at least 24 hours before the start time to receive a full refund for a personal cancellation.