Sunset Horseback Riding in Puerto Escondido: Planning It From Your Rental

The ride starts in a farming village west of town and ends on the beach at sunset. How long the transfer takes from each area, what to wear, who it suits and how to fit the afternoon in.

The sunset ride does not start on the town beaches. It starts in San José Manialtepec, a farming village about 30 minutes west of Puerto Escondido near the Manialtepec lagoon, and follows a river, a shaded trail and a wide stretch of open Pacific beach, timed to finish as the sun goes down.

This page covers the planning from your rental: how long the transfer takes from each area, which part of the day it uses up, what to wear and pack, and who it suits, from first-time riders to families. The booking hand-off to our partner is at the bottom.

Book the tour with our partner Puerto Escondido Tours · More about horseback riding in Puerto Escondido

When to go

Our tour partner runs the ride year-round. It leaves in the afternoon, at around 3:00 pm, and gets you back to your rental at around 7:00 pm: roughly four hours door to door, of which about two and a half are in the saddle.

• Dry season, roughly November to May, gives the most reliable sunsets and the driest trails.
• Rainy season, roughly June to October, brings greener landscapes and afternoon storms. The partner notes that trails can change a little in the wettest months; it is worth keeping a second afternoon free in case the weather turns.
• Sunset time shifts through the year, a little earlier in winter and later in summer. The tour is scheduled around it, so you do not need to plan for this yourself.

Our month-by-month weather guide helps if you are still choosing dates.

Getting there from each area

The ride is west of town, so the western areas save you a few minutes each way. Pickup and drop-off at your rental are included in the partner's zone between La Punta and Bacocho, which covers all the main rental areas. If you are staying outside that zone, the partner asks you to contact them first.

These times are approximate. The difference between areas is small enough that you should choose your rental for the rest of your trip, not for this ride.

What to wear, who it suits

• Clothes: long pants and closed shoes with a small heel. Shorts and sandals rub and slip in the stirrups.
• In the bag: sunscreen, insect repellent, a phone or camera, and a swimsuit plus a change of clothes; you may get splashed at the river crossing. Water, a helmet and the horse are provided.
• Beginners: no experience is needed, and the partner says most of their riders have never been on a horse. Confident riders can trot or canter on the beach under the guide's supervision.
• Kids: children are welcome with an adult. The partner does not publish a minimum age, so share the children's ages when you book. Our family vacation rentals guide covers houses that suit a family trip.
• Limits: the maximum rider weight is about 100 kg (220 lb), and the tour needs at least two participants; solo travelers can ask to join another group.
• Mobility: getting on and off a horse takes some flexibility. If anyone has back or knee trouble, ask before booking.

Fitting it into the rest of your week

Because the ride takes the afternoon and early evening, it works best after a slow morning: the beach near your rental, lunch at the house, then pickup at 3:00 pm. You are back around 7:00 pm, in time for dinner in town or a late meal at home. It does not combine with the bioluminescence tour on the same day, since that one leaves at 6:30 pm, but whale watching in the morning and the ride in the afternoon can fit if your group wants a full day. Our one-week itinerary shows how to space these out.

When your dates are set, book the tour with our partner Puerto Escondido Tours: they handle pickup, horses, helmets and a bilingual guide, and you can check current prices and availability on their sunset horseback riding page. Still looking for a place to stay? Browse all our rentals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the sunset horseback ride in Puerto Escondido?

About four hours door to door, with roughly two and a half in the saddle. Pickup is around 3:00 pm and you are back at your rental around 7:00 pm.

Where does the horseback ride take place?

In and around San José Manialtepec, a farming village about 30 minutes west of town: a river crossing, a shaded trail and a wide Pacific beach at sunset.

Do I need riding experience?

No. Our partner says most of their riders have never been on a horse. Guides set the pace, and confident riders can trot or canter on the beach.

Can children go horseback riding?

Yes, with an adult. There is no published minimum age, so give the children's ages when you book so the operator can match horses.

Is pickup included from my rental?

Yes, within the partner's zone between La Punta and Bacocho, which covers the main rental areas. If you are staying outside it, contact them before booking.