Swimming with a horse changes your day. This Puerto Vallarta combo pairs a countryside ride along the Mascota River area with stops for tequila and lunch at La Dulce Vista.

I really like the way they match you with a horse for your ability, so the day feels doable even if you’re not an expert rider. I also love that the fun doesn’t stop at the barn: you get tequila tasting (Blanco, Reposado, Anejo plus Pink tequila) and then Mexican BBQ with unlimited margaritas.

One thing to keep in mind: the horse swimming part is weather and river-dependent, so you should be ready for the alternative if conditions aren’t right.

Key highlights

• Horse matching for your skill level: you get paired with a mount that fits your ability.
• Mascota River scenery plus possible swim: a short water moment with your horse only when river conditions permit.
• Tequila tasting with small-batch bottles: Blanco, Reposado, Anejo, and a premium Pink tequila made in Tequila.
• Salsa-making adds hands-on fun: you’re not just watching; you’re participating.
• Mexican BBQ lunch with options: vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian options are available.
• Small group size: capped at 17 travelers for a more personal feel.

Getting to Hacienda Dona Engracia: the calm start near Puerto Vallarta

The day kicks off from Av Paseo de la Marina 121, Marina Vallarta, and then you’re transferred about 25 minutes out to Hacienda Dona Engracia. It’s a quick drive, but it’s long enough for the pace to shift from resort time to countryside time.

At the ranch, you get matched with a horse that fits your ability. That matters more than you’d think. If you’re new, having a calmer, well-suited mount can turn “nervous” into “I’m doing this.” If you’re more experienced, the matching helps keep the ride feeling smooth instead of frustrating.

Horseback along the Mascota River area (and when the swim actually happens)

This is the heart of the experience: a ride through rural scenery, including views of local vegetation and the Mascota River route. You’ll also have opportunities for photos along the way, if you want the guide to take them with their camera.

Now the big question: do you swim with the horse? The honest answer is sometimes. The tour is set up so you bring your swimsuit for a pool or a short river swim if river conditions permit. When the water is flowing well, that’s when the experience becomes truly memorable—writing your own story in the splash zone.

When conditions aren’t ideal (think high current or not-safe river flow), you still ride, but the “swimming with the horse” moment may be replaced by more riding without the water crossing. Either way, you’re out in the countryside, and the ride tends to feel more like a real day in Jalisco than a quick roadside photo stop.

Water-ready tips that actually help

• Bring water shoes or footwear that won’t slip and that you’re okay getting wet.
• Pack a hat and sunglasses; sun is the real villain here.
• Wear clothing you can handle getting damp, because this isn’t a shoes-and-smile kind of day.

Riding comfort: saddles, shoes, and the stuff you don’t want to guess

You’ll be on horseback long enough to feel how you dressed. The tour info is clear on what to wear: shoes that won’t fall off easily and that you don’t mind if they get wet. That’s not just “suggested”—it’s the difference between feeling secure and constantly worrying.

A few riders have noted that saddles can feel uncomfortable for some people. You can’t control the saddle, but you can control how you respond: speak up early if you feel off-balance or sore, and ask the staff for help adjusting you. A good guide makes this less scary and more comfortable, fast.

Also pay attention to the size rule. If you’re over 220 lbs / 100 kg, your height needs to be above 5’7” / 170 cm. It’s a safety matching detail, and it’s worth respecting.

La Dulce Vista: tequila tasting that feels like a real food-and-drink stop

After the ride, you head to La Dulce Vista, where the day shifts gears from outdoors to slow sipping. This is where you taste the tour’s own Artisanal Boutique Tequila offerings: Blanco, Reposado, Anejo, plus a premium Pink Tequila. These are made in small batches in the city of Tequila, not just mass-market bottles.

I like this part because it’s not treated like a 10-minute sales trap. The tastings are timed as part of the full experience, and the setting (including a pool at the destination) makes it feel more like a getaway than a checklist stop.

If you’re a tequila nerd, you’ll appreciate having multiple styles in one go. The differences between Blanco, Reposado, and Anejo become easier to understand when you taste them side by side, rather than relying on what you read on a label later.

Mexican BBQ lunch and the salsa moment you’ll remember

Next comes the food, and in Mexico, lunch is not a small thing—it’s the reason you’ll still be smiling hours later. You’ll get a traditional Mexican lunch with Mexican BBQ elements like chicken, meat, beans, rice, veggies, salsa molcajete, and quesadillas.

Vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian options are available, which helps a lot if you’re traveling with someone who doesn’t eat what’s most common on the menu. If you’re picky, ask for the option they recommend when you arrive; it’s easier than trying to fix it mid-meal.

Then there’s the hands-on part: making your own salsa. That’s one of those activities that sounds simple until you’re doing it, tasting it, and realizing you’re building flavor with your own hands. It also pairs nicely with the tequila tasting, since the bites make it easier to notice how agave drinks and spicy, tangy salsa complement each other.

Unlimited margaritas: fun factor, pacing, and what to do with your water bottle

Lunch comes with unlimited lemon margaritas plus bottled water. This is where the day can get happily chaotic, especially if you’re already a little worn out from the sun and saddle time.

The tour is roughly 5 hours long, which is a good length for a mixed day like this. But it can feel like more when you factor in heat, changing into swim-ready clothes, and transitioning from riding mode to tasting mode.

My practical advice: take water seriously. Even if you’re sipping margaritas, keep drinking bottled water too. It’ll help you enjoy the end of the day instead of feeling wiped out before you get to it.

What to bring for a smooth day in wet, hot weather

This tour asks for the right packing, and it’s not subtle. Bring:

• Swimsuit (pool and/or short horse swim only if conditions allow)
• Towel (towels are not included)
• Hat and sunglasses
• Shoes that won’t slip (water-friendly is best)
• A way to carry a change of clothes (a small backpack works well)

One extra tip: if you’re coming from the marina area, don’t rely on finding a last-minute towel in a shop. Plan for wet gear from the start, and you’ll feel calmer the whole day.

Who this horseback and swim with tequila tour is best for

This is a good fit if you want a mixed cultural day: animals, countryside views, tequila tasting, and a real meal. It’s also a good choice when you don’t want the day to be only beaches or only indoor attractions.

You’ll likely enjoy it most if:

• You like hands-on food moments like salsa-making
• You want a tequila tasting that includes multiple styles
• You’re excited by the idea of a horse swim but can handle that it’s conditional
• You want small-group energy (max 17 travelers)

You might want to rethink if:

• You hate hot sun and long stretches without shade
• You’re uncomfortable with the idea of wet footwear or damp clothes
• You’re expecting guaranteed river swimming every time (it depends on conditions)

Price and value: is $113.26 a fair deal?

At $113.26 per person for about 5 hours, the price makes sense if you value the bundle. You’re paying for more than a horse ride: you get transportation, a ranch pairing, tequila tastings, Mexican BBQ lunch, and unlimited lemon margaritas.

The value sweet spot is the variety. A typical “horse-only” excursion can feel one-note. This one adds tequila and food in a setting that includes a pool. If you enjoy tequila and you’re hungry for a full cultural day, this price starts to feel like a bargain.

If your highest priority is only the river swimming moment, then consider the weather factor. In some conditions, you may get less water time—but you still get the horseback portion plus the tasting and lunch.

Small-group feel and guided support that matters

A max group size of 17 keeps the day from feeling like a factory line. That tends to help with safety instructions and with adjusting if you need extra support getting on or off the horse.

The guide team is a big part of the overall vibe, and names you may hear include people like Saul, Fabrizio (often spelled Fabritsio), Martin, and Raphael. The common thread is patient, friendly guidance—especially helpful for first-timers who want to feel secure rather than rushed.

Final call: should you book this Puerto Vallarta experience?

I’d book this tour if you want a day that mixes countryside horseback riding, optional horse swimming, and a proper food-and-drink finish at La Dulce Vista. It’s especially worth it if tequila tasting is on your must-do list and you’re happy to bring a swimsuit and dress for wet weather.

Skip it (or at least manage expectations) if you’re holding the river swim as the whole reason for the trip. Since water conditions can change what you do, treat the swim as a bonus, not a guarantee.

If weather or conditions cancel the experience, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund—so you’re not stuck crossing your fingers forever.

FAQ

Do I need to bring a swimsuit and towel?

Yes. Bring your swimsuit and a towel. Towel isn’t included, and you may enjoy swimming if river conditions allow.

What tequila is included in the tasting?

You’ll taste the tour’s artisanal boutique tequila in Blanco, Reposado, and Anejo, plus a premium Pink Tequila.

Is horseback swimming with the horse guaranteed?

No. Swimming depends on river conditions. If the water conditions aren’t right, you may still ride and enjoy the rest of the day without the swim.

What’s included with lunch?

Lunch includes Mexican BBQ and unlimited lemon margaritas, along with bottled water. Vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian options are available.

How long is the tour?

The experience runs about 5 hours.

What should I wear and bring for the ride?

Wear a hat and sunglasses, and bring shoes that won’t fall off easily and are okay if they get wet. Also bring swim gear since you may swim, and pack a change of clothes if you can.