Zihuatanejo: Horseback Riding on the Beach

The best part of this ride is the setting: you sit on a well-trained horse with the Pacific breeze in your face, trotting beside the broad sands of Playa Larga. Depending on your guide and route, you may also pass through trees, spot dolphins or a stingray, and stop for photos along the way.

I like the choice of a short one-hour ride for beginners, and I like the friendly, small-group setup, limited to five people. Guides including Ramon and Pablo have been praised for their calm handling and useful local tips. The main consideration is comfort: parts of the route can pass through trees, so long pants and closed shoes are wise, and mosquitoes may be present.

Key points to know before you book

• Playa Larga is the star: The ride follows the beach, with sea views, fresh air, and room to choose a slow pace or move a little faster.
• One hour suits new riders: Choose the shorter option if you are unsure about your balance or have not ridden for years.
• Two hours adds more variety: The longer outing can include beach and jungle riding, plus a country meal at a beachside restaurant when you select the lunch option.
• Guides make a difference: Ramon, Pablo, and other guides provide riding help, photos, water, and conversation in English or Spanish.
• Pickup is included: Transport from your hotel lobby or the main pier takes the worry out of reaching Playa Larga Ranch.
• The sunset option has appeal: Morning rides offer a quieter beach, while afternoon departures can finish with sunset views.

Riding from the hotel to Playa Larga Ranch

Your outing begins with pickup from your hotel lobby or the main pier. The transfer is provided in air-conditioned comfort, and the ride to the ranch means you do not need to arrange your own way to Playa Larga.

That matters in Zihuatanejo, where a beach ranch may not be close to the place where you are staying. Pickup also helps if you are visiting from a cruise ship and need to start from the main pier. The transfer is part of the price, not an extra item to solve on your own.

At the ranch, you meet your horse and guide before setting out. The horses are described as well trained, and that is important here. A beach ride should feel relaxed, not like a test of your riding skills.

You do not need prior horseback riding experience. If you are new to horses, tell the guide at the start and choose the one-hour outing. Lorne’s practical advice is useful: new riders may be happier with one hour, while riders with some experience can make better use of the two-hour route.

One hour on Playa Larga

The one-hour tour keeps the focus on the beach. You ride along Playa Larga with the sand and water beside you, taking in the coastal views without committing to a long session in the saddle.

This is the option I would choose for a first ride, a family outing, or a packed vacation day. You get the main pleasure of the experience, the horse, the beach, and the breeze, while limiting the chance that your legs or back will feel tired afterward.

You can generally go at a slow pace or move faster if the guide allows it and you feel ready. The route is not simply a rigid line of horses following one another. Stephanie specifically found that the horses had room to move more naturally, which can make the outing feel less like a staged ride.

Still, the guide sets the pace and decides what is safe. If you prefer a quiet walk, say so. The guides have been willing to adjust the route and speed, including when a rider did not want to go through the trees because of possible mosquitoes.

The one-hour outing also works well for riding with a child. One parent and daughter had a pleasant trip with guide Pablo and found the experience as expected, with time for photographs and a gentle pace. For children, the key question is not only age but comfort around horses and willingness to follow the guide’s instructions.

Two hours through beach and trees

The two-hour outing gives you more time to see the area beyond the open shoreline. Depending on conditions and your guide, you may ride through a wooded section before returning to the beach.

That added route gives the trip more variety, but it also brings a few practical concerns. Wear full-length pants to protect your legs from branches, and choose sturdy closed shoes rather than sandals. One rider specifically recommended this clothing for the section through the trees.

Mosquitoes may be present in the wooded area. The guide can adjust the route if needed, and Stephanie’s experience shows that you can speak up if you would rather stay on the beach. That flexibility is helpful, especially for children or anyone sensitive to insects.

The longer ride suits you if you have some previous experience or want more than a quick beach photo. It also gives you a better chance to enjoy the changing scenery at an easy pace. The horses are attentive, and the guides have been praised for keeping riders comfortable without making the outing feel hurried.

You might see wildlife along the way. One ride included dolphins offshore, while another produced a stingray sighting. These sightings are not guaranteed, but they add a welcome element of surprise to a route that already has good coastal views.

The optional country lunch at the beach

For the two-hour tour with the lunch option, the ride includes a stop at a local restaurant. The meal is a country-style plate of chicken or beef, served with soup and either a cold beer or a soft drink.

The restaurant is right on the beach, which makes the stop more than a simple refueling break. You can sit near the water, take a rest from the saddle, and enjoy a hearty meal before continuing the ride.

I see this as a good value for a half-day-style outing, even though the listed activity lasts one to two hours depending on your choice. You are not just paying for time on horseback. You are also getting transportation, a guide, and, with the lunch option, a substantial meal and drink.

Be clear about the lunch option when you book. The meal is tied to the two-hour tour with lunch, not automatically included in every version. If you only want a brief beach ride, the one-hour option is the simpler choice.

Guides, pace, and personal attention

The small-group limit of five people is one of the strongest features of this experience. A guide can pay closer attention to each rider, especially when the group includes both beginners and people who have ridden before.

The names that come through most clearly are Ramon and Pablo. Ramon guided a mother and daughter, spoke fluent English and Spanish, offered local suggestions for Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa, and took photos during the ride. Pablo guided another family outing along Playa Larga and helped keep it pleasant and comfortable.

Another rider had a one-to-one two-hour trip during a quieter period. That is not a promise that every departure will be private, but it shows that the small-group format can feel personal when demand is low.

Guides also provide water and may take photographs along the way. Photos matter on a horseback ride because it is awkward to take your own while handling the reins. Ask your guide about pictures and any extra arrangements before setting out, since the included information confirms that guides have taken photos but does not set out a formal photo package.

The language support is English and Spanish. That helps with safety instructions, pace, and route choices. It also makes it easier to tell the guide if you want to walk slowly, move faster, avoid the wooded path, or stop for a picture.

Morning calm or afternoon sunset

You can choose a morning or afternoon departure when available. Morning riders get a quieter beach and a cooler-feeling sea breeze, while afternoon riders may finish with sunset views.

I would choose the morning if you want the simplest conditions for a first ride. A calm start, fewer distractions, and fresh energy can make it easier to settle into the saddle.

The afternoon option has a stronger visual payoff. A sunset over the beach can turn a pleasant ride into a memorable one, though the exact quality of the sunset depends on the day. The tour description promises the chance to witness sunset, not a guaranteed clear sky.

Either way, bring clothes that can handle sand and a little dust. Full pants and closed shoes are the sensible choice for both routes, not only the wooded section. You will also want to protect yourself from the sun, although the specific equipment provided for sun protection is not listed.

What the $78 price really covers

At $78 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend an hour near Zihuatanejo. The price makes more sense when you count the included transportation and the small-group guide service.

You are paying for pickup from the main pier or hotel, an air-conditioned transfer to the ranch, a horse, a guide, and the beach ride itself. Select the longer lunch option and you also receive chicken or beef, soup, and a beer or soft drink at a beachside restaurant.

The value depends on which version you choose. For a new rider who only wants to try horseback riding, one hour may be enough, and paying for the longer option could be unnecessary. If you already ride or want the beach, wooded route, and meal, the two-hour choice gives you more of the day.

The activity also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and lets you reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful if your Zihuatanejo plans may shift, but you should still check the available start times before booking.

Who will enjoy this ride most

This is a good fit for couples, families, first-time riders, and anyone who wants a slower coastal outing rather than a high-adrenaline activity. The guides can work in English or Spanish, and the horses are described as well trained.

I would especially recommend it to you if you want photographs, fresh air, and a simple way to reach Playa Larga without arranging a separate taxi. It also suits a parent and child, provided the child is comfortable around horses and can follow directions.

Experienced riders may prefer the two-hour version. You will have more time to ride beyond the open beach, choose a faster pace when allowed, and stop for lunch.

This may not suit you if you dislike sitting on a horse for an extended period, want a fast gallop, or have no interest in sand, heat, or possible mosquitoes. The experience is built around a scenic, guided ride, not a technical riding lesson or a long-distance trek.

What to bring and wear

Keep your packing simple but practical:

• Long pants, especially if you choose the two-hour route
• Closed shoes suitable for riding and the wooded section
• Sun protection
• A preference for either a slow walk or a faster pace, so you can tell the guide
• A little patience for sand, photo stops, and changing route conditions

The reviews confirm that guides have provided water and taken pictures, but the supplied details do not specify every item included at the ranch. Bring only what you need and avoid anything you would worry about getting dusty or sandy.

Should you book the Playa Larga ride?

Book it if you want a friendly, small-group beach ride with hotel or pier pickup and the option to add a country lunch. The strongest reasons are the well-trained horses, attentive guides such as Ramon and Pablo, and the chance to see Playa Larga from a quieter vantage point.

Choose one hour if you are new to riding or simply want a taste of the activity. Choose two hours if you have ridden before, want the wooded route, and like the idea of a meal beside the beach.

I would skip it only if you want a fast, challenging horseback trip or strongly dislike heat, sand, or possible insects. For most visitors looking for an easy coastal outing with personal attention, the $78 price is reasonable, especially when transportation and the optional lunch are part of the plan.

FAQ

Where does the horseback riding take place?

The ride takes place along Playa Larga near Zihuatanejo, beginning at Playa Larga Ranch.

How long is the horseback riding tour?

You can choose a one-hour or two-hour tour. Check available starting times when booking.

Is previous horseback riding experience required?

No. The activity is suitable for beginners, and the guides provide assistance for a safe and comfortable ride.

What is included in the price?

Horseback riding on the beach and transportation are included. The two-hour tour with the lunch option includes a country meal of chicken or beef, soup, and a cold beer or soft drink.

Is lunch included with every tour?

No. Lunch is included with the two-hour tour when you select the lunch option.

Which languages do the guides speak?

The live guides speak English and Spanish.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.