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Horseback Riding in Puerto Rico: A Guide to the Best Trails and Tours

Recently horseback riding has become one of the most popular activities in Puerto Rico and for good reason. 

It is an excellent way to explore the beautiful countryside, beaches and rainforests of the island.

One of the best places to go horseback riding is in Luquillo which sits at the foothills of El Yunque National Forest.

This horseback riding tour is one of the best as you’ll get to ride through the Puerto Rican countryside, the rainforest and finish up at Luquillo Beach.

In the rest of this post, I’ll cover all of the places where you can go horseback riding in Puerto Rico including San Juan, Isabela, Vieques and more.

Best Places for Horseback Riding in Puerto Rico

Overview of the types of horse riding tours available in Puerto Rico.

If you’re looking for a unique way to explore the beautiful landscapes of Puerto Rico then horseback riding is the perfect activity for you. 

There are several places in Puerto Rico where you can go horseback riding whilst taking in the stunning views of the island, but only some are worth doing.

Here’s a quick overview of the options & the best tours:

  • Luquillo (Top Pick 🏅): ride through the rainforest & along the beach (50 mins from San Juan)check prices for tour
  • San Juan: ideal for anyone who doesn’t want to travel far (no beach riding)check prices for tour

In the rest of this post, I’ll go into much more detail on each location, what to expect and the sorts of views you’ll see.

1. Horseback Riding in Luquillo

My personal favorite place to go horse riding in Puerto Rico is in Luquillo which is a town located on Puerto Rico’s northeastern coast.

It’s known for it’s tropical rainforest and super pristine beaches. The best part is that it’s just 50 minutes from San Juan.

Map showing location of Luquillo in Puerto Rico.

This Luquillo horseback riding tour is one of the highest rated and has almost 700 5-star reviews!

You’ll start off at the Carabalí Rainforest Park then head off into the countryside. 

You get to ride your horse through the waters of the Mameyes River, pass through a tropical rainforest and you’ll finish up on the pristine Luquillo Beach.

Key Features:

  • 2.5 hour guided tour
  • Suitable for all levels of rider including beginners
  • Finish at a cocktail bar for a drink
  • Option to swim in the ocean or relax on the beach at the end

This tour is ideal for anyone who wants to ride along the beach and in the water.

It’s also great if you love the rainforest as this tour takes place in the foothills of the El Yunque National Forest.

Check out the video below to see exactly what it’s like to go on this tour:

2. Horseback Riding in San Juan

San Juan is the capital city of Puerto Rico and offers a variety of horseback riding experiences. 

It’s perfect for people that don’t want to travel too far but still want to experience the beauty of Puerto Rico.

This horseback riding tour starts in San Juan and takes you off the beaten track into the countryside. You’ll ride past stunning viewpoints, open fields and lush forests.

Key Features:

  • Guided 2-hour tour
  • Roundtrip transportation from your hotel
  • Suitable for all level of riders (including beginners)
  • Ends at a bar for a refreshment

Although this tour is located in San Juan, it really does make you feel like you’ve traveled a million miles out of the city as you’re just surrounded by nature.

It’s the ideal tour if you’re limited on time or don’t want to travel far but it’s worth noting this tour doesn’t include horse riding along the beach.

Check out the below video to see exactly what you should expect from this tour:

3. Horseback Riding in Isabela

Isabela is a region on Puerto Rico’s northwestern coast known for its beautiful beaches and stunning natural scenery. It’s just 1.5 hours from San Juan.

Map showing location on Isabela in Puerto Rico.

It’s one of the best places to go if you want to do a horseback ride along the beach in Puerto Rico.

The best tour on offer is this horseback riding tour offered by Tropical Trail Rides.

During the tour, you’ll ride along the shore on a series of secluded beaches and then venture off into the tropical rainforest.

Key Features:

  • 2-hour guided tour
  • Suitable for all levels of riders including beginners
  • Includes an optional hike to a viewpoint

This tour would be perfect for anyone that wants to ride along the beach and in the water.

After your tour, you can just chill on the beach for a while. It’s actually covered in seashells and is one of the best places for shelling in Puerto Rico.

Check out the video below to see what you should expect on this horseback riding tour:

4. Horseback Riding in Vieques

Vieques is a small island that is located just off the east coast of Puerto Rico. 

Map showing location of Vieques in Puerto Rico.

The island is known for its pristine beaches, crystal clear waters and incredible wildlife so is well worth a visit if you have time to spare.

But what sets Vieques apart from other tropical destinations is its population of wild horses that roam freely around the island. 

You can also join horseback riding tours in Vieques which allow you to explore the island’s stunning landscapes, lush forests and pristine beaches.

Sailh’s Paradise offers a range of different horse riding experiences including beach rides, sunset rides and even private experiences.

Here’s what it’s like to go horseback riding in Vieques:

It’s easy enough to do a day trip to Vieques but remember that it isn’t on the mainland so you’ll need to take a boat over there from Fajardo.

Beach Horseback Riding in Puerto Rico

If you’re looking for a unique way to experience the beauty of Puerto Rico’s beaches then you might want to consider going on a horseback riding adventure. 

There are several tour companies that offer beach horseback riding experiences which allow you to explore the island’s stunning coastline from a different perspective.

One popular option is this beach horseback riding experience offered by Carabali Rainforest Adventure Park. 

This 2.5-hour tour takes you through the lush rainforest before arriving at the stunning Luquillo Beach where you’ll have the opportunity to ride your horse along the beach, feeling the wind in your hair and the sun on your skin as you take in the breathtaking views of the ocean.

Another option is this beach horseback riding tour offered by Tropical Trail Rides in Isabela. 

This tour takes you through the beautiful forests and beaches of the northwestern coast of Puerto Rico. 

You’ll ride your horse along the beach, listening to the waves crashing along the shore and feeling the warm sun on your skin.

Both of these tours are suitable for riders of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced riders so don’t worry if you’ve never ridden a horse before. 

The experienced guides will show you how and they’ll be with you every step of the way.

Both of these tours also give you the chance to go for a swim in the ocean whilst you’re on the beach. 

Keep your eyes peeled for sea turtles, tropical fish, dolphins and maybe even manatees!

What to Expect During a Horseback Riding Tour in Puerto Rico

List of things to expect when horse riding in Puerto Rico.

When you book a horseback riding tour in Puerto Rico, you can expect a unique and unforgettable experience. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Safety is a top priority.

Before you start the tour, the guides will usually give you a quick safety briefing and instructions on how to ride the horses.

They will also provide you with a helmet and other safety gear to ensure that you’re safe throughout the tour.

2. You don’t need to be an experienced rider.

Most horseback riding tours in Puerto Rico are suitable for riders of all levels including beginners.

The horses are well-trained and the guides will give you instructions and guidance throughout the tour to make sure that you feel comfortable and safe.

3. You will see some of the most beautiful landscapes in Puerto Rico.

Horseback riding tours will take you through lush forests, along sandy beaches and through scenic countryside meaning you’ll get to see some of the island’s best landscapes.

4. You can choose from different types of tours.

There are many different types of horseback riding tours available in Puerto Rico including beach rides, rainforest rides and countryside rides.

You can choose the type of tour that suits you.

5. Wear appropriate clothing.

It’s important to wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes when going on a horseback riding tour.

You may also want to bring sunscreen, insect repellent and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.

6. Be respectful to the horses.

The horses are well-trained and well-cared for but they still deserve respect and kindness.

Make sure to follow the guide’s instructions and treat the horses with care.

You may also be interested in my 2 weeks in Puerto Rico itinerary which tells you exactly what to do & where to go on your Puerto Rico vacation!

FAQs

What is the weight limit for horse riding in Puerto Rico?

Most horse riding tours in Puerto Rico have a weight limit between 235 and 250 pounds. 

Make sure you’re not over the limit as you may not be allowed to take part in the tour and you might not get a refund.

Do I need to know how to ride a horse?

No, the majority of horse riding tours in Puerto Rico are suitable for all levels of rider from complete beginner to advanced riders.

If it’s your first time riding a horse then let the guides know and they’ll show you what to do before you set off and they’ll keep an eye on you throughout.


And that’s it! Here’s a quick reminder of the tours mentioned in this post.

Here’s a quick overview of the options & the best tours:

  • Luquillo (Top Pick 🏅): ride through the rainforest & along the beach (50 mins from San Juan)check prices for tour
  • San Juan: ideal for anyone who doesn’t want to travel far (no beach riding)check prices for tour

Thanks for reading this guide all about horseback riding in Puerto Rico.

I hope you now have everything you need to have your own horseback riding adventure!

Megan

Megan Jones is a travel expert and founder of Traveller's Elixir, who has been travelling the world full time since 2021. Megan's travel tips been featured in numerous media outlets including Metro, Timeout, Thrillist and more.

Learn more about the Traveller's Elixir Team.

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