HORSEBACK RIDING IN THE SIERRA MADRE

A horseback riding trip is a great way to explore the majestic Sierra Madre mountain range. On horseback, you have the opportunity to slowly soak in your surroundings, appreciate the wonderful details of the jungle, and know that you are leaving a soft impact on the environment (versus exploring the Sierra Madres on a four-wheeler).

Generally, horseback trips into the mountains leave from the Paso Ancho or Buenos Aires areas. The trips are usually about four or five hours. If you have never ridden a horse before, not to worry. The horses are experienced and used to being ridden by a variety of different people. Plus, your guide will match you up with a horse that best suites your skill level, and you will be given a basic “how to drive” your horse lesson. You can also relax knowing your trip will not require anything other than the most basic level of horse handling.

Bring your camera as you''ll be able to snap an infinite number of amazing photos of everything from huge jungle spider webs, breath-taking panoramas, mountain waterfalls, and—of course—the horses! On your way back down the mountain, the guides often stop at one of the hole-in-the-wall riverfront eateries where you can also photograph the palapa-style restaurant.

For a horseback riding excursion in the Sierra Madre, you can expect to pay $500-$800 pesos, depending on the size of your group and your outfitter. To book a horseback riding excursion, you can do an internet search, go to any of the horseback riding kiosks (there is one at the corner of Olas Altas and Basilio Badillo), or go to Buenos Aires or Paso Ancho and ask anyone with their horses saddled up along the river or main drag.

For more ideas on what to do while you''re in Puerto Vallarta