A romantic sunset ride: proposals, anniversaries and honeymoons on horseback
A romantic horseback ride near Puerto Escondido is less about candles and more about the setting: a river, a stretch of jungle, then an empty Pacific beach at the hour the sky turns gold. Couples book it for proposals, anniversaries and honeymoons, and for plenty of ordinary evenings where the plan is simply to do something together that isn't dinner. Here is how to make it work.
Why the sunset ride suits couples
Our sunset ride leaves from the village of San José Manialtepec, about 30 minutes from town. Pickup at your hotel is at 3:00 PM and you are back by 7:00 PM. In between you ride along a shallow river, climb into a patch of jungle and come out onto a wide beach just as the light softens.
Horses walk at an easy pace, so you can ride side by side and actually talk. There is no engine noise, no crowd on the sand and no schedule pushing you along the waterline. For a couple, that quiet is the whole point.
Shared or private: which is the romantic one?
Both rides use the same calm, well-kept horses and the same guide-led format. The difference is who is with you.
- Sunset ride, $1,850 MXN per person: shared with other riders, minimum 2 participants. It is the classic route, and it is perfectly lovely for two people who don't mind a small group.
- Private ride, $2,400 MXN per person: just your group with a personal guide, at 8:00 AM or 3:00 PM. It crosses the Manialtepec River twice, the horses swim a branch of the lagoon beside your boat, and it continues to Puerto Suelo beach with a drink stop.
If you are planning a proposal, the private ride is the one to choose, because nobody else will be watching or standing in your photos. If you simply want a beautiful evening, the shared sunset ride is the better value. Our comparison of the sunset and private rides goes through the route and timing in detail.
Planning a proposal on horseback
A beach at sunset is an easy place to propose, but a moving horse is not the easiest place to handle a ring. A few practical points:
- Tell us before you book. Message us with your date so the guide knows what the plan is and can pick the right moment and spot on the beach.
- Keep the ring safe. Carry it in a zipped or buttoned pocket, not loose, and keep your phone secure too. Hands are busy with the reins for most of the ride.
- Propose on the sand. The ride includes time at the beach for the sunset. Getting down from the horse, or doing it right after the ride, is far easier than trying to manage a ring in the saddle.
- Think about photos. Ask your guide to take a few shots when you reach the beach. Hand over the phone or camera beforehand and agree on a signal.
- Pick the private ride. It removes the audience, and the schedule is just yours.
We can't promise a specific sunset color. Weather decides that, and clouds can make it even better. What we can do is get you to an open beach at golden hour with a guide who knows where to stop.
Anniversaries and honeymoons
For an anniversary, the ride works well as the day's main event rather than an add-on. Book the sunset departure, take a swimsuit and a change of clothes for the river crossing, and plan dinner afterward in town, since you will be back at your hotel around 7:00 PM and hungry.
For honeymoons, it fits neatly into a week that is otherwise made of beaches, surf and long meals. You don't need riding experience, because the horses are calm and used to first-timers, and you get a short briefing before you set off. If you are new to riding, our first-time rider tips will help you feel at ease before the day.
What to wear and bring
Comfortable beats formal. Long pants such as jeans, closed-toe shoes ideally with a small heel, sunscreen, insect repellent and a change of clothes in case you get splashed at the river. A phone or camera goes in a pocket that closes. If you want to dress up a little for photos, keep it practical on the lower half and add a light shirt or dress on top only if it will not get in the way of mounting. Our guide to what to wear horseback riding in Puerto Escondido covers it.
Common questions
Can two people book the shared ride?
Yes. The shared sunset ride needs a minimum of 2 participants, so a couple is exactly the smallest group. It still runs alongside other riders.
Is it suitable for a nervous beginner?
The horses are calm and the pace is relaxed, and the guide stays with you throughout. If you are worried, say so when you book. Helmets are included.
Does it run in the rainy season?
Yes, the ride operates year-round. The trail can vary a little between June and September, but the sunset is still worth riding for.
Is there a weight limit?
The maximum rider weight is typically around 100 kg (220 lbs). Let us know when you book if you have questions.
Pick your moment
You get a river, a jungle trail and a beach with no one else on it, all in one afternoon, and your partner beside you the whole way. Choose the ride that fits the occasion, tell us what you have in mind, and leave the rest to the light. If the timing of the year matters to you, read the best time for beach horseback riding before you pick your dates.
