Half Day Excursion - Horseback Riding Adventure in SMA
Overview
Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
Rancho Xotolar is a working ranch that has been in the Morin Ruiz family for over four generations. We are located in the high plateau 18 km from the center of SMA in a rural and pristine environment untouched by modernization. Our land is situated adjoining the newly opened archaeological site of Cañada de la Virgen, a pre-Columbian construction of pyramids and other architectural structures of the central basin of the Laja river that is attributed to tolteca-chichimecas groups of central Mexico.
Here our guests can experience the true cultural life that is Mexico. You will enjoy the wide open spaces, not like a tourist, but as a member of the Morín Family. You will ride through spectacular countryside with breathtaking views and stunning landscapes guided by Thomás and Felix Morín who will share their vast knowledge and skills while keeping your safety in mind. After your ride, enjoy an authentic ranch “comida” of delicious, freshly prepared specialties along with a cold “cerveza”.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Rancho Xotolar is a family operated “working ranch” that has been in the Morin Ruiz family for over four generations. Our expert knowledge of horses and livestock will ensure that your visit is safe and comfortable. We are located only a short distance from San Miguel de Allende on the high plateau overlooking the city among natural surroundings and breathtaking views. The adventure begins when we pick you up from your hotel at 9:00 am or 3:30 pm, we will drive for approximately 40 minutes near the archaeological site of Cañada de la Virgen, we will begin with a registration and the necessary protocols of the Covid-19, Later we will have an introduction to rural life, we will milking cow and learning part of the process of traditional cheese. Then we will have a class on how to ride and make sure that the instructions are clear for each of our visitors and we will start the Horseback riding for 3 hours through nature environment, with views that will steal your breath and we will finish with a traditional ranch meal and drinks, at the end we will drive approximately 40 minutes back to SMA to drop you off at your hotel.
Options
Half Day Excursion - Horseback Riding Adventure in SMA
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Air-conditioned vehicle
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
310 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing Amazing Experience!
Z5639JMannab,May 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I can't recommend this experience highly enough! The farm is entirely family-run, and you feel it in every detail. From start to finish, everything was seamless: they picked us up directly from our Airbnb in San Miguel, led us on a wonderful trail ride, and finished the afternoon with a delicious home-cooked meal served in a stunning setting overlooking the farm. Our group spanned all ability levels - competitive riders and complete beginners alike - and somehow the trail was exciting and comfortable for everyone. That's no small feat! If you're looking for an authentic, well-organized, and truly memorable experience, look no further.
Ride of a lifetime
kylietN1969UO,May 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We spent last Friday at Xotolar Ranch and it was the experience of a life time. Tomas and his son Tomas picked the 4 of us up from our airbnb right on time. Everyone at the ranch was extremely friendly and welcoming. We started by milking cows and watching his sister start the cheese making process. None of us had ever been horseback riding. Tomas and his family gave us great instructions. The views were breath taking. Tomas Jr. took pictures and videos our entire ride. Halfway through we stopped at a tiny convenient store where the owner was so kind. We had some cervas and got back to riding. We had an amazing authentic lunch made by Tomas's sister. We headed back to town around 2:30pm. This adventure was one of the highlights of our trip. We can't wait to come back. It was the trip of a lifetime!
This family was Amazing. As novice horseback riders they took us on an unforgettable adventure through the mountain trails. Tota
Mari Halley H,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The family welcomed us assessed our levels picked our horses and treated us to a great adventure. Totally recommend Rancho Xotolar!
Best horseback riding experience ever
cheriwphoto,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This half-day experience completely exceeded my hopes. They pick you up directly at your hotel, drive you through the beautiful countryside to the ranch. Milking the cow was fun and adding it to ourcoffee delicious. And knowing that milk was gonna be used to make the cheese for lunch was great. The horseback ride itself was fantastic! I would classify myself as a beginner and yet I was able to gallop four times. The scenery is stunning and the Guide spectacular. After the writing, you’re pretty darn hungry and lunch is amazing! It’s all made from products from the ranch itself. I highly recommend this experience
An unforgettable family horseback adventure with a family touch
Prabhat V,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an absolutely unforgettable experience at this family-owned ranch. I was there with my wife and our three teenage children. Although we’ve done similar horseback riding tours before in other parts of the world, this one stood out as my favorite in large part because of the genuinely adventurous trail and the confidence inspired by the horses themselves. I didn’t want to feel like I was a passive passenger on a horse that had done this trail a million times and the horse was on auto pilot. The horse (The Professor in my case!) was responsive to my commands and the trail had sections that were exciting to ride . I always felt safe and supported, which made it possible to fully enjoy the experience rather than worry about it. A huge part of what made the day so memorable was Thomas, his son (also named Thomas), and the ranch hands who guided us —knowledgeable, patient and having a good time with us. After the ride, we were treated to a home-cooked meal prepared by other members of the family on a wood fired stove, which was the perfect ending to the day. Overall, this was an experience we’ll remember for a long time!
Riding into the sunset 🇲🇽🤠🐎
NeedtworelaX,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My friend (Maria) and I came here to see if we could ride horses and have a great time, but it was so much more. Thomas and the rest of the cowboys were just so friendly and fun and made our short time with them the highlight of our visit to San Miguel de Allende. I was a bit nervous, as I had not been on a horse since 1984, but the cowboys made sure we were trained and were always watching out for me/us. We loved this experience, and I am sure I/we will be ack again and I plan on telling everyone to give it a try. It was MAGICO 🇲🇽❤️👍🐎🌵
Unique and authentic experience for the whole family
JaneLee0507,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved our experience with Rancho Xotolar! Tomas was a great host, and it was so interesting to hear his stories of growing up on the ranch. The views were beautiful, and our kids (ages 9 and 12) enjoyed learning how to trot and cantor on their horses. The evening meal after the ride was in a really beautiful setting and was some of the best food we had on the trip. Overall, it was a unique and authentic way to experience this part of Mexico. We highly recommend it.
Absolutely incredible experience. Don’t miss it!
424betsyr,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely amazing experience! This is a definitely don’t-miss adventure if you are staying in San Miguel. We went as a family with our eight and ten year old and everyone left raving about it. The family that owns the ranch does an incredible job hosting - every detail from the farm tour, to the chance to milk a cow, to an absolutely delicious lunch in the most beautiful setting. And the horseback ride! Their horses are well-cared for, sure footed and perfectly suited for the ride through the family’s breathtaking ranch. The family took great care of us - safely escorting us through the horseback ride, taking photos and videos for us. It was all so much fun and you can feel the love the family has for each other, their animas and the land. Don’t miss this!
San Miguel with our teen girls
Susan F,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was my family and I first time to San Miguel and wanted to do something besides museum's and walking the squares. My 2 teen daughters loved it as well as my husband and I. We are not experienced riders one bit. This is a family owned and operated ranch for the last 60 plus years. Leo and his family went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable and safe. This is a working ranch which also provides half day tours and even longer excursion's with over night camping if desired. The morning trip differs a bit from the evening tour. Missing you get greeted with coffee and you get to milk a cow which they use to create queso that you end up eating at lunch. The food is homemade includes appetizer and a full course and drink. It was so delicious. The riding trip was amazing, you literally travel down a canyon and then back up. There is a pit stop at a very small town which has a small storefront for drinks and snacks to purchase (cash only) beer was nice and cold. The terrain can be hard and they can customize it to you level of comfort. We were and to gallop and do some intermediate riding. My girls loved it as did we, of course now our thighs are aching but that is due to us not ever riding. Leo speaks very good English, and everyone makes an effort. If you get the opportunity I highly suggest you go, it’s only 30 minute drive from the downtown square. They even picked us up from our AirBNB. We have amazing pictures they use your own phone to take them for you so no need to worry about Paul h extra for a photography package.
So much fun!!!
S4300BFbethh,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00One of our most treasured memories was spending the day at the ranch! The Ruiz Family has been in operation for generations and they love their land and animals! They do an amazing job guiding, creating fun moments and the horses are gentle and well cared for. The food was exceptional and I wanted to sit in the swing after lunch for hours!!! Highly recommend that you use a local family for your ride. This is how they keep their families fed and protect the land they love.
Related Experiences
Operated by Rancho Xotolar Excursions-Adventures