Private Tour
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Air-conditioned vehicle
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
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
Reviews
276 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Horseback riding adventure
MichaelD10521,
Nov 5, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Great 3hr riding adventure up and down the mountain and in the canyon. Leo and the cowboys made the ride fun and exciting. Great meal afterwards.
Do not miss this experience! An adventure but with expert guides who teach and help you every step of the way!
Trail582087,
Nov 1, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.005 stars aren't enough! The guides go above and beyond throughout the whole experience. They take initiative to take lots of great photos and videos from your own phone as they take you on the most exciting and beautiful horse ride - of several hours. You don't need to know about horses - they teach you and have a guide on horseback for every 2-3 riders. The meal at the end of the trip is fresh and out-of-this-world delicious! This would be a once in a lifetime experience for anyone.
Fantastic trail ride and cultural experience
Julie L,
Oct 27, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was the highlight of our trip. I booked a half day excursion for my partner's birthday. We had such a fun day! It's so much more than just booking a ride. Thomas and his family are very welcoming and the day starts with a special Mexican coffee that is delicious, followed by learning to milk a cow (if you choose) making your own special Latte:-) The horses are fantastic..very surefooted and trustworthy. Thomas and all the wranglers make it a blast with suggestions, singing and general good cheer as you embark on a great ride down to the river and back with several different terrains and beautiful views of the countryside. On your return you are served a delicious homemade lunch in a beautiful spot not he property. One of the best meals we had the whole trip. Highly recommend for a family, small group of couple. You don't want to miss this experience!
We had a fabulous day....
ShariE G,
Oct 23, 2025
- Viator
5.00We had a fabulous day. Great guides, horses, weather. The ride was somewhat challenging at times but the horses made it look easy. A great lunch afterwards.
Excellent walk
Road10022017941,
Oct 20, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent treatment and super interesting route. Highly recommended to go with family or friends. A lot of warmth from people.
Best horse riding experience ever!
N7366QFsusannam,
Oct 18, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Lio and his team were not only A+ professionals, they were so warm , fun and just cool to hang out with! The horses were all healthy, happy and well cared for in their actual, family owned farm. Loved it and we’ll be taking this tour again when we return.
Always a GREAT experience!!!
Destination797394,
Oct 18, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00I have rode with Xotolar 4 or 5 times. It has always been a great experience. Easy to book reservations, they pick you up and then return you back to SMA after your horseback ride. I highly recommend! I am confident you will not be disappointed.
Wonderful experience!! 💕💕💕
soniavI8835VT,
Sep 27, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Everything was excellent!! They went to our hotel, on the spot they welcomed us with a delicious pot coffee and that's where the adventure begins!!! The place was excellent and the experience of riding and admiring such beautiful scenery is amazing!!! All very beautiful! Super delicious food!! Very attentive people and excellent Service!! Thank you Rancho Xotolar and all the family who welcome us in their space!! I highly recommend it!!! Loved it!!!
Unforgettable must do
cherylhX3157NL,
Sep 27, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00My experience was incredible, beautiful, authentic, fun and funny with so much included in a half day. Will have stories to share for a lifetime.
Fantastic experience!
baileye801,
Sep 26, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Such a fantastic experience! This was my second time riding with Tomás and his family, but my family has gone several times as well and loved it! They are so generous and kind and I felt completely safe the entire trip despite little knowledge of riding a horse:) This is a must do day trip from SMA to get out of the city and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Mexico. Can’t recommend this horseback riding tour enough!
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