Tequila Agave & Rural Horseback Adventure in El Arenal

If you’re heading to Guadalajara and want to see a side of Mexico that’s authentic, flavorful, and a little bit adventurous, the Tequila Agave & Rural Horseback Adventure in El Arenal offers an engaging way to do just that. This tour promises a blend of nature, tradition, and local flavor, all wrapped into a three-hour outdoor journey. While we haven’t personally ridden the horses, the experience sounds like a slice of rural life that many travelers will find memorable.

Two things we especially like about this tour are the opportunity to ride your own horse through endless agave fields, which feels like stepping into a real-life postcard, and the culinary experience—starting with breakfast in the countryside and ending with a shrimp dish paired with local drinks. On the flip side, the tour’s duration (around 3 hours) might feel brief for those wanting a longer or more relaxed experience, and travelers should be prepared for a moderate physical level due to the riding component.

This tour would suit travelers who are curious about authentic Mexican countryside, enjoy horseback riding at a relaxed pace, and want to sample local flavors beyond just tequila. It’s perfect for those seeking a deeper connection with the region’s traditions and scenery without overextending their travel schedule.

Key Points:

• Authentic rural experience: Ride through agave fields like a local farmhand.
• Delicious local cuisine: Traditional breakfast, grilled tacos, and shrimp dinner.
• Cultural immersion: House tequila tasting and coffee from a clay pot.
• Moderate physical activity: Suitable for travelers with a decent fitness level.
• Private tour: Exclusively for your group, enhancing the personal experience.
• Value for money: Combines scenic riding, food, and drinks for $159.22 per person.

A Closer Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Timing

The adventure begins promptly at 10:00 am at Rancho Agavero Don Jacinto in El Arenal. The meeting point’s proximity to Guadalajara makes it an accessible escape to the countryside, and the tour’s short duration means you can easily fit it into a morning or early afternoon plan. The activity concludes back at the original meeting point, so there’s no fuss about transportation once you’re there.

The Ride Through Agave Fields

The centerpiece of this experience is the horseback ride through endless agave fields. We imagine that this is a slow, relaxed ride, allowing you to truly take in the scenery—vast, open landscapes dotted with the iconic blue-green plants that are the heart of tequila production. Expect to follow rural paths, which means no fancy riding skills are required—just a moderate fitness level and a willingness to enjoy the outdoors.

Although no detailed review mentions the group size, the fact that it’s a private tour suggests a personalized, intimate atmosphere. This is great for those who prefer a quieter, more tailored experience rather than a large group.

The Breakfast and Cultural Stops

The tour kicks off with a traditional countryside breakfast, affording a taste of local hospitality. You might find homemade tortillas, fresh fruit, or regional specialties, setting the tone for a day rooted in tradition. After the ride, there’s a stop at a hidden countryside spot—a charming, off-the-beaten-path location where you can sip coffee from a clay pot and nibble grilled tacos. This small detail adds a layer of authenticity often missed on generic tours.

Local Drinks and Tasting

One of the highlights is the house tequila tasting, which includes a medium cantarito—a regional citrus-based cocktail served in a clay cup that is both refreshing and culturally immersive. It’s a chance to understand how locals enjoy their spirits, rather than just sampling tequila in a touristy setting.

The Meal Finale

The tour wraps up with a traditional shrimp à la carte meal, giving you a satisfying conclusion that highlights regional cuisine. This meal, combined with the drinks, offers a well-rounded taste of the region’s flavors.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $159.22, you’re getting quite a bit: a guided horseback ride, breakfast, coffee, tacos, a house tequila tasting, and a shrimp dinner—all in about three hours. These inclusions translate into good value, especially considering the personalized nature of the experience and the cultural depth.

However, the tour does not include transportation to the meeting point. Travelers need to plan their own way to Rancho Agavero. Also, extras like additional food or drinks outside what’s offered, or personal expenses, are not covered.

The Practical Side

Since the tour involves riding, a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended. Travelers should be comfortable on horseback and prepared for a bit of walking along rural paths. The mobile ticket format makes check-in smooth, but it’s worth noting that alcohol is only served to adults 18 and over, in accordance with regulations.

What Reviewers Say (Inferences & Expectations)

Although the tour has no formal reviews yet, from the description and similar experiences, we can infer that guests might love the blend of scenic riding and authentic food. The fact that the tour is exclusive to your group makes it more personal and relaxed, a big plus for travelers wanting a private, immersive experience.

Some reviews from comparable tours highlight the value of getting away from tourist traps and connecting directly with local traditions. Expect to learn about the tequila-making process in a natural setting, and enjoy slow-paced riding that’s suitable for most fitness levels.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This adventure is ideal for those curious about rural Mexican life, especially if you enjoy horses and outdoor scenery. It’s well-suited for foodies keen to sample authentic regional dishes and drinks, and for travelers who prefer small, private tours over large group experiences.

However, if you’re looking for a lengthy, intense adventure, or you’re not comfortable on horseback, this might feel a little limited in scope. Since the tour is focused on authenticity and tradition, those seeking a more modern or fast-paced experience might find it too leisurely.

The Tequila Agave & Rural Horseback Adventure offers a well-rounded, authentic taste of rural Mexican life—combining scenic horseback riding, local cuisine, and tequila tasting. It’s a thoughtfully curated experience that emphasizes tradition and genuine connection with the landscape and culture. For travelers who want to step outside the typical tourist grind and see the real countryside, this tour delivers a meaningful and tasty slice of El Arenal life.

Its modest duration and private setting make it accessible for most, and the inclusion of food, drinks, and a guided ride means you’re getting good value. Just remember, transportation isn’t included, so plan accordingly. This tour is best for adventure seekers, food lovers, and those eager to enjoy Mexican countryside at a relaxed pace.

Do I need horseback riding experience to join?
No prior experience is necessary. The ride is at a relaxed pace suitable for most fitness levels, and the group is private, so instructors can assist if needed.

What is included in the tour?
You’ll get a 3-hour guided horseback ride through agave fields, a traditional countryside breakfast, coffee from a clay pot, grilled tacos, a house tequila tasting, and a shrimp à la carte meal at the end.

Is transportation provided?
No, transportation to the meeting point is not included. You’ll need to arrange your own way to Rancho Agavero Don Jacinto in El Arenal.

Can children participate?
The tour description doesn’t specify age restrictions, but since alcohol is served only to adults 18 and over, children can likely join but won’t partake in the tequila tasting.

How physically demanding is the tour?
A moderate level of fitness is recommended. The ride involves following rural paths, which could include some walking and horse handling, but it’s suitable for most travelers with decent mobility.

What is the best time of day to do this tour?
The tour starts at 10:00 am, making it perfect for a morning adventure. This timing allows you to enjoy the cooler part of the day and leave plenty of time afterward for other plans.

How long does the experience last?
Approximately 3 hours, including riding, eating, and tasting. The actual riding may be about that length, with additional stops for food and drinks.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activity, and closed-toe shoes for riding. Bring sun protection and a hat if you’re sensitive to the sun.

Whether you’re a dedicated horse lover or simply eager to experience authentic Mexican countryside, this tour offers a rewarding and flavorful glimpse into rural life—equipped with good food, scenic views, and a sense of local tradition.