Saddle up for a 3.5-hour guided ride through Manialtepec’s rivers and green lanes, ending with 90 minutes in natural hot springs. Local guides, river crossings, and coastal views make this a memorable Puerto Escondido day trip.
Saddle up for a 3.5-hour guided ride through Manialtepec’s rivers and green lanes, ending with 90 minutes in natural hot springs. Local guides, river crossings, and coastal views make this a memorable Puerto Escondido day trip.
You can feel the horses shift beneath you as the trail ducks into dense green—palms, ceiba and wild guava brush close in, and the first river crossing tests rhythm and balance. The ride opens up into broad views of the Manialtepec valley; distant surf hints at the Pacific while the path threads across three shallow rivers before a small clearing that hosts steaming pools.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Ocean Travel · San José Manialtepec, Oaxaca
You can feel the horses shift beneath you as the trail ducks into dense green—palms, ceiba and wild guava brush close in, and the first river crossing tests rhythm and balance. The ride opens up into broad views of the Manialtepec valley; distant surf hints at the Pacific while the path threads across three shallow rivers before a small clearing that hosts steaming pools.
This corner of Oaxaca is shaped by coastal geology: volcanic and alluvial deposits form the ridges and thermal upwellings that feed the hot springs. The town of San José Manialtepec has long been a place where local Zapotec and mestizo communities mix fishing, small-scale agriculture and communal stewardship of water resources; guides from the area bring that local knowledge into each ride.
Expect roughly 1 hour of active riding over uneven trails with river crossings, then about 90 minutes to soak in natural thermal pools. The springs are simple — rock-edged basins with warm mineral water — and the setting is quiet rather than developed, so bring respect and modesty for local customs.
Practical notes: wear closed-toe shoes, bring a quick-dry change of clothes and a towel, and hydrate before and after the soak. Morning departures avoid midday heat and give softer light for photos. The terrain can be slippery near rivers; follow the guide’s mount/dismount instructions and keep valuables in a dry bag. This is a compact, culture-rich day ride that balances active time with relaxed thermal recovery.
Riders spend about one hour on the trail, including three short river crossings, before arriving at the hot springs.
The springs are natural and minimally developed; guides typically provide a private area to change but bring a towel and modest swimwear.
No advanced skills needed, but riders should be comfortable on a horse and able to follow basic commands and guide directions.
This activity is not recommended for pregnant travelers and young children are subject to weight/age rules—check operator policies when booking.
Ocean Travel operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




You can feel the horses shift beneath you as the trail ducks into dense green—palms, ceiba and wild guava brush close in, and the first river crossing tests rhythm and balance. The ride opens up into broad views of the Manialtepec valley; distant surf hints at the Pacific while the path threads across three shallow rivers before a small clearing that hosts steaming pools.
You can feel the horses shift beneath you as the trail ducks into dense green—palms, ceiba and wild guava brush close in, and the first river crossing tests rhythm and balance. The ride opens up into broad views of the Manialtepec valley; distant surf hints at the Pacific while the path threads across three shallow rivers before a small clearing that hosts steaming pools.
This corner of Oaxaca is shaped by coastal geology: volcanic and alluvial deposits form the ridges and thermal upwellings that feed the hot springs. The town of San José Manialtepec has long been a place where local Zapotec and mestizo communities mix fishing, small-scale agriculture and communal stewardship of water resources; guides from the area bring that local knowledge into each ride.
Expect roughly 1 hour of active riding over uneven trails with river crossings, then about 90 minutes to soak in natural thermal pools. The springs are simple — rock-edged basins with warm mineral water — and the setting is quiet rather than developed, so bring respect and modesty for local customs.
Practical notes: wear closed-toe shoes, bring a quick-dry change of clothes and a towel, and hydrate before and after the soak. Morning departures avoid midday heat and give softer light for photos. The terrain can be slippery near rivers; follow the guide’s mount/dismount instructions and keep valuables in a dry bag. This is a compact, culture-rich day ride that balances active time with relaxed thermal recovery.