“Full day adventure — horseback through rivers and jungle to reach natural hot springs in the middle of nowhere. Our guide knew everyone in the small villages we passed through. The hot springs pools are gorgeous and you basically have them to yourselves. Bring a towel!”
Tours
Hot Springs Horseback Riding
Atotonilco Hot Springs, Puerto Escondido
Duration
5 hours
Departs
8 AM
Returns
1 PM
Location
Atotonilco Hot Springs
From
$1,900 MXN
Trusted by travelers from around the world
Gallery — 17 photos
This five-hour horseback riding adventure takes you from the coast deep into the Sierra Madre foothills, crossing rivers six times on the way to Atotonilco natural hot springs hidden in the jungle. Soak in mineral-rich geothermal pools surrounded by nothing but birdsong and running water — one of the most rewarding experiences near Puerto Escondido.
Your experience
What to Expect
We pick you up at 8:00 AM from your hotel or Airbnb in Puerto Escondido. After a 45-minute drive to the village of San José Manialtepec, you meet your horses and guide. After a safety tutorial and quick riding briefing, you mount up and head inland on trails that climb through tropical jungle, river valleys, and open countryside.
The ride takes you across six river crossings — splashing through shallow water on horseback is one of the highlights. The terrain shifts as you gain elevation: the air cools, the vegetation thickens, and the sounds of the coast fade into highland birdsong. After about 1.5 hours in the saddle, you arrive at Atotonilco Hot Springs — a series of natural mineral pools carved into the rock by geothermal water. You dismount, soak for about an hour, and let the warm water ease your muscles before riding back.
Hour by hour
Detailed Itinerary
8:00 AM
Pickup from Your Hotel
Your guide picks you up from your hotel or Airbnb in Puerto Escondido. Enjoy the 45-minute drive to San José Manialtepec.
8:45 AM
Meet the Horses
Arrive at San José Manialtepec and meet your horse and guide. Receive a safety tutorial, get fitted with your helmet, and set off on the trail.
9:00 AM
Ride Through Jungle and River Crossings
Ride along jungle trails, crossing rivers six times as the path winds inland toward the mountains. Your guide captures the best moments on GoPro along the way.
10:30 AM
Arrival at Atotonilco Hot Springs
Dismount and descend to the natural geothermal mineral pools tucked among rocks and trees. Spend about one hour soaking in the warm water, relaxing, and enjoying the panoramic jungle views.
11:30 AM
Return Ride
Mount up and ride back along the trail, retracing the river crossings and jungle paths. Your guide continues the photo shooting on the return.
12:30 PM
Back to Puerto Escondido
Arrive back in San José Manialtepec, say goodbye to your horse, and your guide drives you back to Puerto Escondido. You'll be at your hotel by 1:00 PM.
What makes it special
Highlights
Atotonilco natural hot springsGeothermal mineral pools hidden in the Sierra Madre jungle, about an hour soaking time
Six river crossings on horsebackSplash through streams as the trail winds inland — one of the most fun parts of the ride
Five-hour adventureA long, immersive ride through varied terrain from coast to mountains
GoPro videos and professional photos includedYour guide captures the entire experience so you can relive it
Highland sceneryThe landscape changes dramatically as you ride away from the coast into the jungle
Complete disconnectNo roads, no phone signal, just jungle, horses, and hot water
All set
What's Included
Round-trip transportation — pickup and drop-off at your hotel or Airbnb in Puerto Escondido
Personal guide with local expertise
Complimentary beverages
GoPro video recordings of your ride
Professional photo shooting
Helmet and riding equipment
Souvenir gift
Pack light
What to Bring
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Swimsuit — wear under your clothes for the hot springs
Towel
Hat and sunglasses
Long pants and hiking or water shoes
Change of clothes — you will get wet during the river crossings
Cash for optional purchases
Camera in a secure, waterproof bag
Before you book
Good to Know
Transportation is included;
we pick you up at 8:00 AM and drop you back by 1:00 PM — door to door from anywhere in the free pickup zone.
No prior riding experience is needed;
the horses are calm, trail-experienced, and used to riders of all levels. You get a safety tutorial before departure.
Six river crossings;
you will get wet from the waist down during the ride. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes and bring a change of dry clothes.
Weight limit:
110 kg (242 lbs). Please let us know when booking if you have questions about this.
Minimum age:
12 years; younger children may be considered on a case-by-case basis — contact us on WhatsApp.
Minimum 2 participants;
if you're solo, message us on WhatsApp and we'll try to pair you with another group.
Meals are not included;
bring snacks if needed. There are no restaurants at the hot springs. Complimentary beverages are provided.
Real traveler stories
What travelers are saying
“Une journée complète et incroyablement belle. On traverse des paysages ruraux magnifiques à cheval avant d'arriver aux sources chaudes naturelles. L'eau est à la température parfaite et l'endroit est totalement préservé. Le guide parlait anglais et espagnol, très pro.”
“Diese Tour ist ein verstecktes Juwel. Die heißen Quellen sind traumhaft und der Ritt dorthin führt durch Flüsse, Dschungel und Dörfer, die die meisten Touristen nie sehen. Lange Tour (5 Stunden) aber jede Minute wert.”
“Best day of our whole trip. The horses handled the river crossings like pros and our guide stopped at a little roadside taqueria on the way back — the kind of place you'd never find on your own. Soak in the springs, ride back, lunch. Five stars.”
4.9 (185)
5.0 (140)
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From
$1,900 MXN