Horseback riding in San Miguel de Allende, priced for visitors
A one-hour guided trail ride at Rancho Baile de la Luna, 20 minutes outside San Miguel de Allende, costs $1,200 Mexican pesos, roughly US$60 to US$70. Rides are private to your group of one to four riders, beginners and single riders are welcome, and the ranch is run by Chris and Jeff Rausten, who moved here from California.
Prices, with rough dollar amounts
| Ride | MXN | USD, roughly | CAD, roughly |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 hour | 1,200 | 60–70 | 85–95 |
| 1.5 hours | 1,400 | 70–80 | 95–110 |
| 2 hours | 1,600 | 80–90 | 110–130 |
| Sunset | 1,800 | 90–105 | 125–145 |
| Breakfast (2+) | 2,200 | 110–125 | 150–175 |
| Lunch (2+) | 2,600 | 130–150 | 180–210 |
(2+) means two or more riders. Prices are per rider and set in Mexican pesos. The dollar amounts are only a guide and move with the exchange rate. Rides are paid at the ranch in pesos, or by the methods we confirm when you book.
What a visitor can expect
- Small and private. One to four riders, never mixed with strangers. If you are traveling alone, you can still ride.
- Matched horses. Each horse is chosen for its rider, and you get the basics before the gate opens. Most guests are beginners.
- Guided, at your pace. Roberto, our wrangler of 30-plus years, guides most rides, and Chris or Jeff usually come along.
- Mornings. Rides go out in the morning, apart from the sunset ride.
- The paperwork. Guests sign a standard liability release at the ranch before riding. Tell us in advance about injuries, pregnancy, or health conditions.
- Weather. If the weather turns dangerous, we reschedule at no charge.
Who can ride
Trail riders need to be 12 or older, or 10 if the child is mature and has had enough lessons to control a horse on their own. Younger children are welcome for a lesson or a pony ride in the arena. See family rides.
Booking from abroad
WhatsApp is the fastest way to reach us, at +1 909 240 4981, a US number, and we answer every message, usually the same day. You can also email or text. Tell us your dates, how many riders, and anyone's riding experience, and we will suggest the right ride.
How much is a horseback ride in San Miguel de Allende?
At Rancho Baile de la Luna a one-hour trail ride is $1,200 MXN, an hour and a half is $1,400 MXN, and two hours is $1,600 MXN, per rider. The sunset ride is $1,800 MXN. Groups are one to four riders, and single riders are welcome. That is deliberately simpler and less expensive than the all-day deluxe tours most operators sell.
I am traveling alone. Can I still ride?
Yes. We will take a single rider, which many ranches will not. Our groups are one to four riders, never a busload, so riding alone here does not mean tagging along with strangers. It means the trail, the guide, and the campo to yourself.
Is it safe for beginners?
Yes. Rides go out with at most four guests, always guided, usually by Roberto, our caballerango with more than 30 years of experience, and Chris or Jeff, or both, usually ride along too. The horses are calm, well cared for, and know every trail. Guests consistently mention feeling safe in their reviews.
The same honesty applies to age. Trail rides are for riders 12 and up, or 10 for a child who is mature and has had enough lessons to control a horse on their own, since we do not put two riders on one horse. Younger children are welcome for a lesson or a pony ride in the arena.
Do I need riding experience?
No. Most of our guests are beginners. We match each rider with a horse that fits their comfort level, give basic instruction before heading out, and keep the pace easy. Horses like Holly and Capitán have carried hundreds of first-time riders.
What should I wear for horseback riding?
Closed-toe shoes, preferably with a small heel, long pants, sunscreen, and a hat that will not blow away. We mean that last part. A hat that takes off at a trot is a hat you will be walking back for. Leave dangly jewelry at home. Mornings and evenings can be cool in the high desert, so layers work well. We handle everything else.
How do I book?
Message us on WhatsApp at +1 909 240 4981, which is the fastest way, or use the contact form and we will get back to you, usually the same day. A day or two of notice is plenty for most rides. US guests who do not use WhatsApp can text the same number.
