Horseback Riding in Punta Cana

Punta Cana is one of the most frequently visited tourist destinations in the world. Normally, tourists from all over the world travel to the Dominican Republic attracted by its kilometres of white sandy coasts and turquoise waters, looking for a place to completely escape from their daily tasks and problems, and looking for a few days of pleasant relaxation. Not surprisingly, the Caribbean coast offers numerous water-related leisure and sports activities, beyond simply enjoying the sun’s rays or going for a relaxing swim: kitesurfing, windsurfing, diving, fishing… but Punta Cana offers many more activities through which you can enjoy nature and every inch of the Dominican country: mountain tourism, hiking or horseback riding, among other activities. 

And horseback riding is precisely one of the activities in Punta Cana that is becoming increasingly popular among visitors who come to the area to enjoy their holidays. More and more tourists are integrating horseback riding into their itinerary during their visit to Punta Cana. 

And the fact is that horseback riding is an activity deeply rooted within the Dominican lifestyle and culture, something inherited directly from the Spanish colonists upon their arrival to America in the 15th century.

This activity allows you to enjoy the company of a beautiful animal while taking in the beautiful natural landscapes of the Dominican Republic. 

Both in Playa Bávaro and along the entire coast of Punta Cana, there are different ranches where you can go on excursions while enjoying a pleasant horseback ride. These rides will allow you to discover hidden tropical landscapes and experience what life is really like in the Dominican countryside, dedicated to raising livestock and other animals. 

Why go horseback riding in Punta Cana?

Despite the fact that the Dominican Republic is a destination normally associated with paradisiacal beaches and its crystal-clear turquoise waters, when you head inland on the island there are many hidden places that are worth visiting and enjoying. In addition to the aforementioned coast, there are places such as tropical forests, waterfalls or just the normal, everyday life in the Dominican countryside that are worth exploring.  

Some of these places are in remote places that need to be accessed on horseback, a journey that will allow you to enjoy this activity that you normally don’t get a chance to do in your everyday life.

Places to go horseback riding

As an activity that’s deeply rooted within the Dominican culture, you can ride a horse practically anywhere in the country, although some areas are particularly suitable for this activity, due to the beauty of their landscapes and because they will allow you to fully delve into the essence of the Dominican Republic.  

In this sense, the hills of Puerto Plata stand out, whose landscape will allow you to get an up-close look at the many rivers and cattle farms.

Likewise, the valleys of Sanamá, full of tropical palm trees and cliffs from which you can see the Caribbean Sea, will offer you dreamy views that few other places in the world can compete with.

Horseback riding in Constanza

Constanza is one of the most important mountainous regions in the Dominican Republic. Here you can access different types of horseback rides to discover the paradisiacal valleys that make up this region, and the towns it consists of. The routes offered include horseback riding to the Divino Niño Monument, or through the forests that are part of its valleys. If you’re interested in riding a horse through the mountainous areas of the country, we recommend taking clothing and materials with you to protect yourself from the temperatures that are significantly lower than those found in the coastal areas. 

Horseback riding in Jarabacoa

Horseback riding is part of the daily life and routine in the Jarabacoa region, located in the centre of the country, the most mountains part of the island. Horses are a very important part of transport in this region, where the journeys are more complex, as they are located within mountainous systems. 

Within Jarabacoa, you can visit popular waterfalls on horseback, such as the Salto Baiguate and the Salto de Jimenoa, following rural paths through different types of plantations. 

Horseback riding in La Romana

In Bayahíbe, within the La Romana region, the hills and large sugar cane plantations stand out, while Casa de Campo has one of the best equestrian centres in the Caribbean, offering rides through equestrian centres and ranches, as well as horseback riding lessons for beginner and advanced levels. 

In addition to the ordinary riding lessons, expert riders can also take jumping lessons, both in the English and Western styles. 

Likewise, it is also possible to ride a horse at the ranches close to Bayahíbe, or along the infinite trails in the Cotunamabá National Park. All of these outings can be booked through different agencies or tour operators.

Tips for horseback riding

Despite the fact that horses are one of the most docile animals on the planet, having accompanied humans for centuries, you need to take into account a series of tips when riding them in order to safely enjoy the ride and respect the animal. 

• First off, it is absolutely essential to pay full attention to the directions given to us by the guide. As an expert, they will know how to differentiate the moments in which the animal may be suffering from stress or anxiety. 
• Pay attention to the animal’s mood and don’t force it if it doesn’t want to keep walking. As an animal, there may be times when it feels stress or fear. In the event these circumstances occur, you shouldn’t force the animal to continue walking and instead notify the expert rider so they can act accordingly.  

• Use all necessary protective measures: such as a helmet or suitable clothing. 

• Bring supplies that may be necessary during the outing: towel, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. 

With all of this, it’s clear that the Dominican Republic offers a wide variety of plans and itineraries that go beyond its well-known coasts and beaches, and that make the decision to select this country as a holiday destination a very complete and unique choice.