A good ride starts with the right kind of views. This 2-hour horseback tour out of Ojos de Garza mixes easygoing tracks, mountain air, and outlooks stretching from Las Palmas toward Arinaga. I especially liked how the route options keep things fun for both first-timers and more confident riders, and how the viewpoint payoff feels big for such a short time. One watch-out: the tour doesn’t include food or drinks, so plan accordingly if you’re riding on an empty stomach.

What really makes it click is the setup and the guidance. You meet at the main barn of Horse Riding Canaria, get fitted with helmet, vest, and boots, and then get a short lead-and-safety briefing before you head out. I also like the small group size (up to 8), which means you’re not lost in a crowd. Just be sure this tour fits you physically and health-wise, because it’s not suitable for kids under 10, people over 65, or anyone who deals with altitude or motion sickness.

Fast reasons to go (Green Mountains ride)

• Two route choices: a sweeping Las Palmas–Arinaga viewpoint or a greener, wild path toward caves
• Beginner confidence built in: tracks that work for people riding for the first time
• Optional speed for confident riders: trot and canter on parts of the trail
• Safety gear included: helmet and safety vest, plus riding boots provided with the right fit
• Small group feel: limited to 8 participants for calmer pacing
• Multi-language guide: English, French, Italian, and Spanish supported

Where the ride starts: Horse Riding Canaria in Ojos de Garza

You’ll meet at the main barn at Horse Riding Canaria. When you enter the gate, leave your car in the car park and walk to the right until the instructor meets you—simple, and easy to spot once you’re inside the property.

This start matters more than it sounds. With horse tours, the first minutes set the tone: quick gear fitting, clear expectations, and a guide who can match your pace to your experience level. Here, the format is built for that calm start.

Gear fitting and the safety setup that helps you relax

Before you ride, you’ll get helmet, safety vest, and riding boots. That’s a big value point because it removes the stress of guessing what you should bring or whether your gear is up to the job.

You also get a brief safety and handling lesson. They’ll cover how to lead a horse before you head out, so you’re not just sitting on a mount and hoping for the best. Even if you’ve ridden before, I like that you get the reminder, because horses respond to body language and cues more than brute force.

The first push out on the trail: gentle up and down

Once the briefing is done, your route heads through mixed terrain with both uphill and downhill sections. You’ll feel the slope, but the tour is designed so beginners aren’t dropped into a stress spiral.

This is where a short tour can be a plus. In two hours, you still get the mountain air and the “we’re actually out here” feeling, without the fatigue that can come with longer rides. The pacing is built around keeping you comfortable.

The viewpoint route over Las Palmas to Arinaga

One option takes you to a viewpoint with sweeping views from Las Palmas out toward Arinaga. You’ll climb and work through the trail so the payoff doesn’t feel random—it feels earned.

I like this choice if you want classic “holiday photos” without spending the whole ride in rough terrain. The views are the main event here, and the trail is paced so you can enjoy them rather than just focus on balancing.

Practical note: viewpoints are often cooler and breezier than the barn area. Bring the clothes you’re comfortable moving in, because you’ll likely want to adjust layers as you ride and then stop to look.

The caves route: green terrain, deep cliffs, and an ancient cave village

The second option is for people who want something more unusual than a straight scenic overlook. This path goes through a very green and wild area and heads toward deep cliffs.

Along the way, you can see an ancient village inside rocky caves—one of those moments that makes the whole ride feel like a story, not just exercise. On the way back, you’ll pass close to olive orchards, which adds an earthy, local flavor to the return.

If you’re choosing between the two routes, pick the caves route when you want variety: greener paths, dramatic cliff edges, and a distinct “wow” sight. Pick the viewpoint route when you want the easiest mental math: stand up, look out, take photos, repeat.

What you’ll actually do on the horse: beginners vs advanced

The ride is flexible, but you’ll likely notice the difference in how each group segment moves along the trail.

Advanced riders have the option to trot and canter on part of the route. Beginners can enjoy a calmer pace with strolling and more relaxed riding.

That split is important for value. You don’t pay for the same experience no matter your level. Instead, the tour tries to match your comfort and confidence to the horse and the track—so you’re not stuck doing something you can’t handle, or stuck waiting while others move faster.

How long is the tour, and what that means for your day

This is a 2-hour experience. That’s long enough to feel like you escaped the city and got real mountain time, but short enough to fit into a packed itinerary.

Because starting times vary, you’ll need to check availability to see what day and time slots work. I also recommend you plan your day around the ride, not the other way around—horse riding can be physically active, even when the pace is relaxed.

Price and value: why $96 for gear + guide usually works

At about $96 per person, the key value isn’t just the ride—it’s what’s included. You get a guide, and you don’t have to worry about borrowing or buying the helmet, safety vest, and riding boots.

For me, that’s the difference between a “fun activity” and an experience that feels supported. With a guided session, you spend less time figuring out logistics and more time focused on enjoying the views and the trail.

Food and drinks aren’t included, so if you’re prone to getting hungry, plan a snack before you go or eat soon after. Transport to the meeting point is also on you—so build in time to arrive without stress.

Small group size: up to 8 people, more attention per person

The group is limited to 8 participants, which changes the feel. With fewer riders, the guide can correct posture or handling without repeating themselves a dozen times, and you’re less likely to feel jostled at any point.

It also tends to make the ride calmer for first-timers. Horses can be alert to chaos. A smaller group usually keeps the noise and sudden movements down, which helps everyone settle.

If you enjoy a friendly atmosphere, this format fits. In this kind of setting, good humor often shows up fast once everyone realizes the horses do most of the work.

Who this is best for (and who should skip)

This tour is suitable for beginners, with tracks that work across skill levels. You’ll also have options depending on what kind of sightseeing you want—views over Las Palmas to Arinaga or the cave-and-cliff route with olive orchards on the way back.

You should skip it if any of these apply:

• Children under 10 years
• People over 65 years
• Height over 6 ft 6 in (200 cm)
• Weight over 220 lbs (100 kg)
• Altitude sickness or motion sickness concerns

If you’re unsure about your riding level, tell the provider your level and the age of participants ahead of time. That detail matters because it shapes how the guide matches you to the trail pace.

What to bring so you’re comfortable the whole time

You don’t need to pack for a trek, but you should dress for being active and outdoors.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes
• Comfortable clothes
• Closed-toe shoes

I’d add a simple rule: wear shoes you can trust for walking on uneven ground. Even if the riding is calm, you’ll still be stepping around the barn area and mounting/dismounting.

Booking smart: fit, timing, and language support

The instructor supports English, French, Italian, and Spanish, which makes the briefing easier to follow. That’s huge when someone is teaching you how to lead your horse and how to stay safe.

You’ll also want to confirm your group details when you book—your riding level and the age of participants. That helps keep the tour enjoyable instead of awkward.

And yes, the booking flexibility can help you plan around changing days. There’s an option to reserve now and pay later, and cancellations are possible up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Should you book this Green Mountains Horse Riding Tour in Ojos de Garza?

Book it if you want a guided, beginner-friendly horseback ride with real mountain views and a clear payoff—either the Las Palmas-to-Arinaga viewpoint or the cave route with cliff views and olive orchards. The included gear and the small group size make it feel thoughtfully organized for people who just want to relax and ride.

Skip it if you need food/drinks included, if you’re dealing with motion or altitude sickness, or if any of the age/height/weight limits apply. If you’re in the right fit, this is one of those short excursions that punches above its weight—two hours, good guidance, and a lot of scenery for the effort.

FAQ

What’s included in the 2-hour horse riding tour?

The tour includes the horseback tour, a guide, and safety gear: helmets, a vest, and riding boots.

What should I bring with me?

Bring comfortable clothes and comfortable closed-toe shoes.

Do I need riding experience?

It’s described as suitable for beginners, with tracks that also work for advanced riders. The guide provides a short briefing on how to lead your horse.

How long is the tour and when does it start?

The duration is 2 hours. Starting times depend on availability, so you’ll need to check available slots.

Where do I meet the guide?

Meet at the main barn of the Horse Riding Canaria center. Enter the gate, park in the car park, and walk to the right where the instructor is waiting.

What route options are available during the ride?

You can ride to a viewpoint with views stretching from Las Palmas to Arinaga, or you may take a route toward caves with deep cliffs and an ancient village in rocky caves.

Who isn’t this tour suitable for?

It’s not suitable for children under 10, people over 65, people over 6 ft 6 in (200 cm), people over 220 lbs (100 kg), people with altitude sickness, or people with motion sickness.