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Saddle up for a five-hour outing from Puerto Escondido to the thermal pools of San José Manialtepec. This half-day combines mounted travel across farmland and foothills with a restorative soak in volcanic hot springs.
Saddle up for a five-hour outing from Puerto Escondido to the thermal pools of San José Manialtepec. This half-day combines mounted travel across farmland and foothills with a restorative soak in volcanic hot springs.
You climb into a shaded saddle as the coast shrinks behind you and the Sierra Madre del Sur looms ahead—palms and farmland give way to scrub and volcanic ridges. The horses pick their way over rutted tracks; their hooves punctuate the quiet while steam curls from pools tucked in a volcanic hollow. By the time you step into the warm mineral water, the world smells of earth and guava, and even the breeze seems to push you deeper into the spring.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by ECO ADVENTURES PUERTO ESCONDIDO · San José Manialtepec, Oaxaca
You climb into a shaded saddle as the coast shrinks behind you and the Sierra Madre del Sur looms ahead—palms and farmland give way to scrub and volcanic ridges. The horses pick their way over rutted tracks; their hooves punctuate the quiet while steam curls from pools tucked in a volcanic hollow. By the time you step into the warm mineral water, the world smells of earth and guava, and even the breeze seems to push you deeper into the spring.
This ride follows old ranch roads and community paths toward San José Manialtepec, a village tied to coastal farming and lagoon fishing. The hot springs are fed by geothermal heat from the region’s complex geology: folded sedimentary ranges punctuated by volcanic intrusions where groundwater meets heat. Locals long used these waters for bathing and modest healing rituals—today small pools absorb the same flow, offering a restorative pause after the ride.
Expect varied terrain: flat farmland, gradual climbs into low hills, and dirt trails that slip into rocky clearings. Guides lead trained horses suited to mixed riders and handle basic instruction; the trip includes hotel pickup, minivan transfer, bottled water, and snacks. The full excursion runs about five hours, with roughly one to two hours in saddle and time to soak and photograph the springs.
Practical notes: wear closed-toe shoes, bring sun protection and insect repellent, and carry a small daypack with water and a waterproof phone case. Arrive with moderate fitness: mounting, dismounting, and short uphill stretches are part of the rhythm. The springs reward patience—let the warm water steady your legs before the ride back to town.
moderate.
5 hours.
Suitable for people with moderate fitness—able to mount/dismount and handle hour-long saddle time with short uphill sections
No—guides provide basic instruction and the horses are trained for mixed-ability groups, but riders should be comfortable on a horse for up to two hours total.
Yes—these are shallow thermal pools intended for soaking; avoid submerging your head and follow guide directions about depth and water temperature.
Yes—hotel pickup and drop-off via air-conditioned minivan are included; confirm your pickup point when booking.
Children can join but must be able to sit on a horse unaided; infant seats are available on request for van transfers and infants typically sit on an adult's lap for the ride.
San José Manialtepec is a coastal community historically tied to lagoon fishing and small-scale agriculture; local use of thermal waters predates modern tourism and remains part of community life.
Stick to established trails and avoid soaps in the springs—local ecosystems are sensitive and trash or contaminants can alter water quality and wildlife habitat.
ECO ADVENTURES PUERTO ESCONDIDO operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You climb into a shaded saddle as the coast shrinks behind you and the Sierra Madre del Sur looms ahead—palms and farmland give way to scrub and volcanic ridges. The horses pick their way over rutted tracks; their hooves punctuate the quiet while steam curls from pools tucked in a volcanic hollow. By the time you step into the warm mineral water, the world smells of earth and guava, and even the breeze seems to push you deeper into the spring.
You climb into a shaded saddle as the coast shrinks behind you and the Sierra Madre del Sur looms ahead—palms and farmland give way to scrub and volcanic ridges. The horses pick their way over rutted tracks; their hooves punctuate the quiet while steam curls from pools tucked in a volcanic hollow. By the time you step into the warm mineral water, the world smells of earth and guava, and even the breeze seems to push you deeper into the spring.
This ride follows old ranch roads and community paths toward San José Manialtepec, a village tied to coastal farming and lagoon fishing. The hot springs are fed by geothermal heat from the region’s complex geology: folded sedimentary ranges punctuated by volcanic intrusions where groundwater meets heat. Locals long used these waters for bathing and modest healing rituals—today small pools absorb the same flow, offering a restorative pause after the ride.
Expect varied terrain: flat farmland, gradual climbs into low hills, and dirt trails that slip into rocky clearings. Guides lead trained horses suited to mixed riders and handle basic instruction; the trip includes hotel pickup, minivan transfer, bottled water, and snacks. The full excursion runs about five hours, with roughly one to two hours in saddle and time to soak and photograph the springs.
Practical notes: wear closed-toe shoes, bring sun protection and insect repellent, and carry a small daypack with water and a waterproof phone case. Arrive with moderate fitness: mounting, dismounting, and short uphill stretches are part of the rhythm. The springs reward patience—let the warm water steady your legs before the ride back to town.