May 3, 2026
This family was Amazing. As novice horseback riders they took us on an unforgettable adventure through the mountain trails. Tota - The family welcomed us assessed our levels picked our horses and treated us to a great adventure. Totally recommend Rancho Xotolar!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Apr 15, 2026
Best horseback riding experience ever - This half-day experience completely exceeded my hopes. They pick you up directly at your hotel, drive you through the beautiful countryside to the ranch. Milking the cow was fun and adding it to ourcoffee delicious. And knowing that milk was gonna be used to make the cheese for lunch was great.
The horseback ride itself was fantastic! I would classify myself as a beginner and yet I was able to gallop four times. The scenery is stunning and the Guide spectacular.
After the writing, you’re pretty darn hungry and lunch is amazing! It’s all made from products from the ranch itself.
I highly recommend this experience
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Apr 12, 2026
An unforgettable family horseback adventure with a family touch - We had an absolutely unforgettable experience at this family-owned ranch. I was there with my wife and our three teenage children. Although we’ve done similar horseback riding tours before in other parts of the world, this one stood out as my favorite in large part because of the genuinely adventurous trail and the confidence inspired by the horses themselves. I didn’t want to feel like I was a passive passenger on a horse that had done this trail a million times and the horse was on auto pilot. The horse (The Professor in my case!) was responsive to my commands and the trail had sections that were exciting to ride . I always felt safe and supported, which made it possible to fully enjoy the experience rather than worry about it.
A huge part of what made the day so memorable was Thomas, his son (also named Thomas), and the ranch hands who guided us —knowledgeable, patient and having a good time with us.
After the ride, we were treated to a home-cooked meal prepared by other members of the family on a wood fired stove, which was the perfect ending to the day.
Overall, this was an experience we’ll remember for a long time!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Apr 1, 2026
Riding into the sunset 🇲🇽🤠🐎 - My friend (Maria) and I came here to see if we could ride horses and have a great time, but it was so much more. Thomas and the rest of the cowboys were just so friendly and fun and made our short time with them the highlight of our visit to San Miguel de Allende. I was a bit nervous, as I had not been on a horse since 1984, but the cowboys made sure we were trained and were always watching out for me/us. We loved this experience, and I am sure I/we will be ack again and I plan on telling everyone to give it a try. It was MAGICO 🇲🇽❤️👍🐎🌵
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mar 29, 2026
Unique and authentic experience for the whole family - We loved our experience with Rancho Xotolar! Tomas was a great host, and it was so interesting to hear his stories of growing up on the ranch. The views were beautiful, and our kids (ages 9 and 12) enjoyed learning how to trot and cantor on their horses.
The evening meal after the ride was in a really beautiful setting and was some of the best food we had on the trip.
Overall, it was a unique and authentic way to experience this part of Mexico. We highly recommend it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mar 26, 2026
Absolutely incredible experience. Don’t miss it! - Absolutely amazing experience! This is a definitely don’t-miss adventure if you are staying in San Miguel. We went as a family with our eight and ten year old and everyone left raving about it. The family that owns the ranch does an incredible job hosting - every detail from the farm tour, to the chance to milk a cow, to an absolutely delicious lunch in the most beautiful setting. And the horseback ride! Their horses are well-cared for, sure footed and perfectly suited for the ride through the family’s breathtaking ranch. The family took great care of us - safely escorting us through the horseback ride, taking photos and videos for us. It was all so much fun and you can feel the love the family has for each other, their animas and the land. Don’t miss this!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mar 15, 2026
San Miguel with our teen girls - This was my family and I first time to San Miguel and wanted to do something besides museum's and walking the squares. My 2 teen daughters loved it as well as my husband and I. We are not experienced riders one bit. This is a family owned and operated ranch for the last 60 plus years. Leo and his family went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable and safe. This is a working ranch which also provides half day tours and even longer excursion's with over night camping if desired. The morning trip differs a bit from the evening tour. Missing you get greeted with coffee and you get to milk a cow which they use to create queso that you end up eating at lunch. The food is homemade includes appetizer and a full course and drink. It was so delicious.
The riding trip was amazing, you literally travel down a canyon and then back up. There is a pit stop at a very small town which has a small storefront for drinks and snacks to purchase (cash only) beer was nice and cold. The terrain can be hard and they can customize it to you level of comfort. We were and to gallop and do some intermediate riding. My girls loved it as did we, of course now our thighs are aching but that is due to us not ever riding. Leo speaks very good English, and everyone makes an effort. If you get the opportunity I highly suggest you go, it’s only 30 minute drive from the downtown square. They even picked us up from our AirBNB. We have amazing pictures they use your own phone to take them for you so no need to worry about Paul h extra for a photography package.
Review provided by Viator
Mar 5, 2026
So much fun!!! - One of our most treasured memories was spending the day at the ranch! The Ruiz Family has been in operation for generations and they love their land and animals! They do an amazing job guiding, creating fun moments and the horses are gentle and well cared for. The food was exceptional and I wanted to sit in the swing after lunch for hours!!! Highly recommend that you use a local family for your ride. This is how they keep their families fed and protect the land they love.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Feb 19, 2026
Must do! - Authentic and lots of fun! The vacaros were the best, knowledgeable, skilled and full of personality. Not an avid horse rider, and always felt safe.
Review provided by Viator
Feb 18, 2026
Excellent half day excursion - We did the halfway tour in the afternoon in mid February. The experience was excellent from the gecko. They picked us up from town and drove us about 35 minutes to the ranch. It was an interesting drive, a little bit bumpy at parts, but their truck handled it with ease. They were very accommodating throughout the journey. When we got there, we were introduced to the horses and the rest of the guys on the ranch. They gave us fitted cowboy hats that were nice and clean, and then a brief instruction, and all we went. The whole route was about 2 1/2 hours, with about a 15 minute break for a drink halfway. The whole route was very well set out, allowing us, most of us which have never been on a horse before, get accustom to the horses, and then try different trots and gallops, depending on what we wanted. The Reut itself was beautiful, climbing mountains, going down vines, and even galloping through a couple of little rivers. We were also in a tiny town, which is a different experience as well. Then on the way back galloping again as the sunset. At the end of the tour, we had a nice surprise in a little hut with some homemade cooking by the women of the ranch. It was delicious, and we could’ve had plenty more to eat, but had later dinner plans. Would highly recommend. Bring sunscreen, and some water.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
