Join us for your horseback riding vacations in Ecuador

How do Cabalgatas Canoa create incomparible horse riding holidays?

 

Horseback riding vacations can be the experience of your life and at Cabalgatas Canoa, we make it our business to make sure that your holiday is a dream come true.

Our desire is to provide you with a truly unforgettable riding vacation. Horse riding holidays with Cabalgatas Canoa are designed by horse riders for horse riders. Knowing that our horseback riding vacations are created by people who understand horses and riding means that you can book with confidence because:

  • We are the only professional horseback riding provider on the coast of Ecuador.
  • We only use our own high quality, well trained and well cared for horses. We also ensure all our equipment is of the highest quality and is well maintained and safe.
  • Our instructors and horse riding tour guides are very experienced and qualified.
  • Our horse riding routes are assessed for both quality and enjoyment and we ensure that they are matched to different riding ability.
  • Accommodation is specially selected to ensure that it meets our demanding criteria.
  • Our horse riding itineraries are organised to make sure that they are exciting, varied, challenging (or relaxing!), but most of all fun! Your horse riding holiday or horseback riding tour can be tailored to suit you, the client; your needs come first!

WHY CANOA FOR MY HORSEBACK RIDING VACATION?

Cabalgatas Canoa is proud to welcome you to beautiful Canoa on the Pacific coast of Ecuador, the base for your horseback riding vacation. Canoa is famous for the beach, and at 17 kilometres long and the longest in Ecuador, that is not surprising. Hand in hand with the beach, is the huge expanse of the Pacific Ocean and Canoa is also popular for surfing. There are instructors available to teach you the ropes if you fancy giving it a try, or perhaps swimming in the turquoise waters and lazing on the beach are more of your scene. Either way, the beach at Canoa is ideal.

The great thing about Canoa is that it is small enough to retain the laid back fishing village charm that it has held for so long, yet there is plenty to see and do. Cabalgatas Canoa can organise kayaking trips to caves and secret beaches, an amazing paragliding experience so that you can enjoy the view from the air, yoga lessons under the palms, painting and art classes so you can indulge your inner artist whilst drawing inspiration from the ocean, trips to breweries, boat trips to wildlife sanctuaries, some of the best breweries in Ecuador and on top of all this we are able to take you on some amazing horse riding trails, the best that the area has to offer.

TELL ME ABOUT THE ACCOMMODATION

Cabalgatas Canoa offer you hand selected luxury boutique accommodation situated right on the beach with the ocean on your door step. Your location will be south of the village centre, so that you are far enough away to fully immerse yourself in the tranquility on the beach but close enough to reach town easily and enjoy the restaurants, shops and nightlife.  Every evening you can indulge yourself in the stunning sunset, whilst enjoying a cool drink from a hammock on the beach or enjoying the vista from the balcony.

Your private holiday accommodation boasts unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean and tropical gardens, has fully air-conditioned or fan ventilated bedrooms, 24 hour internet access, private bathroom and terrace, hot water, use of the kitchen and beautiful outdoor dining and communal area.

You will be delighted at the outdoor amenities that are available to your during your stay. If you are feeling active, how about a game of volleyball or soccer on the beach? If activity is not the order of the day, then why not enjoy a BBQ? We can arrange for you to have a delivery of fresh seafood  or locally sourced organic produce which you can cook up in the kitchen or we can do it for you!

So how does it work?

 

Horseback riding vacations with Cabalgatas Canoa are a centre based holiday. This means that you spend your holiday in one central location and we will take different riding tours each day and return to the same accommodation each night. This differs from multi-centre trail riding vacations that ride from one place to the following place each day. Centre based horse riding vacations have great advantages for those clients who are not wanting to spend 8 hours in the saddle each day and are under pressure to reach the accommodation for the following night’s stay. It also means that the horse rider can be joined on their horse riding vacation by a partner or friend who prefers to spend their time on the beach or relaxing rather than in the saddle, although we do of course offer the opportunity for single day horse rides for those who are interested in a smaller amount of horse riding. Extra non-riding days can be booked so that you can take additional time to relax and maybe have a massage on the beach to sooth those muscles that have had a work out!

Holiday details

Group size:

Departure dates:

1 – 6 riders or non-riders

Flexible departure dates available all year round.

Horse riding ability

Riders are expected to be of novice level, able to walk, trot and canter. For absolute beginners we suggest you opt for a number of riding lessons initially. If you get in touch with us, we are happy to discuss the options available.

 

Includes

  • Accommodation for 4 nights
  • Delicious breakfast each morning
  • Lunches whilst on day long riding tours
  • Horse riding tour each day for 4 days

Optional extras

  • Transfers from airport
  • Day excursions none riding
  • Additional nights
  • Additional rides
  • Additional meals
  • Non-riding activities

Day1

Arrival in Canoa. We can arrange a transfer from Manta airport to Canoa, or for you to be collected from elsewhere. Canoa is hot and sunny for most of the time so bring your sun glasses and sun cream!  Your accommodation is located right on the beach and is a short walk from the centre of Canoa. Canoa is around 1.5 hours driving time from Manta airport and is situated right on the pacific coast.

Upon arrival you will be shown to your suite, there are 3 available and depending on your group size you will either have a ground floor suite or second storey suite with third floor loft space.   All of the suites are a very short distance from the ranch.  Each suite has stunning ocean views and plenty of space to relax.

Following a leisurely morning and time to settle in, the afternoon offers the opportunity to ride for the first time.  This will allow us to match you with the perfect horse and ensure that everyone is happy and comfortable. We can then start out on a trail ride into the hills. Any beginners or experienced riders who feel a little rusty will first be instructed in the paddock. There are 11 horses at the ranch, ranging from ponies that are suitable for children to large horses to suit both adult novices and more experienced riders.

Day 2

Today, depending on your riding ability and preference, you will have a ride from the hills and countryside down to the beach of Canoa. You can expect to enjoy fabulous views out to the sea. There is spectacular riding through virgin forest as you cross hillsides that open up into vast areas of totally unspoiled countryside.

Picnics are included for longer rides or village pit stops may be included if preferred at local establishments where the horses wait in a shady paddock.

Day 3

This morning after breakfast, you will continue with your riding plan, this time you will enjoy a day trek to Cabo Pasado with a tasty picnic lunch. All of our riding vacations are tailor-made for the individual, meaning that no matter what your riding ability, you can rest assured that together, we can create a vacation and riding programme to suit you. Total novices might need to have a couple of lessons at the ranch before we venture out together and the more experienced riders can expect to be challenged as much as they would like to be! Riding out will be in small groups of similar ability with experienced guides and instructors as necessary.

Day 4

For the final day of horse riding, you will have the pleasure of riding the full length of the longest beach in Ecuador. We will start out in San Vicente and enjoy a wonderful day ride, making our way back to Canoa, as slowly or as quickly as you would like! A picnic lunch will be provided for us to enjoy on the beach whilst the horses enjoy a well-earned rest. There are plenty of opportunities for photos and videos and we aim to finish the ride at dusk so that you can enjoy the spectacular sunset over the pacific from horseback.

Don’t forget to make a visit into Canoa and enjoy the amazing sea food that is on offer. You are free to choose your own restaurant for dinner each evening or dinner can ordered and provided for you at your accommodation.

Day 5

​Sadly today is the last day of your holiday. It is time to say goodbye to beautiful Canoa until the next time. We can provide you with a transfer to the airport or to alternative transport to your next destination.

Singular person

1 Person, Private accomodation – $600

2 people sharing

2 People, Private accomodation – $450 per person

3 or more sharing

3 People+, Private accomodation – $400 per person

We will always meet your high expectations. Let us show you our beautiful piece of paradise. It’ll take your breath away.

But dont just take our word for it. Read the reviews for yourself:

  • star rating  We had a wonderful afternoon on beautiful horses with great company. Thanks for the memories ️ will book again next time we're in canoa.

    gavinw757
    4 January 2020

    star rating  Horseback riding with Cabalgatas Canoa was an amazing experience. I went with my girlfriend and we chose a full day ride including a visit at the local craft brewery hidden... read more

    Eduardo A
    1 May 2019

    star rating  We did a low season circular tour and it was great. Everything was well organised and our tour was so nice. We enjoyed the beach and also the horses!

    Yasmine Z
    6 July 2018
  • star rating  Amazing experience with everyone at Rancho San Antonio. The horses are beautiful and awesome to ride. I did some volunteering work for a month that I would highly recommend if... read more

    Marie D
    1 July 2019

    star rating  I went to Ecuador for my honey moon and spent 4 days in Canoa, with Graeme & Zia who run Cabalgatas Canoa. Riding their lovely horses at the beach it's... read more

    Maria Mandita
    1 June 2019

    star rating  We had a wonderful afternoon on beautiful horses with great company. Thanks for the memories ❤️ will book again next time we're

    Gavin W
    1 May 2019
  • star rating  We spent an excellent three hours riding to the beach and back. Two of our three participants had never rode before so our guide Miguel took it very slow and... read more

    Michael B
    1 July 2021

    star rating  2 couples we went for the afternoon, what a great experience. Super friendly owner she was excellent. The horses were well behaved and we had a super afternoon. Nice ride... read more

    Resort28217193053
    27 August 2021

    star rating  My daughter and I visited here in early June and had a wonderful day. Zia was wonderful, we will definitely go back!!!
    Highly recommended

    Sandie V
    21 June 2018
  • star rating  My friend and I booked this tour at the end of our 2 week holiday in Ecuador. She rode horses all throughout her childhood and I have been on a... read more

    Sonya S
    1 April 2020

    star rating  We had a wonderful afternoon on beautiful horses with great company. Thanks for the memories ️ will book again next time we're in canoa.

    Gavin W
    4 January 2020

    star rating  2 couples we went for the afternoon, what a great experience. Super friendly owner she was excellent. The horses were well behaved and we had a super afternoon. Nice ride... read more

    Resort28217193053
    1 August 2021
  • star rating  I went to Ecuador for my honey moon and spent 4 days in Canoa, with Graeme & Zia who run Cabalgatas Canoa. Riding their lovely horses at the beach it's... read more

    Maria M
    7 July 2019

    star rating  Zia and Graeme are wonderful folks who care for loads of animals. My boyfriend and I did the whole day trip starting out in the forest, stopped at the... read more

    n00b3r3ll4
    19 June 2019

    star rating  I did the whole day trip starting on the beach then heading up into the forest to the brewery and back down to their ranch. Zia and Graeme are fantastic... read more

    Swelch89
    1 June 2019
  • star rating  Brilliant ride in a wonderful location with awesome horses! There are a variety of amazing horses to suit whatevery level you ride at and the price is great for the... read more

    AlexandEmily
    4 October 2018

    star rating  Amazing experience with everyone at Rancho San Antonio. The horses are beautiful and awesome to ride. I did some volunteering work for a month that I would highly recommend if... read more

    Marie D
    6 November 2019

    star rating  Had a lovely beach ride with Zia and her new workers from South Africa and Germany.....enjoyed the lovely scenery, company and the horses were well cared for. As a... read more

    Penny J
    8 July 2018
  • star rating  Four of us really enjoyed a special time. Rode the super-well-behaved horses to the beach and back. Miguel was very attentive without being intrusive. My husband, virtually first... read more

    Aileen013
    1 August 2021

    star rating  We had an amazing experience with the horses at the beach. A dream came true for me. My 9 year old daughter and my partner, who was sitting on a... read more

    Tanja G
    12 February 2019

    star rating  Amazing experience with everyone at Rancho San Antonio. The horses are beautiful and awesome to ride. I did some volunteering work for a month that I would highly recommend if... read more

    Marie D
    1 November 2019
  • star rating  Zia and Graeme are wonderful folks who care for loads of animals. My boyfriend and I did the whole day trip starting out in the forest, stopped at the... read more

    n00b3r3ll4
    1 May 2019

    star rating  We had a wonderful afternoon on beautiful horses with great company. Thanks for the memories ❤️ will book again next time we're in canoa.

    Gavin W
    4 January 2020

    star rating  Me and my wife visited Zia on our travels through Ecuador.
    Didn't know quite what to expect when booking this for my wife but figured the tour had something for... read more

    Jonboym999
    12 March 2019
  • star rating  We spent an excellent three hours riding to the beach and back. Two of our three participants had never rode before so our guide Miguel took it very slow and... read more

    Michael B
    10 August 2021

    star rating  I volunteered for Cabalgatas Canoa for 2 months. Having done numerous trail rides around the world it was lovely to see how much time and effort goes into making sure... read more

    cerim377
    12 March 2019

    star rating  I did the whole day trip starting on the beach then heading up into the forest to the brewery and back down to their ranch. Zia and Graeme are fantastic... read more

    Swelch89
    21 June 2019
  • star rating  I was nervous about the horse ride at first. I was taking young inexperienced children with me. But right away Zia and Miguel had things under control! We... read more

    X2085FJrachelc
    22 July 2018

    star rating  Four of us really enjoyed a special time. Rode the super-well-behaved horses to the beach and back. Miguel was very attentive without being intrusive. My husband, virtually first... read more

    Aileen013
    1 July 2021

    star rating  We had a wonderful afternoon on beautiful horses with great company. Thanks for the memories ❤️ will book again next time we're in canoa.

    Gavin W
    1 January 2020

INCLUDED ON ALL OF OUR TOURS:

  • Fit, healthy horse, one per rider!
  • EU standard safety riding helmets available to all of our clients
  • Comfortable and safe, high quality English or American tack
  • Qualified and experienced guide. (Bilingual guide available for additional cost)
  • Photographs and video taken on the tour
  • Returning clients receive a 10% discount on their tour or lessons

 

FOR YOUR COMFORT AND SAFETY:

  • Please wear long trousers or jeans and enclosed shoes or boots
  • Bring sunscreen, sun hat and insect repellent

Booking conditions

  • To confirm booking, payment for your horse riding tour must be received in full
  • If you need to cancel or modify your booking, it must be with a minimum of 48 hours notice in order to receive a refund or to reschedule
  • You must be ready 15 minutes before the tour start time. If you arrive late, the tour may depart without you or be cut short, and you may lose your payment
  • Inclement Weather: Canoa has varied weather and we may have to cancel with full refund or to reschedule in case of storms or heavy rains
  • For the welfare of our horses a weight restriction of 100 kg / 220 lbs applies
  • Riders will need to find their way to the ranch, or we can collect you and drop you off for $15 round trip to and from Canoa. (Bahia is additional cost.)