A forest horseback ride beats another hour staring at traffic. That’s the whole idea here: trade Mexico City for Los Dinamos, ride with a real local charros family, and spend the day around rescue horses and mountain life.

What I like most is how the experience is built around animal care (you get a guided route, not free roaming) and how you still get a big chunk of time in the saddle—over two and a half hours—with guides right there.

One thing to consider: the riding is not a flat, slow pony parade. Expect some steep or gnarly trail sections, and the pace is practical and safety-first, so totally brand-new riders should listen closely to instructions and take it easy.

Key things I’d circle before you book

• Rescue-horse mission: You learn how the family rehabilitates abused horses and why that changes how rides work.
• Two-and-a-half-plus hours on horseback: Plenty of ride time, not just a photo-and-dismount trick.
• Guided route only: For horse safety, you follow a cowboy-led path and don’t race or roam freely.
• Aurelio in front, Camilo behind the scenes: The team includes a trainer and a horseshoe specialist.
• Lunch included (tacos): You refuel at the right moment, mountain-style, not with generic tourist food.

Los Dinamos Forest: Why This Ride Feels Like a Break From CDMX

Los Dinamos is one of those places where the city noise drops away fast. You leave Mexico City and end up in forest trails with water nearby—streams, the river, and spots that can look almost dreamlike when the light hits through tall pines. This tour is built for people who want more than views; you want motion, air, and that slow “we’re not in town anymore” feeling.

What makes it especially compelling is that the day isn’t framed as a checklist of landmarks. It’s framed as community and daily work: how the family lives up in the mountains, how they care for horses, and how they guide riders through terrain with patience.

And yes, you’ll get the classic horseback moments—rolling greenery, water crossings, and plenty of chances to stop and take photos. But the vibe is less about spectacle and more about doing something real, with real people doing real things.

Where You Meet Luis and What Happens Before You Mount Up

Your day starts at Alfonso Reyes 216, Hipódromo, Cuauhtémoc (06100 CDMX). The meeting point is described as near public transportation, which matters because you don’t want to scramble if your ride plan changes at the last minute.

From there, you’ll connect with the team. In multiple experiences, Luis is the one coordinating everything and taking people out to the mountain area. He also communicates in English, which is a big deal if you want to actually understand what’s happening with the horses and the routes.

Before you get on, you’ll go through a safety-and-fit moment. Even if you’ve ridden before, you still get guided placement and instructions. For first-timers, the team is attentive about comfort and confidence, and they take the “walk you through it” approach instead of acting like everyone is already a pro.

What I’d do: wear shoes with a real grip (the trail can be uneven) and plan for cooler air in the mountains—one review specifically suggests bringing a jacket for chilly days and wearing sunscreen.

Charros Family and Rescue Horses: The Care-First Philosophy

This is not just a horseback ride. It’s a rescue-and-recovery story you can feel in how the ride is handled.

The family rescues horses that were abused and gives them a better lifestyle based on love. That detail isn’t just sentimental; it affects the logistics. You won’t be handed a horse and told to ride freely through the mountains. Instead, you follow a route led by a cowboy, and the guides keep the group controlled for safety and animal well-being.

Two names come up again and again when people describe the team:

• Aurelio, the horse trainer who can ride and work with different horses, and whose specialty is training even difficult cases.
• Camilo, described as Mr. Bull Camilo, known for horseshoes—basically the practical craft that helps keep horses working safely.

In other words, you’re not only spending time with horses. You’re meeting people who treat horses like partners, not equipment.

The Trail Time: River Crossings, Pines, and Steep Little Ledges

The ride portion is described as more than two and a half hours, which is a meaningful amount of saddle time. You’re not just trotting around the first path you find. You’re getting into forest terrain where the footing can be varied and the trail can require focus.

The route is guided, and that’s intentional. Safety comes first, and you’re told you won’t have the chance to race. You’ll move at a pace that keeps riders steady and horses comfortable.

What you might see (depending on the exact route and conditions) includes:

• streams and time near the river
• green vegetation and shaded trail sections
• pine-lined areas where the scenery feels calm and quiet
• river crossing moments (mentioned as a highlight, especially on more adventurous departures)

One review mentions waterfalls as part of the peaceful, breathtaking stretch of the ride. Another mentions steep little trails and the kind of route that makes you use your balance more than you expect.

Also, some departures can get very dark. One rider describes a nighttime adventure ride that felt both exhilarating and relaxing at the same time. If you’re booked for an after-dark option, bring extra mental flexibility: it’s not a casual “sunset stroll,” and you’ll want to trust the guides completely.

Lunch That Actually Tastes Like the Mountains

Lunch is included, and it’s described simply as tacos. But the experience feels more like a family stop than a food court.

After the ride, you’ll eat with the family or at a mountain restaurant stop tied to their community. Reviews praise the food as authentic and genuinely delicious, not padded with tourist flavors.

You might also find little extras depending on the day. People mention coffee at the family home before riding, and one review highlights a sweet stop (a slice of tres leches peach cake). Another mentions grilled corn and lemon verbena tea after a nighttime ride. Think of these as bonus touches that can show up, not guaranteed menu items.

One practical note: when you return from a couple hours in the forest, you’ll be hungry in the best way. Scheduling the meal right after riding makes more sense than cramming it before you’re tired.

Getting Great Photos Without Getting in Trouble

If you care about photography, this is a good match. The trail time gives you lots of natural framing: water, trees, and shaded greenery that makes Mexico City feel far away.

But here’s the trick: don’t treat it like a park walk where you can stop whenever you want. You’re on horseback, in motion, and the guides manage the route. The best photos happen when you:

• listen first, then pause where the team indicates
• keep both feet planted and hold steady before pulling out a phone
• aim for natural light breaks through trees when the trail opens up

If you’re riding at night, you’ll get moodier photos, but you’ll also lose detail fast when light drops. In that case, prioritize safety and rely on quick shots.

Private by Design: How the Team Adjusts for First-Time Riders

This is a private tour/activity, so you won’t be merged into a random crowd. That matters for two reasons:

1) The guides can spend more time with you, including teaching the basics.

2) They can keep the pace comfortable without worrying about fitting everyone into a set group rhythm.

The reviews make this clear. People describe thorough “driving lessons” (how to handle the horse), careful guidance for first-time riders, and a sense of being protected rather than pushed.

One review even describes team members walking the entire trail with the group to make sure everyone feels comfortable—several miles of support. That’s not the kind of thing you’d expect from a mass tour.

As a result, this tour tends to work well for:

• couples and small groups who want a personal day outdoors
• riders who are new and want a patient instruction style
• people who want more conversation and culture than a quick departure-and-dropoff

If you’ve never ridden, tell the team clearly. They’ll still follow the horse-care rules and guided route approach, but they can adjust how they introduce you to your mount and how they pace the ride.

Price and Value: What You’re Actually Buying

No price is listed here, so I can’t judge cost against a number. But I can tell you what you’re paying for, which is the more useful way to think about value.

You’re paying for:

• a private, English-speaking guide experience
• a full day format (about six hours) with real ride time (over 2.5 hours)
• lunch included (tacos)
• a rescue-horse care mission that changes the ride structure
• trained riders and handlers like Aurelio and the broader team, including Camilo for horseshoe expertise

In other words, this isn’t just “transport + horses.” It’s a hosted experience that includes animal welfare, local knowledge, and a route planned for safety rather than maximum speed.

If you want a wild, free-roaming gallop, you’ll likely feel limited. If you want a responsible, guided ride in a real mountain community, the value is strong.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Might Hesitate)

This tour is best for you if:

• you want to escape the city and get into Los Dinamos nature
• you like horseback riding with strong safety guidance
• you care about animal rescue and prefer experiences that protect horses
• you want included lunch and a day that feels locally hosted, not staged

You might hesitate if:

• you expect a flat, easy ride with minimal trail effort
• you don’t like strict guidance and prefer to roam on your own
• you need guaranteed smooth terrain (some trail sections are described as steep or gnarly)

Also, weather matters. The experience is listed as requiring good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Should You Book This Charros Horseback Ride?

If you’re in CDMX and you want one day that feels genuinely different from museums and streets, this is an excellent choice. The big win is the mix of forest time, real horse care, and a private, human-scale setup with guides like Luis and trainers like Aurelio.

Book it if you can handle uneven trails, follow instructions closely, and want a hosted day where the horses come first. Skip it if your dream is speed, freedom, and lots of sprinting. Here, you’re not racing—you’re riding carefully through a mountain world that most people never see.

FAQ

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates.

How long is the experience?

It runs about 6 hours total, including time for transport and the ride. The ride itself is described as more than two and a half hours.

Where do I meet the guide?

The meeting point is Alfonso Reyes 216, Hipódromo, Cuauhtémoc, 06100 Ciudad de México, CDMX. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English.

What food is included?

Lunch is included, and the main meal is described as tacos.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Alcoholic beverages are not listed as included. The information provided says alcoholic drinks are served only to travelers 18 years old and above, and minors are served non-alcoholic drinks.

What should I wear or bring?

From the guidance shared in experiences, wear sunscreen, wear good shoes, and bring a jacket for chilly days.

Do I need to confirm pick-up?

You’re asked to communicate with the team to verify pick-up and confirm your reservation, since this happens in a rural area with limited internet access.

What happens if it’s canceled due to weather or low demand?

The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. It also requires a minimum number of travelers; if that minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.