2 hours Green Mountains Horse Riding Tour

Two hours on horseback in the hills above Ojos de Garza is a refreshing change from the usual city sights. The big payoff is the ride up and out to a viewpoint with views that stretch from Las Palmas to Arinaga.

What I like most is how practical this feels, from the barn setup to the on-horse basics. I also like that the route is designed for mixed skill levels, so you are not stuck watching others do the fun parts.

One thing to think about up front: this experience is not suitable for everyone, including riders over 65, children under 10, and people with altitude or motion sickness.

Key things to know before you ride

• Small group (up to 8), which makes it easier to get help and keep an eye on what your horse is doing
• Helmet, safety vest, and boots included, so you can travel lighter
• Route options: a viewpoint track for all levels, plus an alternate caves route with deeper scenery
• Terrain varies with uphill and downhill sections, so you will feel the ride more than a flat trail
• Beginner-friendly pace, with optional trot and canter for more advanced riders

Why Ojos de Garza Horseback Feels Like a Country Escape

If you want a taste of the island beyond the beach and the main roads, this ride gets you into the countryside fast. You start at a riding center in Ojos de Garza, then you are guided out through paths that roll upward and downward, with stops built around the view.

The tour is also structured so it does not turn into a timid stroll for everyone. There is a clear progression: a short briefing, then real riding time, then a viewpoint reward. For people with any riding experience, there are chances to pick up the pace, while beginners can keep it relaxed.

I also appreciate that the tour is small. When a group is limited to 8 participants, it is easier for the guide to check on your comfort and adjust the ride pace when needed. If you have never led a horse before, that attention matters.

The 2-hour flow at Horse Riding Canaria, from meet to return

Your start is at the main barn of the Horse Riding Canaria center. Park in the car park, then walk to the right inside the gate. The instructor is there waiting, which makes the meetup simple even if you are arriving a little early.

From there, you will get fitted with the key safety gear: helmet, vest, and riding boots. Once you are set, you get a short briefing on how to lead your horse. That part may sound basic, but it is the difference between feeling in control and feeling like you are guessing.

Then you head out on the trails toward either a viewpoint route or the caves route. The overall experience is about 2 hours, and you should plan for a mix of riding and stops for regrouping. Expect some uphill and downhill segments, which means you will feel the terrain, not just the scenery.

You end back at the same meeting point at Horse Riding Canaria.

The 15-minute lesson that helps first-timers actually relax

Before you ride, you learn the basics of leading your horse. This is the moment where your confidence gets built, because you are not just handed reins and sent off.

In practical terms, this short lesson is about staying coordinated with your horse and following the guide’s instructions. Even if you are comfortable around animals, it is different when you are on a trail with uneven ground and other riders nearby.

If you are a complete beginner, you’ll be glad the training is quick and focused. You do not need to spend hours in a classroom, and you still get the safety essentials right away. If you already ride, the briefing helps you match the guide’s pace and handling style.

The viewpoint ride, aimed at Las Palmas to Arinaga views

One of the best reasons to choose this tour is the built-in payoff: you ride until you reach a viewpoint with sweeping views. The sights are wide enough to feel like a big reveal, stretching from Las Palmas toward Arinaga.

The trail itself includes uphill and downhill riding. That matters because it gives you a more active experience. You are not just sitting on the horse while it moves along a flat track. Your body will notice the ground changes, and your horse will require a steady, calm rhythm.

Pacing is handled well for mixed groups. Beginners can enjoy strolling, taking in the scenery without pushing themselves. If you are more advanced, you may have the chance to trot or canter on parts of the track. This makes it feel fair, not boring for the people who can handle more.

The best part is that the viewpoint is not a random stop. It feels like the reason you are there, and you get enough time to take photos and get your bearings before moving on.

The caves route, with cliffs and an ancient cave village sight

If you want a greener, wilder-feeling trail, there is an alternate option that heads toward local caves. This second route goes through a very green area and then toward deep cliffs.

What makes this one special is the end-of-route sight: you can see an ancient village located inside rocky caves. Even without a guided history talk, the visual is striking, because it looks built into the rock itself, not placed out in the open.

You’ll also ride through a route that feels more dramatic than the viewpoint-only track. The cliff area is the kind of scenery that makes you sit up straighter, even if you are just strolling.

On the return, you pass close to olive orchards. That small detail is nice because it breaks the ride into different moods, view, caves, then softer countryside.

If you are sensitive to heights or get nervous around steep terrain, choose carefully. The tour is designed to be guided and safe, but you should still be honest about what you feel comfortable with on deep cliffs.

Horses, guide style, and why the instruction matters

This tour leans hard on the guide for a reason. You are riding in a countryside environment with other riders, so good guidance keeps everyone coordinated and relaxed.

The gear and brief help, but the guide is what turns it into a confidence-building experience. From the information provided, you can expect a guide who runs a short lead-and-control session, then supports you during the ride as the track changes.

The horses are part of the equation too. People who book this kind of tour usually care about two things: the animal’s temperament and how safe the ride feels. Here, the setup is clearly designed for comfort, with helmets and safety vests included so you can focus on the ride instead of worrying about what you forgot.

Because the group is limited to 8 participants, you are less likely to feel like a number. You should feel more like you are being coached.

Price and value: is $96 per person fair for 2 hours?

At $96 per person, this is not a bargain-bin activity, but it also does not feel overpriced for what you get. You are paying for guided horseback riding in a specific countryside area, plus the included safety kit.

You also get real added value from the included equipment. Helmet, safety vest, and riding boots are often the hidden cost on horseback tours. Here, they are part of the package, which helps if you are traveling and do not want to rent gear or search for suitable boots.

Group size is another value factor. A small group means more time and attention from the guide. That reduces the chance that you end up stuck waiting around or riding at a pace that is uncomfortable.

The only obvious tradeoff is what you do not get: food and drinks. If you are riding around lunch or late morning, plan to grab something before or after so you are not hunting for a meal right after your ride.

What to wear and bring so the ride feels comfortable

You are given boots, but you still want your clothing and shoes to work with horseback movement.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes (closed-toe)
• Comfortable clothes

Closed-toe footwear matters for basic safety and comfort when you are fitted for riding. Loose clothing can get annoying once you are on the horse and moving, so keep it practical.

Also, tell the provider your riding level and the age of the participants. That is not busywork. It helps the guide plan pacing so beginners can stroll comfortably, while advanced riders have options to trot or canter on parts of the track.

Finally, be honest with yourself about motion sickness. The tour is active, with uphill and downhill riding and time outdoors. If you know you react, skip this one.

Who should book this tour, and who should skip it

This tour fits best if you want a guided horseback experience with confidence-building instruction. It is suitable for beginners because of the short lead briefing and the pace options.

It also works for people who ride sometimes. If you are advanced, you can likely enjoy faster gaits on parts of the track, while still benefiting from the guide keeping the group safe.

It is not suitable for:

• Children under 10
• People over 65
• Riders over 6 ft 6 in (200 cm)
• Riders over 220 lbs (100 kg)
• People with altitude sickness
• People with motion sickness

If any of those apply, it is worth looking for a different type of tour that matches your needs better.

Should you book the Green Mountains 2-hour ride?

Book it if you want a real countryside horseback outing with small-group attention and a clear scenic goal. The combination of a beginner-friendly setup, included safety gear, and a viewpoint with Las Palmas to Arinaga views makes it a strong choice for a first time.

Also book it if you like options. The caves route adds variety, and the olive orchard stretch on the way back gives the ride a “back into the countryside” feel.

Skip it if you need completely flat, slow movement. This experience includes uphill and downhill sections, and you should choose the route based on your comfort with cliff areas if you opt for the caves track.

If you are in the Las Palmas area and you want an authentic outdoor break that is not just a bus tour, this one is a solid pick for your limited time.

FAQ

How long is the Green Mountains Horse Riding Tour?

The experience is about 2 hours. Check availability to see starting times.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at the main barn of the Horse Riding Canaria center. Walk to the right after entering the gate, and the instructor will be waiting.

What is included in the price?

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

Is the tour beginner friendly?

Yes. There is a short briefing on how to lead a horse, beginners can enjoy a strolling pace, and tracks are suitable for both beginners and advanced riders.

What languages does the instructor speak?

The instructor speaks English, French, Italian, and Spanish.

Are kids allowed?

No, it is not suitable for children under 10 years old.

What should I wear or bring?

Wear comfortable clothes and bring comfortable closed-toe shoes.