Just about 15 minutes south of Playa del Carmen lays one of the last untouched and undeveloped stretches of beach front that is accessible to the public.

Punta Venado, or Deer Point, boasts 840 hectares of pristine jungle and incredible beaches. It has been owned by a local family, based in Cozumel, for the last 128 years, and for the past seven they have developed various tours and activities for both visitors and residents to be able to enjoy and explore this amazing ranch.

As a child my sister was the one who liked paper dolls, fairies, and horses where I was more likely to be found climbing a tree, hanging with my pet pig Petunia, or riding around on my dirt bike. My sister LOVED horses. She went to horse camp, had horse posters, and owned 3 different horses throughout our childhood. I, on the other hand, was never interested in horses, partially out of being more into three wheelers, but quite a bit of it had to with being afraid of these gigantic animals. I can count on one hand how many times I have gone riding, and most of them have been in Mexico. So last week I added to my horseback riding experience right here in Playa del Carmen and had a blast!

We have gotten quite a few requests and inquiries on PMN in regards to horseback riding and upon further investigation Punta Venado came as the most highly recommended location to experience horseback riding while visiting the Riviera Maya. A friend and I decided to go check it out and get the lowdown on the ranch. Once we drove through the jungle, seeing a spider monkey swing over head, we arrived at a parking lot where there was ample parking. We were immediately greeted by Raul, a young man who had recently arrived from La Pampa, Argentina, and now worked at the ranch as a guide/ranch hand, and he was friendly and accommodating. When we explained that we wanted more information on tours and activities they had to offer he invited us to the "Ranch House" for a cold bottle of water and to wait for the operations manager, Francisco.

He found out it would be awhile before Francisco could come and meet with us so he offered us a private horseback riding tour to kill some time. We were more then happy to oblige so he arranged for horses to be saddled up for us. I got Estrella a beautiful dappled gray mare, and my riding companion, Susan, got Luna, a sweet white mare as well. We were briefed on safety and riding instructions and then off we went. I was a bit nervous as I hoisted myself onto the saddle and quickly grabbed the saddle horn with both hands. But once Raul told me I was in charge and Estrella was completely docile, I relaxed into it and enjoyed the ride. We meandered our way through jungle trails and onto the beach, and the surroundings were unbelievable! Birds flew over head, the distinct sound of the Motmot bird could be heard in the distance, and the beaches were scattered with turtle nests and egg shells from recent hatchlings. The beach was untouched and so serene; the water was so clear that you could see the fish swimming by as we lazily made our way up the beach. I have to say; I love my job!

Once we made our way back to the ranch we were greeted by Francisco and he brought out a brand spanking new ATV 350. We donned our helmets, both jumped onto the ATV, and off we went to the next ranch adventure. He brought us down to the private beach club, which is where a Corona commercial has been shot so you can just imagine the beach! We met the chef/manager Manny, and were pretty much convinced we had found heaven on earth, or more probable heaven on beach. We finally pulled ourselves away from our private haven and went on to explore other parts of the ranch. We visited their secluded cenote, Bahia Inha, a top-notch snorkel spot, and we ended our visit with a walk through an ancient cavern, which was a cool respite from the muggy jungle heat. The whole afternoon was so enjoyable and our hosts were so generous inviting us back at any time. As we left the ranch house and wandered back to our car through the horse paddocks we got to meet Indio, the latest foal that has been added to the ranch family, and as he looked up from eating and walked towards us on wobbly legs, we both agreed we have a pretty good job scouting out new places in the Riviera Maya.

Horseback riding: One hour and a half hour guided tour. Up to 12 people per group; 9:00, 12:00, and 3:00 PM. Trip includes guide, water, and soft drinks. $57.00 USD

Horseback riding and snorkel tour: two and a half hour guided tour. Up to 12 people per group: 9:00, and 12:00 only. Trip includes guide, water, snorkel guide, and soft drinks. $76.00 USD

Beach access: $10.00 USD

Beach access and buffet lunch: $35.00 USD includes private beach access, and a buffet lunch of fajitas, ribs, nachos, guacamole, pico del gallo, soft drinks and all you can drink beer.

Buffet can be purchased for only $12.00 USD per person if you are doing at least 1 activity on the ranch.

Transportation is NOT included, but the ranch is easily accessed by taxi.

For additional ranch activities, or to find out more information on private groups and tours please contact us for further information and details.

There are also horse galloping tours available for experienced riders.

Punta Venado Horseback Tour

First Name
Last Name
Date of Arrival
Date of Tour
Type of Tour	Horseback Riding Horseback Riding + Snorkel Other (specify in comments area)
Time of Tour	9:00 12:00 3:00
Hotel
No. of Adults	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
No. of Kids	0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Age of Children
Email Address
Phone Number
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