Relaxing Horse Riding Tour in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria’s countryside is the main attraction here: you get a gentle horseback ride with sea and mountain views, plus a look at the area around Cuatro Puertas. Before setting out, you’ll meet your horse, learn the basics, and practise in an arena.

I like two things in particular: the small group, capped at six, leaves room for individual help, and the beginner-friendly introduction gives first-time riders a chance to get comfortable before the trail. Families can join, though children must be with an adult.

One consideration: this is a relaxed ride, not a fast-paced trek. A slow pace can be just right for new riders and children, but if you’re experienced and want more time in the saddle or a brisker route, this may feel too tame. The maximum rider weight is 95 kilograms.

The details that matter before you book

• You start with the horses, not the trail: Expect basic riding instruction, a chance to get acquainted with your horse, and a short arena practice.
• The ride is small by design: No more than six participants take part, making it easier for the guide and assistants to support beginners.
• The route brings country views: You ride through the countryside with sea and mountain views, in the area of the Cuatro Puertas archaeological zone.
• The session lasts about 90 minutes: The listed weekday time is 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• A helmet is included: Transportation, food, and drinks are not included.
• Check the weight limit: The maximum rider weight is 95 kilograms.

Getting comfortable before the ride

The outing begins at Horse Riding Canaria, at Camino del Cardonal in Las Palmas. Rather than putting you straight onto a trail, the session starts with a basic explanation of how to ride and time to meet the horses. That first contact matters: it gives you a chance to settle, ask questions, and get used to your mount before the scenery starts competing for your attention.

You’ll then practise in an arena. If you have never ridden, this is the useful part to take seriously. Pay attention to the guide’s instructions and ask for clarification if you need it. One family described guide Andrea as especially clear when explaining how to handle the uphill and downhill sections. Guides can vary, so Andrea may not be leading your particular departure, but the emphasis on instruction suits a beginner outing.

The horses are described as well cared for and trained for novice riders. Guides may be joined by assistants, too. On one family’s ride, two assistants accompanied the group, helping support the riders throughout the route. That kind of extra attention can make a difference when children or first-timers are learning how to move with a horse.

The format is deliberately low-key. You ride in a pair or a reduced-size group, with no more than six participants on the activity. That limit is a practical advantage: a guide can keep an eye on the whole group, and a nervous rider is less likely to feel lost in a long line of horses.

A countryside route with sea and mountain views

After the arena practice, you head out into the countryside. The route is described as having views of both the sea and the mountains, with the Cuatro Puertas archaeological area as a point of interest. The available details do not describe a formal stop or guided visit at the archaeological site, so think of this primarily as a horseback ride through the area rather than a dedicated archaeology tour.

The scenery is a welcome change from resort streets and busy town centres. You get a slower view of Gran Canaria, at horse pace, with the land around you rather than a bus window between you and the outdoors. For a short outing, that contrast is part of the value.

Keep your expectations suited to the experience. This is a relaxing ride, not a long expedition, and the pace may be very gentle. One account described a particularly slow lead horse, which made the ride less enjoyable for someone hoping to move faster. A calm pace is often exactly what a beginner or young rider needs, but it can frustrate an experienced rider who wants more freedom or speed.

That difference is worth weighing before you book. If your priority is an easy introduction, a peaceful outing, or a family activity that does not require riding experience, a slow pace can be a feature. If you already ride confidently and want a challenging route, ask Horse Riding Canaria what pace and level of independence to expect before paying.

What the 90 minutes feel like

The advertised session runs for about an hour and a half, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays. That window includes the initial explanation and arena practice, as well as the ride itself, so do not assume you’ll spend the entire 90 minutes on the trail.

The overall rhythm is simple: learn the basics, meet your horse, practise, then ride as a pair or small group. That structure makes the activity easier to approach if you are unsure about horses. You have a chance to test how you feel before heading out, rather than discovering on the trail that the saddle or the movement makes you uneasy.

Because this is a short, guided activity, it can fit into a day without taking over your schedule. It is also a welcome option if you want a break from the city or resort routine without committing to a full-day excursion. The trade-off is that you should not expect a long ride or an elaborate programme beyond the horse experience itself.

The activity returns to its starting point at Camino del Cardonal. You need to arrange your own transport there and back; transfers are not included. The meeting point is listed as near public transportation, but the exact route or service is not specified, so check your own journey before setting off.

A family outing, with sensible limits

This ride is marked as family-friendly, and children may participate when accompanied by an adult. The beginner instruction and small group make it a natural choice for families whose children want to try riding without committing to a longer lesson or trek.

The experience has worked well for children who were new to riding, with the guide offering support while still letting young riders manage what they could. Andrea has led a family group, and Sole has been involved in communication before a ride. Those names are useful to know, but they are not a guarantee of who will guide your session.

Parents should consider each child’s comfort with animals and new activities. The listing says most participants can take part, but it does not provide a minimum age, so confirm directly with the operator if you are booking for a young child. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the same maximum weight limit of 95 kilograms applies to riders.

For couples, it can make a pleasant shared activity for a special occasion. The ride is calm and outdoors, with enough structure to help a first-timer feel supported. It is not a flashy or high-adrenaline outing; its appeal is in doing something different together and seeing the countryside at an unhurried pace.

Is $42.17 fair value?

At $42.17 per person, the price is reasonable for a guided 90-minute activity that includes an introduction, arena practice, the ride, and a helmet. The small group cap is an important part of that calculation. You are paying not only for time on a horse, but also for an organised first experience with guidance along the way.

The value depends on what you want from the ride. For a beginner, a parent with a child, or someone looking for a restful change of pace, the instruction and support can justify the cost. The setting adds more than a ring-side lesson, with countryside views and the Cuatro Puertas area as part of the outing.

Food, drinks, and transportation are extra, so include those in your day’s budget. Also remember that the ride may feel very slow. If your idea of value depends on covering a lot of ground or having a brisk ride, ask about the route and pace before booking.

The activity is commonly booked around eight days ahead. That is useful planning context, especially if you have a fixed holiday schedule, but it is not a requirement stated for participation. The experience is offered in English, and a multilingual guide may operate the tour.

Weather, cancellation, and practical checks

The ride depends on good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund, and the local time determines the cutoff.

Before booking, check that every rider is within the 95-kilogram limit. If you are bringing a child, confirm any age-related details directly, since no minimum age is provided. The operator allows service animals, but it is still sensible to confirm arrangements with them in advance.

A helmet is included. No food or drinks are provided, and transport to and from the meeting point is up to you. The activity ends back where it starts, so plan your onward journey from Camino del Cardonal rather than expecting a drop-off elsewhere.

Who should book this ride?

I’d choose this outing if you want an easy first taste of horseback riding, especially with children or a partner who has never ridden. The lesson, arena practice, small group, and attentive support make it more approachable than simply climbing into a saddle and setting off.

It also suits you if the goal is a quiet countryside break, with sea and mountain views and a route in the Cuatro Puertas area. The horses’ care and beginner training are key reasons this can work for nervous riders, and the short format is easy to fit into a holiday day.

I would pause if you are an experienced rider seeking speed, a challenging trail, or a long ride. A particularly slow group pace may not suit you, and the route is not presented as a technical or high-adrenaline ride. For the right rider, though, $42.17 buys a friendly, small-group introduction to riding in Gran Canaria, with practical support and a change of scenery.

FAQ

How long is the horse riding tour?

The activity lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The listed weekday session runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at Camino del Cardonal in Las Palmas and ends back at the same meeting point.

How many people can join?

The maximum group size is six participants.

Is this suitable for someone who has never ridden?

Yes. The session includes basic riding instruction, time to meet the horses, and a practice in an arena before the countryside ride.

What is included in the price?

Use of a helmet is included. Transportation, food, and drinks are not included.

Is there a rider weight limit?

Yes. The maximum rider weight is 95 kilograms.

What happens if bad weather cancels the ride?

If poor weather causes the activity to be cancelled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.