Horses, cliffs, and big sea views. This 2-hour guided ride in Ojos de Garza blends countryside air with mountain trails around Las Palmas, and it’s built for different riding levels. I like that you’re not rushed, and the safety setup (helmet, vest, boots) makes it feel structured from minute one. One thing to consider: if you’re sensitive to motion or have altitude-related health issues, this may not be a good match.

What makes it especially appealing is the payoff. You ride up and down, stop at viewpoints with sightlines stretching from Las Palmas to Arinaga, then choose a second leg that can go toward caves and an ancient rocky settlement. It’s a small group, limited to 8 people, so the guide can actually help you settle in.

Key points before you go

• Beginner-friendly basics: you get a short briefing on leading a horse before setting off
• Viewpoint payoff: sweeping panoramas that reach from Las Palmas to Arinaga
• Two route options: a higher-up path or a greener cave route toward deep cliffs
• Mixed skill trails: advanced riders can trot and canter on parts; beginners can stroll
• Guide support in a small group: limited to 8 participants for calmer pacing

Starting at Horse Riding Canaria: helmets, boots, and calm prep

Your tour meets at the main barn of Horse Riding Canaria. When you enter the gate, leave your car in the car park and walk to the right. You’ll find the instructor waiting there.

This part matters more than it sounds. Even if you’ve never ridden, getting your helmet and vest on properly (and putting on the right kind of footwear) helps you feel secure right away. Closed-toe shoes are required, and “comfortable” is the real goal—your feet will be working a bit, even on a short ride.

Before anyone mounts, you’ll get a short briefing on how to lead a horse. That’s not just a formality. It’s the difference between feeling like you’re along for the ride and feeling like you know what to do when your horse turns, stops, or steps aside.

The short Telde class that makes the ride easier

The flow includes a 15-minute class in Telde. Think of this as a quick tune-up: how to handle the horse while moving, how to follow the guide’s instructions, and what to expect from the trail.

For first-timers, this is where confidence gets built. You’re not thrown onto a random stretch of trail with only a wave and a good luck. You’ll also get more clarity on what “easy” means in practice—strolling, maintaining your position, and moving at the pace the group needs.

For experienced riders, this still helps. You can mentally map the ride, then focus on the fun parts—like the viewpoint and any faster gaits on suitable sections.

The big payoff viewpoint: Las Palmas to Arinaga

Once you’re set, you head into terrain that goes both up and downhill. This is the “Green Mountains” part you came for: fresh air, open views, and trails that feel like they belong in the hills behind Las Palmas.

Then comes the moment you remember later. You reach a viewpoint with sweeping views stretching from Las Palmas to Arinaga. Even if you don’t care about geography, you’ll feel the scale. You’re higher than the coast traffic and lower than the sky, with a long, clear line of sight.

This is also a good reminder for what you should expect from a ride like this: you’ll get the best views by keeping your attention on the track and your horse’s footing. Don’t overthink it—just follow the guide and let the scenery do the work.

Two route choices after the first viewpoint

After the main viewpoint stop, you get a choice for what comes next.

Option A: more upward riding

One path leads further up. If you like the idea of extra elevation, choose this. It tends to feel more like “a real ride” rather than a simple loop, even though beginners can still handle it at a strolling pace.

The tradeoff is simple: it’s more about steady effort than dramatic changes in scenery every five minutes. You’ll want comfortable clothing and a calm attitude, because the trail will keep you moving.

Option B: the cave route through green, wild country

The other option takes you on a route through a very green, wild area that heads toward deep cliffs. Along the way, you can see an ancient village inside rocky caves.

This is the option I’d steer you toward if you want variety. You’re not just looking at distance views—you’re getting a more story-like scene, with cliffs and a settlement carved into rock. It also breaks up the ride with new visual landmarks, so the time passes quickly.

On the return, you pass close to olive orchards. That’s a nice change of pace after cliffs and caves—green and grounded, with the “island life” feel that makes Gran Canaria special.

Beginner pace vs. advanced gaits: trot and canter options

The trail design supports different comfort levels. Beginners can enjoy strolling and relaxing, while advanced riders have the option to trot and canter on part of the track.

This is the smart way to do mixed-level riding. You’re not stuck matching someone else’s speed, and you’re not forced into a gait you’re not ready for. You’re also not doing “everything at once.” You can enjoy the ride, then pick up energy where it’s offered and controlled.

If you’re somewhere in the middle—comfortable in the saddle but not craving fast riding—you’ll likely be happiest focusing on balance and watching the guide cues. When the trail offers more, you’ll be ready.

What a small group (max 8) changes for your comfort

This tour runs in a small group limited to 8 participants. That affects the whole experience: fewer interruptions, easier communication, and more chances for the guide to correct small things before they become big problems.

It also changes the vibe. The ride feels less like a conveyor belt and more like a guided outing where you can ask questions and actually hear the instructions. The guide support is part of the value here, not an extra.

If you like a calmer pace and want to feel taken care of (even on a beginner route), this size is a big plus.

How much is $96 worth for 2 hours of riding?

$96 per person for a 2-hour horse riding tour is pretty reasonable when you look at what’s included.

You get:

• A guided horseback tour
• Helmets, vest, and riding boots
• Safety equipment and a guide who helps you ride with confidence

What you don’t get is also clear: food and drinks, and transportation to or from the meeting point.

Here’s the value math I think matters: you’re paying for an experience that includes both animal handling support and safety gear you might otherwise have to rent or buy. Also, two hours is long enough to feel like you actually did something, not just a quick photo ride.

If you’re traveling light or don’t want the hassle of finding gear locally, the included equipment makes the price feel even more fair.

Who should book this ride in Ojos de Garza

This is a good fit if you want:

• Scenic riding near Las Palmas
• A beginner-capable plan with real instruction
• The chance to choose either a higher-up track or a cave/cliff route
• A smaller group so the guide can guide

It’s not suitable if you’re:

• Under 10 years old
• Over 6 ft 6 in (200 cm)
• Over 65 years old
• Over 220 lbs (100 kg)
• Dealing with motion sickness
• Dealing with altitude sickness

If you’re unsure about your comfort level, tell the provider your level and your age of the participants when you book. That upfront info helps the guide match the ride pacing to the group.

What to wear and bring for an easy, comfortable ride

You’ll be given a helmet, vest, and riding boots, so you mainly need to focus on clothes and footwear for comfort.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes (closed-toe)
• Comfortable clothes you can move in

Practical tip: choose footwear you can trust on uneven ground around the barn and along the track. Even if you’re staying seated, you’ll still need your feet steady during mounting and dismounting.

Also, dress for the outdoors. You’re outside in the countryside, and you’ll feel wind and temperature shifts more than you would in a city café.

Should you book the Green Mountains Horse Riding Tour?

Book it if you want a short, well-guided horseback experience with big viewpoints and clear options for different riding comfort levels. The mix of up-and-down trail, the viewpoint stretching from Las Palmas to Arinaga, and the optional cave route with that ancient rocky settlement makes it more than a simple pasture loop.

Skip it if you’re dealing with motion sickness, altitude concerns, or any of the height/age/weight limits listed by the operator. And if you’re expecting a long, technical riding adventure, keep your expectations aligned: this is a guided, paced ride designed for enjoyment and safety over hours of hardcore training.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes doing something outdoors that still feels organized, this is the kind of tour that fits.

FAQ

How long is the Green Mountains Horse Riding Tour?

The tour lasts 2 hours.

Where do I meet the guide?

Meet in the main barn of the Horse Riding Canaria center. Park in the car park, then walk to the right when you enter the gate.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. It includes riding gear and a briefing on leading a horse, and the trail options are suitable for beginners and advanced riders.

What language is the instructor available in?

The instructor is available in English, French, Italian, and Spanish.

What should I wear or bring?

Wear comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes. Closed-toe shoes are required. Helmets, a vest, and riding boots are included.

Who is the tour not suitable for?

It is not suitable for children under 10, people over 65, people over 6 ft 6 in (200 cm), people over 220 lbs (100 kg), people with motion sickness, or people with altitude sickness.