Horseback Riding & Swimming in the Chavón River
Horseback Riding Tour from Bayahibe or Punta Cana: Sugar Cane Plantations & Authentic Local Meal
What if you left the beaches and resorts behind for a few hours to discover a more authentic side of the Dominican Republic?
Tropical Evasion invites you to enjoy an unforgettable horseback riding experience in the heart of the Dominican countryside, surrounded by sugar cane plantations, rural trails, local encounters, and a refreshing swim in the famous Chavón River.
Far from traditional tourist excursions, this adventure takes you through beautiful, unspoiled landscapes where local traditions and warm Dominican hospitality are still part of everyday life.
You’ll be welcomed at a family-run Dominican ranch, where genuine hospitality is at the heart of the experience. No mass tourism here! Instead, take your time exploring the countryside, meeting local people, and enjoying an authentic, home-cooked Dominican meal prepared on-site.
This horseback riding tour is suitable for all experience levels, including complete beginners. The horses are calm, gentle, and accustomed to trail rides, allowing everyone to enjoy the experience at their own pace.
And to make your adventure even more memorable, you’ll have the opportunity to swim with the horses in the beautiful waters of the Chavón River. This optional activity is undoubtedly one of the most unique highlights of the excursion.
Choose between two experiences: a morning horseback riding tour with a traditional Dominican lunch, or a sunset horseback riding adventure featuring a barbecue dinner and a cozy campfire.
The Route: Sugar Cane Plantations, Local Encounters & Chavón River
After your taxi pickup, you’ll head to a ranch nestled in the heart of the Dominican countryside.
There, you’ll meet the owners, the local team, and of course, the horses that will accompany you throughout your ride.
Before setting off, you’ll receive a brief introduction to help you get comfortable with your horse. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced rider, all horses are carefully selected for their gentle temperament and familiarity with trail rides.
Let the adventure begin!
Horseback Riding Through Sugar Cane Plantations
You’ll follow dirt trails winding through vast sugar cane plantations, one of the Dominican Republic’s most iconic crops.
At a relaxed pace on horseback, you’ll discover lush green countryside, charming rural paths, tropical vegetation, and landscapes that capture the authentic beauty of the Dominican Republic.
Your first stop offers the opportunity to taste freshly cut sugar cane, discover its naturally sweet flavor, and learn more about this traditional crop, deeply rooted in the country’s history and culture.
Stop at a Local Colmado: A Taste of Authentic Dominican Life
The horseback ride continues to a traditional colmado, a small neighborhood grocery store that plays an essential role in everyday Dominican life.
Much more than just a shop, a colmado is a lively gathering place where locals come together to chat, listen to music, and enjoy a drink.
You’ll stop here for a refreshing break and experience the authentic atmosphere of Dominican village life.
Swimming with Horses in the Famous Chavón River
Next, you’ll head to one of the region’s most beautiful natural attractions: the Chavón River.
After following the trails down to the riverbanks, you’ll discover a spectacular setting surrounded by lush green hills and tropical vegetation.
This is where you’ll experience the highlight of the excursion: entering the river with the horses and swimming alongside them, under the supervision of our local team.
A truly unique experience that brings you closer to the animals and nature, creating unforgettable memories.
Swimming is, of course, entirely optional. If you prefer to stay dry, you can simply relax, admire the beautiful surroundings, and watch the horses enjoying the water.
After this refreshing break, you’ll get back on horseback for approximately one hour of riding along scenic trails back to the ranch.
Daytime Tour: Horseback Riding & Traditional Dominican Lunch
Experience Starts: 9:30 AM | Return to the Ranch: Around 12:30 PM
Your morning begins with a taxi transfer to the ranch, where you’ll receive a warm welcome at 9:30 AM.
After meeting the horses, you’ll set off to explore the sugar cane plantations, visit a traditional local colmado, and head to the Chavón River for an optional swim with the horses.
Back at the ranch around 12:30 PM, it’s time for another authentic experience: a traditional Dominican lunch freshly prepared on-site, served in a warm and friendly family atmosphere.
On the Menu: Authentic Flavors of the Dominican Countryside
Traditional Dominican rice
Chicken simmered in a flavorful sauce
Fresh salad
Avocado
Cassava (yuca)
Plantains
Drinks included
Enjoy a generous, home-style Dominican meal in the peaceful surroundings of the ranch.
This daytime tour is perfect for anyone looking to combine horseback riding, river swimming, cultural discovery, and authentic Dominican cuisine in one unforgettable half-day adventure.
Sunset Tour: Horseback Riding, Barbecue Dinner & Campfire
Experience Starts: 3:30 PM | Ends: Between 8:30 PM and 9:00 PM
Tropical Evasion also offers a special late-afternoon horseback riding experience.
You’ll arrive at the ranch around 3:30 PM, where you’ll meet the horses before setting off through the beautiful sugar cane plantations.
The route follows the same itinerary as the daytime tour: tasting fresh sugar cane, stopping at a traditional local colmado, and swimming with the horses in the Chavón River.
The difference? You’ll enjoy the stunning golden-hour light illuminating the Dominican countryside.
Return to the Ranch at Sunset
As the sun begins to set, you’ll leisurely make your way back to the ranch on horseback.
The sugar cane fields glow with warm golden colors, creating a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere. It’s the perfect opportunity to admire the sunset surrounded by the natural beauty of the Dominican countryside.
Help Prepare Dinner with the Ranch Owner
Once back at the ranch, the experience continues!
If you’d like, you can join the ranch owner in preparing a traditional Dominican dinner.
This is a wonderful opportunity to discover the secrets of Dominican home cooking, connect with your host, and experience a genuine moment of local life.
Barbecue Dinner Around a Traditional Campfire
The evening continues around a fogata, a traditional campfire, in a warm and relaxed atmosphere.
Enjoy a mixed meat barbecue dinner, accompanied by delicious local specialties:
Selection of barbecue-grilled meats
Rice
Fresh salad
Avocado
Cassava (yuca)
Plantains
Drinks included
Gather around the fire and soak up the peaceful atmosphere of the countryside, far from the hustle and bustle of the tourist resorts.
The experience ends between 8:30 PM and 9:00 PM, after a memorable evening filled with authentic Dominican hospitality, local flavors, and unforgettable moments.
💡 Why Choose a Horseback Riding Tour with Tropical Evasion?
✔ Beginner-friendly horseback riding: Gentle, well-trained horses accustomed to trail rides, making this experience enjoyable even if you’ve never ridden before.
✔ A unique swimming experience with horses: Enjoy the opportunity to swim alongside the horses in the famous Chavón River, surrounded by beautiful natural scenery.
✔ An authentic Dominican countryside adventure: Ride through sugar cane plantations, explore rural trails, and stop at a traditional local colmado.
✔ A varied and immersive itinerary: Discover the beauty of the Dominican countryside, from lush sugar cane fields and tropical landscapes to the stunning Chavón River.
✔ Genuine Dominican hospitality: Visit a family-run ranch where you’ll experience local traditions, homemade Dominican cuisine, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
✔ Two experiences to choose from: Enjoy a morning horseback riding tour with a traditional Dominican lunch or a sunset adventure featuring a barbecue dinner and a cozy campfire.
✔ An escape from mass tourism: Experience the Dominican Republic beyond the resorts, with an adventure focused on nature, local encounters, and authentic cultural discovery.
Whether you’re staying in Bayahibe, La Romana, or Punta Cana, treat yourself to an unforgettable escape into the heart of the Dominican countryside.
Choose your daytime or sunset horseback riding experience and create unforgettable memories with horses, the Chavón River, and authentic Dominican traditions!
Availabilities
Year-Round – Mondays, Thursdays & Saturdays
Duration
Half-Day
Daytime Tour: Approximately 4 Hours
Hotel pickup from 9:00 AM, depending on your hotel location.
Sunset Tour: Approximately 5 to 5.5 Hours
Hotel pickup from 3:00 PM, including a sunset horseback ride, dinner, and a campfire.
The exact pickup time will be provided when your booking is confirmed.
Included
- Free Hotel Pickup in Bayahibe / Dominicus by Air-Conditioned Taxi Van
- Horseback Riding Through Sugar Cane Plantations
- Stop at a Traditional Dominican Colmado with a Drink Included
- Traditional Dominican Lunch or Barbecue Dinner at the Ranch, Depending on the Tour Option Selected
- French-, English- and Spanish-Speaking Guide
- Campfire and Optional Participation in Dinner Preparation (Sunset Tour)
- Riding Helmet Provided
Not-included
- Transfers from La Romana and Punta Cana (Additional Fee)
- Souvenirs and Tips
- Souvenir Photos (Additional Fee, If Available)
*Pour toute demande de réservation, un acompte vous sera demandé par Paypal. Le solde se paiera le jour de l’excursion en cash (euros, dollars ou pesos).
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Vivre la République Dominicaine !
🇩🇴 La République dominicaine, ce n’est pas seulement des plages de rêve ! 🌴
💃 C’est danser la bachata avec les locaux.
🚤 Explorer des coins de paradis.
🌊 Plonger dans des eaux turquoise.
❤️ Faire des rencontres, vivre des aventures et découvrir une culture vibrante !
✨ Chez Tropical Évasion, on te fait découvrir la République dominicaine autrement, loin des vacances classiques !
Et toi, tu es plutôt 🌴 plages paradisiaques ou 💃 immersion locale ?
EXPERIENCE THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 🇩🇴
🇩🇴 The Dominican Republic is so much more than just dream beaches! 🌴
💃 It’s dancing bachata with the locals.
🚤 Exploring hidden slices of paradise.
🌊 Diving into crystal-clear turquoise waters.
❤️ Meeting amazing people, living unforgettable adventures, and discovering a vibrant culture!
✨ At Tropical Évasion, we take you beyond the typical vacation to experience the real Dominican Republic!
And you, are you more into 🌴 paradise beaches or 💃 authentic local experiences?
#instareel #evaneos #voyage #republiquedominicaine #dominicanrepublic
Et si le paradis se découvrait aussi à cheval ? 🌴🇩🇴
✨ NOUVELLE EXPÉRIENCE EN RÉPUBLIQUE DOMINICAINE !
Imagine… traverser les champs de canne à sucre à cheval, rejoindre les eaux de la magnifique rivière Chavón et vivre un moment magique en te baignant avec ton cheval ! 🐎💦
Et parce qu’on aime te faire vivre des expériences qui sortent de l’ordinaire, on te propose 2 façons de profiter de cette aventure :
☀️ Balade en journée | 9h30 – 13h00
🐎 Balade à cheval, baignade dans la rivière Chavón et repas inclus.
🌅 Expérience Sunset | 15h30 – 21h00
🐎 Balade à cheval, baignade, coucher de soleil, dîner et soirée autour d’un feu de camp 🔥✨
❤️ Des paysages magnifiques, des chevaux et des souvenirs inoubliables… loin des excursions classiques !
👇 Alors, tu es plutôt TEAM JOURNÉE ☀️ ou TEAM SUNSET 🌅 ?
📩 Écris-nous en privé pour réserver cette nouvelle aventure !
What if paradise was even better on horseback? 🌴🇩🇴
✨ NEW EXPERIENCE ALERT! ✨
Imagine riding through endless sugarcane fields, exploring breathtaking tropical landscapes, and swimming with your horse in the stunning Chavón River! 🐎💦
And the best part? You get to choose YOUR adventure! 😍
☀️ DAYTIME ADVENTURE | 9:30 AM – 1 PM
🐎 Horseback riding through sugarcane fields
💦 Swimming with your horse in the Chavón River
🍽️ Delicious meal included
🌅 SUNSET EXPERIENCE | 3:30 PM – 9 PM
🐎 An unforgettable horseback adventure
💦 River swimming
🌅 Magical sunset vibes
🍽️ Dinner under the stars
🔥 Cozy bonfire to end the night
❤️ Authentic moments, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable memories… far from the typical tourist crowds!
👇 Which one would YOU choose? TEAM DAYTIME ☀️ or TEAM SUNSET 🌅?
#horselovers #republiquedominicaine #dominicanrepublic🇩🇴 #bayahibe #baladeacheval
Tu pensais avoir tout vu en République dominicaine ? 🇩🇴😂
Ici, « complet » est visiblement une notion très subjective. 😭
Et après ça, on ose encore se plaindre parce qu’on n’a pas de place assise dans le métro… 😂
Avoue, finalement t’es pas si mal installé ?
#dominicanrepublic #VieEnRD #VieLocale #DominicanLife #humour
40 ans, les pieds dans le sable et toujours autant de projets dans la tête. 🌴
Finalement, grandir c’est pas si mal.
Continuer à parcourir cette île, découvrir des endroits pour vous encore et encore pas et surtout vous donner envie de voir la République dominicaine autrement. 🇩🇴
Vieillir par contre… j’ai trouvé la parade. 😂
39 ➡️ 38
40 years old, my feet in the sand and still so many projects on my mind. 🌴
Turns out, growing up isn’t so bad after all.
I’ll keep exploring this island, discovering new places to share with you again and again, and above all, inspiring you to experience the Dominican Republic differently. 🇩🇴
Getting older, though… I’ve found a way around that. 😂
39 ➡️ 38
#happybirthday #republiquedominicaine #voyagerautrement #traveltips #instamood
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Where Can You Go Horseback Riding in the Dominican Republic?
The Dominican Republic offers wonderful opportunities for horseback riding, especially in the Bayahibe and La Romana areas. With Tropical Evasion, explore the authentic Dominican countryside on horseback, ride through lush sugar cane plantations, and discover the famous Chavón River, where you’ll even have the opportunity to swim with the horses.
Can You Go on a Horseback Riding Tour from Punta Cana or Bayahibe?
Yes! Our horseback riding tour is available from Bayahibe, Dominicus, La Romana, and Punta Cana. Hotel transfers from Bayahibe and Dominicus are included in the price. An additional fee applies for pickups from La Romana and Punta Cana.
Can You Swim with Horses in the Chavón River?
Yes, it’s one of the highlights of our horseback riding tour! You’ll have the opportunity to enter the water with the horses, accompanied by our local team. This experience is entirely optional: those who prefer to stay dry can simply enjoy the beautiful scenery and watch the horses.
Do You Need Horseback Riding Experience to Join This Tour?
No, no previous horseback riding experience is required. Our horses are gentle, accustomed to trail rides, and suitable for beginners. Our team provides guidance and assistance throughout the experience, allowing everyone to enjoy the ride at their own pace.
What’s the Difference Between the Daytime Horseback Riding Tour and the Sunset Tour?
Both tour options include exploring sugar cane plantations, stopping at a traditional local colmado, and the opportunity to swim with the horses in the Chavón River. The daytime tour lasts approximately 4 hours and includes a traditional Dominican lunch. The Sunset Tour lasts around 5 to 5.5 hours, featuring a horseback ride back to the ranch at sunset, followed by a barbecue dinner around a cozy campfire.
What Is a Colmado in the Dominican Republic?
A colmado is a traditional Dominican neighborhood grocery store, but it’s also a lively gathering place where locals come together to socialize. During our horseback riding tour, you’ll stop at a local colmado to enjoy a drink and experience an authentic slice of everyday Dominican life.
What Do You Eat During a Traditional Dominican Home-Cooked Meal?
At the ranch, you’ll discover authentic Dominican home-style cooking. Lunch includes traditional rice, chicken simmered in sauce, fresh salad, avocado, cassava (yuca), and plantains. In the evening, a mixed meat barbecue is served with traditional Dominican side dishes. Drinks are included in both tour options.
What Should You Bring for a Horseback Riding Tour with River Swimming?
To make the most of your horseback riding experience, we recommend bringing:
Long pants, high socks, and sneakers for a comfortable horseback ride.
A small backpack, with an optional bottle of water to stay hydrated before the stop at the local colmado.
Sunscreen and mosquito repellent.
A swimsuit and towel for swimming with the horses in the Chavón River.
A change of clothes, which you can leave at the ranch during the ride and collect when you return.
Some extra cash for any personal expenses.
A horseback riding helmet is provided and included in the tour price.
What Is the Minimum Age for Horseback Riding in the Dominican Republic?
Our horseback riding tour is suitable for children aged 6 and up, making it an ideal family activity to enjoy together, from kids to grandparents!
The horses are calm, gentle, and accustomed to visitors, including those who have never ridden before. Whether you’re a young beginner or an older rider, everyone can enjoy this experience at their own pace, provided they are in good physical condition for horseback riding.
A wonderful opportunity to share a memorable experience across generations in the heart of the Dominican countryside!
How Many People Join the Chavón River Horseback Riding Tour?
At Tropical Evasion, we focus on small-group excursions, with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 10 participants.
This limited group size ensures a friendly atmosphere, personalized attention, and a more authentic experience, away from large, crowded tourist tours.
It’s also the perfect opportunity to connect with local people, take your time enjoying the beautiful scenery, and discover everyday life at the ranch in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere.