Rancho Lorilar
Rancho Lorilar
5
9:15 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:15 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:15 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:15 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:15 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:15 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:15 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:15 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Our Tours in Puerto Plata: * Half Day Beach Horse Back Riding * Sunset Beach Horse Back Riding * Half day Mountain Ride * Half Day Waterfalls Swim and Hike
Duration: More than 3 hours
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5.0
683 reviews
Excellent
630
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8
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0
Terrible
2
dmenis
new york4 contributions
Sept 2011
It can be a sort of a spoiler, but for people that would like to know exactly what to expect , read on.
My girlfriend and I booked a full day trip with Joyce directly via email at $70pp. She's promptly answered all of my questions and madeall the arrangements.
Our guide Rafael picked us up at the entrance of our resort (Lifestyle Tropical). On they way to the ranch, he drove us through town and gave us a brief city tour. When we arrived at the ranch, I discover that the ranch isn’t much of a ranch it, it is located in a residential neighborhood where the locals live in shacks and what appeared to be makeshift homes. I saw how locals live out here, which isn’t exactly what I thought it would be. (being from New York city) A big group of people on horseback had just left and my girlfriend and I were the only people left to ride. As we mounted our horses and donned our helmets; we were introduced to our second guide Valerie from Canada.
As trotted away from the ranch, We were riding on under developed roads which were laden full of concrete rocks in the sweltering heat and led me to be irritated. The horse they provided me with seemed frail, kept tripping on rocks, and the saddle kept shifting and seemed uncomfortable with my body weight. (170lbs 5’9) and I was cautious afraid of falling.. As we proceeded on the road, I saw shacks old houses that looked barren and desolate. There were random dogs and farm animals roaming the street along with the locals with their donkeys; which made me feel I was taking more of a urban adventure tour than a sightseeing tour.
For about much the first hour the horse trotted uphill, on the rocky path; my buttocks were being constantly pummeled from the bouncing and the chaffing caused from the friction of riding didn’t help either.
It was discouraging just to think that this is what I signed up for.
After letting our guides know, Rafael, Valerie and I swapped horses and afterwards the pain started to ease up a little. (Thank you Ranchero, Rafael’s horse)
On the road Rafael showed me the some farms, plants such as yucca coffee beans, and local fauna as we proceed up to the mountain.
We stopped for a total of three times, at seemingly strange random places.
Shortly after reaching the mountain trail we finally reached our first stop, a large hut located on top of a hill that offered refreshments staffed by a young boy, no more than 12 years old and along with I presumed to be his younger siblings.
The place had music playing and our guides started dancing to try to liven up the mood (keep in mind its 95 degrees heat and my buttocks was never used as a jackhammer shock absorber before) I could imagine this place with a lot more people and can be quite festive, but since it was just my girlfriend and I (being in my current condition) we left shortly after.
As we reached the forest trails, most of the pain had subsided. It may have been the adrenaline or maybe I’d finally developed a technique in on learning how to ride.
The second stop was within the trail with the streams and forest that brought along a welcoming cool breeze. It was refreshing, riding on plush trails and the trees provided shade from the sun. We walked into a gated residential area, and rested in the back of what looked like someone’s backyard patio. It had an old pool table and few chairs overlooking a stream, with one door leading to the rest room and one door leading to somebody’s kitchen. We all rested up and chatted a bit then we were back on the trail. I was beginning to take in my unfamiliar surroundings and appreciate not only the beautiful scenery and the ride but everything else the is new and profound that is around me.
Our third and final stop was LUNCH!
I was extremely famished.
It was located in what appeared to be outdoor cafeteria, again it was only the 4 of us, there is a small gift shop that sells trinkets and gifts but I didn’t bring enough cash to shop.
Rafael gave us a tour of the kitchen which was located in a small dark wooden shack. At first my trepidation for dark and dank places got the better of me, but I finally gave in and to my surprise it was a clean and cool inside with a aromatic old wood or coal fired oven. We saw our food being freshly prepared by our cook, an elderly lady. Our rice was being cooked in an old pot under an open flame while our chicken was being grilled. It smelled wonderful and made my mouth water. When the food came out it was set up family style. The food was plentiful in many plates consisting of salad, fried yucca, white rice, beans, beef stew and grilled chicken. At first I was shocked to see chicken wings so small, then I came to realize that chicken is supposed to be this size; farm raised and hormone free. I devoured my entire meal while Valerie enlightened us with her experiences as a “perma-vacationer” from Canada; which we enjoyed very much. This was my first true organic homemade meal = heaven for a city slicker like me. I went back for seconds..and maybe a third.
Afterwards we had deliciously coffee, black with sugar. I was reenergized and ready to go. My girlfriend and I were a little disappointed to learn that the next 30-40 minutes would be the last part of our excursion.
Talk about saving the best for last! Valerie helped us take pictures on our horses with breathtaking vistas that overlooked Playa Dorada.
We ventured through nice plush dirt paths which Our horses for the first time galloped (run) in tandem, and they were overtaking each other to see who would can ahead on the narrow paths. At this point the horse was didn’t heed to my reins and gained speed to pass horse my girlfriend was riding. My fear of the horse losing control was entirely non-existent. I belted out “woooooooohoooo!”. I wanted Ranchero to go faster but Valerie which was ahead of us had to ride the same frail horse I was riding earlier in the day. The last stretch of the path that was extremely muddy, our horses kicked up the mud all over our bodies and there we laughed it off like kids would. Finally we went through some bushes and that that felt like exiting a tunnel and we realize were already back on the same rocky path that led to the ranch. It was a shortcut back to the ranch compared to the long uphill stretch from the beginning of the excursion.
When we arrived back to the ranch. My demeanor was relaxed and ecstatic as opposed to being irritated and tense as I was earlier. I felt like a kid at one of those adventure thrill rides at Disney. The beginning i was discouraged and tense, and as the ride unfolded it kept on getting better and better. When I finally got the chance to appreciate and enjoy it, it was over. I saw many things I have never in my life encountered before and am not sure I will see again. To learn and see firsthand the daily lives of the locals such as their living quarters, cooking, farms and sampling their food is truly an rewarding experience. To see such amazing scenery and beautiful vistas all in one day; from riding though slummy neighborhoods then to the mountain through forests, rocks, glades streams, and mud and back. I don’t think any other tour can provide that. It was truly great experience, thanks you Ranchero Lorilar.
Rafael and Valerie were fantastic guides that truly complement each other, due to it being a low season it was only the two of us for the full day.
I tipped Rafael 25 dollars for the both of us. The ranch solely relies on word-of-mouth referrals as their advertising, yet they are #1 on Tripadvisor for things to do in Puerto Plata for a reason. I hope this article was insightful for you and hope you will have just as great of an experience as it was for me.
My girlfriend and I booked a full day trip with Joyce directly via email at $70pp. She's promptly answered all of my questions and madeall the arrangements.
Our guide Rafael picked us up at the entrance of our resort (Lifestyle Tropical). On they way to the ranch, he drove us through town and gave us a brief city tour. When we arrived at the ranch, I discover that the ranch isn’t much of a ranch it, it is located in a residential neighborhood where the locals live in shacks and what appeared to be makeshift homes. I saw how locals live out here, which isn’t exactly what I thought it would be. (being from New York city) A big group of people on horseback had just left and my girlfriend and I were the only people left to ride. As we mounted our horses and donned our helmets; we were introduced to our second guide Valerie from Canada.
As trotted away from the ranch, We were riding on under developed roads which were laden full of concrete rocks in the sweltering heat and led me to be irritated. The horse they provided me with seemed frail, kept tripping on rocks, and the saddle kept shifting and seemed uncomfortable with my body weight. (170lbs 5’9) and I was cautious afraid of falling.. As we proceeded on the road, I saw shacks old houses that looked barren and desolate. There were random dogs and farm animals roaming the street along with the locals with their donkeys; which made me feel I was taking more of a urban adventure tour than a sightseeing tour.
For about much the first hour the horse trotted uphill, on the rocky path; my buttocks were being constantly pummeled from the bouncing and the chaffing caused from the friction of riding didn’t help either.
It was discouraging just to think that this is what I signed up for.
After letting our guides know, Rafael, Valerie and I swapped horses and afterwards the pain started to ease up a little. (Thank you Ranchero, Rafael’s horse)
On the road Rafael showed me the some farms, plants such as yucca coffee beans, and local fauna as we proceed up to the mountain.
We stopped for a total of three times, at seemingly strange random places.
Shortly after reaching the mountain trail we finally reached our first stop, a large hut located on top of a hill that offered refreshments staffed by a young boy, no more than 12 years old and along with I presumed to be his younger siblings.
The place had music playing and our guides started dancing to try to liven up the mood (keep in mind its 95 degrees heat and my buttocks was never used as a jackhammer shock absorber before) I could imagine this place with a lot more people and can be quite festive, but since it was just my girlfriend and I (being in my current condition) we left shortly after.
As we reached the forest trails, most of the pain had subsided. It may have been the adrenaline or maybe I’d finally developed a technique in on learning how to ride.
The second stop was within the trail with the streams and forest that brought along a welcoming cool breeze. It was refreshing, riding on plush trails and the trees provided shade from the sun. We walked into a gated residential area, and rested in the back of what looked like someone’s backyard patio. It had an old pool table and few chairs overlooking a stream, with one door leading to the rest room and one door leading to somebody’s kitchen. We all rested up and chatted a bit then we were back on the trail. I was beginning to take in my unfamiliar surroundings and appreciate not only the beautiful scenery and the ride but everything else the is new and profound that is around me.
Our third and final stop was LUNCH!
I was extremely famished.
It was located in what appeared to be outdoor cafeteria, again it was only the 4 of us, there is a small gift shop that sells trinkets and gifts but I didn’t bring enough cash to shop.
Rafael gave us a tour of the kitchen which was located in a small dark wooden shack. At first my trepidation for dark and dank places got the better of me, but I finally gave in and to my surprise it was a clean and cool inside with a aromatic old wood or coal fired oven. We saw our food being freshly prepared by our cook, an elderly lady. Our rice was being cooked in an old pot under an open flame while our chicken was being grilled. It smelled wonderful and made my mouth water. When the food came out it was set up family style. The food was plentiful in many plates consisting of salad, fried yucca, white rice, beans, beef stew and grilled chicken. At first I was shocked to see chicken wings so small, then I came to realize that chicken is supposed to be this size; farm raised and hormone free. I devoured my entire meal while Valerie enlightened us with her experiences as a “perma-vacationer” from Canada; which we enjoyed very much. This was my first true organic homemade meal = heaven for a city slicker like me. I went back for seconds..and maybe a third.
Afterwards we had deliciously coffee, black with sugar. I was reenergized and ready to go. My girlfriend and I were a little disappointed to learn that the next 30-40 minutes would be the last part of our excursion.
Talk about saving the best for last! Valerie helped us take pictures on our horses with breathtaking vistas that overlooked Playa Dorada.
We ventured through nice plush dirt paths which Our horses for the first time galloped (run) in tandem, and they were overtaking each other to see who would can ahead on the narrow paths. At this point the horse was didn’t heed to my reins and gained speed to pass horse my girlfriend was riding. My fear of the horse losing control was entirely non-existent. I belted out “woooooooohoooo!”. I wanted Ranchero to go faster but Valerie which was ahead of us had to ride the same frail horse I was riding earlier in the day. The last stretch of the path that was extremely muddy, our horses kicked up the mud all over our bodies and there we laughed it off like kids would. Finally we went through some bushes and that that felt like exiting a tunnel and we realize were already back on the same rocky path that led to the ranch. It was a shortcut back to the ranch compared to the long uphill stretch from the beginning of the excursion.
When we arrived back to the ranch. My demeanor was relaxed and ecstatic as opposed to being irritated and tense as I was earlier. I felt like a kid at one of those adventure thrill rides at Disney. The beginning i was discouraged and tense, and as the ride unfolded it kept on getting better and better. When I finally got the chance to appreciate and enjoy it, it was over. I saw many things I have never in my life encountered before and am not sure I will see again. To learn and see firsthand the daily lives of the locals such as their living quarters, cooking, farms and sampling their food is truly an rewarding experience. To see such amazing scenery and beautiful vistas all in one day; from riding though slummy neighborhoods then to the mountain through forests, rocks, glades streams, and mud and back. I don’t think any other tour can provide that. It was truly great experience, thanks you Ranchero Lorilar.
Rafael and Valerie were fantastic guides that truly complement each other, due to it being a low season it was only the two of us for the full day.
I tipped Rafael 25 dollars for the both of us. The ranch solely relies on word-of-mouth referrals as their advertising, yet they are #1 on Tripadvisor for things to do in Puerto Plata for a reason. I hope this article was insightful for you and hope you will have just as great of an experience as it was for me.
Written 5 October 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pjbyorks
Yorkshire4 contributions
Really enjoyed this excursion, you get to ride through the beautiful Dominican mountains and countryside. The horses were friendly and well looked after and as an experienced rider there was plenty of opportunity for a good gallop, however I found it slightly concerning that those who had never ridden before were also allowed to canter/gallop! Otherwise was fab, take some money to buy your cowboy picture!
Written 15 June 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Warren2011_12
Toronto, Canada9 contributions
Dec 2011 • Family
great time, friendly people, interesting ride, highly recommend.
Written 1 January 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin K
2 contributions
Nov 2014
As a professional horseman travelling. To the dominican to ride horses I was very disappointed. Joyce. Seems like a very nice lady so does the staff.. Unfortunately the physical health of the horses is the greatest concern. Malnutrition and over all lack of proper medical attention was fully apparent and visible
I'm sorry for my truth in this review I know times are tough financial but proper equine care is a must in this day and age. I wish upon you reading this review that you take the proper steps in order to better the health of your herd.
I'm sorry for my truth in this review I know times are tough financial but proper equine care is a must in this day and age. I wish upon you reading this review that you take the proper steps in order to better the health of your herd.
Written 19 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
websterd1
Glasgow2 contributions
June 30 2007
Debbie & Robert, Scotland
Fantastic excursion rising through the dominican coutryside with experienced guides & horses.
I am a fairly confident rider however was a bit apprehensive to start with as there is riders & non riders on the ride although i was glad to be riding with my partner who had never been on a horse before.
Was a bit concious of the non riders who couldn't control the horses to the same extent as a rider but was not so much of a worry (as my partner was one of them) both of us had a great time & especially enjoyed the galloping.
Everyone on the ride had a great time & Joyce the owner was hilarious & made us all feel welcome before the ride!!.
Didn't feel so comfortable riding with the one hand (cowboy style) but the guide said he would make an exception for the english way of riding so rode as i would back home half way through the excursion & and felt much better & more comfortable!!
will certainly return to these stables when i return to dominican hopefully in the not so near future it was a fab experience so different from back home!!
Don't be put off by bad comments you hear about the rides - i nearly was and i am now so glad that i wasn't.
Debbie & Robert, Scotland
Fantastic excursion rising through the dominican coutryside with experienced guides & horses.
I am a fairly confident rider however was a bit apprehensive to start with as there is riders & non riders on the ride although i was glad to be riding with my partner who had never been on a horse before.
Was a bit concious of the non riders who couldn't control the horses to the same extent as a rider but was not so much of a worry (as my partner was one of them) both of us had a great time & especially enjoyed the galloping.
Everyone on the ride had a great time & Joyce the owner was hilarious & made us all feel welcome before the ride!!.
Didn't feel so comfortable riding with the one hand (cowboy style) but the guide said he would make an exception for the english way of riding so rode as i would back home half way through the excursion & and felt much better & more comfortable!!
will certainly return to these stables when i return to dominican hopefully in the not so near future it was a fab experience so different from back home!!
Don't be put off by bad comments you hear about the rides - i nearly was and i am now so glad that i wasn't.
Written 11 August 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChrisSmith64
South Brunswick, NJ8 contributions
Jun 2014 • Couples
What an amazing experience. This excursion goes way beyond a “horseback ride”.
I’m going to guess that, if you’re on the fence as to whether or not you want to do this, your thoughts are focused on whether or not you wish to ride a horse for a day. But it’s not all about that. The horse is just merely the vehicle used to take you through the daily lives of the Dominican people. That’s what this excursion ended up being for me and my girlfriend – we went into the “backyards” of these friendly people and saw the “real Dominican Republic”, as advertised by the ranch.
Our guides, Pedro and “Crazy” Alex, are two of the greatest guys you’ll ever meet! Pedro took the lead for the other horses to follow and Alex had our backs and kept us fully entertained and laughing throughout the entire ride! This rider configuration made us feel very safe, as we knew they had their eyes on us at all times and were ready to step in if anything arose (but nothing did arise).
I could write several paragraphs about every little thing we experienced and every stop we made along the way, but I’ll try to sum it up.
We went on the full day ride. It’s about 6 hours, which includes being picked up at the resort and then dropped off (around mid-afternoon). This works out well because you get back in time to clean up and still have a full evening for dinner and whatever else you wish to do.
We were taken deep into the hills up and down rocky dirt roads passing right by the homes, schools, shops and places of worship that make up the isolated neighborhoods of the local people. We passed by these people as they sat on their porches, outside the stores or were traveling by foot along the road. Alex called out to each and every one of them (in Spanish) and they all responded to him in an enthusiastic and friendly way. My girlfriend and I also greeted the locals with an, “Hola!”, as we rode by and they responded back to us. We thought it was the neatest thing! They are all very nice people.
Now, here is where the “horseback ride” transformed into “an experience” for me.
As tourists, we, easily and understandably, fell into the mode that everything we encountered on vacation was “there for us”. The resort staff was there for us. The food was there for us. The drinks were there for us. The ranch was there for us. The horses were there for us. The mountains were there for us. I, naturally, carried that mentality into this excursion. I sadly admit (and I’m speaking for myself, not my girlfriend), it took about 5 or 10 minutes for me to realize that the people we encountered were NOT there for us! They were not employees of the resort. They were not actors. We were passing by real people and got to witness what their daily lives were all about. It was a turning point for me. Seeing and realizing the differences between their daily lives and mine, and the hardships they endure, snapped me out of vacation mode and put my head in the proper place. From that moment on I viewed everything else we encountered through that lens. We were strangers in their neighborhood and they were kind enough to allow and welcome us foreigners into their world.
I hope it’s not wrong for me to say this, but I must: if you think your life is tough and you have troubles, go on this ride. You will leave for the day realizing that you have it pretty good and you should be thankful for what you do have. You will also realize that the people you met taught you that you can enjoy life and be very happy even with very little luxuries, if any, to speak of. Now, my girlfriend is a sweetheart who does not need to be taught such a lesson, but I certainly walked away with a new perspective on life.
Again, I could go on and on and on about each of the three stops we made along the way, but the only thing I’ll say is that it was an amazing experience each time we got off the horses to sit down and talk and interact with the real Dominican people. They are welcoming, they speak English very well, they understood my poor Spanish and the lunch they cooked us was delicious! (And I’m a picky eater.)
The obvious thing that I have not yet commented on is the scenery – it was spectacular! And I never use the word, “spectacular”. Lol. We have lots of great pictures and video. Alex constantly offered to take our camera to get great shots of the two of us. We can’t thank him enough.
Another quick mention is about the river. We were taken through isolated fields and narrow trails and rode alongside a beautiful, secluded river. We stopped and were given the opportunity to swim in a deep section of it. The water was clean and refreshing to dip into after a couple of hours of riding on the hot day we had.
Our horses, Papo (PAH-po) and Blass (bl-ah-ce), were two of the nicest and calmest horsies you could imagine. They were so good! And they love bananas. We took some bananas from the buffet at our resort and feed them to our horses at the end of the ride. They appreciated the treat!
BTW – my girlfriend has been on a horse once or twice in her life and I’ve only been on a horse once when I was 13. Even if you’re not an experienced rider, like us, you’ll find that the guidance you get is all you need to feel very comfortable and riding like a pro!
The day we went on this ride was my 50th birthday. I could have chosen any other vacation destination and any other excursion I wished for this special day of mine. It is now in-the-books that I spent it at Rancho Lorilar experiencing things I will never forget. Two weeks later I have never questioned my choice and I will never regret it. We continue to watch the video we shot and it keeps bringing us back.
Do not leave the Dominican Republic without going on this ride. You will not regret it!
I’m going to guess that, if you’re on the fence as to whether or not you want to do this, your thoughts are focused on whether or not you wish to ride a horse for a day. But it’s not all about that. The horse is just merely the vehicle used to take you through the daily lives of the Dominican people. That’s what this excursion ended up being for me and my girlfriend – we went into the “backyards” of these friendly people and saw the “real Dominican Republic”, as advertised by the ranch.
Our guides, Pedro and “Crazy” Alex, are two of the greatest guys you’ll ever meet! Pedro took the lead for the other horses to follow and Alex had our backs and kept us fully entertained and laughing throughout the entire ride! This rider configuration made us feel very safe, as we knew they had their eyes on us at all times and were ready to step in if anything arose (but nothing did arise).
I could write several paragraphs about every little thing we experienced and every stop we made along the way, but I’ll try to sum it up.
We went on the full day ride. It’s about 6 hours, which includes being picked up at the resort and then dropped off (around mid-afternoon). This works out well because you get back in time to clean up and still have a full evening for dinner and whatever else you wish to do.
We were taken deep into the hills up and down rocky dirt roads passing right by the homes, schools, shops and places of worship that make up the isolated neighborhoods of the local people. We passed by these people as they sat on their porches, outside the stores or were traveling by foot along the road. Alex called out to each and every one of them (in Spanish) and they all responded to him in an enthusiastic and friendly way. My girlfriend and I also greeted the locals with an, “Hola!”, as we rode by and they responded back to us. We thought it was the neatest thing! They are all very nice people.
Now, here is where the “horseback ride” transformed into “an experience” for me.
As tourists, we, easily and understandably, fell into the mode that everything we encountered on vacation was “there for us”. The resort staff was there for us. The food was there for us. The drinks were there for us. The ranch was there for us. The horses were there for us. The mountains were there for us. I, naturally, carried that mentality into this excursion. I sadly admit (and I’m speaking for myself, not my girlfriend), it took about 5 or 10 minutes for me to realize that the people we encountered were NOT there for us! They were not employees of the resort. They were not actors. We were passing by real people and got to witness what their daily lives were all about. It was a turning point for me. Seeing and realizing the differences between their daily lives and mine, and the hardships they endure, snapped me out of vacation mode and put my head in the proper place. From that moment on I viewed everything else we encountered through that lens. We were strangers in their neighborhood and they were kind enough to allow and welcome us foreigners into their world.
I hope it’s not wrong for me to say this, but I must: if you think your life is tough and you have troubles, go on this ride. You will leave for the day realizing that you have it pretty good and you should be thankful for what you do have. You will also realize that the people you met taught you that you can enjoy life and be very happy even with very little luxuries, if any, to speak of. Now, my girlfriend is a sweetheart who does not need to be taught such a lesson, but I certainly walked away with a new perspective on life.
Again, I could go on and on and on about each of the three stops we made along the way, but the only thing I’ll say is that it was an amazing experience each time we got off the horses to sit down and talk and interact with the real Dominican people. They are welcoming, they speak English very well, they understood my poor Spanish and the lunch they cooked us was delicious! (And I’m a picky eater.)
The obvious thing that I have not yet commented on is the scenery – it was spectacular! And I never use the word, “spectacular”. Lol. We have lots of great pictures and video. Alex constantly offered to take our camera to get great shots of the two of us. We can’t thank him enough.
Another quick mention is about the river. We were taken through isolated fields and narrow trails and rode alongside a beautiful, secluded river. We stopped and were given the opportunity to swim in a deep section of it. The water was clean and refreshing to dip into after a couple of hours of riding on the hot day we had.
Our horses, Papo (PAH-po) and Blass (bl-ah-ce), were two of the nicest and calmest horsies you could imagine. They were so good! And they love bananas. We took some bananas from the buffet at our resort and feed them to our horses at the end of the ride. They appreciated the treat!
BTW – my girlfriend has been on a horse once or twice in her life and I’ve only been on a horse once when I was 13. Even if you’re not an experienced rider, like us, you’ll find that the guidance you get is all you need to feel very comfortable and riding like a pro!
The day we went on this ride was my 50th birthday. I could have chosen any other vacation destination and any other excursion I wished for this special day of mine. It is now in-the-books that I spent it at Rancho Lorilar experiencing things I will never forget. Two weeks later I have never questioned my choice and I will never regret it. We continue to watch the video we shot and it keeps bringing us back.
Do not leave the Dominican Republic without going on this ride. You will not regret it!
Written 6 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dodgeram001
Mississauga7 contributions
Jan 2013 • Solo
This is always the best time i have ever had while in the Dominican. I have been their 11 times now and it just keeps getting better. The staff is fantastic. If you know how to ride or not they have a horse that is for everyone.Joyce is fantastic and Raphael,.Angel and Willie are so much fun. They go out of their way to make sure every one is comfortable and having a good time. I always go back there and will keep going back.
Way to go guys
Way to go guys
Written 11 January 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kiffy H
London, UK1 contribution
Jun 2012 • Couples
Absolutely fabulous company and brilliant trip, well worth the money. They look after the horses so well and you can tell by the way they react to them and you. The trip was around 2 hours long and a great way to see the mountainside of Dominican Republic. Staff were friendly and helpful, would definately recommend anyone going to Dominican to go there!!!! Your greeted by one of the friendliest women who makes you feel comfortable and who you can have a laugh with. Its not just gentle horse riding too, you get some great galloping experience and everything. A big thank you to everyone who made our trip so great!!! 5 Star trip :)
Written 7 July 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Colbs
Greensburg, PA1 contribution
Jun 2012 • Couples
For 12 years my husband has been trying to get me to go horseback riding, and I have always been too scared to do so. We are both overweight and out of shape, and I really had no desire to try horseback riding. Well, he finally convinced me that I had to try it, and I ended up LOVING IT thanks to the wonderful people at Rancho Lorilar. Joyce instructed us on the basics tenets of horseback riding in her very humorous and highly entertaining manner, while Crazy Alex and Javier proved to be conscientious and charming guides. They were all gracious and charismatic, making it such a wonderful experience. My only regret is that our resort had no bananas available at breakfast for us to take to feed to the horses. The horses really deserved a big treat for the great job they did!
Written 3 July 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SMountain
Salamanca, NY81 contributions
Dec 2011
My boyfriend and I went on the half day trip. I am a horse owner, so I am always very critical of these kinds of things. I had a great time riding! The horses are typical Dominican horses but in a little better shape than most of the others I've seen. The scenery was different than a typical beach ride you get on the island! I loved seeing the houses and livestock in the country. Gives you a new perspective on life! The guides were fun as well. Definitely would recommend Rancho Lorilar!
Written 26 December 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What is the minimum age to ride? How much is the ride?
Written 3 November 2018
rancholorilar
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Ranch is open and the horses are waiting for you!
Written 21 December 2018
I have an iPhone 6s will it still be possible to use it to take pictures I noticed when I came from the airport to my hotel cost of Dirado that he kept jumping out of the camera program and I couldn’t take any pictures
Written 27 January 2018
Sightseer384641
Keene Valley, New York
We are staying at cofresi with a group of 7, we are interested in price for a 1/2 day ride? Would it include ride to and from hotel?
Written 2 November 2017
joycethehorselady
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
call 809 885 9642 talk to joyce
Written 3 November 2017
Should we bring a backpack with personal stuff...towel etc. Alsoare helmets required
Written 28 October 2017
joycethehorselady
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
When are you arriving and to what hotel? Once I hear from you I can send you all the information.
Thanks, Joyce
Written 29 October 2017
Hiya, we've just arrived at Riu Bachata and would love to do a half day - what's the best way to book and get there? Thanks! Alice & Alex
Written 24 September 2017
Best Way is to call Joyce directly and she will set it up for you. You will love it and tell her Garry helped you and she knows me really well. I go there all the time.
her direct number is 809 261 7108 or 809 885 9642
Have a great time.
Garry
Written 25 September 2017
We arrive via cruise ship to Amber Cove. We would like to do the whole day but are concerned about time constraints. I belive we arrive at 8am and depart 5pm. Also how do we get there. If its by cab, how much is cabfare?
Written 20 August 2017
joycethehorselady
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
have you already been here? please let me know by either emailing me at ..... lorilar@gmail. com or our facebook page.
Written 29 September 2017
Hi what's the best way to book and how much is the half day ride please?
Written 28 June 2017
joycethehorselady
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Are you still interested in the tours we have for horseriding. please let me know when you are coming and to what hotel you are going to.
thanks, joyce
Written 10 July 2017
I am wondering if this is a beach ride or nature ride and how long is the 70.00 tour. I am getting so excited to go, I know this will be one of the highlights of our stay :)
Written 9 February 2017
hi, this a nature ride but one of the best ever. it lasts around 2 hours and worth every penny.
please let me know if you liked it.
Written 29 April 2017
Hi been to dominican republics many many times and been horse riding with Joyce many times!!! It was amazing every time!!! But haven't Been for 10 years!!!!!!how is Joyce and her daughter??? Her daughter must be grown up now!!!coming back in May 2017 and going to go horse riding again...could you tell me how much it is please????? Oh and how old is Sanchez from the river now??? Is he still around?? What a lovely young boy. Many thanks caroline xxx carnt wait!! It carnt come soon enough......
Written 11 September 2016
joycethehorselady
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Hi Brian, it's me, joyce. i'm fine and so are all the boys and horses!
carolina is also fine and now is 25 years old with 2 beautiful boys.
i'm not sure about sanchez....he doesn't come to the river any more.
you mentioned you might be coming back in may and if that's so message me on facebook.
see you soon.....
joyce
Written 1 May 2017
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