CDMX Forest Adventure: ATVs, Horses, Ziplines & Transport

La Marquesa gives you a side of Mexico that city breaks often miss: broad forested valleys, outdoor activity stations and a horseback ride to a viewpoint. In one outing, you get four ziplines, an inflatable tube run, an ATV ride and time on horseback, all beyond the city.

I like two things in particular: the mix of activities makes the trip feel like a full day outdoors, and transport is included, sparing you the challenge of reaching the park on your own. A guide such as Alberto may also add context about Mexico City and the surrounding area during the drive.

The main consideration is the pickup. Vehicles are assigned by group size, so a small party may ride in a car rather than a minibus. One reported pickup left people uncomfortable because the car seemed dirty and had no air conditioning. Confirm your name with the driver, and contact the operator right away if the vehicle or pickup does not feel right.

• Four ziplines cross La Marquesa’s valleys, with the first described as more than a kilometer long and over 200 meters high.
• A tube run adds a quick, silly thrill between the zipline segments.
• The ATV ride lasts 30 minutes, with time to explore an open valley away from the usual trails.
• Horseback riding takes about 30 minutes and leads to a viewpoint.
• Round-trip transport and activity equipment are included, while food, drinks and guide gratuities are not.
• The group is capped at 10, and the zipline and horseback rides have separate weight limits.

From Mexico City to La Marquesa’s open valleys

The outing starts at 9:00 am, with pickup possible from hotels and Airbnbs. To reduce time spent in city traffic, the operator asks you to come to one of three meeting points: Ángel de la Independencia on Reforma, Parque Lincoln in Polanco or Parque México in Condesa. Confirm your pickup plan before the day, especially if you expect a hotel pickup.

La Marquesa National Park is the draw, and the change in setting is part of the appeal. You leave the city behind for open valleys and forest, then spend the day outdoors rather than moving between museums and urban sights. The drive itself can offer a useful contrast; on some trips, guide Alberto has shared background on Mexico City and the surrounding area in English. Your guide may be someone else, so treat that as a possibility rather than a guaranteed feature.

The experience is listed as roughly four to six hours. The activity sequence is described as about four hours, followed by an hour of free time for food and exploring before the return to Mexico City. These estimates leave room for the transport and the pace of the day, so avoid building a tight appointment immediately after the tour.

Four ziplines and a fast tube run

The first activity is a zipline described as more than 200 meters high and over a kilometer long, carrying you above La Marquesa’s valleys. That height and distance make this more than a brief line across a small clearing. You get a long look at the park from above, along with the rush of moving through the air.

Three more ziplines follow. Each is described as different in distance, speed and height, so the sequence offers some variety rather than repeating the same ride four times. The actual order and feel of each line can depend on the setup on the day, but the plan is to do all four.

The tube run is a different kind of fun: you spin down a slope in an inflatable tube. It is described as dizzying, which is fair warning if you are sensitive to spinning. It also breaks up the zipline sequence with something less technical and more playful.

All activity equipment is included. The stated maximum weight for the zipline is 220.5 pounds, or 100 kilograms. Check that limit before booking if it may apply to you, since the horseback riding limit is different.

Thirty minutes on an ATV

The ATV portion gives you 30 minutes to ride through another of the park’s open valleys. The route is described as going beyond traditional trails, giving you a closer look at the surroundings than you get from the zipline platforms. It is a short ride, but it adds a hands-on change of pace after the aerial activities.

If you are nervous about driving your own ATV, say so to the team. One participant was able to ride behind their companion rather than operate a separate vehicle. That suggests some flexibility, but it is wise to ask in advance rather than assume a passenger arrangement will always be available.

The experience is presented as an opportunity to explore on your own, but you should follow staff instructions and stay within the route they set. The forest setting and open valley are part of the appeal; the ride is not a long off-road expedition.

A horseback ride to a viewpoint

The final activity is a 30-minute horseback ride through the woods to a viewpoint. It brings the pace down after the ATV and ziplines and gives you a different way to take in the park. You do not need to be an experienced rider to consider it: a group with novice riders was guided at a level that suited their ability.

The horseback weight limit is 253.53 pounds, or 115 kilograms, higher than the zipline limit. If you are close to either maximum, use the stricter limit for the activity you plan to do and confirm any concerns with the operator before booking.

One participant described the horses as well cared for. That is a reassuring detail, though it does not replace your own comfort check when you meet the horse and staff. If you are uneasy, tell the team before the ride begins.

An hour to eat and take a look around

After the activities, you have an hour of free time for food and exploring. Food and drinks are not included, so bring cash and plan to buy something during this break. The hour also gives you a chance to catch your breath, especially if you have done every activity.

This is not a guided meal stop with a set menu described in advance. The practical benefit is flexibility: you can use the time to eat, look around or simply rest before the trip back. If you have dietary needs or want a specific meal, ask the operator what options are available rather than counting on a particular food choice.

What the $180 price includes

At $180 per person, this is not a bargain-basement activity, but the price covers several separate experiences in one outing. Ziplines, the tube run, ATV use, horseback riding, equipment and round-trip transportation are included. Booking the activities separately and arranging your own transport could take more time and money, particularly because the park is outside central Mexico City.

The value depends on how much you want to do. If you plan to try all four activity types, bundling them with transport is convenient. If you only want a zipline or a horseback ride, this packed format may be more than you need.

Food, drinks and guide tips are extra. Carry cash for the food stop and gratuities. The maximum group size is 10, which keeps the outing smaller than a large coach excursion, though your specific vehicle still depends on how many people are traveling that day.

Transport: useful, but confirm the vehicle

Included transport is one of the strongest practical reasons to book. La Marquesa is not a casual walk from the city, and the operator handles the round trip. The vehicle is assigned according to group size: a small group may use a private car, while a larger party gets a larger vehicle. Drivers are described as authorized and vehicles as suitable for the activity.

That arrangement can be comfortable and efficient, but it also means you should not assume you will ride in a minibus. One pickup complaint involved a dirty, musty sedan with damp seats and no air conditioning; the people in that group felt unsafe and left before the tour. The operator apologized and said it would review transport standards. This is a single reported incident, not proof that every pickup has a problem, but it is worth taking seriously.

At pickup, confirm your name with the driver. If the vehicle condition or presentation concerns you, contact the operator immediately rather than feeling obliged to get in. Clear communication matters more when a small group is placed in a car instead of a larger vehicle.

Who will get the most from this outing

This trip suits you if you want a high-activity day outside Mexico City and like the idea of switching between speed, height and slower time outdoors. It is especially appealing if you are comfortable trying several activities and want transport handled as part of the booking.

You should have a moderate level of physical fitness. The day includes multiple activities, and you will need to be comfortable following staff instructions and moving between them. The stated weight limits are 220.5 pounds for ziplining and 253.53 pounds for horseback riding. Comfortable shoes are recommended, and you should bring sun protection.

Pack a jacket or sweater during winter or the rainy season. Weather matters: if poor conditions cancel the outing, you will be offered another date or a full refund. The tour has free cancellation up to 24 hours before its start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book the La Marquesa adventure?

Book it if you want an active, varied escape from the city and will make use of the zipline, tube, ATV and horse ride. The combination saves the trouble of organizing several activities and transport separately, while the forest setting gives you a clear change from central Mexico City.

Think twice if you prefer a quiet nature visit, want only one activity, or are uncomfortable with a vehicle assignment that may be a car for a small group. Confirm pickup details, check the weight limits, bring cash and suitable clothing, and speak up if the vehicle does not feel acceptable. With those points settled, this is a practical way to spend a half-day outdoors.

FAQ

How long does the experience take?

The tour is listed as approximately four to six hours. The activity sequence is described as four hours, with an additional hour of free time for food and exploring before returning to Mexico City.

What time does the tour start?

The stated start time is 9:00 am.

Where can I meet the transport?

The suggested meeting points are Ángel de la Independencia on Reforma, Parque Lincoln in Polanco and Parque México in Condesa. Pickup from hotels and Airbnbs is also offered, though the operator asks you to use a meeting point to avoid city center traffic.

What activities are included?

The outing includes four ziplines, an inflatable tube run, about 30 minutes on an ATV and about 30 minutes horseback riding. Activity equipment is included.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Round-trip transportation is included. The vehicle is assigned according to group size, so a small group may use a private car and a larger group a bigger vehicle.

What is the maximum group size?

The activity has a maximum of 10 participants.

Are there weight limits?

Yes. The zipline maximum is 220.5 pounds, or 100 kilograms. The horseback riding maximum is 253.53 pounds, or 115 kilograms.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. There is an hour of free time after the activities, and you should bring cash.

What should I bring, and what happens if the weather is poor?

Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, cash, and a jacket or sweater in winter or rainy season. If poor weather cancels the experience, you will be offered another date or a full refund.