Horseback riding in Puerto Penasco
ILove Mexico. I love the people. I love the culture. I love the spirt. I’m always struck at the resourcefulness of the residences of Puerto Peñasco, or Mexico, for that matter. Everywhere you travel small business owners are setting up shop catering to every kind of need and want of the visiitors..

Just a Handshake
I remember on one bright and warm day, my wife and I rented a jet ski from vendors on the beach. I handed the guy my money and he handed me the key’s to the jet ski. No paperwork, no safety lesson, no deposit. How refreshing it was to negotiate a price and have a simple gentleman's agreement. Just a handshake and commitment to bring the jet ski back in an hour. Obviously, you have to use common sense when striking a deal, but the deal was a far cry from the complicated and compliance ridden finance world I come from in the States.

JR's El Establo
Not far from Sandy Beach, on a dusty dirt road called Plutarco Elias Calles, on the way to Max’s, is JR’s El Establo (JR’s Stable) offering horse back rides on the beach and tours of the Old Port. The stable is located in an area that is reminiscent of an old western movie of the 40s and 50’s. Corner bars with open court yards, dilapidated buildings with fading yellow and red paint, and

stray dogs running the town. And yet the stable owner has a relatively modern stable, wrapped in colorful banner flags with a large red and white hand painted sign out front advertising horses for rent. As you enter the stable you’ll find the guides lounging around on hand woven hammocks that are hung from the barn’s rafters as they wait for their next riders. You can rent the horse for a one hour tour ofSandy Beach or the Old Port for $25-$30 dollars depending on the season or a two hour “special” tour for $50 dollars.

The horse rentals are no different than the jet ski rentals. Hand over the money and your handed the reins. A few tips on horse control and off you go.- with a guide of course. Included for the price is a horseback ride on the beach with nothing but the sound of the waves, spectacular views beach and the graceful gallup of a beautiful animal.

El Establo can be found on Street Plutarco Elias Calles and Street 13 west of Benito Juarez Blvd. The stable is open from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM Mexican Time.