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If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to stumble into one of those “how the hell did I find this?” travel moments… this is it.
I didn’t plan this. I didn’t book it weeks in advance. I didn’t even know I was going horseback riding that day.
I walked into Marte’s Place Cozumel for a couple of drinks.
That’s how this story starts.
From Cold Drinks to One of the Best Experiences in Mexico
Marte’s Place has already earned its reputation (at least in my world) as one of the best hidden gems in Cozumel. Incredible handcrafted woodwork, fresh drinks, and food that flat-out punches above anything else I had on the island. But what a lot of people don’t realize is this place isn’t just about food and drinks.
It’s a launchpad for adventure.
While I was hanging out with Marte, drink in hand, we got talking about what else there was to do nearby. That’s when he pointed me toward something I didn’t expect.
Horseback riding. To the beach. Through the jungle.
I was in.
Meet Pekas from La Patrona
This is where things go from “cool excursion” to “damn, this was something special.”
I linked up with Pekas from La Patrona, and right away you could tell this wasn’t some cookie-cutter, mass-tourism setup. No big groups. No rushed instructions. No feeling like just another number.
This was personal.
I was rolling solo on this trip, which can go one of two ways. Either you feel like you’re missing out on sharing the moment… or you get lucky and meet someone like Pekas, who steps in and makes the entire experience feel effortless.
He didn’t just guide the ride.
He made the experience.
I knew Pekas and I were going to hit it off right away when he said, “You would look a lot better with a beer in hand on the back of that horse…” Yep, this is my kinda guy!
The Ride: Jungle, Wildlife, and Zero Crowds
We kicked things off heading through the jungle, beers in hand, and right away you realize this isn’t the polished, overdeveloped side of Cozumel that most tourists see.
This is the wild side.
The real side.
The trail winds through thick greenery, uneven terrain, and stretches where it’s just you, your horse, and whatever decides to show up along the way. And yeah… that includes wildlife.
We spotted birds everywhere, and at certain points along the ride, you’re looking at areas where crocodiles are known to hang out. That’s when it hits you. This isn’t staged. This isn’t a controlled environment.
This is real.
And that’s exactly what makes it so damn good.
No crowds. No noise. No lines. Just the sound of hooves hitting dirt and whatever the jungle wants to throw at you that day.
The Payoff: A Beach Most People Will Never See
Then you hit the beach.
And this is where it all pays off.
We’re not talking about a packed shoreline with beach chairs stacked on top of each other. No resorts. No vendors. No chaos.
This is untouched.
Wide open stretches of sand. Waves crashing in from the ocean side. Views that feel like they haven’t changed in decades.
And the best part?
Most people will never see this.
Because you can’t just walk here. You can’t Uber here. You can’t stumble into it off a cruise excursion list.
You have to earn it.
And earning it on horseback just hits different.
Traveling Solo? You’re Still Covered
One of the biggest things I’ll call out here, especially if you travel solo like I do sometimes, is how well this experience works even when you’re on your own.
Pekas didn’t just guide the ride. He made sure I had photos, videos, and moments captured that I wouldn’t have been able to get otherwise. He straight up became my photographer, making sure I didn’t leave with just memories in my head, but actual content I could take home with me.
That matters.
Because let’s be honest, half the reason we do this stuff is to relive it later… and maybe make a few people a little jealous along the way.
Mission accomplished.
Back to Marte’s Place: The Perfect Finish
After the ride, you head right back to Marte’s Place Cozumel, and honestly, there’s no better way to wrap it up.
Cold drinks. Great food. That laid-back atmosphere that makes you forget what time it is or where you’re supposed to be next.
If you haven’t tried the Mayan Paloma yet, fix that immediately. Fresh fruit, perfectly balanced, and exactly what you want after a ride like this.
And the food?
Still the best I’ve had on the island.
No exaggeration.
Why Marte’s Place is a One-Stop Must Visit in Cozumel
This is what makes Marte’s Place different.
It’s not just a restaurant.
It’s not just a bar.
It’s not just a place to grab a drink and move on.
It’s a hub.
You can show up for lunch, stay for drinks, and walk away with one of the best experiences of your entire trip. Whether you’re on a cruise and only have a day or you’re staying longer and want something real, something different, something off the beaten path… this is where you go.
And I’m not done yet.
Next time I’m back (which is literally next week), I’m diving into their ATV jungle excursions. Because if this horseback ride is any indication, they’re not doing anything halfway out here.
How to Book Your Horseback Riding Adventure
If you’re heading to Cozumel, here’s what you need to know.
Start at Marte’s Place Cozumel.
Grab a drink. Talk to Marte. Ask about the excursions.
Or, if you want to plan ahead, head over to MartesPlaceCozumel.com and reach out directly via WhatsApp. That’s how a lot of these experiences get set up, and honestly, it keeps things simple and personal.
No middleman. No inflated pricing. Just real people setting up real experiences.
Final Thoughts: This is Why You Travel
This right here is why I do what I do.
Not the big resorts. Not the overhyped excursions. Not the stuff you can book with one click and forget about.
It’s the moments you don’t see coming.
The ones that start with “I’ll just stop in for a drink” and end with you riding a horse through the jungle to a beach most people will never experience.
That’s Cozumel at its best.
That’s travel at its best.
And if you’re even thinking about it…
Just go.
PS… Pekas, if your reading this, my friend! I will see you soon! Can’t wait to ride with you again! I need my own cowboy hat now!!!
