Combo Horseback Riding in Vallarta with ATV and Ziplines.

The best part of this Puerto Vallarta outing is the mix of three very different activities in one morning: you ride horseback through the Sierra Madre, fly across seven zip lines, and drive an ATV through rural Las Palmas. It feels less like a quick resort activity and more like a full day out in the countryside.

I like the chance to see rivers, jungle, a waterfall, and a small Jalisco village without arranging separate tours. I also like the warm, careful handling of families and beginners, especially from guides such as Beto, Rimi, and Hector. The main catch is physical effort: the horseback ride can last close to two hours, and the walk to the zip lines includes a climb.

Key points to know before booking

• Horseback riding comes first: Follow river crossings and jungle trails toward a waterfall near Las Palmas.
• Seven zip lines are included: The course suits beginners, with staff helping you feel secure at each line.
• ATV time adds a local view: You ride through Las Palmas and nearby countryside on newer four-wheelers.
• Lunch is part of the value: Expect Mexican food such as fajitas or chicken with guacamole, prepared at the ranch.
• Bring practical gear: Water shoes or secure footwear, comfortable clothes, and snacks are smart choices.
• The day is active: Most people can participate, but you should be ready for riding, walking, climbing, and outdoor heat.

A full Sierra Madre morning, not just a quick ride

This tour works because it strings together three activities that show different sides of the Puerto Vallarta area. The horseback segment puts you close to the river and forest. The zip lines give you a fast, high view of the trees and water. The ATV route brings you through Las Palmas and the rural roads beyond the usual hotel zone.

The price is $152 per person. That is not a bargain-basement outing, but it covers transportation, three substantial activities, guides, and lunch. If you paid separately for a horseback ride, zip-line course, and ATV trip, the total would likely take more time and planning. I see this as a good value for someone who wants variety and prefers one organized day.

You meet at 8:15 a.m. beside the OXXO at the corner of Carretera Barra de Navidad and Púlpito in the Zona Romántica, near Amapas. The activity returns to that same meeting point. A van ride to the ranch takes about 45 minutes, giving you a useful transition from central Puerto Vallarta to the Sierra Madre foothills.

The group can reach up to 20 people. That is large enough to create a social feel, but not so large that the entire morning should feel like a crowd moving through an amusement park. The tour is offered in English, and confirmation arrives when you book.

Horseback riding through rivers and tropical forest

The horseback portion opens the day and may be the most memorable part for anyone who wants a rural Mexican setting. You ride your own horse along the river, through tropical forest, and toward the village of Las Palmas. The route is not simply a slow circle around a corral. It includes jungle trails, river crossings, and a stop at a waterfall.

The ride can last about two hours, depending on the day’s pace. That is a long time in the saddle if you rarely ride. One useful detail is that the horses are matched to the rider’s comfort and experience. Families with children as young as seven have found the staff patient, and guides have stayed close to nervous riders.

The scenery changes as you go. You might pass through thick foliage, ride beside water, and cross streams of different sizes. This gives the route a stronger sense of place than a standard beach-area horseback ride. You are seeing the rural side of Jalisco, where the rhythm is slower and the setting feels far removed from Puerto Vallarta’s restaurants and high-rise hotels.

Wear shoes that can handle water. Water shoes are especially practical because the ride includes streams and the waterfall stop may require walking into wet areas. Comfortable footwear matters more than fashion here. You should also bring snacks and water, since the morning includes several active sections before lunch.

The waterfall stop and short jungle walk

At the waterfall, you have time for photographs and, if you wish, a swim in the fresh pools below the cascade. The swimming is an invitation, not the whole point of the stop, so you can stay dry if you prefer. The walk from the horses to the water adds a small hiking section.

This is one place where the tour asks more of you than the short description might suggest. The combination of a long horseback ride, a walk to the waterfall, and the later climb toward the zip lines can make the morning tiring. One person who enjoyed the ride chose not to continue with the hike to the zip lines and was offered more ATV time instead.

That kind of flexibility is worth noting, though you should not assume every schedule change will be possible. Tell the staff early if you need a different plan. The staff’s patience is a strong part of the outing, especially for children, first-time riders, and people who are uncertain about heights.

Seven zip lines through the trees

After the horseback section, the tour moves into its fastest stretch. The zip-line course includes seven lines crossing jungle, rivers, and open spaces in the Sierra Madre. Seven lines give you enough time to get comfortable with the equipment rather than ending just as you learn what to do.

The course is described as suitable for beginners, and the guides focus closely on safety. That does not make it effortless. You may need to hike uphill to reach the lines, and the climb can be a workout after the horse ride. One family found that even children who were hesitant about heights gained enough confidence to try the course.

Expect to hold the zip-line handle rather than casually filming yourself. You can ask staff to take pictures or video with your phone, and lockers are available for belongings. This is a practical advantage because you do not need to carry every item through the activity or buy an expensive photo package.

The zip lines provide a different view from the trail below. Instead of moving at the horse’s pace, you cross above trees and rivers in short bursts. The views are the reward, but the sensation is the main attraction. If heights make you uncomfortable, you can discuss your concerns with the guides before starting.

ATV riding through Las Palmas

The ATV segment adds a cultural and local element to the day. You ride through Las Palmas and out toward the countryside, seeing a small village and rural roads rather than staying inside a purpose-built activity area. The ride lasts roughly 45 minutes according to the detailed timing provided by the operator.

This part should appeal to you if you want some control over the pace and a break from sitting on an animal. The ATVs are described as newer machines, and the route gives you a chance to see how the town connects with the surrounding countryside.

The ride is not presented as a technical off-road challenge. It is better understood as a guided countryside route with an adventure component. That makes it approachable for many first-time riders, but you should still expect dust, outdoor conditions, and the need to follow staff instructions.

The ATV section can also help balance the day if you find the horseback portion tiring. In at least one case, extra ATV time was offered when a participant decided not to make the climb to the zip lines. Ask the staff about options if your energy or comfort changes during the morning.

Mexican lunch and tequila tasting at the ranch

Lunch comes after the activities, which is good planning. By then, you will have spent several hours riding, walking, climbing, and moving through the forest. The meal includes options such as fajitas or chicken with guacamole, and it is prepared at the ranch.

I like that lunch is not treated as an afterthought. The meal gives you a chance to sit down and enjoy the setting instead of rushing straight into a return van. Families have especially appreciated the food, and some have considered it better than meals they had in central Puerto Vallarta.

A tequila tasting is also part of the ranch atmosphere. Some visitors have bought flavored bottles, including coffee and pineapple tequila, to take home. Treat this as an optional extra rather than a reason to book. If you plan to taste, remember that you still have a ride back to Puerto Vallarta.

The ranch also has dogs, a small detail that children may enjoy. Facilities have been described as clean, and the horses are treated with care. Those points matter on an outing that depends on animals, food preparation, equipment, and a busy schedule all working well together.

What the $152 price really covers

At $152, this is a midrange to higher-priced half-day outing. The value improves if you want all three activities. You receive transportation from the central meeting point, horseback riding, the waterfall stop, seven zip lines, an ATV route, lunch, and return transportation.

The tour is less attractive if you only want one activity. A person interested solely in horseback riding may find the package longer and more active than necessary. The same goes for someone who wants only zip lining or ATVs. The appeal is the range.

I also factor in the time saved. Booking three separate activities would mean comparing transport, meeting points, meal arrangements, and schedules. Here, the staff coordinates the handoffs, and the morning runs as one connected program.

The smaller maximum group size of 20 helps support that value. It does not guarantee a private outing, but it limits the scale. The guide team can focus on matching horses, checking safety equipment, and helping people through each stage.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would recommend this for families with active children, couples who want more than a beach day, and groups looking for a shared challenge. Children aged 7, 11, 12, and 14 have taken part successfully according to the supplied information, with guides adjusting their support to each child.

It also suits a business group. The activities naturally create teamwork, particularly when one person is nervous about a horse or a zip line and the rest of the group offers encouragement. The ranch setting and shared lunch provide a relaxed finish after the active sections.

You should think twice if you dislike heights, horses, water crossings, or uneven outdoor routes. Most people can participate, but that does not mean the day is easy. You will be more comfortable if you can handle a long ride, a jungle walk, a climb, and an ATV session in one morning.

The tour is offered in English, which helps with safety instructions and coordination. If you need specific support, contact the provider before booking rather than relying on general participation information.

Practical advice for a smoother morning

Arrive ready to move. Wear comfortable clothes and footwear that can get wet. Water shoes are a smart choice for the river crossings and waterfall area, while a secure pair of closed shoes may feel better during the horseback and ATV sections.

Bring snacks, as one detailed account specifically recommends them. A phone can be useful for photographs, and the staff can help take pictures or video. Free lockers are available if you want to store items during the activities.

Keep your schedule open for the full morning. The stated duration is about five hours, but the transfer, activity changes, waterfall stop, meal, and return can make the outing feel tightly packed. The start is at 8:15 a.m., and the activity ends back at the same Puerto Vallarta meeting point.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund, so check your plans before the deadline.

Should you book Rancho Capomo?

Book it if you want one active outing with three distinct parts, especially if you value rural scenery, attentive guides, and a meal included at the ranch. The combination of river horseback riding, seven zip lines, ATVs through Las Palmas, and lunch makes the price easier to justify than it would be for a single activity.

Skip it if you want a slow morning, dislike outdoor exertion, or only want one specific adventure. For everyone else, this is a strong choice for seeing a less polished and more rural side of Puerto Vallarta. Bring secure footwear, snacks, and a willingness to get wet and tired. The reward is a full, varied morning rather than another few hours by the hotel pool.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

You meet at the OXXO beside the corner of Carretera Barra de Navidad and Púlpito 242 in Zona Romántica, Amapas, Puerto Vallarta.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 8:15 a.m.

Where does the activity end?

The tour ends back at the original meeting point in Puerto Vallarta.

How long does the tour last?

The stated duration is approximately five hours.

What activities are included?

The package includes horseback riding, a waterfall visit, seven zip lines, ATV riding, and a Mexican lunch at the ranch.

Is swimming included at the waterfall?

You are invited to swim in the fresh cascades and pools below the waterfall. Swimming is optional.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 20 people.

Can most people participate?

The activity information states that most people can participate. Since the day includes horseback riding, walking, climbing, zip lines, and ATVs, contact the provider if you have specific mobility or activity concerns.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund.