Puerto Vallarta: Horse Riding Tour w/ Optional ATV & Zipline

The best part of this Rancho Capomo adventure is the horse ride into the Sierra Madre, where the trail follows a river and leads to a secluded waterfall. You cross hanging bridges, walk steep steps, and may cool off in the clear water before heading back to the ranch.

I like the mix of outdoor action and local food. You get a real countryside outing, then sit down to chicken or fajitas with beans, rice, handmade tortillas, salsa, and guacamole you help prepare. The main drawback is that this is an active five-hour trip, and the horseback ride can leave a beginner sore.

Key points

• Horseback ride to a waterfall: Follow jungle trails, streams, rocks, and river crossings on a three-hour riding excursion.
• Three ways to build your day: Choose horseback riding alone, or add an ATV ride, a zipline course, or both.
• A hands-on Mexican meal: Make pico de gallo, guacamole, and tortillas before eating a generous ranch lunch.
• Pickup from set points: Use the Oxxo south of Puerto Vallarta, Starbucks Marina, or Starbucks Las Juntas in Nuevo Vallarta.
• A physical outing: Expect hiking, steep steps, bridges, and time in the saddle. This is not suited to people with limited mobility.
• Strong value at $124: The price makes the most sense if you choose several activities and want transport, guides, and lunch bundled together.

Into the Sierra Madre by Horse

This tour gets you out of Puerto Vallarta’s streets and into the countryside of Jalisco. The ride takes about three hours, with a horse trail beside a river and through the Sierra Madre jungle.

You do not need to be an expert rider. The ride is described as leisurely and suitable for different experience levels, and guides can match beginners with a gentler horse. Still, beginner-friendly does not mean effortless. Sitting in a saddle for several hours, especially over uneven ground, can make your legs and backside sore for a few days.

The trail is the heart of the experience. You may guide your horse around boulders, across shallow river sections, and along paths shaded by forest. On one stretch, the group reaches a sloping hill where you can jog the horse a little before riding back. The pace can vary, so tell the guide early if you want a calm ride or more movement.

Hector and Ramiro have been praised for keeping the activities friendly and reassuring. Sergio has also guided groups. The exact guide depends on the day, but the bilingual team speaks English and Spanish and gives direction throughout the outing.

The Waterfall Walk Is More Active Than It Sounds

At the waterfall, you dismount and continue on foot. The walk includes rope bridges, steep steps, and uneven ground. That makes the waterfall stop feel like a small jungle expedition rather than a quick photo break.

If water levels are good, you can swim in the river near the falls. Conditions can change, though. During a particularly dry visit, there was not enough water for the expected waterfall or swim, and the group was offered another horse ride instead.

That detail matters. The tour description presents the waterfall and swim as major highlights, but the actual experience depends on rainfall and river conditions. Bring swimwear if you want the option, but do not book this solely for a guaranteed swim.

The walk also explains why comfortable shoes matter. Sandals may be fine for some parts of a Mexican vacation, but this outing calls for shoes that handle mud, rocks, steps, and wet ground. Bring a towel, comfortable clothing, and a change of attitude if the exact water conditions differ from the plan.

Add the ATV Ride for More Motorized Action

The optional ATV ride takes you through the Puerto Vallarta area and the Sierra Madre rainforest. It is designed to add speed and engine noise to a day that otherwise centers on horses, hiking, and food.

The ride is not described as a nonstop off-road race. One portion may pass through town and along small roads with traffic. That is useful to know if you expect a wild backcountry route. One participant found the ATV section less appealing because it went through town, while others enjoyed the mountain views, butterflies, and wildlife sightings.

Instruction can feel brief before you set out. If you are new to ATVs, listen closely and ask questions before leaving the ranch. The route may include rivers and small roads, so you need to feel comfortable controlling the vehicle and following safety directions.

Wear long pants if you choose this option. Heat from the ATV motor can make your legs uncomfortable, especially in warm weather. The ride is a better match for someone who enjoys operating a vehicle and wants a little more action, but it may not be the best add-on for someone seeking a pure jungle route.

Thirteen Zip Lines Over the Rainforest

The zipline option takes place at an ecological park at Rancho Capomo. You fly between trees and over rivers on 13 lines, with short walks connecting the platforms.

This is the most popular choice for many people who want height and views. The course can be exciting without requiring long hikes between every line. Still, the height is real, and not everyone will want to complete all 13. One person tried a single line and decided the rest were too much, while guides helped other participants who became nervous near the final line.

That is a useful sign for families and first-timers. You can try the activity without assuming you must love every section. The guides are there to help, but you should be honest with yourself about heights before paying for the add-on.

If you combine horseback riding, ziplining, and ATVs, the day becomes quite full. The activity order may vary, but one common sequence is horses, zip lines, ATVs, then lunch. If you are doing all three, consider eating a light breakfast and bringing a small snack if permitted. Lunch may come only after the final activity.

The Ranch Lunch Is Part of the Appeal

The meal is more than a standard buffet stop. Before lunch, you learn to prepare salsa or pico de gallo, guacamole, and handmade tortillas. The vegetables may arrive before the main food, so wait for the instruction before treating them as a starter.

The main meal includes fajitas or chicken, beans, rice, salsa, guacamole, and tortillas. Portions are generous, and the food has been one of the most praised parts of the day. For many people, it becomes their favorite Mexican meal during a longer Puerto Vallarta visit.

Drinks can include water, hibiscus juice, beer, margaritas, and tequila, depending on the arrangements that day. You do not need to drink alcohol to enjoy the meal. Hibiscus juice is a refreshing alternative, and the ranch has been able to accommodate dietary restrictions when notified.

The ranch also has cats and dogs around the property. That small detail adds warmth to the lunch stop, especially for families. The meal gives you time to sit down after the physical activities, but if you have chosen all three options, you may arrive very hungry.

A Five-Hour Day With Early Pickup

The total duration is about five hours, including round-trip transportation. The van ride to the ranch takes roughly 40 minutes, so you will spend part of the morning getting beyond the city.

Hotel pickup is not available. Due to local regulations, you must meet the white Rancho Capomo van at one of the assigned points. The clearly stated pickup choices are:

• Oxxo store south of Puerto Vallarta at 8:00 a.m.
• Starbucks Marina at 8:20 a.m.
• Starbucks Las Juntas in Nuevo Vallarta at 8:40 a.m.

The van waits no longer than five minutes after the scheduled time. Arrive early, stand where the driver can see you, and look for the Rancho Capomo logo. The booking information also lists several location names, including Moyo, Púlpito, Parcela 158, OXXO, and Starbucks, so confirm your exact meeting point and time when you reserve.

The ride back ends at designated drop-off points near the same areas. This system is less convenient than hotel pickup, but it keeps the transport organized and avoids the uncertainty of finding a vehicle in a busy resort zone.

Is $124 a Fair Price?

At $124 per person, the basic price is not the cheapest way to ride a horse near Puerto Vallarta. The value improves when you consider the transport, bilingual guide, three-hour horse experience, waterfall stop, ranch meal, and food preparation lesson.

Add the ATV and zipline options, and you are paying for a full day of different activities rather than one short excursion. That combination can save you from booking separate outings, arranging transport, and spending another day getting to the countryside.

The value is weaker if you want only a brief, gentle horseback ride. You are paying for an active program with hiking and a substantial meal. The waterfall is also affected by water levels, and the ATV route may include town roads rather than a fully remote trail.

I would compare the price with your priorities. Families and groups who want several activities in one booking can get good value. A serious rider or dedicated off-road driver may prefer a specialized tour with more time focused on one activity.

Who Will Enjoy This Most?

This outing suits people who want variety. You can ride a horse, walk through the jungle, cross bridges, swim if conditions allow, zip over the trees, drive an ATV, and eat a traditional Mexican meal, all within one organized half-day.

It also works well for families with older children and teenagers. Children as young as five have enjoyed the day with their families, and teenagers often prefer the zip lines or ATVs. Age rules for each optional activity are not provided, so confirm them before booking if you are traveling with children.

You should be in reasonably good shape and comfortable with uneven surfaces. The tour is not recommended for pregnant people, people with mobility impairments, people with heart problems, or anyone over 264 pounds, or 120 kilograms.

Bring:

• Comfortable, supportive shoes
• Swimwear and a towel
• Comfortable clothes
• Long pants if choosing the ATV ride
• A small snack if you expect to get hungry before lunch
• Money for staff tips

The tour has received a 4.7 rating from 73 reviews, and transport received a perfect score from 85 percent of participants. That points to a generally well-run operation, though it does not remove the need to prepare for a physical day.

Practical Ways to Make the Day Better

Start with breakfast. If you select all three activities, lunch may not arrive until after the horseback ride, zip lines, and ATV section.

Ask for a gentle horse if you are a beginner. You can also tell the guide if you would rather keep the pace slow. Do not wait until the trail becomes uncomfortable.

Wear clothes that can get wet or dirty. River crossings, jungle paths, and the waterfall walk are not suited to your best resort outfit.

Treat the waterfall as a weather-dependent bonus rather than a promise of a perfect swimming hole. You may get a beautiful stop with enough water for swimming, or you may find lower water levels and spend more time riding.

If you want all three activities, book the longer option only if your group has the energy for it. The horse ride alone is substantial, and adding ATVs and 13 zip lines makes the schedule active from start to finish.

Should You Book Rancho Capomo?

Book this tour if you want an energetic countryside day with several kinds of fun and a genuinely satisfying meal at the end. The horseback trail, friendly bilingual guides, and hands-on tortilla and salsa preparation give the outing more character than a simple ride-and-return excursion.

Choose the ATV and zipline additions if your group likes variety and can handle a long, physical schedule. Skip the ATV if riding through town would disappoint you, and skip the zip lines if heights are a serious concern.

I would recommend the basic horse tour for beginners who want a gentle introduction to the Sierra Madre, provided they are ready for saddle time and hiking. For families, couples, and active groups, the complete package can be worth the $124 price, especially when the waterfall has plenty of water and you make full use of the optional activities.

FAQ

How long does the Puerto Vallarta horse riding tour last?

The experience lasts about five hours, including round-trip transportation. The van ride to the ranch takes approximately 40 minutes, and the horseback portion lasts about three hours.

What activities are included?

Horseback riding, round-trip transportation, and a bilingual English and Spanish guide are included. ATV riding and ziplining are included only if you select those options.

Can I swim at the waterfall?

Swimming is possible in the river near the waterfall, but water levels can vary. During dry conditions, there may not be enough water for the expected waterfall or swim.

Where is pickup available?

Pickup is available from selected meeting points rather than hotels. The stated points are the Oxxo store south of Puerto Vallarta, Starbucks Marina, and Starbucks Las Juntas in Nuevo Vallarta.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, comfortable clothes, swimwear, and a towel. Long pants are useful for the ATV ride because the motor can make your legs hot.

Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

No. The experience includes hiking, rope bridges, steep steps, and uneven ground. It is not recommended for people with limited mobility.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.