Sierra Madre Horseback Riding and ATV Tour

The best part of this Puerto Vallarta outing is the change of scene. Within a half-day, you leave the coast for the Sierra Madre, ride a horse through tropical forest toward a waterfall, then switch to an ATV for roads through small villages and farmland. It feels far removed from the hotel zone.

I like the two-part adventure, which gives you more variety than a single activity. I also like that lunch, drinks, taxes, and transport are included, so the $150 price covers much of the day rather than just the rides. The main caution is that the waterfall requires a serious uphill walk, and the ATV portion may use regular roads instead of rugged off-road trails.

Key points

• Horse ride to a waterfall: Expect about 90 minutes on horseback, with uneven stretches and a worthwhile waterfall stop.
• ATV ride through rural Mexico: The route passes villages and country scenery, but it may feel tame if you want technical off-road driving.
• Rancho Capomo as the base: The ranch is the starting point, lunch stop, and end point for the outing.
• Food and drinks included: Lunch, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and an open bar are part of the price.
• Small maximum group: The tour accepts no more than 20 people, though the pace and vehicle setup can vary.
• A half-day away from the beach: The 8:15 am start makes this a useful choice when your Puerto Vallarta schedule is tight.

From Puerto Vallarta to Rancho Capomo

This excursion starts at 8:15 am, with pickup and return to designated meeting points. One pickup example used an Oxxo only a five-minute walk from a hotel, so your meeting spot may be a simple local landmark rather than a resort lobby. Confirm the exact point when you book.

The drive takes you away from the busy resort strip toward Rancho Capomo and the village of Las Palmas. That change matters. You are not simply riding around a purpose-built activity park. The route leads into a rural part of the Sierra Madre, where small communities, farms, and forest become part of the day.

The ranch serves three jobs: it is where the activities begin, where lunch is served, and where the tour ends. This keeps the day easy to follow. You do not need to find a second restaurant or arrange separate transport between the horse ride and ATV ride.

The group limit is 20 people. That is small enough to avoid a giant convoy, though your actual group could be much smaller. On one outing, only two people took part, creating a more personal experience. A small group can also mean the guide adjusts the pace more easily, but it is worth asking how many people are booked if that affects your decision.

Horseback riding through the Sierra Madre

The horseback section is the more scenic half of the day. You ride through tropical forest and along rural paths toward a waterfall, with the setting changing from open country to wooded mountain terrain. The ride usually lasts around 90 minutes, based on the timing reported for the outing.

You do not need to be an expert rider to consider this trip, but you should be ready for a real country ride rather than a flat arena circuit. The route includes uneven ground, and keeping your balance matters in a few places. One family with children aged 10 and 12 managed the activity, but the ride still calls for attention and comfort around horses.

The horses have been described as well cared for, which is an important point for anyone choosing a riding excursion. Staff help participants get started, and several guides have been praised for being friendly and watchful. Sergio and Hector received especially strong praise for leading the horseback and ATV portions, while Berto was noted for being on time, funny, and conversational during pickup and the outing.

Still, guide quality can shape the whole day. One dissatisfied couple reported a late pickup and a guide who hurried an inexperienced rider and made discouraging remarks. That account differs sharply from the many positive reports, but it is useful practical information. If you are nervous around horses, say so clearly at the start and expect patient instruction, not an advanced riding lesson.

Wear clothes that can get dusty or wet. Stretch before leaving, especially your legs and lower back. The trail can be demanding, and the waterfall walk is not a lazy stroll. Good footwear matters more here than stylish beach sandals.

The waterfall is worth the climb

The waterfall is the natural payoff of the horse ride. Reaching it involves an uphill hike, and several accounts stress that this is a proper climb. The phrase Mexican hike was used to describe it, which is a friendly warning to take the effort seriously.

The reward is a waterfall in a forested mountain setting. The water and shade provide a welcome break after the ride, and this stop gives the first half of the tour a clear purpose. You are not just riding in circles. You are heading toward a specific natural feature.

The hike may be the hardest part of the excursion. If you have limited mobility, recent injuries, or simply dislike steep walking, this deserves careful thought. The general participation note says most people can take part, but that does not mean the climb will feel easy for everyone.

Give yourself time to enjoy the stop instead of treating it as a quick photo break. The waterfall is one of the most praised parts of the outing, and rushing past it would miss the point. Bring only what you can carry comfortably, since the ride and walk are more enjoyable with your hands free.

Switching from horses to ATVs

After returning to the ranch, you move to the ATV portion. The ride generally lasts about 60 to 70 minutes, though the exact timing may depend on the day and group. The change from horseback to motor vehicle keeps the outing lively without making you commit to one activity for five hours.

The ATV route travels through villages and rural country. You may pass farms, local homes, and ordinary roads that show how people live beyond the resort area. This is one of the more interesting parts for anyone who wants a glimpse of Puerto Vallarta’s inland side rather than another organized beach activity.

Be realistic about the kind of ATV trip this is. Several positive accounts describe beautiful scenery and enjoyable village riding, but one account found the route too ordinary because it stayed on roads and did not offer genuine off-road trails. If you want mud, steep climbs, and technical driving, this may feel mild.

The vehicle arrangement also deserves attention. One couple expected each person to have a separate ATV but was asked to share one. The supplied tour details do not promise one vehicle per participant, so ask before booking if individual driving is important to you. That single question could prevent a major mismatch between expectation and experience.

Follow the guide’s instructions and keep your attention on the road. The ride is described as peaceful and easy by some participants, but rural roads and village traffic still require care. The appeal here is seeing the countryside and enjoying the ride, not racing.

Lunch at Rancho Capomo

Lunch takes place back at the ranch, where the staff also serve the included drinks. This is more than a convenient meal between activities. It gives you a chance to sit down, cool off, and talk about the morning before heading back to Puerto Vallarta.

The food receives unusually warm praise. Carne asada, homemade tortillas, Mexican dishes, margaritas, beer, and soft drinks are all part of the experience described in the supplied information. One account called the homemade tortillas the best part of an already excellent meal, while another singled out the carne asada and margaritas.

The open bar includes alcoholic beverages and unlimited drinks. That is useful when judging the $150 cost, since a separate meal and several drinks in Puerto Vallarta can add up quickly. Drink sensibly, especially after horseback riding and an ATV drive. The day begins with physical activity, not a poolside lounge.

A barrel-aged tequila tasting has also been part of at least one outing. It sounds like a nice local touch, but it should be viewed as a possible extra moment rather than a guaranteed feature of every departure.

Is $150 a fair price?

At $150 per person, this is not a budget activity. It becomes easier to justify when you count what is bundled: pickup and drop-off at designated meeting points, taxes and fees, horseback riding, ATV use, lunch, and unlimited drinks.

The value is strongest if you want two activities in one morning and would otherwise book separate transport, meals, or excursions. You also get access to a rural mountain setting that is difficult to experience on foot from Puerto Vallarta’s main hotel areas.

The value is weaker if you mainly want an ATV thrill ride. The route may be low-key, and road riding may take up much of the ATV section. It is also weaker if you expect a private guide, guaranteed individual vehicles, or a carefully paced lesson for first-time riders.

I would compare this with the cost of separate horseback and ATV outings, but I would also compare the actual style. This is a combined countryside day with food and drinks, not a high-speed motor adventure. That distinction is more important than the headline price.

Who will enjoy this five-hour outing?

I would suggest Rancho Capomo to couples, families with older children, and friends who want an active break from the beach. It works well for people who enjoy variety: horse riding, a waterfall, village roads, lunch, and drinks all fit into one compact schedule.

The outing also suits solo participants. A solo participant described it as a convenient one-stop way to find something active beyond the beach, with pickup, staff, activities, and lunch all handled in one booking.

Families should think about the hiking and riding demands. Children aged 10 and 12 have taken part, but the waterfall climb and uneven horse trail may be tiring. Ask about the riding setup and vehicle arrangements before paying if your group has mixed ages or little experience.

This is less suitable for anyone seeking luxury, silence, or a polished resort-style production. The setting is rural and the day can feel informal. That is part of its charm, but it also means the experience depends heavily on the guide and on how clearly the activity is explained before you start.

Practical details before you book

The tour is offered in English, and confirmation is sent at booking. Most people can participate, but the ride includes a demanding hike and uneven terrain, so consider your own fitness rather than relying only on the general participation statement.

The tour starts at 8:15 am and ends back at the meeting point after about five hours. That leaves much of the afternoon free for the beach, a late lunch, or another Puerto Vallarta activity.

Bring comfortable clothes, sturdy shoes, and protection from the sun. Stretch before the hike, and avoid bringing anything you would hate to get dusty. Since souvenir photos are not included, you can purchase them separately if you want a record of the ride.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.

Should you book Rancho Capomo?

I would book this if you want a full half-day of mixed activities and care as much about seeing rural Mexico as you do about adrenaline. The horseback ride, waterfall, friendly staff, hearty lunch, and open bar create a generous package, especially for a first visit to Puerto Vallarta.

I would pause if your main goal is serious ATV riding or if each person in your group must have a separate machine. Ask about the route and vehicle setup before booking. Also, be ready for a genuine hike and remember that guide service can vary.

For the right person, Rancho Capomo offers a useful break from the coast: horses into the forest, a waterfall on foot, ATVs through villages, then carne asada and margaritas at the ranch. It is active, informal, and best enjoyed with realistic expectations.

FAQ

Where does the Sierra Madre Horseback Riding and ATV Tour take place?

The tour is based at Rancho Capomo near the village of Las Palmas, in the Sierra Madre outside Puerto Vallarta. The ranch is the start point, lunch location, and end point.

What time does the tour start?

The stated start time is 8:15 am. Pickup is provided from designated meeting points.

How long does the experience last?

The full activity lasts approximately five hours. The horseback ride has been reported at about 90 minutes, and the ATV section at about 60 to 70 minutes.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included at Rancho Capomo, along with unlimited drinks, alcoholic beverages, beer, margaritas, and soft drinks.

Does the tour include a waterfall visit?

Yes. The horseback route leads to a waterfall. Reaching it includes an uphill hike, so you should be prepared for a physically demanding walk.

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 and are not refunded.