Horseback Riding Tour in Sierra Madre from Puerto Vallarta

The best part of this Sierra Madre horseback tour is that it is not just a ride in a fenced ranch or along a flat road. You cross streams, follow a river through the trees, and then leave the horses behind for a steep walk to a waterfall. The scenery feels genuinely rural, with cows, agave fields, butterflies, friendly ranch dogs, and mountain air far from Puerto Vallarta’s hotel zone.

I like two things right away: the horses are calm and well cared for, which helps first-time riders relax, and the meal afterward is a real part of the experience, not an afterthought. You get fajitas or chicken, rice, beans, guacamole, salsa, handmade tortillas, and drinks. The main caution is the waterfall walk. It includes stairs, rocks, hanging bridges, slopes, and a short section where you may need to jog, so this is more active than the phrase horseback riding might suggest.

Key Points at a Glance

• River crossings and forest trails: Expect a scenic ride beside and through small streams, with shaded stretches and uneven terrain.
• The waterfall requires a hike: You must dismount before climbing steps and crossing bridges toward the falls.
• Calm horses suit beginners: The horses are generally gentle, though basic riding instruction is brief and each animal has its own personality.
• A full Mexican meal follows the ride: Fajitas or chicken come with rice, beans, guacamole, salsa, chips, and handmade tortillas.
• Drinks are included: The open bar covers national drinks, with margaritas and tequila tasting available at the ranch.
• Transport saves time and effort: Pickup and return from Puerto Vallarta are included, with the experience beginning around 8:15 a.m.

Leaving Puerto Vallarta for Rancho Capomo

This is a half-day outing, but the time spent getting to and from the ranch matters. Depending on your pickup point and the day’s route, the van ride can take roughly 30 minutes to an hour and 15 minutes. The included transportation is useful because Rancho Capomo sits outside the easy reach of Puerto Vallarta’s local bus network.

A driver-guide such as Beto may make the ride part of the tour, pointing out places along the way and keeping the trip moving with conversation. Pickup details are sent after booking, and the tour returns to the original meeting area at the end. One practical warning: arrive early and watch your phone for updates. One account described a late pickup and an overcrowded shuttle, while many others found the transportation prompt and comfortable.

The maximum group size is 40 people. That is not a tiny private outing, but the riding group is managed by guides and ranch staff. If you care about a quieter experience, ask about the pickup arrangement and group size before booking, especially during a busy Puerto Vallarta week.

Meeting the Horses and Starting the Ride

At the ranch, you are assigned a horse and given a short explanation of how to handle it. The horses are described as healthy, gentle, and well maintained, and children may be given helmets and a safe mule to ride. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

This is a good option for a first horseback ride because the animals are usually steady and the pace is relaxed. Still, you should not expect a long riding lesson. One rider felt there was too little instruction about keeping a horse away from another horse, and a close encounter led to a horse kicking another animal. That appears to be an isolated safety concern rather than the usual experience, but it points to a useful rule: ask how to control your horse, how much space to keep, and what to do if the animal becomes unsettled.

The horses are not robots. Some have clear personalities, and one rider described a mount as moody while the other horses seemed calm. Listen closely to the guide, keep a safe gap, and tell staff if you feel uncomfortable. The reported overall rating of 4.8 from 349 reviews and a 95 percent recommendation rate suggest strong satisfaction, but those numbers should not replace sensible attention on horseback.

Riding Through Rivers and Sierra Madre Trees

The trail is the heart of the outing. You ride beside the river and cross its shallow channels several times, depending on water levels and weather. The route passes under trees and through rough countryside rather than offering a polished equestrian track.

In the rainy season, the streams and waterfall can be more dramatic. After recent rains, the falls have been described as especially rewarding. During the dry season, water may be limited, and the waterfall section can be less impressive. One dry-season outing skipped the waterfall because the falls were dry, while another still found the falls attractive enough for photographs.

That seasonal change is important. Book this tour for the combination of riding, countryside, food, and ranch hospitality, not only for a powerful waterfall. The scenery remains worthwhile in dry weather, but you should adjust your expectations. Water levels also affect how wet or demanding the river crossings feel.

The ride is often shaded, which helps in Puerto Vallarta’s heat. You may see cows, butterflies, agave plants, trees along the river, and small dogs trotting with the group. The dogs are part of the ranch atmosphere, not a formal feature, but their presence adds to the feeling that you are moving through a working rural property rather than a theme park.

The Walk to the Waterfall

Before reaching the falls, every participant must get off the horse. You then walk toward the mountain, crossing hanging bridges and climbing steps. The route includes rocky footing, a steep section, and a sloping descent afterward. The written plan also warns that you may need to jog briefly on part of the trail.

The distance itself may not sound long. Some people finish the walk to the waterfall in roughly five to 15 minutes, but the stairs make it a proper workout. The effort can be significant in hot weather, and the return route is not simply level ground. The sound of the falls can help you keep going, but you should treat this as a moderate physical activity.

Wear closed-toe athletic shoes with a firm sole. Running shoes worked well for some riders, while sandals would be a poor choice on wet rocks, steps, and uneven ground. Bring clothes that can handle heat and a little splashing. The provided information does not specify towels or changing facilities, so do not count on either unless the operator confirms it.

At the waterfall, you have time to cool off in the river and take photographs. Swimming is possible when conditions allow, but the water can be cold, and dry-season flow may be too limited to make a swim worthwhile. Stay alert around slippery rock and follow the guide’s instructions.

This stop gives the tour its strongest sense of reward. You are not simply driven to a viewpoint. You ride into the countryside, walk into the mountain, and reach the water under your own effort. That also means anyone with limited stamina, mobility concerns, or difficulty with stairs should decide in advance if the waterfall portion is suitable. The tour says most people can participate, but the hike is the part that deserves the most honest self-assessment.

Returning to Rancho Capomo for Lunch

Back at the ranch, the mood shifts from active to social. Lunch includes fajitas or chicken, handmade tortillas, beans, rice, guacamole, Mexican sauce, chips, and fresh pico de gallo. You may prepare some of the salsa yourself, and the tortilla-making demonstration gives the meal a pleasant local touch.

The food receives some of the strongest praise attached to this outing. Portions are described as generous, with juicy meats and sides that work well in tacos. The tortillas are made over a mesquite grill, which adds a smoky flavor and makes the meal feel connected to the ranch rather than pulled from a standard tour kitchen.

This is where the $103 price starts to make sense. You are not paying only for horseback time. The fee also covers round-trip transport, a guide, taxes and handling charges, lunch, and unlimited drinks from the national open bar. If you would otherwise arrange a taxi, pay for a separate meal, and book a countryside ride, the package offers solid value.

The meal is not a formal cooking class, despite some expectations that one might be included. You may help with pico de gallo and watch the tortillas being made, but the main focus is eating and relaxing. If a cooking lesson is important to you, confirm exactly what is offered before paying.

Margaritas, Tequila, and Ranch Time

Drinks are included, with margaritas and other national beverages available after the ride. Tequila tasting is also part of the ranch experience, and the property may sell homemade tequila and flavored liqueurs. Some people enjoy this as a fun finish; others find the tasting brief or the bottles expensive as souvenirs.

Pace yourself. You have just ridden in the sun and walked uphill, and an open bar can catch up with you faster than expected. The drinking age is 18, and children are welcome only with an adult. The tour is still worthwhile if you do not drink, since the meal, river route, waterfall, and ranch setting carry most of the day.

The ranch itself has an attractive patio area overlooking the greenery and river, along with agave fields, horses, local artwork, and clean facilities. These details help the final hour feel unhurried. You can eat, talk with your group, meet the staff, and enjoy the setting before the return drive.

Guides, Staff, and the Feel of the Experience

The human side of this tour is one of its great strengths. Beto is repeatedly singled out as a friendly, engaging driver and guide who helps with the ride, hike, lunch, and tequila tasting. Rami is also described as kind and helpful. Staff members generally make an effort to keep riders comfortable and answer questions.

English is offered, which helps if you do not speak Spanish. The ranch atmosphere is warm and informal, with staff preparing food, demonstrating tortillas, and serving drinks rather than rushing you through a checklist.

There is one serious complaint about treatment by a staff member named Sergio, including an alleged discriminatory and aggressive interaction, an overcrowded shuttle, and unequal service. That account should not be brushed aside. The wider feedback is strongly positive, but respectful treatment and safe transport are basic requirements. If anything feels wrong at pickup or at the ranch, speak to the lead guide immediately and document the issue with the booking company.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most

I would choose this outing for a first-time rider who wants more than a short horse loop. The animals are generally gentle, the trail is scenic, and the guides provide support. Families have also enjoyed it, including children around school age, though each child must be accompanied by an adult and the waterfall walk may be tiring.

Nature lovers will get the most from the river crossings, trees, butterflies, cows, mountain views, and waterfall. Couples and friends can treat it as an easygoing day outside Puerto Vallarta, with lunch and drinks adding a festive finish.

You should think twice if you want a polished resort activity, a private ride, or a serious horsemanship lesson. The group can be large, instruction is brief, and the horses follow a set route. This is also not the right pick if you cannot manage stairs, uneven ground, or a short uphill hike.

The tour is offered in English, service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. Those facts do not guarantee that every part suits every person, so focus on the waterfall walk and horse handling when deciding.

What to Pack and How to Prepare

Wear cool clothes and closed-toe shoes with good traction. The trail is often shaded, but Puerto Vallarta heat can still make the ride and hike tiring.

Bring sun protection, a swimsuit if you may enter the river, and a secure way to carry a phone for photographs. Souvenir photos are not included, but they can be purchased. The tour begins at about 8:15 a.m., so eat something light beforehand if you need breakfast, then plan on a substantial lunch at the ranch.

Confirm your pickup location and keep the operator’s messages available. Cruise ship passengers must provide the ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time when booking. That information matters because a long transfer and fixed start time leave little room for a late return to the ship.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Inside that window, the amount paid is not refunded. Poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund, since river crossings and the waterfall trail depend on safe conditions.

Should You Book the Rancho Capomo Ride?

I would book it if you want a full, active half-day that mixes horses, streams, a waterfall, Mexican food, and a relaxed ranch setting. At $103 per person, the included transportation, meal, open bar, and guide make the cost reasonable, especially for a first visit to Puerto Vallarta.

Go in knowing what you are buying: a scenic trail ride with a demanding waterfall walk, not a gentle horse-only outing. Wear proper shoes, ask for clear riding instructions, and confirm transport details. If you can handle stairs and uneven ground, Rancho Capomo offers a memorable way to see the Sierra Madre without arranging the pieces yourself.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding tour?

The full experience lasts approximately five hours, including transportation, horseback riding, the waterfall walk, lunch, and time at the ranch.

What time does the tour start?

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

Is transportation from Puerto Vallarta included?

Yes. Pickup at the designated meeting point and drop-off at the return meeting point are included.

What food is served for lunch?

Lunch includes fajitas or chicken, guacamole, Mexican sauce, handmade tortillas, beans, and rice. Chips and pico de gallo may also be part of the meal.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited drinks from the national open bar are included. The experience may also include margaritas and tequila tasting.

Do I have to hike to the waterfall?

The route requires participants to leave their horses and walk toward the waterfall. The walk includes hanging bridges, stairs, uneven ground, and slopes.

Can I swim at the waterfall?

You have time to cool off in the river at the waterfall. Water levels and conditions vary, and the water may be cold, especially in the dry season.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Helmets and a safe mule have been provided for children on some outings, but the waterfall walk can be challenging.

What is not included in the price?

Souvenir photos are not included, though they are available to purchase.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund.