Sierra Madre Horseback Riding and ATV Tour

The best part of this Puerto Vallarta excursion is the change of pace. You leave the beach behind for Rancho Capomo, riding horses through tropical forest and along rural paths before reaching a waterfall. Then you switch to ATVs and pass through small villages and countryside.

I like two things here: the tour packs a lot into five hours, and lunch is not an afterthought. You get a proper Mexican meal, homemade tortillas, carne asada, margaritas, beer, soda, and other drinks. Guides such as Sergio and Hector have earned praise for making the day feel friendly and personal.

The main caution is that this is not a polished resort activity. The waterfall walk can be a serious uphill hike, and the ATV portion may use regular roads rather than rough off-road trails. Confirm the vehicle arrangement if you expect one ATV per person.

Key points at a glance

• Horse ride of roughly 90 minutes: Follow forest and river routes toward a waterfall, with uneven ground and a few places that require balance.
• Waterfall stop with a real hike: The walk can be tiring, but the setting gives the day its strongest sense of adventure.
• ATV ride through rural Mexico: Expect village streets, farms, and countryside scenery, though not necessarily a technical off-road course.
• Lunch and open-bar drinks included: Carne asada, homemade tortillas, margaritas, beer, and soft drinks are among the highlights.
• Early pickup at 8:15 a.m.: Transportation from designated meeting points is included, and the tour returns to that meeting point.
• Small maximum group of 20: The experience can feel more relaxed than a large bus excursion, especially on quieter dates.

From Puerto Vallarta to Rancho Capomo

The morning begins with pickup at 8:15 a.m. from a designated meeting point. Transportation is included, which matters because Rancho Capomo is away from the main tourist strip and the busy hotel zone.

The ride takes you toward the Sierra Madre and the village of Las Palmas. This is where the tour changes character. Instead of spending another half-day around Puerto Vallarta’s beaches, you see farms, small settlements, forest, and the quieter side of the region.

I like that the ranch serves as the base for the whole outing. You arrive there, begin the activities there, and return there for lunch. That keeps the schedule simple and avoids wasting time moving between several unrelated attractions.

The group limit is 20 people. That is large enough for a social outing but not so large that every activity must move at the pace of a full coach party. The quality of the day will still depend on your guide. Sergio and Hector are names worth noting if you are looking at guide availability, while Berto has been praised for punctual pickup and an easygoing manner.

Horseback riding through the Sierra Madre

The horseback ride is the heart of the experience. You pass into tropical forest and ride along rural paths, with the route taking you toward a waterfall. The ride has been described as lasting about 90 minutes, though the exact pace can change with the group.

This is not a short photo stop beside a few horses. You should expect a real ride with uneven sections, turns, and places where you need to keep your balance. One family found the route suitable for children aged 10 and 12, but that does not mean the ride is effortless. Basic comfort around horses will help.

If you have never ridden before, tell the staff clearly at the start. Most people can take part, but an inexperienced rider may need more patient instruction than a confident rider. One poor experience involved a guide hurrying a beginner and making an unhelpful remark. That appears to be an isolated complaint among many positive reports, but it is a useful reminder to speak up if you need a slower pace.

The setting is the reward. You ride beside or near the river, through forest, and into parts of the countryside that are hard to reach on foot during a short visit. The horses have been described as well cared for, which will matter to anyone who wants an animal-based activity handled responsibly.

Wear long pants and closed shoes if possible. The supplied information does not specify a dress code, but a riding path with uneven ground is easier in practical clothing than in sandals or beachwear. Stretching before the tour is also sensible, especially if you are not used to riding.

The waterfall walk is worth the effort

The waterfall stop adds more than a quick look at running water. Reaching it involves a hike up a hill, and several people have stressed that this is a proper hike, not a gentle stroll.

That effort is part of the appeal. After moving through the forest on horseback, you get a chance to walk into the surroundings and see the falls at closer range. The combination of the ride, the hill, and the water makes this the most active part of the morning.

You should judge your own fitness honestly. The tour description says most people can participate, but it does not promise an easy path. If steep or uneven walking is difficult for you, the waterfall section may be the hardest part of the day. Bring water, even though drinks are available at the ranch, and use footwear with a secure sole.

Families can enjoy this stop, but keep children close and avoid treating the area like a formal park with marked, flat paths. The route is part of a rural adventure setting, not a paved attraction.

ATV riding through villages and countryside

After the horseback portion and waterfall visit, you move to the ATVs. The ride generally takes about an hour to 70 minutes based on the reported timing, making it a substantial second activity rather than a quick turn around the ranch.

The route takes you through small villages, farms, and rural roads. You get a look at everyday countryside life, which gives the excursion more local character than an ATV course built only for speed. The scenery is a strong point, and the ride lets you cover more ground than you could walking.

There is an important qualification. The ATVs may not spend the entire time on dirt trails. One account described the ride as mostly or entirely on roads, with little genuine off-road driving. Another described it as peaceful and low-key rather than intense.

That means this tour is a better fit if you want a scenic country ride with some engine-powered fun. It may disappoint you if your main goal is mud, steep tracks, jumps, or technical driving. The tour is marketed toward adrenaline seekers, but the actual pace can vary with the guide, road conditions, and group.

Ask before departure whether each person receives an individual ATV or whether two people may share. One couple expected two vehicles and ended up sharing one, which changed the value of the experience for them. The available information does not promise one ATV per participant, so this is worth confirming when you book.

Lunch at Rancho Capomo

Lunch is one of the strongest reasons to consider this outing as a package. You return to the ranch after the activities, so you can eat without another transfer or a rushed restaurant stop.

The meal has included carne asada and homemade tortillas, with especially warm praise for the food. Drinks are part of the price too, including margaritas, beer, soda, and other unlimited beverages. Alcoholic drinks and open-bar service are included, which gives the meal a festive finish.

There has also been mention of tasting barrel-aged tequila. That detail may appeal to adults interested in local flavors, but remember that the tour begins with physical activity and includes horses and ATVs. Drink sensibly, especially if you still need to return by vehicle.

I see real value in the lunch arrangement. Many half-day adventure tours give you a basic snack or leave you to buy food separately. Here, the meal helps turn several activities into one complete day outing. The food is also a chance to enjoy a more traditional ranch setting rather than eating near the hotel zone.

Is the $150 price fair?

At $150 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning around Puerto Vallarta. The price becomes easier to justify because it includes transportation, horseback riding, ATV riding, the waterfall visit, lunch, unlimited drinks, alcohol, and taxes and handling charges.

You are paying for variety as much as for any single activity. A dedicated horseback tour could give you more riding time, while a dedicated ATV tour might offer a more demanding route. This experience combines both, then adds a meal and drinks without asking you to arrange separate transportation.

The value is strongest for couples, friends, and families who want one organized outing instead of piecing together several bookings. It is also useful if you have only a few days in Puerto Vallarta and want to see the countryside without committing to a full-day trip.

The value weakens if you specifically want serious off-road ATV action, a long mountain ride, or a quiet nature walk. Sharing an ATV can also make the price feel high, so confirm that point before paying.

The experience has a 4.7 rating from 35 reviews and is recommended by 91 percent of customers. Those numbers suggest a strong overall track record, but the lower-rated experience points to the two things most likely to affect your day: guide behavior and ATV expectations.

Who should book this excursion?

I would recommend it to you if you want a busy half-day with several different activities. It suits people who enjoy being outdoors, can handle a moderate hike, and like the idea of seeing villages and forest rather than staying near the coast.

It is a good choice for:

• Couples looking for an active day away from the resort area
• Families with older children who can manage horseback riding and a hill hike
• Friends who want both horses and motorized activity
• Solo visitors seeking an organized countryside excursion
• Adults who value a full lunch and drinks included in the price

You may want another tour if you dislike horses, have difficulty with uneven walking, or expect a high-speed ATV course. You should also think twice if you prefer a quiet, small private outing. The group can reach 20 people, and the pace may be set by the least experienced rider.

Guiding makes a real difference here. Sergio and Hector have been associated with especially strong experiences, and Berto has been praised for dependable pickup and conversation. Still, you cannot assume a particular guide will lead every departure. Treat clear communication as part of your preparation.

Practical details before you reserve

The tour starts at 8:15 a.m. and lasts about five hours. It ends back at the meeting point, so plan the rest of your day around a late-morning or early-afternoon return rather than a precise finish time.

Confirmation is provided when you book, and the maximum group size is 20. Mobile tickets are accepted, and the activity is offered in English.

Bring clothing that can handle dust, outdoor riding, and a bit of sweat. Closed shoes are the practical choice, and you will be happier after the waterfall hike with secure footwear. Since lunch and drinks are included, you do not need to budget for a separate meal, though souvenir photos cost extra if you want them.

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 accepted for a refund.

My verdict: book it if you want variety

I would book the Sierra Madre Horseback Riding and ATV Tour if I wanted one energetic, well-filled morning with food included. The horseback route, waterfall hike, rural villages, and ranch lunch give you a broader taste of the Puerto Vallarta area than a single beach activity.

Go in with the right expectations. The waterfall hike is more demanding than the short itinerary wording may suggest, and the ATV ride may be scenic road riding rather than rugged off-road driving. Confirm the ATV setup, tell the guide your riding ability, and choose this tour for variety and countryside atmosphere, not for a pure motorsports thrill.

FAQ

Where does the tour take place?

The experience is based at Rancho Capomo in the Sierra Madre area near the village of Las Palmas, outside the main tourist areas of Puerto Vallarta.

What time does the tour start?

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

How long does the tour last?

The total duration is approximately five hours.

What activities are included?

The tour includes horseback riding, a visit to a waterfall, and ATV riding through villages and countryside.

Is lunch included?

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

Is transportation included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points are included, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not eligible for a refund.