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

The best part of this Rancho Capomo outing is the horse ride into the Sierra Madre jungle, where the trail follows a river, crosses rough ground, and reaches a secluded waterfall. You do not simply pose for a photo and turn around. You ride, walk, climb steps, cross rope bridges, and get close to the water.

I like the mix of real countryside and hands-on food. You make pico de gallo, guacamole, and tortillas before sitting down to chicken or fajitas with rice and beans. I also like the choice of adding zip lines or an ATV ride. The catch is that this is an active day, and a three-hour horseback ride can leave a beginner sore.

Key points

• Three-hour horseback ride: Follow a river through the jungle, cross uneven ground, and reach a waterfall on horseback and on foot.
• Waterfall stop: Bring swimwear if you want to cool off, though water levels can change and swimming may not always be possible.
• Food is part of the experience: Prepare salsa, guacamole, and handmade tortillas before a generous Mexican meal.
• Optional 13-line zip course: Rancho Capomo’s zip lines cross the jungle canopy and rivers, with short walks between platforms.
• ATV option: The ride includes jungle paths and some roads through town, so expect a scenic outing more than a nonstop race.
• Practical pickup: Hotel pickup is not offered. You meet the white Rancho Capomo van at a selected point.

A waterfall ride through the Sierra Madre

This five-hour excursion takes you out of Puerto Vallarta and into Jalisco’s forested countryside. The van ride to the ranch takes about 40 minutes, which is a fair trade for leaving the city behind and reaching the river trails.

The horseback portion lasts about three hours. You ride beside running water, through forest, and over rougher ground around boulders. The pace is generally suited to different riding abilities, and beginners can ask for a gentler horse. Hector has earned special praise for staying calm and professional, while Ramiro, also called Remmy, is another guide name associated with the tour.

This is not a polished riding arena. You may need to guide your horse around rocks, up and down slopes, and through shallow water. That makes the route more interesting, but it also means you should be comfortable sitting on a horse for a long stretch. One first-time rider enjoyed the challenge but warned that the soreness can last for several days.

After riding, you leave the saddle for a walk toward the waterfall. Expect rope bridges, steep steps, and some uphill hiking. The walk is part of the appeal, since it gets you into places a vehicle cannot reach, but this is not a good choice if you have limited mobility, heart problems, or trouble with steep paths.

The waterfall stop is beautiful but seasonal

The waterfall is the emotional high point of the horseback route. The setting is quiet, with the river and forest making a welcome change from Puerto Vallarta’s hotel zone. You can stop near the falls, take in the surroundings, and, when conditions allow, swim in the clear river.

Here is the useful fine print: water levels are not guaranteed. One June outing had too little water for the expected waterfall and swim, so the group received another horse ride instead. Bring a swimsuit and towel if you want the option, but do not book this solely for a long swimming session.

The stop is usually brief compared with the full riding time. Some participants found they did not need swimwear because the chance to use it came only during this portion of the route. Wear clothes that can handle dust, splashes, and outdoor activity.

What the three-hour ride feels like

The horses move along a leisurely route, but the terrain keeps the ride from feeling flat or dull. You may cross a river, pass between rocks, and reach a sloping hill where the group can jog for a short stretch. The pace depends on the group and the trail conditions.

If you are new to riding, tell the staff at the start. A gentle horse and clear instructions make a real difference. You should also understand that leisurely does not mean effortless. Sitting in a saddle for three hours works your legs and lower back, especially if you have not ridden before.

Long pants are sensible, particularly if you add the ATV ride. Comfortable shoes are essential. You will walk on uneven ground, climb steps, and cross bridges, so leave flip-flops at the hotel.

Add zip lines for canopy views

The optional zipline package takes place at Rancho Capomo’s ecological park. The course includes 13 zip lines, with lines running between trees and over rivers. Short walks connect the platforms, though the course may feel more active if you are uneasy with heights.

The zip lines suit people who want a clear burst of adrenaline without steering a vehicle. Guides help with the equipment and can assist if you lose confidence partway through. One family found the staff especially helpful when children hesitated on the final line.

Expect the zipline portion to involve more than sitting in a harness. You will climb to platforms, walk between lines, and manage stairs or paths. Bring water and use sunscreen. A past participant wished for drinking water halfway through the course, so carrying your own bottle is sensible if the operator permits it.

The views are a strong reason to add this option. From above, you see forest, river corridors, and the Sierra Madre from a different angle than you get on horseback. If heights make you anxious, the horseback-only package still gives you the most grounded and scenic part of the day.

The ATV ride is scenic, not a race

The optional ATV outing adds engine noise and a change of pace after the horse ride. You drive through rainforest paths and around the Sierra Madre area, with the chance to see butterflies or an iguana along the way.

The experience is not always an off-road thrill ride. Part of the route may pass through town and along small roads, and one participant found that section less enjoyable. Another found the ride easy and relaxed, especially for a family with children.

That means the ATV choice depends on what you want. Add it if you like operating a vehicle, want more time outdoors, or plan to choose all three activities. Skip it if you are looking for a technical off-road course with constant speed and rough terrain.

Instruction before riding may be limited, so ask questions before setting out. This matters most if you are inexperienced. One participant specifically recommended the ATV for people who already feel comfortable driving this type of vehicle. Safety precautions are provided, but you remain responsible for controlling the machine.

The motor can make your legs hot, so long pants are useful. The stated weight limit for the tour is 264 pounds, or 120 kilograms.

Rancho Capomo lunch is more than a buffet stop

Food is one of the strongest parts of this outing. Back at the ranch, you help prepare salsa or pico de gallo, guacamole, and handmade tortillas. The vegetables placed on the table may look like a starter, but they are ingredients for your own salsa, so wait for the instructions before eating them.

The meal includes fajitas or chicken, beans, rice, guacamole, salsa, and tortillas. Portions are generous, and several people considered it one of the best meals of their Puerto Vallarta stay. Drinks can include hibiscus juice, water, beer, margaritas, or tequila, depending on what you choose and what is being served.

If you select horseback riding, zip lines, and ATVs, you may not eat until all three activities are finished. That makes for a long morning and early afternoon. Eat something before pickup or carry a small snack, especially if you are bringing children.

The food also gives the day a stronger connection to local cooking. You are not simply handed a plate at the end. You take part in making the meal, then sit down at the ranch with the staff and other members of the group. Cats and dogs living at the ranch add to the informal country feel.

Dietary needs can be accommodated, but tell the operator in advance. The meal is substantial enough that you may not need another full meal afterward.

Pickup needs careful planning

Hotel pickup is not available because of local rules. You must choose one of the designated meeting points and wait for the white Rancho Capomo van, which carries the ranch logo.

The listed pickup times are:

• Oxxo south of Puerto Vallarta at 8:00 AM
• Starbucks Marina at 8:20 AM
• Starbucks Las Juntas in Nuevo Vallarta at 8:40 AM

Other booking choices show locations such as Moyo, Parcela 158, Púlpito, OXXO, and Starbucks. Confirm your exact meeting point and time when you book, since the available locations depend on your selection.

The van waits no longer than five minutes after the scheduled time. Arrive early, especially if you are relying on a taxi or walking from a hotel. The return van drops you at designated points after the ranch activities.

Transportation is one of the smoother parts of the outing. The drive takes about 40 minutes each way, and transport ratings are strong. Still, the ride takes up part of a five-hour schedule, so this is not five full hours in the saddle or on the zip lines.

Is this a good family outing?

The tour can work well for families with older children and teenagers. Children as young as five have enjoyed the ranch day, while children aged 11 and 13 took part in the ATV and zipline activities. Staff helped children who became nervous on the zip lines.

You need to judge your own family’s stamina. Horseback riding, walking, climbing, and optional activities make this a full day physically. A five-year-old may enjoy the scenery and food but could find the complete three-activity package tiring.

For adults, couples, and mixed-age groups, the flexibility is useful. One person can focus on horseback riding while others choose the added activities, depending on the package selected. The staff speak English and Spanish, and the guides help with the activities throughout the day.

Pregnant people, those with mobility impairments or heart problems, and anyone over 264 pounds should not book this tour. The route includes hiking and steep sections, so physical comfort matters more here than at a simple ranch lunch.

What to bring and what to wear

Pack light, but bring the right things. You should have:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Swimwear and a towel
• Comfortable clothes
• Sunscreen and a hat
• A small amount of cash for staff tips
• Water or a refillable bottle

Long pants are especially useful for the ATV portion because the motor can make your legs hot. They also offer more protection during horseback riding. Shoes should stay secure on your feet.

You may not use the swimsuit if water levels are low, but it weighs little and keeps your options open. A towel is useful after any swim or splash near the river.

The staff work across several activities and may assist you with horses, harnesses, vehicles, and lunch. A tip is not listed as included, so carry cash if you want to thank the guides and ranch staff.

Is the $124 price good value?

At $124 per person, the horseback tour alone is reasonably priced if you value the transport, three-hour ride, guide, waterfall walk, and ranch meal. The value improves if you want a full countryside day rather than a short trail ride.

The optional ATV and zipline activities change the calculation. If you do all three, you get a horse ride, a 13-line canopy course, an ATV outing, round-trip transport, bilingual guides, and a cooked meal. That is a busy package, and the price can make sense for an active group that would otherwise book separate activities.

I would not choose the add-ons simply to get your money’s worth. The ATV route can include town roads, and the zip lines require comfort with heights. Choose them because you like those activities.

The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and lets you reserve without paying immediately. Those policies help if your Puerto Vallarta plans are still moving, but you should still confirm the exact package and pickup point before making the reservation.

Who should book Rancho Capomo?

I would choose this excursion if you want a full, active day outside the resort zone and like the idea of combining nature, horses, Mexican cooking, and optional adventure sports. It works particularly well for families with older children, couples, and groups with different interests.

I would choose the horseback-only option if the waterfall and countryside are your main goals. Add the zip lines if you want the strongest thrill and views from above. Add the ATV ride if you enjoy driving and do not mind that some of the route may be through town.

You should skip it if you need a relaxed schedule, dislike long periods on horseback, or have trouble with steep walking. Also think twice if a waterfall swim is your main reason for booking, since water conditions can change.

With a 4.7 rating from 73 reviews, the most consistent strengths are the friendly staff, good organization, excellent meal, and scenic horse ride. The main cautions are soreness, the active terrain, limited water on some dates, and an ATV route that may feel tame. For the right kind of day, Rancho Capomo gives you a satisfying mix of countryside and action without requiring a separate excursion for every activity.

FAQ

How long does the Rancho Capomo tour last?

The full experience lasts about five hours, including transportation and the activities at the ranch.

How long is the horseback ride?

The horseback riding portion lasts about three hours.

Is swimming included?

Swimming may be possible at the waterfall in the river, but conditions can change. Low water levels may mean that swimming or even a strong waterfall is not available.

Are ATV rides included?

ATV riding is included only if you select the ATV option when booking.

Are zip lines included?

Ziplining is an optional add-on. The course at Rancho Capomo includes 13 zip lines.

Where does pickup happen?

Pickup is from selected meeting points, including an Oxxo south of Puerto Vallarta, Starbucks Marina, and Starbucks Las Juntas in Nuevo Vallarta. Hotel pickup is not permitted.

What time is pickup?

The listed pickup times are 8:00 AM at the Oxxo, 8:20 AM at Starbucks Marina, and 8:40 AM at Starbucks Las Juntas. Confirm your assigned location and time when booking.

What languages do the guides speak?

The guides speak English and Spanish.

What food is served?

The meal includes fajitas or chicken, guacamole, salsa, handmade tortillas, beans, and rice. You also get to help make the salsa, guacamole, and tortillas.

Who should not take this tour?

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, people with heart problems, or people over 264 pounds, or 120 kilograms. It also includes hiking and is not recommended for people with limited mobility.