Horseback Riding Tour in Sierra Madre from Puerto Vallarta

The best part of this Puerto Vallarta outing is that it gets you into the Sierra Madre by horseback, then adds a waterfall walk and a generous Mexican meal. You ride beside and through the river, cross hanging bridges, and trade the saddle for stairs and rocky paths before cooling off at the falls.

I like the well-mannered horses and the easy round-trip transport, especially if you do not want to arrange a rental car or find a mountain ranch on your own. I also like the ranch meal, with fajitas, fresh tortillas, guacamole, rice, beans, and drinks included. The main caution is the hike: it can be steep, hot, and harder than the horseback portion.

Key points to know before you book

• River crossings and shaded riding: Expect a scenic ride beside streams and through wooded mountain terrain, with several wet or rocky sections.
• The waterfall requires a hike: You must get off the horse, climb steps, cross hanging bridges, and walk uphill to reach the falls.
• Lunch is a real part of the experience: Fajitas or chicken come with handmade tortillas, beans, rice, guacamole, salsa, and chips.
• Beto is a frequently praised guide: He handles transport and helps keep the day friendly, organized, and comfortable.
• Dry season changes the waterfall: The falls may be smaller, but the trail and setting can still be worthwhile.
• The price covers a full half-day: At $103 per person, you get transport, horseback riding, lunch, drinks, guide service, and taxes.

Riding from Puerto Vallarta into the Sierra Madre

This is not a quick photo stop beside a tame horse. The ride takes you away from the coast and into the wooded foothills around Rancho Capomo, where the route follows a river and crosses small streams. The setting feels rural and quiet, with trees, mountain views, cows, butterflies, and ranch dogs appearing along the way.

The day begins at 8:15 a.m. with pickup from the stated meeting point. The drive to the ranch can take roughly 30 to 75 minutes, depending on the pickup arrangement and starting location. That difference matters, so I would allow plenty of time for the morning and avoid scheduling another activity immediately after the advertised five-hour tour.

Beto has earned special praise for making the drive pleasant and explaining things along the way. Other staff members, including Rami, have also been singled out for their friendly help. The included transportation is useful here because the ranch is in an outlying area that is not especially convenient to reach independently.

The group can reach as many as 40 people. That is a sizable maximum, though the actual ride may feel smaller once people are assigned to horses and moved along the trail. If you prefer a private, quiet horseback outing, this is not advertised as one.

What the horseback ride is really like

At the ranch, you are assigned a horse and receive basic handling guidance. The horses are widely described as calm, healthy, and well cared for, which makes this a reasonable choice for first-time riders. One family even used a safe mule and helmet for a nine-year-old, although children must be accompanied by an adult.

I like that the route is not simply a slow loop around a corral. You ride through varied ground, including riverbeds, wooded paths, and stream crossings. Some stretches are peaceful and shady. Other sections require more attention because the surface is uneven and horses may come close together.

One important point deserves more direct instruction than the tour may always provide: keep space between horses. A horse can react if another horse gets too close, even when both animals are generally calm. If you are new to riding, ask the guide how to stop, turn, and maintain distance before leaving the ranch.

The route is often relaxed, but the horses still have individual personalities. One rider found a horse a little moody, while most others were described as gentle and easy to handle. That is normal with animals, but it means you should listen closely to the guide and speak up if you feel uncomfortable.

The horses appear to be a major strength of the outing. You are not simply being placed on visibly tired animals for a short photo opportunity. The setting, the length of the ride, and the care shown toward the horses help explain why the price feels fair to many people.

The walk to the waterfall is the day’s real workout

At some point, everyone gets off the horses and walks toward the mountain and waterfall. This section includes hanging bridges, stairs, rocky ground, a sloping hill, and a downhill stretch where you may need to jog briefly. The route can take only a short time for some groups, but the steps make it feel more demanding than the clock suggests.

I would treat the waterfall walk as a moderate physical activity, not a casual stroll. Several people with average fitness managed it, but the climb can be tough if you have knee problems, poor balance, or limited stamina. Closed-toe shoes with a solid grip are a smart choice. Running shoes are better than sandals, and you should expect dirt, rocks, and wet areas.

The reward is a waterfall set in a secluded mountain setting. You have time to take photographs and, when conditions allow, cool off in the river pool. The water may be chilly, and the amount of water depends on the season. After recent rain, the falls can be powerful and impressive. During a dry spell, the flow may be modest, and in one case the hike was skipped because the falls were dry.

This seasonal change is worth keeping in mind when you book. If your main reason for going is to swim beneath a large waterfall, ask about current conditions before departure. If you mainly want a mountain ride with a short nature walk, the outing still has value during the dry season.

The dogs from the ranch may follow the group along the trail. That adds charm, but remember they are part of the ranch rather than a formal safety service. Stay with your guide and group, particularly around bridges and steep steps.

Back at Rancho Capomo, lunch becomes part of the attraction

After the ride and waterfall walk, you return to the ranch for lunch. This is more than a basic boxed meal. The included spread can include chicken or beef fajitas, beans, rice, guacamole, chips, Mexican salsa, and handmade tortillas.

A small hands-on element makes the meal memorable. You may help prepare pico de gallo, watch tortillas being made over a mesquite grill, and then build tacos with the fresh tortillas. The meal is generous and filling, which is welcome after the ride and uphill walk.

The open-bar portion includes unlimited national drinks. Margaritas, beer, and other drinks are part of the ranch experience, along with tequila tasting. The margaritas served in cantaritos have received particular praise. If you are drinking, pace yourself, since you still have the return drive and may be tired from the trail.

The tequila and liqueur bottles available for purchase are optional. One person found the small bottles a little expensive, so I would treat the tasting as an included activity rather than feel pressured to buy anything. You can enjoy the tasting without turning the stop into a shopping trip.

The ranch itself has agave fields, horses, a patio overlooking the greenery and river, and paintings from a local artist. Those details give the lunch stop a sense of place. You are not eating at a generic city restaurant before returning to Puerto Vallarta.

The $103 price and what it covers

At $103 per person, this is not the cheapest horseback ride around Puerto Vallarta. It is also not just a horse ride. Your price includes round-trip pickup and drop-off, taxes and handling charges, a driver-guide, the horseback outing, Mexican lunch, and unlimited national drinks.

That combination makes the value fairly strong if you would otherwise pay separately for transportation, a ranch meal, and a waterfall excursion. The tour also removes the work of finding the mountain route and arranging a safe visit to a remote ranch.

The value is weaker if you want a long, technically demanding ride. The exact riding time can vary, and one person felt the horseback portion was closer to 90 minutes than two hours. The advertised experience is approximately five hours overall, but the day includes driving, the waterfall walk, lunch, and time at the ranch.

I see this as a good half-day package for someone who wants variety. You get horses, streams, a waterfall, Mexican food, drinks, and a guide in one booking. It is less suitable for a serious rider who wants hours in the saddle without other activities.

The high overall rating, 4.8 from 349 ratings, and 95 percent recommendation rate point to a consistently popular experience. Still, one serious complaint described a late pickup, overcrowded transport, and disrespectful treatment by staff. That is not the usual picture presented by the available feedback, but it should not be ignored. Pickup communication and staff treatment matter, especially when a long van ride is involved.

Practical preparation for a smoother day

Wear lightweight clothing that can handle heat, dust, and possible splashes. The ride is often shaded, but the hike and open areas can still feel hot. Bring sun protection and water, even though drinks are provided at the ranch.

Choose closed-toe shoes with good traction. This is the clearest practical tip for the waterfall section. You will be dealing with steps, rocks, bridges, slopes, and possibly wet ground.

If you are a first-time rider, arrive ready to ask questions. Learn how to keep your horse at a safe distance from the horse ahead, how to slow down, and how to signal a turn. The horses are generally calm, but calm does not mean completely predictable.

Families can enjoy this outing, and children must have an adult with them. The information says most people can participate, but the hike means this is not ideal for anyone who cannot comfortably climb stairs or walk on uneven ground.

Service animals are allowed. The minimum drinking age is 18. Cruise ship passengers need to provide the ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and reboarding time when booking. The activity requires good weather, and a cancellation caused by poor conditions results in a different date or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.

Who should book this Rancho Capomo outing?

I would recommend it to first-time riders, families with older children, couples, solo visitors, and anyone who wants a guided way into the Sierra Madre. It works especially well if you enjoy nature but do not want to plan a remote mountain excursion yourself.

You should book it if you like a day with several parts rather than one single activity. The combination of horses, rivers, waterfall scenery, ranch food, tequila, and transport gives you a broad taste of rural Puerto Vallarta.

I would think twice if you have limited mobility or dislike steep walks. The waterfall is not reached on horseback, and the climb can be more tiring than expected. I would also look for another option if your priority is a private ride, advanced riding instruction, or a guaranteed large waterfall.

For most people, the strongest reason to book is the balance of scenery and ease. Beto and other staff members help with the logistics, the horses are usually gentle, and the meal is substantial. Just pack proper shoes, ask about water levels, and allow extra time for the drive.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding tour take?

The full activity lasts approximately five hours, including transportation, horseback riding, the waterfall walk, and lunch.

What time does the tour start?

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

Is transportation from Puerto Vallarta included?

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

What food is included?

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

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited national drinks are included, along with an open bar. The experience can include margaritas, beer, and tequila tasting. The minimum drinking age is 18.

Do I have to hike to the waterfall?

The waterfall section requires getting off the horse and walking through the mountain area. You may need to cross hanging bridges, climb stairs, walk uphill, and handle rocky or sloping ground.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The horses are generally calm and basic instructions are provided. You should still ask how to control your horse and keep a safe distance from other horses.

Can children participate?

Children must be accompanied by an adult. The information states that most people can participate, and one family used a helmet and a safe mule for a nine-year-old.

What happens during dry weather?

The waterfall may have less water or may be dry enough that the waterfall walk is shortened or skipped. The horseback route and ranch activities can still continue, depending on conditions.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.