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

The best part of this Puerto Vallarta outing is the horse ride through the Sierra Madre, where you cross streams, pass boulders, and reach a waterfall away from the city. I like the quiet country setting and the chance to make pico de gallo, guacamole, and tortillas before a generous Mexican meal.

I also like that you can shape the day to suit your nerve level: horseback riding alone is fairly gentle, while ATV riding and ziplining add speed and height. The main drawback is that this is a full, active five-hour program, and the horse ride can leave first-time riders sore. Water levels also change, so the waterfall swim is not guaranteed.

Key points at a glance

• Horseback route to a waterfall: Ride beside a stream, cross rough ground, and walk over rope bridges and steep steps to reach the falls.
• Three ways to spend the day: Choose horseback riding alone, or add ATV riding and 13 zip lines at Rancho Capomo.
• A real ranch meal: Help prepare salsa, guacamole, and handmade tortillas before eating chicken or fajitas with rice and beans.
• Helpful guides: Hector, Ramiro, Rami, and Sergio are among the guides praised for keeping the activities friendly and well organized.
• Pickup is from meeting points: Hotel pickup is not permitted, so you will meet the white Rancho Capomo van at a listed location.
• Plan for exertion: Hiking, steep steps, horseback riding, and possible heat make comfortable clothes and shoes essential.

From Puerto Vallarta to the Sierra Madre

The day begins with a van ride of about 40 minutes from Puerto Vallarta or Nuevo Vallarta into Jalisco countryside. Pickup points include an OXXO south of Puerto Vallarta at 8:00 a.m., Starbucks Marina at 8:20 a.m., and Starbucks Las Juntas in Nuevo Vallarta at 8:40 a.m.

The van carries the Rancho Capomo logo and waits no longer than five minutes after the scheduled pickup time. Hotel pickup is not allowed, so give yourself enough time to reach the meeting point. The booking details also show several named pickup and drop-off locations, including Moyo, Parcela 158, Púlpito 242, OXXO, and Starbucks. Check your exact selection carefully, since the available points can vary.

This transfer is not just dead time. It moves you from the resort strip to a more rural part of Jalisco, where the day feels less like a standard beach excursion. Still, the 40-minute ride each way matters if you are trying to fit several activities into a tight schedule.

The tour lasts about five hours. That sounds manageable, but the schedule fills quickly if you select all three activities. You may be horseback riding, walking, ziplining, or riding an ATV before lunch, so eat something beforehand or carry a small snack if you need food early in the day.

Three hours on horseback through the forest

The horseback portion is the heart of the experience. You ride through the Sierra Madre jungle, often with a stream beside you, then follow a route over uneven ground and around rocks. You may cross shallow water and ride up and down sloping paths.

The pace is generally leisurely, making this a reasonable choice for beginners. Tell the staff your riding level and ask for a calm horse if you are new to horseback riding. One beginner specifically found the ride enjoyable but warned that navigating boulders and slopes can be a real challenge, and that soreness may last for several days.

That is useful advice. You do not need advanced riding skills, but you should be comfortable sitting on a horse for a long stretch and staying balanced as the animal moves over rough ground. Wear trousers or other comfortable clothing if you want to avoid rubbing, and choose closed, sturdy shoes.

At one point, the route reaches a waterfall area. You leave the horses and walk through the forest, crossing rope bridges and climbing steep steps. This section adds a short hike to what might otherwise be a simple riding trip. It also means the experience is not suitable for anyone with limited mobility.

The waterfall setting is one of the outing’s strongest draws, but keep your expectations flexible. Water flow changes with conditions. One recent outing had too little water for a waterfall swim, and the group was offered a different horseback option instead. On a wetter day, you may be able to cool off in the clear river below the falls. Bring swimwear and a towel if you want that option, but do not book the tour solely for guaranteed swimming.

After the waterfall stop, you return to the horses and may get a chance to jog along a sloping hill. This is a little more active than the early ride. If you are a beginner, let the guide know your comfort level rather than trying to keep up with more experienced riders.

Adding an ATV ride through Jalisco

The ATV option gives the day a louder, more mechanical change of pace. You ride through the jungle area and parts of the surrounding community, with views toward the Sierra Madre. The route has been described as a slow, meandering ride through town rather than a nonstop off-road race.

That distinction matters. If you want a technical ATV course with big jumps and aggressive driving, this may feel mild. One person found the ATV section less appealing because it went through town. Another enjoyed the scenery, saw an iguana and butterflies, and considered the ride a good part of an all-day package.

You should also expect limited instruction before setting out. This is a point worth taking seriously if you have never driven an ATV. One account recommends the activity more for experienced riders because the route can include rivers and small roads with traffic. Safety precautions are provided, but you still need to follow directions closely.

The ATV engines can make your legs hot, so wear trousers if possible. The activity is not suitable for people with heart problems, pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or anyone over 264 pounds, or 120 kilograms.

Thirteen zip lines over the forest

The zipline option takes place at Rancho Capomo, an ecological park with 13 lines running between trees and over rivers. It gives you a higher view of the forest than the horseback ride and adds the biggest sense of height to the day.

The short walks between lines have not been a major issue for many people, but you still need to walk on uneven ground and use steps. If you are uneasy with heights, remember that you are not required to complete every line. One participant tried the first line and decided to stop, while the rest of the group continued.

This is a good feature for mixed groups. Confident riders can enjoy the full circuit, while someone who is nervous can try one line without being forced into all 13. Guides have also helped children who stopped near the end, which is reassuring for families, although this is still an active outing rather than a passive sightseeing tour.

If you choose horseback riding, ATV riding, and ziplining together, the day can feel packed. The reward is variety: animal, motorized, and aerial activities all in one trip. The tradeoff is less downtime between them.

The ranch meal is part of the experience

Lunch is more than a plate handed to you at the end. You learn how to prepare traditional Mexican accompaniments, including salsa, guacamole, pico de gallo, and handmade tortillas.

The meal usually includes fajitas or chicken, along with beans, rice, vegetables, tortillas, and the fresh dishes you help prepare. Portions are described as large, and the food has been one of the most praised parts of the outing. For some people, it was the best meal of a longer Puerto Vallarta stay.

Drinks can include water, hibiscus juice, beer, or tequila, depending on the arrangement and your preference. One group skipped alcohol and enjoyed refreshing hibiscus juice instead. If you have dietary restrictions, tell the staff in advance. The meal can be adapted in some cases, but the available information does not promise every type of special diet.

The timing is worth noting. With the full three-part package, lunch comes after the activities. That can mean several hours before a substantial meal, especially in warm weather. Have breakfast, bring a small snack if allowed, and drink water along the way. A past participant wished there had been drinking water during the zipline section, so do not assume refreshments will always be available at every stop.

The ranch also has cats and dogs, which adds a relaxed, homespun touch after the more physical parts of the day. This is a small detail, but it helps the outing feel like a visit to a working country property rather than a series of disconnected rides.

Guides, group feel, and safety

The staff is a major part of the experience. Hector has been singled out for being professional during both transport and the horse ride. Ramiro, also called Rami or Remmy, has guided groups through several activities, while Sergio has also received praise for his friendly approach.

The practical value of a good guide is clear here. You need help choosing a suitable horse, handling rough sections, managing the zipline equipment, and understanding ATV safety. The guides also keep the group together as the day shifts from one activity to the next.

The experience has a rating of 4.7 from 73 ratings, and 85 percent of ratings give the transport a perfect score. That matches the repeated comments about prompt pickup and convenient drop-off. Still, transport quality does not remove the need to arrive early at your meeting point.

The tour is not suitable for pregnant people, anyone with heart problems, people with mobility impairments, or anyone over 264 pounds, or 120 kilograms. Hiking is part of the program, and the combination of riding, climbing, and uneven paths calls for reasonable fitness.

Children can take part in family groups, and one outing included children aged 9 and 12. Another included an 11-year-old and a 13-year-old on the ATV portion, with the older child driving independently. Rules can vary by current safety requirements, so families should confirm the arrangements before booking.

What to wear and pack

Bring comfortable clothes, closed shoes, swimwear, and a towel. Even if you never enter the river, the clothing list makes sense because the route includes water, forest paths, and physical activity.

I would choose trousers for horseback riding and ATV use. The motorcycle heat can make bare legs uncomfortable, and long trousers also offer more protection from branches and saddle friction. Wear shoes that can handle wet ground and steep steps.

Bring sunscreen and any personal drinking water you need, since water access during the zipline portion may be limited. Keep valuables to a minimum. The supplied information does not specify storage arrangements, so ask the guide where to leave anything you do not want to carry.

Tipping is not included in the stated $124 price. One family specifically advised bringing money for the staff at the end. You should budget for that separately if the guides and ranch crew make your day run well.

Is $124 a fair price?

At $124 per person, the value depends on which option you choose. Horseback riding, round-trip transport, a bilingual guide, and lunch make the base outing more than a simple trail ride. If you add ATV riding and ziplining, the price covers three different activities in one half-day package.

I see the strongest value for someone who wants variety without arranging separate bookings. You get transport from the main resort areas, the waterfall ride, the ranch meal, and optional high-adrenaline activities under one schedule.

The value is weaker if you want a long, quiet horseback ride or a serious ATV adventure. The horse ride is active and scenic but can be uncomfortable for beginners. The ATV course may feel tame to experienced drivers, especially because part of it goes through town. The waterfall swim also depends on water conditions.

For a family or mixed-age group, the package makes more sense. One person can focus on the horses, another can try ziplining, and confident riders can add the ATV. The staff can often help nervous participants, but you should still choose the activity level honestly.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later add useful flexibility. Check the available starting time before booking, since only one five-hour schedule may fit your plans.

Who should book Rancho Capomo?

I would choose this tour if you want an active break from Puerto Vallarta’s beach and resort areas. It suits couples, families with active children, and friends who like combining nature, food, and several kinds of adventure.

It is especially good for a first horseback ride because the pace is generally gentle and the guides can match you with a calmer horse. Just remember that beginner-friendly does not mean effortless. The route includes boulders, slopes, hiking, and possibly a short jog.

I would skip it if you have limited mobility, a heart condition, are pregnant, or dislike uneven paths and physical activity. I would also avoid the full package if you want a slow day. Three activities followed by lunch leaves little time to rest.

FAQ

How long does the Puerto Vallarta horse riding tour last?

The activity lasts about five hours, including transportation to and from the ranch. The van ride takes around 40 minutes each way.

Where is pickup provided?

Pickup is available from selected meeting points rather than hotels. Listed locations include an OXXO south of Puerto Vallarta at 8:00 a.m., Starbucks Marina at 8:20 a.m., and Starbucks Las Juntas in Nuevo Vallarta at 8:40 a.m.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup is not permitted, so you must reach the selected pickup location. A white Rancho Capomo van waits no longer than five minutes after the scheduled pickup time.

Can I swim at the waterfall?

You may be able to swim in the river by the waterfall, but swimming depends on water conditions. Bring swimwear and a towel if you want to take the opportunity.

What activities can I add to horseback riding?

You can select an ATV tour, a zipline tour, or both. The zipline option includes 13 lines at Rancho Capomo.

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 uneven ground.

Should you book it?

Book it if you want a busy, varied day with Sierra Madre scenery, a waterfall ride, and a proper ranch meal. The strongest parts are the friendly guides, the flexible mix of activities, and the food preparation that gives lunch a local touch.

Think twice if your main goal is guaranteed swimming, a demanding ATV course, or a restful horseback ride. For most active visitors who accept a little soreness and an unpredictable waterfall, $124 is a fair price for a full day of transport, riding, food, and optional thrills.