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

Jungle trails lead to a cool waterfall. This five-hour outing takes you from Puerto Vallarta into the Sierra Madre rainforest, where you ride beside a river, cross hanging bridges, and walk up steep steps to a waterfall pool. Back at Rancho Capomo, you help prepare salsa, guacamole, and handmade tortillas before sitting down to a hearty Mexican meal.

I like the mix of quiet countryside and active fun. The horseback route gives you time to enjoy the river and forest, while the optional ATV and zipline sections let you raise the energy level. I also like the food stop, which is more than a quick buffet: you use fresh ingredients to make pico de gallo and eat fajitas or chicken with beans, rice, and tortillas.

The main caution is that this is an active half-day, not a gentle sightseeing ride. You will hike, climb steps, cross uneven ground, and spend several hours in the saddle. Low water levels can also affect the waterfall and swimming stop, and the ATV route may feel tame if you want a serious off-road ride.

Key points before you book

• The waterfall stop depends on river conditions: You may swim in the river beside the falls, but one recent outing had too little water for the waterfall and swimming.
• The horseback ride suits beginners: Horses are described as gentle and the pace is generally relaxed, though three hours in the saddle can leave you sore.
• The optional activities change the day: Add the ATV and zipline choices for a much fuller adventure, but expect to eat after the activities.
• Lunch is part of the experience: You make salsa, guacamole, and tortillas, then eat a generous meal with drinks.
• Pickup is from meeting points, not hotels: The white Rancho Capomo van waits at selected stops for no more than five minutes.
• You need reasonable fitness: Pregnancy, limited mobility, heart problems, and a body weight over 264 pounds are listed restrictions.

Leaving Puerto Vallarta for the Sierra Madre

The day begins at one of several pickup points around Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta. Listed meeting places include an OXXO south of Puerto Vallarta, Starbucks Marina, Starbucks Las Juntas in Nuevo Vallarta, Moyo, Púlpito, and other Starbucks locations.

The van ride to the ranch takes about 40 minutes. That transfer matters because the appeal here is getting out of the city and into the countryside. Hotel pickup is not permitted, so you need to choose a meeting point carefully and arrive before the scheduled time. A white van with the Rancho Capomo logo waits only five minutes after pickup time.

The listed pickup schedule includes 8:00 a.m. at the OXXO, 8:20 a.m. at Starbucks Marina, and 8:40 a.m. at Starbucks Las Juntas. Check your confirmed location and time closely, since the exact meeting point affects how much time you need to reach it.

The transport received a high satisfaction score, and the repeated praise for punctual service is useful here. Hector is singled out for being friendly and professional, while other outings were led by Ramiro, also called Remmy, and Sergio. English and Spanish guiding is available.

Three hours on horseback beside the river

The horseback ride is the heart of the tour. You follow the river into the forest, riding through the Sierra Madre countryside and dealing with natural ground rather than a flat riding arena. The route includes rocks, boulders, river crossings, and changes in slope.

That variety is what makes the ride interesting. You are not simply sitting on a horse while someone leads it along a road. You may need to guide your horse around stones and through shallow water, then manage the animal on uphill and downhill sections. For a first-time rider, that creates a real sense of participation without requiring advanced riding skills.

The ride is generally leisurely and suitable for different experience levels. Beginners can ask for a gentle horse, as one solo rider did, and the guides are praised for helping people feel safe. Still, do not confuse beginner-friendly with effortless. Several hours on horseback can be uncomfortable, especially if you are not used to the saddle.

A useful tip is to wear long pants if you plan to add ATV riding, but they can also make the horseback portion more comfortable. Bring comfortable shoes with enough grip for walking near the waterfall. Sandals are a poor choice for the trail and steep steps.

The route may include a short jog on a sloping hill near the end of the ride. You do not need to be an expert rider, but tell the guide your comfort level. The pace can be adjusted more easily when the staff knows who is new to riding.

Crossing bridges and walking to the waterfall

At some point, you leave the horses and continue on foot toward the waterfall. This section includes rope or hanging bridges, uneven paths, steep steps, and a walk through the forest. It is a small hike, but it is not fully accessible or effortless.

The waterfall stop is meant to be the refreshing payoff. If conditions allow, you can cool off in the clear river pool and swim near the falls. The setting is described as peaceful, with the forest and running water providing a sharp contrast to the busy hotel zone.

River levels matter. During one recent outing, there was not enough water for the expected waterfall and swim. The staff offered another horse ride instead, which worked well for that group but changed the advertised rhythm of the day. I would bring swimwear if you like the idea of swimming, while accepting that the water conditions may not cooperate.

You should also bring a towel, though one past participant felt the swimming opportunity was brief enough that a swimsuit and towel were not essential. That is a personal call, but comfortable clothes and shoes are useful in every version of the day.

The walk is an important part of the experience for another reason: it breaks up the saddle time. You get to stretch your legs, see the river from different angles, and reach the waterfall without treating it as a quick photo stop.

Add ziplining for canopy views

The zipline option takes place at Rancho Capomo, an ecological park with 13 lines running between trees and over rivers. It is the best add-on if you want height and broad views of the forest.

The lines are close enough together that the walking between them is not considered especially long, though you will still move around on foot. Guides help with the equipment and provide safety instructions. Several people with no prior experience felt well supported, while one participant tried a single line and decided that heights were not for her.

That is worth keeping in mind. You do not need to enjoy every activity simply because you paid for the package. If you are uneasy with heights, the zipline may become the most stressful part of the day. If you like the idea of moving above the trees and rivers, it may be your favorite section.

Bring water for this portion. One past participant specifically wished drinking water had been available halfway through the zipline experience. The provided information does not promise water at every stage, so carrying what you need is sensible, especially in warm weather.

The ATV option is fun, but know the route

The ATV ride gives you a motorized way to see the area around the ranch and the Sierra Madre. It adds noise, speed, and a different kind of control after the slower horseback ride.

The route is not described as a hard-core off-road course. One person found it adventurous enough to pass through rivers and small roads, while another felt the ATV portion was too gentle. A separate participant disliked that part of the route went through town. The clearest advice is this: choose the ATV option for variety and a little engine-powered excitement, not for an all-day technical trail ride.

Instruction may be brief before you set off. If you have never driven an ATV, pay close attention and tell the guide your experience level. The route may include small roads with traffic and river crossings. Safety precautions are provided, but you remain responsible for handling the vehicle carefully.

Wear pants if possible. A past participant noted that the motor can make your legs hot. Closed, comfortable shoes are also the sensible choice.

Families with older children have enjoyed the option. One outing included children aged 11 and 13, with the older child driving alone and the younger child riding with a parent. The suitability of that arrangement can depend on the day’s staff and safety judgment, so do not assume every child will be allowed to drive independently.

Cooking lunch gives the ranch stop real character

The meal is one of the strongest parts of the day. Rather than simply placing food in front of you, the staff provides ingredients for salsa or pico de gallo, guacamole, and tortillas. You get a short lesson in familiar Mexican staples, then eat what has been prepared.

The meal may include fajitas or chicken, along with beans, rice, vegetables, guacamole, salsa, and handmade tortillas. Portions are described as large, and the food has earned some of the warmest praise connected with the outing.

Pay attention when the vegetables arrive. One person began eating them as a starter before learning they were meant for the pico de gallo. It is a small but useful detail, especially if you are hungry after the ride.

Drinks can include water, hibiscus juice, beer, margaritas, or tequila, depending on the day and what you choose. One group preferred the refreshing hibiscus juice, while others enjoyed the alcoholic drinks. If you are doing the horseback ride, zipline, and ATV together, the meal comes after all three activities.

That timing is important. The full package can leave you hungry by lunch, so consider eating beforehand or carrying a small snack if allowed. Do not count on the meal arriving between activities.

The ranch also has cats and dogs, which added a pleasant informal touch for one outing. That detail will appeal to families and animal lovers, though it is not the main reason to book the tour.

What $124 buys you

At $124 per person, the value depends on which version you choose. The base experience includes horseback riding, round-trip transportation, and a bilingual guide. If you select the added options, ATV and zipline tours are included as well.

For the riding-only version, you are paying for a five-hour excursion with transport, guided trail time, the waterfall visit, and a substantial meal with a hands-on cooking activity. That is a fair package for someone who wants a structured day outside town without arranging several separate activities.

The three-part version offers the strongest value for active visitors. You combine horseback riding, 13 zip lines, and an ATV outing in one transfer, then finish with lunch. The tradeoff is pace. You will have less time to linger, and you will eat later in the day.

The price is less attractive if your main goal is a long, technical ATV ride or a guaranteed swim beneath a powerful waterfall. Conditions can change, and the ATV route may feel mild. The value improves if you care about variety, staff support, transport, and the Mexican meal as much as the individual thrills.

Who will enjoy this five-hour outing

I would recommend this for families with older children, couples, first-time riders, and anyone who wants several activities without spending a full day planning them. The staff receives repeated praise for patience and warmth, including during the zipline section when someone needed help finishing.

It also works well for solo visitors. One solo rider felt safe and appreciated the on-time pickup and attentive guide. English and Spanish support makes the day easier for mixed-language groups.

You should think twice if you have limited mobility, heart problems, are pregnant, or weigh more than 264 pounds, since those restrictions are listed for the activity. The hiking, steep steps, uneven ground, and saddle time also make it unsuitable for anyone looking for a low-effort outing.

Very young children may find the overall day long. One family had a happy five-year-old, while another described the experience as lengthy for children. Your group’s energy level matters, especially if you add every activity.

Practical tips for a smoother day

• Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes.
• Choose pants if you plan to ride an ATV.
• Bring swimwear and a towel if swimming appeals to you.
• Carry or arrange drinking water for the zipline period.
• Eat a light breakfast or bring a small snack, especially if choosing all three activities.
• Tell the guide if you are a first-time rider or prefer a calm horse.
• Bring money for staff tips.
• Confirm the pickup point, since hotel pickup is not available.
• Expect the waterfall experience to change with water levels.
• Allow for some soreness after the horseback ride if you rarely ride.

Cancellation is flexible, with a full refund available when you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your Puerto Vallarta plans are still shifting.

Should you book Rancho Capomo?

Book it if you want a full, active day with several kinds of fun: a relaxed horseback ride, a forest waterfall, optional zip lines and ATVs, and a generous Mexican lunch. The staff support is a major strength, and the food gives the outing more local flavor than a simple ride-and-return excursion.

Choose the riding and waterfall portion alone if you prefer a calmer pace. Add the zipline if canopy views excite you, and choose the ATV only if you are comfortable with a route that may include town roads and modest rather than extreme off-road action.

I would not book it for guaranteed waterfall swimming, serious ATV driving, or a relaxed sightseeing day. For families, beginners, and active couples who want to leave the city behind, the $124 price is sensible, especially when all three activities are included.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Vallarta horseback riding tour?

The activity lasts five hours, including transportation and the ranch activities.

How long is the van ride to Rancho Capomo?

The listed transfer from the pickup area to the ranch takes about 40 minutes.

Where can I be picked up?

Pickup is available from selected meeting points, including an OXXO south of Puerto Vallarta, Starbucks Marina, Starbucks Las Juntas in Nuevo Vallarta, Moyo, Púlpito, and other listed Starbucks locations.

Is hotel pickup available?

No. Hotel pickup is not permitted, so you must meet the white Rancho Capomo van at the selected pickup location.

Can beginners ride the horses?

Yes. The horseback ride is described as suitable for different riding levels, and beginners can request a gentle horse.

Can I swim at the waterfall?

Swimming is available when river conditions permit. Water levels can be low, so the waterfall and swimming stop are not guaranteed.

Are ATV and zipline activities included?

They are included only when you select the corresponding option. The base package includes horseback riding, transportation, and a bilingual guide.

What food is served?

The meal may include fajitas or chicken, beans, rice, guacamole, salsa, handmade tortillas, and drinks. You can also learn to prepare 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 requires hiking and uneven-ground walking.