Horseback Riding Tour in Sierra Madre from Puerto Vallarta

The best part of this Sierra Madre horseback tour is that the ride is only half the story. You follow a river through shaded mountain country, then leave the horses behind for a steep walk across hanging bridges and up stone steps to a waterfall. Back at Rancho Capomo, fajitas, handmade tortillas, guacamole, and drinks make a satisfying finish.

I like the calm, well-cared-for horses and the way the route reaches countryside that is hard to visit without local help. I also like the full meal and round-trip transport, which turn this into an easy half-day outing from Puerto Vallarta. The main caution is the waterfall walk: it includes many steps, uneven ground, a slope, and a short section where you may need to jog downhill.

Key points to know before you book

• The waterfall requires a real hike: You must get off the horse, cross hanging bridges, climb steps, and handle uneven mountain paths.
• The horses are gentle but not identical: Most riders find them calm and manageable, though each horse has its own personality.
• River crossings are part of the ride: The route follows a stream and may cross shallow water several times.
• Lunch is more than a snack: Expect chicken or beef fajitas, beans, rice, guacamole, salsa, chips, and handmade tortillas.
• Transport makes the outing simple: Pickup and return are included, with an English option and guides such as Beto helping along the way.
• Dry weather changes the waterfall: In the dry season, the falls may be smaller, and swimming may be less appealing.

Riding into the Sierra Madre from Puerto Vallarta

This is a good choice if you want to see the mountains without arranging a rental car, finding a ranch, or guessing which rural road leads to the river. The tour begins at 8:15 in the morning and returns to the meeting point after roughly five hours.

The drive from Puerto Vallarta is part of the outing. Depending on your pickup point, the ride to the ranch may take about 30 minutes to an hour and 15 minutes. Beto has received especially warm praise as a driver and guide. He keeps the trip lively, shares information along the way, and helps the day feel organized from the first pickup.

Pickup locations matter. The tour uses designated meeting points, so check yours carefully and arrive early. Most of the transportation is by air-conditioned van, though one poor account described a late pickup and an overcrowded shuttle. That sounds unlike the many smooth transport reports, but it is a useful reminder to confirm the time and contact details before leaving your hotel.

The maximum group size is 40 people. That is not an intimate private ride, but the ranch portion can still feel personal when the staff assigns horses and helps riders get settled.

Rancho Capomo sets the tone

Rancho Capomo is more than a place to mount a horse. The property includes horses, agave fields, a patio overlooking the greenery and river, friendly ranch dogs, and areas where local paintings and homemade drinks may be displayed for sale.

You receive a horse assignment and a short introduction to handling the animal. This works well for many first-time riders, and several families have found the horses gentle enough for children. A helmet and a safe mule were provided for one nine-year-old rider, though you should still confirm age and equipment details when booking if those points are important to your family.

The horses are widely appreciated for being healthy, calm, and well maintained. Still, this is not a riding school with a long lesson before departure. One rider felt the instruction on horse control was too brief, especially when a horse moved close to another and reacted badly after being kicked.

I would pay close attention during the initial briefing. Ask how to keep space between horses, how to slow down, and how to guide your horse away from the group. The animals may be easygoing, but you are still responsible for listening and using the basic commands you are given.

A shaded trail beside the river

The horseback route is scenic without demanding advanced riding skills. Much of it passes beneath trees, with the river or stream nearby. You may cross the water several times, depending on conditions, and the trail can include rough ground, creek beds, and changing elevation.

The setting is a strong reason to choose this tour. You are not riding around a small fenced paddock or along a flat road. The route reaches wooded countryside, open ranch areas, running water, cattle, butterflies, and mountain views. Small dogs from the ranch may trot along with the group, adding a cheerful local touch.

The pace is generally relaxed. One rider described about two hours on horseback, while another estimated closer to an hour and a half. Exact riding time can vary with the group, trail conditions, and the waterfall portion.

You should wear long pants or comfortable clothing that can handle dust, brush, and horse contact. Closed-toe shoes are important, especially because you will later walk on rocks and steps. Bring clothes that can get wet or muddy, and dress for heat. Much of the trail is shaded, but the combination of warm weather and physical activity can still wear you down.

The waterfall walk is the day’s physical test

At the waterfall area, everyone must dismount. The next part is on foot, and this is where the tour becomes more strenuous than its easygoing horseback-riding label might suggest.

You walk toward the mountain, cross hanging bridges, climb steps, and continue along uneven ground to reach the falls. Several accounts describe the climb as steep, aerobic, or tough on the legs. One person called it a five to ten minute walk, while another warned of many stairs. The exact effort depends on your pace, fitness, weather, and trail conditions.

The payoff is a waterfall tucked into the mountain setting. After recent rain, it can be powerful and photogenic. In the dry season, the flow may be modest, and one guide skipped the hike because the falls were dry. Another rider still found the waterfall attractive during dry weather, but the water was cold and not ideal for swimming.

You normally have time to cool off in the river or take photographs. Do not count on a long swim. The stop may be brief, around 10 to 15 minutes according to one detailed account, and the main attraction is the setting rather than a full afternoon at a swimming hole.

The return includes a sloping section, and the itinerary notes that you may need to jog a little downhill. If stairs, steep paths, or uneven rocks are difficult for you, this is the part to consider most carefully. You may be able to skip the walk, but the supplied information does not promise an alternate activity, so ask the guide before setting out.

Lunch makes this feel like a full Mexican outing

Back at the ranch, the meal is one of the tour’s strongest features. You can expect chicken or beef fajitas with rice, beans, guacamole, Mexican salsa, chips, and handmade tortillas. The tortillas are prepared at the ranch, and some outings include a short demonstration over a mesquite grill.

You may also prepare pico de gallo with the ingredients provided. That small hands-on touch gives lunch more character than a standard buffet. The meal is served after the ride and hike, when you are likely to be hungry, and portions are described as plentiful.

Drinks are included through an open bar with national beverages. Margaritas, beer, and tequila tasting have all been part of the day, along with flavored liqueurs available for purchase. The drinking age is 18, and the alcohol portion is optional. I would take it slowly, especially after a hot ride and a steep climb.

Tequila bottles and souvenirs may cost extra. Photos are also not included, though souvenir photographs are available to buy. The ranch may display local artwork and bottles of homemade tequila or liqueurs for sale, so bring a payment method if you enjoy browsing, but do not feel that you need to purchase anything to get the main value of the tour.

Is the $103 price fair?

At $103 per person, this is not the cheapest horseback ride near Puerto Vallarta. The price makes more sense when you count the included pieces: round-trip transport, a guide, horse ride, waterfall visit, Mexican lunch, taxes, and unlimited national drinks.

You are paying for a complete half-day plan rather than just saddle time. The transportation is especially useful because the ranch is outside the city, and reaching the mountain roads independently would take extra planning. The lunch also carries real value, since it includes a full plate rather than a simple beverage and snack.

The value is strongest for first-time visitors, families, and couples who want several activities in one morning. It is less compelling if you only want serious horseback riding, a long swim, or a private trail ride. The group size can reach 40, and the ride is designed for a broad range of ability rather than advanced equestrians.

The tour is booked an average of 22 days ahead, so popular dates may disappear during busy vacation periods. If you know your schedule, reserving early is sensible. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. A weather cancellation offers a different date or a full refund, while cancellations inside 24 hours are not refunded.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a gentle introduction to horseback riding, enjoy wooded scenery, and like the idea of combining nature with a hearty meal. It also suits families, provided children are accompanied by an adult and can manage the riding and walking portions.

First-time riders are generally well served by the calm horses and basic instruction. You should not assume every horse will behave exactly the same, though. Tell the guide if you are nervous, inexperienced, or uncomfortable with your assigned horse.

Nature lovers will appreciate the river, trees, butterflies, cattle, dogs, and waterfall. The route has a pleasant unplugged quality, with the best moments coming from the quiet trail rather than a flashy attraction.

You may want to choose another activity if you have trouble with stairs, steep ground, or hot weather. The tour is described as suitable for most people, but the waterfall hike is not effortless. Service animals are allowed, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Cruise ship passengers need to provide ship and port timing details when booking, including docking, disembarkation, and re-boarding times.

What could be improved

The biggest concern is consistency in transport and staff interaction. Most accounts describe prompt pickups, kind guides, and helpful service. One serious complaint described a late pickup, an overcrowded shuttle, and discriminatory, aggressive treatment by a staff member. That allegation should not be ignored simply because the overall rating is high.

There is also a smaller expectation issue. One outing did not include the promised cooking class or waterfall visit, and dry-season conditions can reduce the waterfall to a small flow. The tour description centers on the waterfall hike, but weather and water levels affect what you actually see.

Horse-riding instruction may be brief. Before mounting, ask your guide to explain spacing, stopping, and turning. That simple conversation could prevent the sort of close-contact problem described by one rider.

These points do not cancel out the many strong parts of the day, but they help you book with clear expectations. Confirm pickup details, ask about current trail and waterfall conditions, and speak up if the horse or walking route feels beyond your comfort level.

Should you book Rancho Capomo?

Book it if you want a practical Sierra Madre day with gentle horses, river scenery, and a waterfall walk, followed by a generous Mexican meal. The combination is hard to match at the same price once transport, lunch, and drinks are included.

I would be most enthusiastic for families with older children, couples, solo visitors who want a guided rural outing, and first-time riders. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes, expect stairs, and treat the ride as a nature-and-food excursion rather than a technical equestrian tour.

Skip it if you want a private ride, a long waterfall swim, or a polished lesson before getting on the horse. For everyone else, the $103 cost is reasonable, the setting is memorable, and the lunch gives the morning a satisfying finish.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding tour?

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

What time does the tour start?

The stated start time is 8:15 am.

Is transportation from Puerto Vallarta included?

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

Is lunch included?

Yes. The meal includes Mexican food such as fajitas or chicken, guacamole, salsa, handmade tortillas, beans, and rice.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited drinks from the national open bar are included. The minimum drinking age is 18.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather causes the tour to be canceled, you will be offered another date or a full refund.