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

The best part of this Rancho Capomo outing is the horse ride through the Sierra Madre, where the trail follows a stream, crosses rocky riverbeds, and reaches a waterfall by rope bridges and steep steps. You get a taste of rural Jalisco, not just a quick photo stop beside the highway.

I like the mix of quiet and action: the waterfall ride feels peaceful, while the optional ATV and zipline activities add speed and height. I also like the ranch meal, where you help make salsa, guacamole, and tortillas instead of simply receiving a plate.

The main drawback is that this is an active trip. Horseback riding can leave a beginner sore, the waterfall may have too little water for swimming, and the ATV route may feel tame if you want a wild off-road blast.

Key points to know before booking

• The waterfall is reached on horseback, then on foot: Expect river crossings, hanging bridges, steep steps, and a short hike.
• The horse ride suits beginners: The pace is generally leisurely, but uneven ground and boulders require balance and a reasonable level of fitness.
• The optional add-ons change the day: Choose ATV riding, zip lines, or both for a more active outing.
• The Mexican lunch is part of the experience: Make pico de gallo, guacamole, and tortillas before eating chicken or fajitas with beans and rice.
• Pickup is from fixed points: Hotel pickup is not permitted. A white Rancho Capomo van collects you at selected meeting places.
• Your body may need a word afterward: First-time riders have found the saddle uncomfortable after several hours, and ATV engines can make your legs hot.

A ranch day beyond Puerto Vallarta

At $124 per person, this is not the cheapest half-day activity around Puerto Vallarta. The price makes more sense if you want several experiences in one booking: transportation, a three-hour horse-riding program, a guide, lunch, and optional ATV or zipline activities when selected.

I would not choose it just for horseback riding if you prefer a short, gentle trail outing. You are paying for a full package that combines country scenery, a waterfall stop, food, and the chance to add more adventure. For a family with older children, a couple with mixed interests, or anyone trying to fit several activities into one morning and afternoon, that combination can offer good value.

The tour lasts about five hours, with roughly 40 minutes of van travel to the ranch. That drive matters. You leave Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta behind and reach the countryside around Jalisco, but the outing is not a quick walk from your hotel.

Meeting the Rancho Capomo van

Since hotel pickup is not allowed, you need to reach one of the assigned points. The listed pickup choices include an OXXO south of Puerto Vallarta at 8:00 AM, Starbucks Marina at 8:20 AM, and Starbucks Las Juntas in Nuevo Vallarta at 8:40 AM. Other booking displays may show nearby meeting points such as Moyo, Púlpito, Parcela 158, or additional Starbucks locations, so check the exact point and time attached to your reservation.

Look for a white van with the Rancho Capomo logo. It will wait no longer than five minutes after the scheduled time, so this is not a morning for a relaxed coffee stop. Arrive early and keep your phone available in case you need to confirm the meeting place.

The return service uses set drop-off locations rather than hotel service. That is convenient if your accommodation is near one of the listed points, but you should plan the final walk or taxi ride yourself.

The transport has received strong marks, with 85 percent of the published ratings giving it a perfect score. The ride itself takes about 40 minutes, a reasonable trade for reaching the forest and ranch setting.

Riding into the Sierra Madre

The horse ride is the heart of the outing. You mount at the ranch and follow a stream through the trees, riding beside water and over rougher sections of ground. The route includes river crossings and boulders, so this is more than a flat trail around a paddock.

Beginners can take part. If you have little riding experience, tell the staff clearly that you want a gentle horse. One first-time rider did exactly that and enjoyed learning to guide the horse over uneven ground. Guides such as Hector have been praised for staying close to the group and helping people feel secure.

The pace is normally easy enough for newcomers, but do not confuse beginner-friendly with effortless. You still need to sit steadily, follow directions, and handle the movement of a horse for a long stretch. Several hours in a saddle can become uncomfortable, especially if you rarely ride. Wear clothing that lets you move, and consider long pants for protection from brush and saddle friction.

There may also be a chance to jog the horses on a sloping hill before returning to the ranch. That can be fun for experienced riders, but ask for a slower pace if you are unsure. You do not need to prove anything here. A calm ride through the forest is the main reward.

The waterfall stop and its real conditions

At one point, you dismount and continue on foot. You cross rope bridges, climb steep steps, and walk toward a waterfall beside the river. The setting is the kind of place that makes the trip feel far removed from the resort zone.

The waterfall stop is a good break from the saddle, but it is not guaranteed to look the same on every departure. In June 2025, the river carried too little water for a waterfall or swim, and the group was offered another horse ride instead. That is an important point if swimming is your main reason for booking.

When water levels allow, you can cool off in the clear river near the falls. Bring swimwear and a towel if you want that option, but do not assume a long swimming session. One earlier participant felt the swimsuit and towel were barely needed because the water stop was brief.

The walk requires some effort. Steep steps, bridges, rocks, and uneven ground make this a poor choice for people with limited mobility. The operator also excludes pregnant women, people with heart problems, and anyone over 264 pounds, or 120 kilograms.

Choosing between ATV riding and 13 zip lines

You can add an ATV ride, a zipline tour, or both. The best choice depends on what kind of excitement you enjoy.

The zipline option takes place at Rancho Capomo’s ecological park and uses 13 lines through the trees and over rivers. It offers views from above and a stronger sense of motion than the horse ride. The short walks between lines have been described as manageable, but you still need to climb and move around the park.

If heights make you nervous, you can find the first line intimidating. One participant tried a single line and decided not to continue, while others counted ziplining as the highlight of the day. The staff has helped both children and adults who became hesitant, including children who stopped at a final line.

The ATV option provides a different kind of fun. You ride through the jungle area and see parts of the Sierra Madre from the vehicle. One account describes seeing an iguana and butterflies along the route, while another found the ATV course too mild.

Pay attention to that split. The ATV outing may use town roads and smaller roads with traffic rather than a constant run through deep jungle. It can be a good introduction if you are new to ATVs, but experienced riders may want more technical trails and speed. One participant also noted that the motor makes your legs hot, so pants are a sensible choice.

Instruction before riding may be brief. If you are new to ATVs, ask questions before leaving and stay alert around traffic, rivers, and turns. The guides provide safety precautions, but you remain responsible for riding within your ability.

Lunch, tortillas, and a hands-on Mexican meal

After the activities, you return to the ranch for food. The meal typically includes chicken or fajitas, rice, beans, guacamole, salsa, vegetables, and handmade tortillas. Portions have been described as large, and the food is one of the most praised parts of the day.

The cooking lesson is simple but adds a local touch. A bowl of chopped vegetables may appear before lunch, and you use it to make pico de gallo rather than treating it as a starter. You can also help prepare guacamole and press or shape tortillas.

That small amount of participation changes the meal. You are not just eating after an excursion; you are learning how several everyday Mexican dishes come together. The meal has also been adapted for dietary restrictions, though you should tell the staff about your needs before eating.

Drinks can include water, hibiscus juice, beer, or tequila, depending on the arrangements and your preference. Some groups choose refreshing hibiscus juice, while others enjoy the alcoholic drinks. Eat and drink sensibly, especially if you have completed all three activities in one day.

If you select horseback riding, ATV riding, and ziplining, lunch may come after all three. That can mean several hours of activity before your main meal. Bring a small snack if you tend to get hungry, and do not rely on lunch arriving early.

The ranch also has cats and dogs. For many people, spending time around the animals adds to the relaxed country feel. If you do not like animals, this is easy to treat as background rather than a central part of the outing.

How active is the full five-hour program?

The standard horse-riding portion is listed at about three hours, and the whole activity lasts five hours including transport and the ranch schedule. Add-ons make the program feel much fuller, especially if you select both ATV riding and ziplining.

You should be comfortable with:

• Sitting on a horse for an extended period
• Walking on uneven paths
• Crossing bridges and climbing steps
• Getting wet near a river when conditions allow
• Handling heat and outdoor conditions
• Following safety instructions for ATVs or zip lines

Children have taken part, including an 11-year-old and a 13-year-old who enjoyed the add-on activities. That does not mean every child will find the day easy. A five-year-old also enjoyed the outing, but the adults and guides needed to provide support. Use your own judgment based on your child’s coordination, comfort with animals, and ability to handle a long active schedule.

This is not the right fit for someone seeking a quiet spa-day pace. It is also not ideal if you have heart problems, are pregnant, have a mobility impairment, or weigh more than the stated limit.

What to wear and bring

Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy, comfortable shoes. Long pants are useful for horseback riding and may protect your legs from the heat of an ATV engine.

Pack:

• Swimwear
• A towel
• Comfortable shoes
• Comfortable clothing

A swimsuit and towel may go unused if the river is low or the stop is brief, but they take little space. I would bring them rather than count on changing plans at the waterfall.

You should also bring some cash for staff tips. Tipping is not listed as an included service, and one family specifically advised keeping money ready at the end. The guides and ranch staff handle several parts of the day, from transport and animals to safety and lunch.

The guides and the feel of the day

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 Remmy, has been praised for making the activities more fun and taking extra care with the group. Sergio has also been named as a friendly guide.

Names may vary by departure, but the pattern is clear: you are not left to work out every activity alone. Staff members help with the horses, give safety instructions, and assist people who become unsure on a zip line.

The ranch atmosphere is welcoming rather than polished in a resort sense. That is part of its appeal. You get dirt, animals, river crossings, a working meal, and several outdoor activities in one place. If you want a highly controlled attraction with no mud, heat, or uneven ground, choose something else.

Is $124 a fair price?

At $124, value depends on how many parts you use. For the basic horse ride, waterfall visit, transport, guide, and meal, the cost is reasonable for a half-day countryside outing, though not a bargain activity.

The strongest value comes from choosing an add-on you genuinely want. The zipline option is a good match if you want views and a sense of height. The ATV option works better for someone who wants to drive and explore at a moderate pace. Choosing both creates a varied day, but it also means more time without a proper meal until the activities are finished.

You also save the trouble of arranging separate transport to a ranch and activity park. For a family or small group that wants several activities without planning each one, that convenience matters.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later make the booking less rigid. Still, check the exact selected activities, pickup point, start time, and meal details before paying.

Who should book Rancho Capomo?

I would recommend this tour if you want a busy outdoor day with several flavors: horseback riding, a possible waterfall swim, Mexican cooking, and optional zip lines or ATVs. It suits beginners, families with active children, couples, and solo visitors who want a structured trip into the countryside.

I would be more cautious if you are an experienced ATV rider looking for speed, if you need guaranteed swimming, or if you dislike long saddle time. The waterfall depends on water conditions, and the ATV route may feel gentle rather than extreme.

For the best chance of enjoying it, choose your add-ons based on your comfort. Horseback riding alone gives you the core country experience. Add zip lines for height and views, ATV riding for a hands-on motor activity, or both if you are ready for a packed schedule.

FAQ

How long does the Puerto Vallarta horseback riding tour last?

The activity lasts five hours, including round-trip transportation. The horseback-riding portion is listed at about three hours, with the remaining time covering the van ride and ranch activities.

Where is pickup provided?

Pickup is from selected meeting points, not from hotels. Listed points include an OXXO south of Puerto Vallarta at 8:00 AM, Starbucks Marina at 8:20 AM, and Starbucks Las Juntas in Nuevo Vallarta at 8:40 AM. A white Rancho Capomo van collects you.

Is swimming at the waterfall guaranteed?

No. Swimming depends on water conditions. When the river is low, there may be no usable waterfall or swimming stop, so bring swimwear and a towel only if you are comfortable with the possibility that they may not be needed.

Can I add ATV riding or ziplining?

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

What food is included?

The ranch serves chicken or fajitas with guacamole, salsa, handmade tortillas, beans, and rice. You can also take part in making salsa, guacamole, and tortillas. Drinks may include water, hibiscus juice, beer, or tequila.

Who should not take this tour?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, people with heart problems, or anyone over 264 pounds, or 120 kilograms. You should also be comfortable with hiking, uneven ground, bridges, steps, and a long horseback ride.