Sierra Madre Horseback Riding and ATV Tour

The best part of Puerto Vallarta is inland. This half-day outing takes you from the resort zone into the Sierra Madre, where you ride horses through tropical forest, walk to a waterfall, drive an ATV through small villages, and finish with a Mexican lunch at Rancho Capomo. I like the mix of activities, and I like that the day gives you a look at rural life near Las Palmas rather than another few hours beside a hotel pool. The main drawback is that the waterfall walk can be a serious uphill hike, while the ATV portion may use paved or ordinary village roads instead of rugged off-road trails.

I also like the practical format. Pickup starts around 8:15 a.m., the tour lasts about five hours, and lunch, drinks, taxes, and transport from designated meeting points are included. At $150 per person, it is not a bargain-basement excursion, but the price makes more sense if you plan to eat, drink, ride horses, and use an ATV all in one morning.

The essential details at a glance

• Horse ride to a waterfall: Expect roughly 90 minutes on horseback according to the experience details shared by past participants, with forest scenery and a hike near the falls.
• ATV ride through rural Mexico: The ride lasts about 60 to 70 minutes in some outings and passes through villages, farms, and country roads.
• Rancho Capomo base: The ranch is the arrival point, starting point, lunch stop, and end point for the activity.
• Lunch and open bar included: The meal has earned strong praise, with carne asada, homemade tortillas, margaritas, beer, soda, and other drinks mentioned.
• Small maximum group: The tour accepts no more than 20 people, though the actual group may be much smaller.
• A physical morning: Horse riding, uneven ground, and the uphill walk to the waterfall require some stamina and balance.

From Puerto Vallarta to Rancho Capomo

The morning begins with pickup from a designated meeting point at about 8:15 a.m. A few pickup points may be near hotels rather than directly at the hotel door. One person found an Oxxo about a five-minute walk from the hotel, so check your exact meeting place carefully and allow extra time.

The trip takes you away from Puerto Vallarta toward Rancho Capomo and the village of Las Palmas. That change of setting is the point of the excursion. You trade the city, resorts, and traffic for farms, small communities, forest, and the foothills of the Sierra Madre.

The group limit is 20, but the outing can feel much more personal when fewer people book that day. One small group had only two participants, while another praised the driver Berto for arriving on time and keeping the ride cheerful. Staff names that come up positively include Sergio and Hector, both praised for making the day feel friendly and connected to local life.

That said, service can vary. One unhappy couple reported a late pickup and a guide who rushed the horse ride and made rude comments. This appears to be an exception among the supplied experiences, but it is worth keeping in mind. A good excursion depends heavily on the person leading your group.

Horseback riding through the Sierra Madre

The horse ride is the heart of the morning. You set out from the ranch into tropical forest and along rural paths, with the route leading toward a waterfall. The setting gives you a better sense of the Sierra Madre than a short walk near town. You are moving at horse pace, so there is time to notice the river, trees, farms, and changing ground.

Past participants describe the ride as lasting about 90 minutes. That is long enough to feel like a real outing rather than a quick photo stop, but it also means you need to be comfortable sitting on a horse for a while. If you are new to horseback riding, tell the staff clearly. The tour is open to most people, but the experience is more enjoyable when the guide adjusts the pace and offers patient instruction.

The trail may include uneven sections where you need to keep your balance. One family with children aged 10 and 12 found the ride manageable and beautiful, but another account points out that some sections require attention in the saddle. Wear clothes that can handle dust, dirt, and sweat. Closed shoes are the sensible choice.

Horse care also matters. Several people specifically described the horses as well cared for, which is reassuring. Still, you should watch the orientation before mounting and ask questions if you are unsure how to handle the reins, stop, or slow down.

The waterfall walk is worth the effort

The waterfall is reached during the horseback portion, but getting there includes a hike. This is not a flat stroll. One person called it a Mexican hike, meaning you should expect a real climb rather than a paved path with a handrail.

The walk can be tiring, especially after riding. Stretching before the tour is sensible, and sturdy footwear will help. You might find the ground slippery or uneven, so take your time instead of trying to match the fastest person in the group.

The reward is the waterfall and the forest around it. The water gives the morning a clear goal, and several people felt the climb was worth it. This is also the part that makes the tour more than a standard horse ride. You get a brief taste of the rougher, greener country beyond the coast.

Do not book this outing expecting a gentle sightseeing route. If you have knee, balance, or mobility concerns, the waterfall hike deserves serious thought. The available information says most people can participate, but it does not promise an accessible trail or a flat route.

ATV riding through villages and country roads

After the horse ride and waterfall stop, you return to the ranch and switch to ATVs. The ride is described as lasting about 60 to 70 minutes in some outings. It takes you through small villages and rural areas, offering a different view of the region from the horseback route.

I like this change of pace. The horse ride is slow and close to nature, while the ATV gives you the noise, speed, and control of a motorized ride. You also see more ground in less time. The route can include farms, village streets, and ordinary roads where people live and work.

Keep your expectations in check. One person enjoyed the quiet country ride but found the ATV section too ordinary because it stayed on roads rather than using rough off-road tracks. If you want mud, steep trails, and constant engine work, this may not satisfy you. If you prefer a scenic ride through rural communities, the gentler route may be exactly right.

You should also confirm the ATV setup before the ride starts. One dissatisfied couple expected one ATV per person but had to share a vehicle. The supplied details do not promise a separate ATV for every participant. Ask how the vehicles will be assigned, especially if individual driving time matters to you.

Rancho Capomo lunch is part of the appeal

Rancho Capomo is not just a staging point. It is where the tour begins, where you return, and where lunch is served. That makes the ranch a useful home base instead of sending you to a separate restaurant after a dusty morning.

Food is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Specific praise goes to carne asada, homemade tortillas, and Mexican cooking served after the rides. One person called the meal the best food of an eight-day Mexico trip, while another singled out the tortillas. That is high praise, but it also tells you what kind of value the $150 price can offer.

Drinks are included, too. The open bar covers alcoholic beverages, and margaritas, beer, soda, and a barrel-aged tequila tasting have all been mentioned. The combination can make lunch feel generous, but pace yourself. You still need to get back to Puerto Vallarta, and alcohol before or after a physically demanding morning can catch up with you quickly.

The meal also gives you time to relax with the staff and other members of the group. After horses, a hike, and an ATV, sitting down to eat is not an afterthought. It is a welcome finish.

What the $150 price really buys

At $150 per person, this is a fairly expensive half-day activity. The value depends on how many elements you would otherwise book separately. Transport, horseback riding, ATV use, lunch, an open bar, taxes, and fees are bundled together.

If you only want a short trail ride, the price may feel high. If you want a full morning away from Puerto Vallarta with two activities and a meal, the cost is easier to justify. The tour also saves you the trouble of arranging transport into the countryside and finding a restaurant afterward.

The strongest value comes from the variety. You are not paying for five hours of one repetitive activity. You get a horse ride, a waterfall stop, an ATV ride, a rural setting, and a substantial lunch. The weak point is that the ATV route may be mostly on roads, and one person had to share an ATV. Those details can change how much value you feel you received.

Souvenir photos cost extra. If you want action shots, budget for that separately. The tour includes mobile ticketing, and confirmation is provided when you book.

Who will enjoy this morning most?

I would recommend this tour to you if you want active sightseeing and prefer a country setting to another organized beach activity. It works especially well for couples, friends, families with older children, and solo visitors who want several activities in one booking.

Families should judge the hike and horseback riding honestly. A family with 10 and 12-year-old children had a good time, but the waterfall walk is still physical. Children need to listen to the guides and manage uneven ground.

You will probably enjoy it if you are new to horseback riding, as long as you are comfortable asking for help and taking the ride at a sensible pace. The experience is less suitable if you expect a formal riding lesson or a polished equestrian operation.

You may want another tour if your main goal is serious ATV driving. The route can be peaceful and scenic, but it may not deliver technical trails or a full off-road rush. You should also think twice if you dislike group activities, rough paths, or long periods outdoors in warm weather.

Simple ways to prepare

Wear closed shoes with a secure sole, comfortable clothes, and something that can get dusty. Stretch your legs before setting out, since the horse ride and waterfall walk use different muscles than a normal morning of sightseeing.

Bring only what you need. Keep your phone protected from dirt and possible splashes, and remember that souvenir photos are not included. Since drinks are available at lunch, plan to enjoy them after the riding is finished rather than treating the open bar as the main event.

Arrive early at the designated pickup point. The official start time is 8:15 a.m., and one positive account specifically praised a driver for staying on schedule despite latecomers. A late arrival can create stress before the fun even begins.

The tour can hold up to 20 people, but smaller groups may occur. Smaller groups usually mean less waiting and more direct contact with the guide, though the exact group size is not guaranteed.

Should you book the Rancho Capomo tour?

Book it if you want a busy, active half-day that combines horses, a waterfall, ATVs, rural villages, and a generous Mexican lunch. The scenery, food, and range of activities make this a strong choice for someone who wants to see more than Puerto Vallarta’s waterfront.

I would book with two questions in mind: Will I be comfortable with an uphill waterfall hike, and will I be happy if the ATV route uses regular roads? If the answer to both is yes, the $150 price offers solid value, especially with transport, lunch, and drinks included.

Before paying, confirm the ATV arrangement and pickup point. If you are new to horses, mention that clearly at the ranch and expect a physical morning. The cancellation terms are simple: cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes inside that 24-hour window are not refunded or accepted.

FAQ

Where does the Sierra Madre Horseback Riding and ATV Tour take place?

The experience is based at Rancho Capomo near the village of Las Palmas, in the Sierra Madre countryside outside Puerto Vallarta.

What time does the tour start?

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

How long does the experience last?

The full outing lasts approximately five hours.

What activities are included?

You receive a horseback ride through the countryside, a waterfall visit with a hike, and an ATV ride through rural areas and villages.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch at Rancho Capomo is included, along with unlimited drinks and alcoholic beverages.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 20 people.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time to receive a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.