Sierra Madre Horseback Riding and Zipline with Lunch Included

Trade the beach for mountain air. This half-day outing takes you from Puerto Vallarta into the Sierra Madre and the village area around Las Palmas, where horseback riding, ziplining, lunch, and drinks come together at Rancho Capomo. It is a useful choice if you want several activities without arranging separate bookings.

I especially like the small maximum group of 15 and the homemade Mexican meal, both of which give the day a more personal feel. I also like the chance to reach a quieter, less polished part of the mountains. The main drawback is the long, rough road journey, which can take about 90 minutes each way and may feel bumpy.

The package costs $147 per person, including transport from select Puerto Vallarta pickup points, entrance fees, lunch, national alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and a driver-guide. With a 4.9 rating and 96 percent recommendation rate, it has a strong record, though the experience is best for people who enjoy rustic conditions rather than a slick resort-style adventure.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• The ride to Rancho Capomo can take 90 minutes each way, with rough sections that make the trip part of the adventure.
• Horseback riding usually lasts about 90 minutes, including a mountain route toward a waterfall.
• The zipline course has about 10 routes, with views over large valleys and the river.
• Lunch and national drinks are included, with Mexican food, an open bar, and non-alcoholic choices.
• The group is capped at 15 people, a useful size for a more relaxed day.
• You need to be at least 1.30 meters tall and weigh at least 50 pounds to participate.

Leaving Puerto Vallarta for the Sierra Madre

The day begins at 8:15 a.m. from a designated pickup point in Puerto Vallarta. Round-trip transport is included from select meeting locations, and the tour ends back at the same general meeting point.

The drive is not a quick hop outside town. The route into the Sierra Madre can take around an hour and a half in each direction, and the road is described as bumpy in places. If you get carsick, eat lightly before departure and consider bringing water. The ride may test your patience, but it also takes you well away from the hotel zone and into a less commercial part of the region.

A driver-guide handles the transport. One particularly well-liked driver, Sergio, was known for keeping the ride lively with jokes. That sort of personal touch matters on a long transfer, especially when the road gets rough.

You are not simply being shuttled to another activity park beside the highway. Rancho Capomo is reached through the hills, near the village of Las Palmas, and the setting feels more connected to rural Mexico than to the large adventure companies closer to Puerto Vallarta. That is part of the appeal, but it also means you should not expect perfect roads, heavy infrastructure, or a polished theme-park atmosphere.

Rancho Capomo and the Horseback Route

At Rancho Capomo, the central experience begins with a ride through the tropical forest and nearby mountain terrain. The horses are described as gentle and well cared for, which is important if you are a first-time rider or have only limited experience on horseback.

The ride is generally around 90 minutes, though one account describes a route of about 1.5 miles toward a waterfall. Expect a fairly basic walking pace rather than an extended riding expedition. The horses move along a rough, sometimes bumpy route, and you may pass through a small village area before reaching the more scenic mountain sections.

That mix is part of what makes the ride feel authentic. You are not confined to a manicured ranch loop. You see a rural side of the Puerto Vallarta region and get a sense of how quickly the developed coast gives way to hills, forest, and small settlements.

The route toward the waterfall is one of the prettiest parts of the day. Morning light can make the mountain views especially attractive, and the walk or ride gives you a better look at the river corridors and steep valleys. Some accounts describe a short hike to the waterfall, so be ready to walk after spending time in the saddle.

The hike requires some effort. It is not presented as a major trek, but the path can be uneven, and you should wear shoes with a secure sole. During the dry season, the waterfall or river may have little or no water. That seasonal change matters: the route remains scenic, but you should not book this outing solely for a dramatic cascade.

The horse ride may also feel too short if you are an experienced rider hoping for a long-distance excursion. The focus is on combining several activities in one day, not on spending half a day in the saddle. For many people, that balance is a strength. You get a taste of mountain riding without giving up the zipline and meal.

Ten Zipline Routes Above the Valleys

The zipline portion adds a sharper burst of excitement after the slower pace of the horse ride. The course includes about 10 different routes, and the views reach across large valleys and the river below.

Unlike a highly developed adventure park, the zipline area can feel exposed, hot, and dry, with limited shade. Bring water and use sun protection. The mountain setting gives you broad views, but it may not provide much relief from the sun while you wait or move between lines.

One memorable detail is the short horseback transfer toward the zipline starting area. A participant described being allowed to gallop briefly with the horses before reaching the lines, though you should not assume this will be part of every departure. Most of the riding is slow and steady.

The zipline setup is more rustic than the large Puerto Vallarta adventure parks. That can be a plus if you want a small-scale experience with a local feel. It can also be a minus if you prefer highly polished platforms, elaborate facilities, and a more standardized operation.

The course is well suited to someone who wants a solid introduction to ziplining without making it the entire day. You get several routes, mountain views, and the added variety of the horse ride. The combination gives the outing more value than booking only one activity, provided you are comfortable with the long transfer.

Homemade Mexican Lunch and National Drinks

Lunch is one of the strongest parts of the experience. The meal is Mexican food, with fajitas specifically praised as a highlight. The food is described as homemade and memorable rather than as a basic boxed lunch.

Drinks are included, too. The package offers unlimited national alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, along with an open bar. Homemade tequila is another notable part of the visit, and a tequila tasting may be available as part of the ranch experience.

The minimum drinking age is 18. You do not need to drink to enjoy the meal, and non-alcoholic choices are included. Still, pace yourself carefully. After riding, hiking, and ziplining in warm mountain conditions, alcohol can affect you quickly, especially if you have not had enough water.

Bring a couple of bottles of water with you even though drinks are included. Water is especially useful during the drive, on the sunny zipline platforms, and during the walk to the waterfall. The open bar should not be treated as a substitute for hydration.

What the $147 Price Really Covers

At $147 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning near Puerto Vallarta. The price makes more sense when you count the separate elements: round-trip transport, entrance to Rancho Capomo, horseback riding, the zipline course, lunch, drinks, and a guide.

You also save planning time. Instead of finding separate operators for horse riding, ziplining, and food, you make one booking and follow one schedule. That is useful if you have only a few days in Puerto Vallarta or prefer not to negotiate transport between activities.

The small group limit of 15 improves the value. You are less likely to feel lost in a large crowd, and guides can offer more direct help. The friendly staff, well-cared-for horses, and personal feel of the ranch are central to the package.

The value is weaker if you want a long horseback ride, a quiet nature walk, or a luxury adventure facility. It is also less appealing if a long, bumpy transfer will spoil your day. Think of the price as paying for a full activity package in a rural setting, not simply for one hour on a horse.

Who Will Enjoy This Outing Most

I would recommend this tour to you if you want variety. It works well for couples, families with eligible children, and small groups of friends who would rather combine several activities than spend the whole day on one.

It is also a good fit if you want to see a more rural side of the Puerto Vallarta area. The route toward Las Palmas and Rancho Capomo offers a change from the coast, resorts, and city streets. The setting feels less corporate than some of the larger zipline operations.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum height is 1.30 meters, and the minimum weight is 50 pounds. Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed, but you should be comfortable with horseback riding, uneven ground, and zipline platforms.

I would be cautious about booking this if you dislike rough roads, have trouble sitting comfortably for long transfers, or want a highly polished attraction. The horse ride is not fast, and the route may include ordinary village areas that are not carefully groomed for tourism. That realism appeals to some people and disappoints others.

Practical Tips for a Better Day

Wear long pants and closed shoes. Long pants help protect your legs during the horse ride, while sturdy footwear is useful for the path toward the waterfall and the ranch surfaces.

Bring water, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. The mountain heat, dust, and activity can leave you sweaty, and a spare outfit is especially sensible if your day includes water near the river or waterfall.

Keep your expectations flexible during the dry season. The waterfall may be dry, and the river may not look as dramatic as it does during wetter months. The mountain route and views still provide interest, but the water feature should be considered a bonus.

Souvenir photos are not included, though they can be purchased. If you want pictures, check how the photo service works before leaving the ranch so you are not surprised by the extra cost.

The tour is often booked well ahead, with an average booking lead time of about 46 days. If your Puerto Vallarta dates are fixed, reserving early is sensible, particularly for weekends or cruise ship visits.

Cruise ship passengers must provide the ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time when booking. That information lets the operator judge whether the schedule works with your port call.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the 8:15 a.m. start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund, and the operator may offer another date or a full refund if the minimum group size is not met.

Should You Book Rancho Capomo?

Book it if you want a full half-day of activities, a Mexican lunch, and a genuine mountain setting rather than another polished resort attraction. The best parts are the friendly staff, gentle horses, varied zipline course, tasty meal, and chance to leave Puerto Vallarta’s developed core.

Skip it if you want a long horseback expedition, a guaranteed flowing waterfall, or a short transfer. The road to Rancho Capomo is the real tradeoff, and the rustic setting is not for everyone.

For the right person, the $147 price is reasonable because it covers transport, several activities, food, drinks, and admission in one package. I would choose it for a first visit to Puerto Vallarta when I wanted one active day with plenty of variety and a clear taste of the Sierra Madre.

FAQ

Where does the tour take place?

The experience takes place at Rancho Capomo in the Sierra Madre area near the village of Las Palmas, outside Puerto Vallarta.

What time does the tour start?

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

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately five hours, though the drive to and from Rancho Capomo can take about 90 minutes each way.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from select meeting points in Puerto Vallarta are included, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

What food and drinks are included?

The package includes a Mexican lunch, national alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and an open bar. The minimum drinking age is 18.

How tall and heavy must participants be?

Participants must be at least 1.30 meters tall and weigh at least 50 pounds.

Are children allowed?

Yes. Children can participate, but they must be accompanied by an adult.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded.