Combo Horseback Riding in Vallarta with ATV and Ziplines.

Rancho Capomo packs a lot into one morning: horseback riding through the Sierra Madre, a waterfall stop, seven ziplines, ATV riding, and a Mexican meal. The setting feels far removed from Puerto Vallarta’s hotel zone, with river crossings, jungle trails, and the rural village of Las Palmas.

I like the variety and the strong value at $152 per person. I also like the human touch: guides such as Beto, Rimi, and Hector are praised for patience and safety, while the horses are carefully matched to riders. The main drawback is simple: this is an active day, and the hike, horseback time, zipline stairs, and ATV riding may be tiring.

Key points at a glance

• Nearly two hours on horseback: Ride beside rivers and through tropical forest, with a waterfall stop and optional swimming.
• Seven jungle ziplines: The lines are designed for beginners, with views over trees and rivers.
• ATV ride near Las Palmas: Drive through a small rural community and out into the surrounding countryside.
• Homemade Mexican lunch: Fajitas or chicken with guacamole follow the activities, along with drinks and a tequila tasting.
• Small group feel: The maximum group size is 20, and guides provide hands-on help throughout the day.
• Bring the right gear: Comfortable footwear, water shoes, and cash for tips will make the outing easier.

A full day of action outside Puerto Vallarta

The tour begins at 8:15 a.m. at the OXXO on the corner of Carretera Barra de Navidad and Púlpito in the Zona Romántica. From there, you ride in an air-conditioned van to Rancho Capomo. The drive takes about 45 minutes according to one detailed account, so you get a quick look at the change from the resort district to the rural hills of Jalisco.

That transfer matters. You are not simply moving between amusement-park stations near town. The route takes you away from Puerto Vallarta and toward the Sierra Madre, where rivers, farms, jungle, and small communities shape the day. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

The advertised duration is about five hours. The precise pace can vary by group size and how long you spend at the waterfall, but the schedule is full. This is not a slow countryside outing with one short activity. You should expect a physically active morning with several changes of equipment and scenery.

Riding into the Sierra Madre on horseback

Horseback riding comes first. You receive a horse and follow a route beside rivers, through tropical forest, and toward the village of Las Palmas. The setting is the heart of the tour. You move at the pace of the horses rather than from behind a van window, and the route brings you through water and under dense foliage.

The ride can last close to two hours. That is generous by standard resort excursions, especially if you are new to horseback riding. The slower pace gives you time to notice the river crossings, trees, hills, and rural homes around Las Palmas. It also means you should not treat this as a quick photo stop. Your legs and seat will feel the distance.

The horses are one of the strongest parts of the outing. Families with first-time riders found that the staff matched children with suitable animals and stayed near them when needed. One child rode beside a guide for extra reassurance, while another rider described her horse, Qelite, as calm and easy to manage. Those details matter if you are bringing children or have never ridden before.

Still, beginner does not mean effortless. You will spend a long stretch in the saddle, and you may cross shallow streams or wet ground. Wear shoes that can handle water and mud. Water shoes are a practical choice, though you also want enough support for walking on uneven ground.

The waterfall walk and cold river pools

The horse route leads to a waterfall in the forest. You may be invited to walk to the cascades, take photographs, and swim in the pools below. The walk is optional according to the available details, which is useful if you prefer to stay with the horses or are already feeling tired.

The waterfall is more than a quick stop for a picture. It breaks up the riding and gives you a chance to cool off in fresh water. The rivers and pools are a natural part of the Sierra Madre setting, not a built attraction, so conditions may feel earthy and simple rather than polished.

This is also one of the sections that requires the most attention to footwear. You might walk over wet rock and uneven jungle paths. Bring a swimsuit under your clothes if swimming appeals to you, and keep in mind that the day continues with ziplines and ATVs. You will want to dry off or pack a change of clothes.

The waterfall stop can also be the point where you decide how much more activity you want. One rider chose not to make the uphill walk toward the ziplines after the horseback portion and was offered extra ATV time instead. That suggests some flexibility from the staff, though you should not assume every activity can always be swapped.

Seven ziplines through the trees

After the horse ride and waterfall section, you head for seven ziplines. The lines cross above jungle, rivers, and tree-covered slopes. Seven runs give you enough time to learn the basic position, settle your nerves, and enjoy the later lines without feeling that the activity ended just as it began.

The ziplines are described as suitable for beginners. That makes this a reasonable choice for a first attempt, especially for families. Guides help participants with the equipment and keep an eye on safety. Children as young as seven took part with their parents, although individual comfort with heights varies.

The access route may involve a short jungle hike and stairs. That is worth knowing before you book. The zipline itself may be easy once you are clipped in, but reaching the platforms adds work after the horseback ride. If you dislike heights or tire quickly, ask about the route and available alternatives at the start.

You can take photographs or videos with your phone, but using a phone while moving along a line is not always practical. The guides may help record you, and lockers are available for belongings. Put loose items away before starting. You will enjoy the activity more if you are not worrying about a phone, wallet, or sunglasses.

ATV riding through Las Palmas

The ATV section changes the mood. After the quiet pace of the horses, you get a motor, a helmet, and a route through Las Palmas and the surrounding countryside. The ride lasts about 45 minutes according to one account, though the exact time can depend on the day’s schedule.

Driving through the village adds a local dimension that you would miss on a standard off-road track. You see the transition between community streets, river country, and open rural areas. The activity is not only about speed. It gives you another way to understand the area and lets you cover more ground than you could on foot or horseback.

The new ATVs were specifically appreciated, but you should still expect dust, uneven ground, and the need to follow the guide. This is not a self-guided rental where you set your own route. Listen closely to the safety instructions and keep your attention on the road, especially if you have little experience with four-wheelers.

For some people, the ATV portion will be the highlight. For others, it may feel less personal than the horse ride or waterfall. I see it as a useful middle section: exciting enough to add variety, but short enough that it does not take over the day.

Lunch, drinks, and tequila at the ranch

The final reward is lunch back at Rancho Capomo. The meal includes fajitas or chicken with guacamole, and the food is prepared on site. Several detailed accounts singled out the meal as one of the best parts of the day, even comparing it favorably with meals in downtown Puerto Vallarta.

That praise makes sense. After several hours outside, a hot, filling meal is not a minor extra. It gives you time to sit down, talk with the guides, and let your body recover before the ride back to town.

Drinks are included in the ranch meal setting, and the experience can include a tequila tasting. Some visitors also bought flavored bottles, including coffee and pineapple tequila. Treat that as an optional souvenir rather than a required part of the tour. If you plan to drink, remember that you still have the return transfer ahead.

The ranch atmosphere also includes dogs and a relaxed social setting. That may appeal to families and groups who want more than a sequence of timed activities. The meal is a chance to see the staff outside the action and ask questions about the area.

Guides, safety, and the group size

The maximum group size is 20 people. That is not a private tour, but it is small enough for the guides to provide individual attention, especially during the horse and zipline sections.

Beto, Rimi, and Hector are names worth remembering when you arrive. They have been singled out for being patient, entertaining, attentive, and focused on safety. Families with children and first-time riders found that the staff offered reassurance without making the day feel stiff or over-controlled.

The horses are described as well cared for, and the facilities as clean. That is important here because animal welfare affects the quality of the ride. A calm, properly managed horse gives a first-time rider a far better chance of enjoying the route.

You should still speak up about your comfort level. Tell the guide if you are nervous, inexperienced, or concerned about a child. The staff appear willing to adjust the pace and offer alternatives, but clear communication from you will help them do that.

Who will enjoy this $152 combination tour?

At $152 per person, the price looks strong if you intend to do all three main activities. Booking separate horseback, zipline, and ATV outings could cost more and would require extra transport between locations. Here, one transfer, one ranch, one group of guides, and one lunch tie the day together.

The value is especially good for families and couples who want a full activity day without spending time planning several separate bookings. It also works well for a small business team or group of friends. The mix of activities gives everyone a chance to find a favorite.

I would choose this tour if you:

• Want active sightseeing rather than a beach morning
• Like trying several new activities in one day
• Are comfortable with a long horseback ride
• Want to see rural Jalisco beyond the hotel district
• Appreciate a homemade meal after outdoor activities
• Are traveling with children who can handle a full morning of action

I would think twice if you want a relaxed schedule, dislike heights, have trouble walking uphill, or do not want wet and dusty conditions. The day asks you to move from horse to waterfall to zipline to ATV, so you will not have much idle time.

The tour is offered in English, and confirmation is provided at booking. Most people can participate, but the active nature of the route deserves an honest assessment of your fitness and comfort. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded.

What to bring for a smoother morning

Pack light, but bring the items that matter. Comfortable footwear is essential, and water shoes are useful for the streams and waterfall area. A swimsuit and change of clothes make sense if you plan to swim.

Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water, plus a small amount of cash for tips. One detailed account specifically advised tipping because the guides provide hands-on help throughout the day. Protect your phone with a secure case or leave it in a locker when you begin the ziplines.

You may want snacks for the van ride or between activities. The lunch comes later, and the morning is busy. Avoid wearing anything you do not want exposed to water, dust, or horse contact.

Should you book Rancho Capomo?

I would book it if you want the most activity for one Puerto Vallarta outing. The horseback ride gives you the best sense of the Sierra Madre, the waterfall adds a natural stop, the seven ziplines bring a safe first taste of flying through the trees, and the ATVs let you see Las Palmas at a faster pace.

The choice is less clear for anyone seeking comfort or quiet. This is a physical tour with wet crossings, an optional hike, time at height, and a long ride in the saddle. For an active family, couple, or small group, though, the combination of careful guides, well-kept horses, a strong lunch, and several included activities makes the $152 fare a fair deal.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at the OXXO on the corner of Carretera Barra de Navidad and Púlpito 242 in Zona Romántica, Amapas, Puerto Vallarta. The start time is 8:15 a.m.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point in Puerto Vallarta.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately five hours. One account describes a drive of about 45 minutes to the ranch, followed by horseback riding, the waterfall section, ziplines, ATVs, lunch, and the return transfer.

How many ziplines are included?

The tour includes seven zipline runs through the jungle.

Is swimming at the waterfall required?

No. The waterfall walk and swimming stop are optional according to the tour details.

What food is served?

Lunch includes a choice of fajitas or chicken with guacamole. Drinks and a tequila tasting are also part of the ranch experience.

Can I cancel for a refund?

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