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

The best part of this outing is the horseback ride through the Sierra Madre, where the trail follows a river, crosses rough ground, and reaches a waterfall hidden in the forest. You may ride through shallow water and over boulders, then trade the saddle for a short hike across rope bridges and steep steps. I like the mix of real countryside and hands-on food: you help make pico de gallo and tortillas before eating chicken or fajitas with rice, beans, and guacamole.

I also like the choice of adding an ATV ride, a 13-line zipline course, or both. Guides such as Hector and Ramiro have earned warm praise for keeping beginners comfortable. The main caution is that this is a full, physical day. Horseback riding can leave a new rider sore, the waterfall may have little water in a dry period, and the ATV route can include roads through town rather than a wild jungle track.

Key points before you book

• Horseback riding reaches a waterfall: Expect about three hours on horseback, plus walking across bridges and up steep steps.
• The optional package changes the pace: Add ATVs, 13 zip lines, or both for a much more active day.
• Lunch is part of the experience: Make salsa, guacamole, and tortillas, then eat chicken or fajitas with rice and beans.
• Pickup is from meeting points: Hotel pickup is not allowed. Use the selected OXXO or Starbucks location and watch for the white Rancho Capomo van.
• This suits active beginners: Guides can provide gentle horses and help first-timers, but the terrain and long saddle time still demand basic fitness.
• Water levels vary: The river and waterfall may be beautiful but too shallow for swimming at certain times.

Leaving Puerto Vallarta for Rancho Capomo

The outing begins with a pickup from a designated meeting point rather than your hotel. The listed points include an OXXO south of Puerto Vallarta at 8:00 a.m., Starbucks Marina at 8:20, and Starbucks Las Juntas in Nuevo Vallarta at 8:40. The white Rancho Capomo van waits near the chosen point for no more than five minutes after the scheduled time, so arrive early.

The van ride takes about 40 minutes. That is not wasted time, but it is worth factoring into your morning. You are leaving the resort strip for the Jalisco countryside, and the change from city streets to forest is part of the point. Round-trip transport is included, which makes the tour easier than arranging a taxi to a rural ranch.

Hotel pickup is not permitted under local rules. Check your confirmation carefully and choose the pickup point that fits your location. Transport has been a strong part of the operation, with 85 percent of ratings giving it a perfect score, but punctuality still depends on you being at the right place.

Three hours on horseback through the Sierra Madre

The horse ride is the heart of the day. You follow a river through the forest, pass over uneven ground, and work your way around rocks and boulders. This is not a polished riding arena or a short photo loop. The setting feels rural, and you get a closer look at the trees, stream, and mountain foothills from the saddle.

The ride is described as suitable for all riding levels, and beginners can ask for a gentle horse. Hector has been praised for handling both transport and the horseback portion with patience and care. Staff also help children and first-time riders, making this a reasonable choice for families with older children who can manage a long active outing.

You should still take the word three hours seriously. First-time riders have found the ride uncomfortable by the end, and one family specifically noted that a long saddle session can be tiring. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and consider long pants if you prefer extra protection from branches and saddle rub. You will want to sit securely and follow instructions as the trail moves through water and over rough ground.

At one point, the route may open into a sloping area where you can jog the horse a little before heading back. This depends on the group and the conditions, but it adds a little movement after the slower forest ride. Do not expect a fast horseback race. The pace is mainly steady and controlled, with the natural setting doing most of the work.

The waterfall walk, bridges, and river stop

The waterfall stop gives the ride a clear purpose. You dismount and walk along a more demanding section, crossing rope bridges and climbing steep steps toward the falls. This part is short compared with the riding, but it may be the day’s most strenuous walking.

The river and waterfall are especially appealing after time in the saddle. You may be able to cool off with a swim in the clear water, so bring swimwear and a towel if that matters to you. Conditions are not guaranteed, though. During a lower-water visit, the waterfall was not flowing enough for swimming, and the group was offered another horseback option instead.

That uncertainty is important. If you are booking mainly for a waterfall swim, keep expectations flexible. The forest ride, river, and walk still remain, but the water level can change the stop. Wear shoes that can handle wet ground and steps, and do not treat this as a low-effort sightseeing break.

Adding the ATV ride through Jalisco

The ATV option gives you a motorized change of pace after the horses. You ride through the Puerto Vallarta area and along routes that may include small roads, town streets, and river sections. The ride offers views toward the Sierra Madre, and one rider spotted an iguana and many butterflies along the way.

I would choose the ATV add-on if you enjoy driving and want more activity after horseback riding. Some riders call it a favorite part of the day, especially when sharing the experience with family. Safety precautions are provided, and children have been allowed to drive in some family groups, with one 11-year-old riding with a parent and a 13-year-old driving alone.

The route may disappoint you if you picture a wild, high-speed jungle course. One direct assessment found the town portion less appealing, while another described the ATV ride as more gentle than adventurous. Instruction before riding is also a concern for people who have never used an ATV. Pay close attention, especially before entering water, uneven ground, or roads with traffic.

Wear pants if you choose this option. The motor can make your legs hot, and the ride adds dust, heat, and physical fatigue to an already full schedule.

Flying through the trees on 13 zip lines

The zipline option takes place at Rancho Capomo’s ecological park. The course has 13 lines, sending you between trees and over rivers. It adds height and open views to a day that otherwise stays close to the ground.

You should know your own comfort level. One participant tried a single line and decided not to continue because of fear of heights. That is a perfectly sensible choice, and the staff have helped people who stopped partway through. Other groups found the lines close together, with only short walks between them, rather than a long trek between platforms.

The zipline course is a good choice for teenagers and adults who want a stronger thrill without needing to operate a vehicle. It also gives the day a different rhythm: horse trails are slow and close to nature, while the lines are quick and exposed. If you add both ATV and zipline activities, expect little downtime and save your energy for the meal at the end.

Bring water and take chances to drink. A past participant wished there had been drinking water halfway through the zipline section. That is a useful reminder to start hydrated and ask about water before the course begins.

A hands-on Mexican lunch at the ranch

The meal is more than a plate served at the end. Before eating, you help prepare salsa or pico de gallo, guacamole, and handmade tortillas. Vegetables may arrive first as ingredients rather than a ready-made salad, so wait for the cooking instructions before filling your plate.

The main meal includes fajitas or chicken, along with rice, beans, guacamole, salsa, and tortillas. Portions have been described as large, and the food has been one of the most consistently praised parts of the day. The homemade tortillas are worth trying warm with the meal.

Drinks can include hibiscus juice, water, and alcoholic choices such as tequila or margaritas, depending on the serving arrangements. If you are doing all three activities, lunch comes after horseback riding, ziplining, and ATVs. Bring a small snack if you need food earlier, especially when traveling with children.

The ranch also has cats and dogs, which adds a relaxed, informal touch while you wait or eat. Staff can accommodate dietary restrictions, but mention your needs when booking or at the start rather than assuming the standard meal will fit.

What the $124 price really covers

At $124 per person, the basic tour is a fair value if you want horseback riding, transport, a guided forest outing, and lunch in one package. You are paying for a five-hour activity with bilingual guides, round-trip van service, the ranch experience, and the meal rather than buying separate transfers and excursions.

The real value depends on the option you select. If you only want the horse ride and waterfall, the day is slower and more focused on the countryside. Adding an ATV or zipline makes the price easier to justify for active visitors, but it also makes the schedule longer in practice and leaves less time to rest.

Families and mixed-age groups may get the most from the flexible format. One person can focus on horses, while others enjoy the ATVs or zip lines, though everyone should be ready for the physical nature of the day. If you dislike organized activity or prefer a quiet half-day, this may feel overpacked.

The activity has a 4.7 rating from 73 reviews, and the strongest praise centers on three things: friendly staff, excellent food, and the variety of activities. The one recurring practical concern is not poor service. It is the gap between what you imagine and what conditions deliver, especially the waterfall water level and the ATV route.

Fitness, clothing, and who should skip it

Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes. Bring swimwear and a towel if you want the chance to enter the river, though the stop may remain dry if water levels are low. Long pants are a smart choice for the ATV portion, and you should carry enough water for an active morning.

You will hike during the waterfall stop, cross rope bridges, climb steep steps, sit in a saddle for a long period, and possibly handle an ATV or zipline course. You do not need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable with a full day outdoors and some uneven ground.

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, people with heart problems, or anyone over 264 pounds, or 120 kilograms. It is also not recommended for people with limited mobility. Children have taken part successfully, but the activities still require coordination and adult judgment.

English and Spanish guides are available. Hector, Ramiro, and Sergio are among the guides praised for friendly help and calm support, though your assigned guide may be different.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the activity, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability when choosing your date.

Should you book the Rancho Capomo day?

Book it if you want a full, active outing that combines horses, forest, a waterfall, Mexican cooking, and optional thrills. I especially recommend it for first-time riders, families with older children, and visitors who want more than a resort day but do not want to plan several separate excursions.

Choose the horse-and-lunch version if you prefer a calmer pace. Add the zip lines if views and height appeal to you. Add the ATV only if you are comfortable with a route that may include town roads and modest rather than extreme driving.

I would not choose this tour for a guaranteed waterfall swim, a quiet morning, or a serious off-road ATV challenge. For everyone else, the mix of river riding, helpful guides, generous food, and flexible activity choices makes the $124 fare a sensible way to spend five hours outside Puerto Vallarta.

FAQ

How long does the Rancho Capomo tour last?

The activity lasts five hours, including transportation and the ranch activities.

How long is the van ride from Puerto Vallarta?

The van ride to the ranch takes about 40 minutes.

Where can I meet the tour van?

Listed pickup points include an OXXO south of Puerto Vallarta, Starbucks Marina, and Starbucks Las Juntas in Nuevo Vallarta. The white Rancho Capomo van waits at the selected point.

Is hotel pickup available?

No. Hotel pickup is not permitted, so you must meet the van at the selected pickup location.

Is horseback riding included?

Yes. Horseback riding is included and takes about three hours.

Can I swim at the waterfall?

You may be able to swim in the river by the waterfall, but water levels vary. At times, there may not be enough water for swimming.

What optional activities can I add?

You can add an ATV tour, a zipline tour, or both. The zipline course has 13 lines.

What food is served?

You help make salsa, guacamole, and handmade tortillas. The meal includes fajitas or chicken with rice, beans, salsa, guacamole, and tortillas.

What languages are available, and can I cancel?

Guides speak English and Spanish. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund.