This Sierra Madre ride is all action. You’ll go beyond the main road, led by a guide, with a horse trail that follows rivers and takes you into the hills around Puerto Vallarta. I especially like the well-trained horses and the guide-led way you explore without getting turned around.

My other favorite part is the waterfall moment, where you switch gears from riding to a guided walk up steps and over hanging bridges. One big consideration is the physical side, the hike to the falls has steep stairs and can be rough on legs, so pack for comfort and bring steady shoes.

Expect a small-group feel (max 40), English support, and included round-trip transport, plus lunch and drinks at Rancho Capomo.

Key things to know before you go

• River crossings on horseback: expect rides along a riverbed, including multiple crossings.
• Hanging bridges and stairs: you will walk and climb after descending from your horse for the falls.
• Water time at the waterfall: you’ll have time to cool down in the river once you reach the area.
• A real ranch meal included: fajitas or chicken, guacamole, Mexican sauces, handmade tortillas, beans, and rice.
• Open bar, national drinks: unlimited drinks during the ranch portion, with options like margaritas and beers showing up in many outings.

Sierra Madre horseback riding, the stuff you actually remember

This is the kind of Puerto Vallarta outing that feels like you left the crowds behind. Instead of a quick photo stop, you spend hours moving through river terrain on horseback, then earning the views with a hike to a waterfall.

The best part is how the whole day flows. You ride first, then you walk up to the falls, cool off, and ride back to the ranch for food and drinks. It’s a mix of motion, scenery, and a relaxed ranch finish.

If you’re a first-timer to horseback riding, you should feel comfortable because the horses are described as calm and well handled. You’ll also have a driver/guide and ranch staff around you for the safety basics and the timing of each segment.

Pickup and timing from Puerto Vallarta

You start early, with the activity beginning at 8:15 am. The total time is about 5 hours (approx.), and it ends back at the meeting point.

Round-trip transport is included, so you don’t need to figure out rural directions or worry about getting back after you’re tired from the ride. In at least one recent experience, pickup was at a Starbucks in the Marina district, so it’s a good sign you’ll likely be picked up somewhere easy to find, not in the middle of nowhere.

A practical tip: bring a light layer for the morning drive and be ready for heat later. One runner-up detail from experiences is that it can be hot, even when the ride feels shaded for stretches.

Rancho Capomo, where the day starts to feel like an adventure

The action centers on Rancho Capomo in the Sierra Madre. You’ll ride through the area by following a route that often includes small running water, trees, and cattle along the way, so the trail doesn’t feel like a single straight line.

This is where the guide matters. The experience is built around exploring outlying areas that are tough to reach on your own, and that means you’re following someone who knows where to cross, where to pause, and when to switch from horse to feet.

You’ll likely meet a friendly team quickly, and some guides like Beto have been praised for keeping things clear and for helping riders feel safe. It’s also been noted that English is available, which is a big deal if you want instructions without guessing.

What the horseback trail feels like, rivers, calm horses, and bridge moments

The core horseback segment is not about speed. It’s about terrain and views, including sections along the river and river crossings back and forth. The ride can be mellow and shaded, but you should still take it as an outdoor activity, not a sit-and-sunbathe tour.

Here’s what to look forward to on the trail:

• Riding by the riverbed with scenery that changes as you move
• Multiple river crossings during the route
• A mix of wide trail sections and tighter paths through trees
• Shared moments where you move as a group, guided step by step

One thing I really like from the way people describe this outing is that horses often have distinct personalities, but they’re still manageable for first-timers. Guides and staff also seem to give a quick run through so you know how to handle your horse and what to expect next.

Also, keep an eye out for the animals. There are descriptions of dogs running alongside during the ride, and even butterflies showing up as part of the scenery. That’s small, but it adds to the feeling of being in the real countryside.

The waterfall hike segment, the part you plan for (not just hope for)

This is the moment that makes the tour feel special, and it’s also the moment you should respect.

To reach the waterfall area, you descend from your horses and walk toward the mountain and the falls. The path includes crossing hanging bridges and climbing steps to get to the waterfall viewpoint.

Once you arrive, you get time to cool down in the river water. Some people describe the waterfall as beautiful even in dry periods, but the water level can vary season to season. If you’re traveling during a drier stretch, expect less rushing water than what you might imagine from rainy-season photos.

After the waterfall segment, you head back toward the ranch. The route can include a sloping hill section where you might be asked to jog a little. That’s not a reason to skip the tour, but it is a reason to be honest about your fitness level.

If stairs are your weak point, wear closed-toe shoes with grip. Several experiences include clear advice to use shoes that handle steep and rocky steps safely.

Lunch at the ranch: fajitas, chicken, guacamole, and handmade tortillas

After the ride and hike, you settle in at the ranch for lunch. This is one of the strongest “value for money” pieces of the day because it’s not just a snack.

Meals described include:

• Fajitas or chicken
• Rich guacamole and Mexican sauces
• Handmade tortillas
• Beans and rice

One neat touch is that you’re not just handed food and told good luck. People describe a bit of participation, like helping with aspects of the food experience such as preparing pico de gallo. Even when you’re not cooking yourself, the ranch staff seems ready to explain what’s happening and keep the experience friendly.

You’ll also likely get a ranch-style flow, where you eat, drink, and relax in a shaded outdoor setting while you recover from the stairs. That matters after a day that combines time on horseback with a hike.

Drinks and the tequila add-on at Rancho Capomo

The package includes unlimited drinks (open bar, national drinks) during the ranch portion. That shows up in experiences as beers, margaritas, and a general feeling that the team keeps drinks coming.

Many outings also include extra ranch touches such as a tequila tasting and a quick tortilla-making demo. You might also see small food and drink moments timed around the meal, like margaritas served in a cantarito-style cup.

One practical note: there’s a minimum drinking age of 18, so plan accordingly if you’re traveling with teens.

Price and what makes it feel like a deal

At $103 per person, this isn’t a “grab a ticket and forget it” cost. You’re paying for:

• Horseback guiding in the Sierra Madre
• Transportation from Puerto Vallarta and back
• A full ranch meal
• Unlimited national drinks
• A guided hike component to the waterfall area

A good rule of thumb: this tour makes the most sense if you’d otherwise spend money on a guided nature outing plus a meal plus drinks. If you’re the type who likes one solid half-day plan instead of juggling taxis, this kind of package value is where it shines.

It also helps that groups are kept to a maximum of 40 travelers. Smaller groups often mean you get less waiting and smoother timing, especially during the hike-to-waterfall segment.

Group size, English support, and how safe you feel

English is offered, which helps a lot if you don’t speak Spanish. The tour also includes a driver/guide, and many descriptions praise guides for explaining how to stay safe around the horses and during the walk to the falls.

If you’re nervous about riding, you can take comfort in how often the horses are described as calm and trained. One person even noted first-time riders feeling comfortable, which is exactly what you want from a tour like this.

That said, safety here has two parts:

1. Horse handling and trail rules
2. Foot safety for stairs, rocks, and bridge sections

Bring shoes with grip and follow the guide’s pace.

Weather and season reality check for the falls

This experience requires good weather. If conditions are poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Season matters too. Some outings happen in dry months, and people note that the waterfall can be less full than expected in those periods. The good news: the waterfall is still described as beautiful in dry conditions, and the photos can still be worth the effort.

So I’d treat it like this: you’re coming for the whole Sierra Madre trail experience, not a guarantee of a raging waterfall plume.

Who should book this tour from Puerto Vallarta

This is a strong fit if you want:

• A nature day that feels like a real change of pace
• A guided route through the Sierra Madre so you don’t get lost
• A hands-on meal and ranch setting at the end of the adventure
• A mix of horseback time and a waterfall hike

It’s also a great choice for couples and families where everyone can handle a stair-heavy hike.

But think twice if:

• Your legs struggle with steep steps and rocky terrain
• You want a totally low-impact day
• You have zero tolerance for stairs and uneven ground

For most travelers, it’s workable, but the waterfall hike is the part that decides whether you’ll enjoy the day comfortably or feel worn out.

A note on expectations, what can vary

Most details are consistent, like horse riding, river scenery, and a walk to the waterfall area. Still, a couple of experiences mention mismatch around specific add-ons and timing, such as whether a cooking-style element happened as expected.

So here’s my advice: aim your expectations at the big three, horses, waterfall area, and ranch lunch and drinks. Treat smaller extras as bonus if they’re included that day.

Should you book this Sierra Madre horseback tour?

If you want a guided half-day escape from Puerto Vallarta that combines horseback riding, a waterfall hike, and a proper ranch meal with drinks, I think this is an easy yes.

I’d book it when you can confidently handle stairs and steep, rocky sections for a waterfall payoff. If you’re traveling with kids, it can be a memorable family adventure, as long as you’re comfortable with the adult-supervised hike portion.

If you want a fully flat, low-effort outing, you might be happier with a simpler nature option. But for anyone who likes real movement outdoors, this Rancho Capomo ride is the kind of day you’ll talk about long after you’re back in town.

FAQ

What time does the horseback riding tour start?

The tour starts at 8:15 am.

How long is the horseback riding tour?

It runs about 5 hours (approx.).

Where does the tour begin and end?

It includes pickup at the pickup point and drop-off back at the drop-off point, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Round-trip transport from Puerto Vallarta is included.

What’s included in the price?

Pickup and drop-off, driver/guide, all taxes and fees, Mexican lunch, and unlimited national drinks at the ranch are included.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English.

Are souvenir photos included?

No. Souvenir photos are not included, and they may be available to purchase.

Is there a drinking age requirement?

Yes. The minimum drinking age is 18.

How many travelers are in a group?

The tour has a maximum of 40 travelers.

What if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.