Jungle rides beat the beach fast. This Sierra Madre horseback and zipline day trip is built to get you away from the crowds and into real countryside, with Rancho Capomo entrance, lunch, and drinks folded into one ticket. With a 5-hour schedule and round-trip transfers, it is a rare combo that feels more like a full day out than a quick add-on.

I especially like the included Mexican lunch plus national drinks, which takes a big chunk of guesswork out of the day. I also like that this runs with a small group size of up to 15, so you are not stuck in a huge cattle line.

The main thing to consider is the travel time. The ranch is remote, and you should expect a long, sometimes bumpy ride on the way out, plus the waterfall can be seasonal.

Key points worth clocking before you go

• Up to 15 travelers means the pace tends to feel human, not mass-tour.
• Rancho Capomo entrance, lunch, and drinks included so you are not nickel-and-diming the day.
• Horseback riding includes a hike toward a waterfall (the effort is real, but it is the payoff).
• Ziplining runs in a hotter, more exposed mountain area, so plan for sun.
• A driver named Sergio has been called out for keeping the pickup drive upbeat and easy.

Why this Sierra Madre combo feels like a real day out

Most Puerto Vallarta excursions do one thing well. This one layers two outdoor activities on top of each other: a horseback ride through the hills and a zipline course afterward. The result is a day that actually changes your scenery, not just your activity schedule.

I like the way this tour packages the basics. Entrance fees to Rancho Capomo are included, and your meal is built in. That matters in Mexico where it is easy to end up paying separately for food, drinks, and access unless they are clearly bundled.

There is also a quieter, countryside vibe to the ranch day. You are taken out past the tourist core and into the Sierra Madre region, where mornings feel cooler and the air feels less like sea breeze and more like mountain.

The 8:15 a.m. transfer: plan for time on the road

This tour starts at 8:15 a.m., and you will get round-trip transfers from select Puerto Vallarta meeting points. The drive can take about 90 minutes each way, and you should treat that as part of the experience, not an annoyance to fight.

Here is the practical angle: a long transfer changes what you should pack. Bring a small bottle of water if you like extra hydration beyond what is provided during the lunch window. And if you are sensitive to bumpy roads, it is smart to have some motion-sickness help ready before you leave.

Timing also affects comfort for the outdoor parts. You will ride earlier in the day, which is usually better for both shade and energy. Then the zipline portion happens later when the mountain sun can feel hotter, especially if you are on exposed sections with little cover.

Rancho Capomo horseback riding: trained horses and a mountain start

At Rancho Capomo, you get your horseback experience in the Sierra Madre setting and around the village area of Las Palmas. The riding portion tends to be about 90 minutes, and it is described as a straightforward ride for most people, with horses that are generally reported as well behaved and gentle.

The horse time is not just sitting there for views. The best part of this itinerary is that the ride is paired with a hike toward a waterfall, so you get both animal time and foot time. That is a key reason this tour feels like value, because you are buying a full “moving through nature” experience rather than a short trail loop.

A fair warning to keep it balanced: the horse trek is also not a private scenic bubble. Some riders have noted that a segment runs through a town area, and the quality of the roadside scenery can be mixed. If your expectation is all untouched postcard forest, adjust your mindset. You are still headed toward the highlight, which is the waterfall and surrounding valley views.

The waterfall hike: what to expect and how much effort it takes

The waterfall stop is usually the emotional peak of the day. The walk is described as worth it, but it takes real effort. That means good shoes matter, and you should be ready for uneven footing once you leave the easiest paths.

I would treat this hike like a moderate outdoor workout. You do not need to be an ultra-athlete, but you should avoid showing up in flimsy sandals. Also, long pants are a smart choice, based on what people recommend after doing the trip.

If you are visiting in dry season, set expectations accordingly. Some people have reported that the river or waterfall was dry. That does not automatically ruin the experience, because you still get the trek and the mountain surroundings, but it can change how dramatic the final destination looks.

Ziplining after the ride: excitement with sun in the mix

Then comes the zipline circuit, offered as part of the same package with the horseback day. People describe it as having about 10 different routes, which is a big reason this feels like a true combo tour instead of a brief add-on.

The course runs up on more exposed mountain terrain. That is great for big views over valleys, but it also means sun and heat can be intense. If you burn easily, this is where you feel it. I would plan for sun protection and wear long pants, and you will be glad you did.

One practical note: some riders mention that the ziplining area has less shade than you might hope for. If you can, time your hydration and take breaks seriously. Also consider bringing a change of clothes in case you get sweaty during the hike and then still want to feel comfortable afterward.

Lunch and drinks at Rancho Capomo: why it is more than a meal

The lunch is a major part of why this ticket holds up. You are served Mexican food, and the drinks are an included open bar of national drinks, described as unlimited. That means you can focus on enjoying the day without doing mental math every time you want a refill.

People also talk about the ranch food as memorable. Several mentions point to the lunch being delicious, and at least one review highlights homemade tequila as a standout during the drinks portion. Since the tour description emphasizes national drinks and an open bar, treat tequila as a pleasant possibility within that experience, not something you should plan your day around.

Here is the value angle that matters: a good outdoor half day can start to feel expensive if you pay for food and drinks separately. When lunch and drinks are included, you can treat the $147 price as a package rather than a collection of add-ons.

Guides, vibe, and the small-group advantage

This tour caps at 15 travelers, which is why it tends to feel smoother. You are more likely to get personal help with what you need, and it is easier for the guides to keep the group together during transitions from the transport to the ranch to the zipline area.

Support from staff is frequently mentioned as friendly and professional. One review specifically called out a driver named Sergio, and the overall takeaway is that the people running the day are there to make it go right, not just move you through steps.

Also pay attention to the details that can matter in real life. Souvenir photos are not included, but they are available to purchase. If you care about that, factor it into your spending plan, because it is an easy impulse buy after a full day of activities.

Price and value: how $147 makes sense for a bundled day

At $147 per person for about 5 hours, it is not the cheapest Puerto Vallarta excursion on the menu. But it is also not priced like a bare-bones activity.

You are getting several cost centers in one ticket:

• Round-trip transfers from select meeting points
• Entrance fees to Rancho Capomo
• Horseback riding plus the waterfall hike component
• Ziplining activity
• Mexican lunch
• Unlimited national drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)

When you bundle transportation, entrance, and food into one price, you avoid the usual travel trap: activity ticket plus extra spending plus extra time. This tour is designed to reduce all three.

I would call this a smart value choice if you want to do more than one outdoor thing and you like the idea of finishing with a meal and drinks already handled. If you only care about one activity, you might find cheaper stand-alone options. But for a combo day, the math usually works in your favor.

Who should book this Sierra Madre day, and who should reconsider

This tour is a strong fit if you want:

• A break from beach time into hills and jungle-country
• A horseback day that includes movement on foot, not just a short ride
• A zipline experience with multiple routes
• Included food and drink so you can relax

It is also likely a decent choice if you prefer a smaller group. Up to 15 travelers makes it easier to manage the pace and keep everyone on track.

You might reconsider if you have mobility limits for hikes, since the waterfall walk is described as requiring effort. Also consider the remote setting: if long travel and bumpy roads stress you out, plan to manage that before you go.

There are also height and weight requirements to note. The minimum weight is 50 pounds, and the required height is 1.30 mts. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the drinks have a minimum drinking age of 18.

Should you book Sierra Madre horseback riding and zipline with lunch?

I would book this tour if you want a complete Sierra Madre day, not a half-day with gaps. The combination of horseback + zipline, plus lunch and drinks included, is exactly what makes the price feel fair.

If you are the kind of traveler who plans for comfort, you will love it even more. Wear shoes that handle rough ground, bring long pants, and consider a change of clothes for after the zipline. Also, accept that the waterfall can be seasonal, so your best mindset is scenic hike plus mountain views, not guaranteed rushing water.

If your goal is quiet, countryside time with a small group and real outdoor motion, this is a solid pick.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 8:15 am.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 5 hours.

Where does the tour take place?

It takes place in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, with activities at Rancho Capomo in the Sierra Madre area.

Does lunch come with the tour?

Yes. Lunch is included and is described as delicious Mexican food.

Are drinks included, and is there an age limit?

Yes. The tour includes unlimited drinks in an open bar of national drinks, and the minimum drinking age is 18.

What are the height and weight requirements?

The minimum weight required is 50 pounds, and the required height is 1.30 mts.

Is it a small group tour?

Yes. The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

Are souvenir photos included?

No. Souvenir photos are available to purchase, but they are not included.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time.