Combo Horseback Riding in Vallarta with ATV and Ziplines.

The best thing about this Puerto Vallarta excursion is that it packs three very different activities into one morning: horseback riding through the Sierra Madre, seven ziplines over jungle and rivers, and an ATV ride near the rural town of Las Palmas. It feels less like a quick resort activity and more like a full day in the hills outside town.

I especially like the genuine rural setting and the care given to first-timers. The horses are matched to riders, the guides stay close to nervous children, and the staff, including Beto, Rimi, and Hector, are repeatedly praised for being patient and attentive. The homemade lunch is another strong point, with fajitas or chicken, guacamole, drinks, and a tequila tasting.

The main caution is physical effort. Horseback riding lasts close to two hours, the waterfall requires a short jungle walk, and reaching the ziplines involves an uphill hike. Bring water, sturdy shoes, and a willingness to get wet and work a little.

Key details at a glance

• Three major activities in one package: Horseback riding, seven zipline runs, and roughly 45 minutes on an ATV.
• A real Sierra Madre setting: Ride beside rivers, cross streams, pass tropical forest, and visit the village area around Las Palmas.
• Waterfall stop included: You can walk to the waterfall for photographs or swim in the fresh pools if conditions suit you.
• Good support for beginners: The guides help match riders with horses and keep an eye on children and nervous participants.
• Lunch is part of the experience: Expect a Mexican meal at the ranch, plus drinks and a tequila tasting.
• Practical setup: Meet at 8:15 am in Puerto Vallarta, travel by van to the ranch, and return to the same meeting point after about five hours.

From Puerto Vallarta to Rancho Capomo

Your morning begins at 8:15 am at the OXXO on the corner of Carretera Barra de Navidad and Púlpito in the Zona Romántica area. The tour ends at this same meeting point, which keeps the arrangement simple if you are staying around Amapas or the Romantic Zone.

The ride to the ranch takes about 45 minutes by air-conditioned van. That transfer matters because Rancho Capomo is away from the hotel strip and closer to the foothills and rural communities around Las Palmas. You get a clear change of scene before the activities begin.

The group can reach up to 20 people. That is large enough to create a social morning, but not so large that the outing becomes a giant parade through the forest. The exact pace depends on the group, especially during horse mounting, safety instructions, and the change from one activity to the next.

English is offered, and confirmation arrives when you book. A mobile ticket makes check-in easy. The meeting point is near public transportation, though the provided tour arrangement centers on the included van transfer.

Horseback riding through rivers and tropical forest

Horseback riding is the first and longest activity. Plan on roughly two hours in the saddle, though exact timing can vary with the group and route. You ride your own horse along a river, through tropical forest, and toward the village area of Las Palmas.

This is not a polished riding arena. The route includes streams, river crossings, jungle paths, and uneven ground. That is the appeal, but it also means you should expect dust, water, mud, and a few moments when the horse chooses the best line through the trail.

If you have never ridden before, tell the staff clearly. The guides are used to beginners, and the horses are described as well trained. Families with children have found the staff especially careful about choosing suitable horses and staying near younger riders. That kind of help makes a real difference when a child is trying a horse for the first time.

You will spend much longer on horseback than on many short beach-resort riding trips. That is good news if riding is a main reason you booked, but it can be tiring if you are not used to a saddle. Wear long pants or comfortable clothing that can handle rubbing, and avoid anything you would hate to stain.

Water shoes are a smart choice because the route can include several streams. At minimum, bring shoes with a secure sole and good grip. Flip-flops are a poor match for wet trails and the walk to the waterfall.

The waterfall and short jungle walk

The horseback route leads to a waterfall surrounded by forest. You can stop for photographs, and the tour invites you to swim in the fresh cascades and pools below. The swim is optional, so you do not need to enter the water if you would rather stay dry.

The walk from the horses to the waterfall is short, but it is still a jungle walk over natural ground. One family described the route as requiring a bit of walking into the waterfall area, while another account noted that the tour can be physically demanding. Take that seriously if you have limited mobility or dislike wet, uneven paths.

This is one of the most valuable parts of the morning because it breaks up the riding with a quiet stop in nature. The waterfall also gives you a chance to cool down before the more active portions of the tour.

Bring a swimsuit underneath your clothes if you may swim. A small towel would also be useful, although the supplied information does not promise that one is provided. Keep your phone protected from water, and ask the guides about photographs before you leave your belongings behind.

Seven ziplines above the jungle

After the riding portion, you make your way to the zipline course. The package includes seven lines, giving you repeated runs rather than one quick slide followed by a return to the van.

The course passes over trees and rivers, with views across the Sierra Madre forest. The ziplines are described as suitable for beginners, and the guides focus closely on safety. That makes this a good introduction if you have always wanted to try ziplining but do not want an extreme course.

The walk uphill to the lines is the part to prepare for. One participant chose to skip the zipline hike after the horseback ride and spent more time on the ATV instead. That flexibility may be possible, but it should not be treated as a guaranteed substitute. Ask the staff on the day if you need an adjustment.

You may be tempted to film every run. Keep in mind that your hands need to stay on the equipment, so taking a selfie while moving is not practical. The staff may help record photos or video when asked, and free lockers are available for items you do not want to carry.

If you are nervous about heights, tell the guides before the first line. Patient coaching helped younger riders and people trying the activity for the first time. You do not need to be an expert athlete, but you do need to follow instructions and be comfortable with the required walk and harness.

ATV riding near Las Palmas

The ATV segment gives the day a different rhythm. Instead of sitting on a horse or sliding above the trees, you operate a motorized vehicle along roads and rural routes near Las Palmas.

The ride lasts about 45 minutes according to the available timing details. It includes passing through the town and heading into the countryside. This portion is valuable because it shows more of daily life outside central Puerto Vallarta, rather than keeping you inside an adventure park.

You will want to listen closely to the safety briefing. The supplied information does not state the exact age rules, driving requirements, or whether every participant drives an individual ATV, so ask those questions when booking if they matter to you.

The ATV ride can also be a useful backup if someone in your group cannot manage the hike to the ziplines. One participant was offered additional ATV time after deciding not to continue uphill. Again, treat that as a possible accommodation, not a promise written into the standard schedule.

The combination works well for mixed groups. One person may enjoy the horses most, another may prefer the ziplines, and someone else may find the ATV the highlight. The morning does not force you to choose just one type of activity.

Lunch, drinks, and tequila at the ranch

After the outdoor activities, you return to the ranch for a Mexican meal. The menu includes fajitas or chicken with guacamole. The food is cooked on site, and it is more than a token snack after the activities.

Lunch matters here because the tour starts early and uses plenty of energy. You may want to eat something small before pickup, but the meal gives you a proper chance to sit down and recover.

Drinks are also available, and the experience includes a tequila tasting. Some people have purchased bottles of flavored tequila, including coffee and pineapple varieties, to take home. The supplied details do not state the price or availability of bottles, so ask before buying.

If you plan to drink, remember that you still have transport back to Puerto Vallarta and may have had a demanding morning in the heat. The tequila is best treated as a tasting, not the main event. The food and relaxed ranch setting are enough to finish the tour well.

What the $152 price really includes

At $152 per person, this is not the cheapest activity in Puerto Vallarta. The value comes from how much is bundled into the price: van transport, horseback riding, the waterfall stop, seven ziplines, ATV riding, lunch, and the return transfer.

Buying three separate activities would usually mean arranging transport, managing different schedules, and losing time between locations. Here, the package keeps everything in one place and turns the ride to Rancho Capomo into part of the outing.

I see the price as strongest for people who genuinely want all three activities. If you only want a gentle horseback ride, a shorter and less expensive option may suit you better. If you want a full active morning and would otherwise book several excursions, this package makes more sense.

The maximum group size of 20 also helps the value. You are not paying for a private tour, but the group is limited rather than open-ended. The quality of the morning will still depend on the day’s group size and pace.

Who should book this outing

I would recommend this tour to active families, couples, and small work groups who want variety. Children aged 7 and 11 have completed the activities with careful guide support, and older children around 12 and 14 have enjoyed the full program as well. Age and safety rules can vary, so confirm details for your own children.

It also suits beginners. You do not need previous horseback, ATV, or zipline experience according to the way the activity is presented. You do need to be ready for a long ride, a jungle walk, an uphill section, and outdoor conditions.

The tour is less suitable if you want a slow morning, dislike animals, have difficulty walking on uneven ground, or need a highly predictable timetable. The three-part format is active, and each transition takes time.

For a business group, the mix works well because people can encourage one another through unfamiliar activities. The guides are described as attentive and entertaining, which helps keep a group relaxed while still focused on safety.

What to bring for a smoother morning

Pack light, but bring the basics. I would take:

• Comfortable shoes with grip, preferably water-friendly
• Swimsuit and a small towel
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• A refillable water bottle
• Clothes that can get dusty or wet
• A secure phone case or dry bag
• Cash for tips and possible purchases

Wear clothes that allow movement. A phone is useful for photos, and the staff may help with pictures, but do not bring loose items onto the ziplines or ATV.

Tips are not included in the listed price. Several accounts specifically suggest bringing cash to tip the guides, especially when they provide extra help with children, horses, safety, or photos.

Free lockers are available for items you do not want to carry during the activities. Still, bring only what you need. A smaller day bag is easier to manage than a large backpack.

Booking, cancellation, and the final call

The tour is often reserved about three weeks ahead, with an average booking lead time of 21 days. That suggests you should not leave it until the last day if your Puerto Vallarta schedule is fixed.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the 8:15 am start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that 24-hour window are not refunded, and the cut-off follows local time.

Should you book it? Yes, if you want one active morning that covers horses, ziplines, ATVs, a waterfall, and lunch without arranging separate transport. I would choose it for families with adventurous children, couples who want more than a beach day, and groups looking for a shared challenge.

I would skip it if your main goal is relaxation or if a long horseback ride and uphill jungle walk sound unpleasant. For everyone else, the mix of rural Jalisco, careful guides, and a substantial meal makes the $152 fare reasonable. Just bring proper shoes, expect exercise, and save room for lunch.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

It begins at the OXXO on the corner of Carretera Barra de Navidad and Púlpito 242 in Zona Romántica, Amapas, Puerto Vallarta.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 8:15 am.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately five hours, including the activities, lunch, and transportation back to the meeting point.

Does the tour include transportation?

Yes. The experience includes transport between the Puerto Vallarta meeting point and Rancho Capomo, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

How many zipline runs are included?

The package includes seven zipline lines.

Is lunch included?

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

Can beginners participate?

The tour is presented as suitable for most participants, and the guides assist beginners with the horses, ziplines, and safety procedures. You should still be prepared for exercise, walking, and outdoor conditions.

What happens if I cannot do every activity?

The activities are presented as a combined package, but the staff may be able to adjust the plan. One available account describes extra ATV time being offered to someone who chose not to hike up to the ziplines. Ask the staff on the day about your options.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded or accepted.