Sierra Madre Horseback Riding and Zipline with Lunch Included

This is a real change of scene from Puerto Vallarta’s beach zone. You ride into the Sierra Madre, pass through the village of Las Palmas, walk toward a waterfall, and then trade the saddle for about 10 zipline routes above mountain valleys. I like the mix of outdoor activities and the small-group size, capped at 15 people.

I also like that lunch, drinks, entrance fees, and transportation are included, so the $147 price is easier to judge. The main drawback is the journey: the ranch can take about 90 minutes each way, and the road is bumpy. The waterfall may also be dry in the dry season.

Key points to know before booking

• The ride lasts about 90 minutes: Expect a slow, bumpy horseback trip through the countryside, with a hike toward a waterfall.
• The zipline section has about 10 routes: You will reach exposed mountain areas with broad views over valleys and a river.
• Lunch is a real part of the appeal: Mexican food, national alcoholic drinks, and nonalcoholic drinks are included.
• The setting feels rural and low-key: Rancho Capomo offers a less polished, more local-style alternative to large adventure parks.
• The transfer can take time: Plan for a long ride from Puerto Vallarta, and expect rough road conditions near the ranch.
• Basic requirements apply: You must be at least 1.30 meters tall, weigh at least 50 pounds, and children must have an adult with them.

Leaving Puerto Vallarta for Rancho Capomo

The first surprise is how far the city fades. This tour takes you toward the Sierra Madre and the village of Las Palmas, where the setting changes from hotels and traffic to tropical forest, ranch land, and mountain roads.

The tour begins at 8:15 am from a designated pickup point. Round-trip transportation is included from select meeting points, which matters because Rancho Capomo is not a quick taxi ride from the center of Puerto Vallarta. One practical estimate puts the trip at about 90 minutes each way, though exact time can depend on road conditions and your pickup location.

I would treat the transfer as part of the day, not a minor detail. The road can be rough, and the ride may feel long if you are expecting a short excursion. On the other hand, the distance is what gives the outing its rural character. You are not simply visiting an adventure course beside the resort area.

Driver Sergio has been singled out for keeping the ride cheerful with plenty of jokes. Your driver also serves as a guide, so the trip is not just a silent shuttle through the hills. Still, bring water for the ride if you can. Even though drinks are included at the ranch, one practical tip is to carry a couple of bottles for the road.

The maximum group size is 15 people. That is small enough to feel more personal than a large adventure operation, while still being large enough that you may share the day with several families or couples.

A slow horseback ride through the Sierra Madre

At Rancho Capomo, the horseback portion takes you through the countryside and toward a waterfall. The ride lasts about 90 minutes, including the route toward the waterfall and the walking portion. You should expect a basic, relaxed ride rather than a fast equestrian outing.

The horses are described as gentle, well trained, and well cared for. That is reassuring if you have little riding experience or feel unsure about getting on a horse. The pace is generally slow, and the route can be bumpy. One part may pass through a small village, where the surroundings are simple rather than carefully manicured.

That rough edge is part of the appeal for some people and a drawback for others. If you want a polished ranch show with spotless trails, this may feel too primitive. If you want to see a less commercial side of the area, the basic setting gives the ride more character.

The best part of the horseback route is the scenery in the morning light. You pass into the tropical forest and the Sierra Madre foothills, away from the busy hotel district. The journey is not all dramatic mountain views, though. Parts of the route can be dusty, hot, or uneven, and you may see litter near the village section.

Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Shorts can leave your legs exposed to brush, saddle friction, and sun. Comfortable shoes are also important because you will walk at least part of the way toward the waterfall.

The waterfall walk and dry-season reality

The waterfall stop adds a little effort to the ride. You do not simply dismount beside a scenic viewpoint. The route includes a hike, and one account describes it as moderately demanding but worth the work.

Conditions will change with the season. During the dry season, the river and waterfall may have little water or none at all. That does not erase the value of the walk, since the forest and mountain setting remain part of the outing, but you should not book this tour solely for a flowing waterfall.

I would think of the waterfall as a possible bonus rather than the main reason to go. If the water is running, it can be the visual high point of the morning. If it is dry, the horseback ride and zipline section still form the main structure of the day.

The walk also means this tour is not ideal for anyone who wants a completely passive ride. Most people can participate, according to the operator, but you should be comfortable with a basic hike and uneven outdoor conditions. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

About 10 zipline routes over mountain valleys

The zipline portion gives the day its biggest burst of action. The routes are set in exposed mountain terrain, with views over a river and large valleys. You may find the zipline area hotter and less shaded than the forested horseback route, so plan for direct sun.

The course includes about 10 routes. That is enough variety to make the activity feel like a full part of the tour rather than a single short ride. One especially memorable detail is the transition between activities: some participants are taken on horseback toward the beginning of the zipline area, adding another unusual stretch to the day.

This is not presented as a highly polished, corporate-style adventure park. The equipment and setting may feel more basic than a major commercial zipline complex. For me, that can be a plus if you value a local ranch atmosphere over a heavily packaged attraction. It also means you should arrive ready for heat, dust, and a less controlled outdoor setting.

Wear shoes that stay secure and bring a change of clothes. You may get dusty or sweaty, and the ride back to Puerto Vallarta will be more comfortable if you have something dry. Sunscreen and water are sensible additions, even with drinks provided at lunch.

The stated minimum height is 1.30 meters, and the minimum weight is 50 pounds. Those requirements matter for families planning the outing. The minimum drinking age is 18, though alcoholic drinks are not required for participation.

Lunch, homemade flavors, and national drinks

Lunch is included, and it is one of the strongest parts of the value. The meal is Mexican food, with fajitas specifically praised as a highlight. National alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks are also included, with an open bar arrangement.

The food helps turn the tour into a full half-day outing instead of a series of short activities. You do not need to arrange a separate meal after the horseback ride and ziplining, and the included drinks are useful after time in the sun.

A tequila tasting or homemade tequila may also be part of the ranch hospitality. Treat that as an optional extra to enjoy responsibly, especially if you still have a long, winding transfer back to the city. Alcohol is not included as a reason to book, but it adds to the relaxed ranch atmosphere.

The meal is not fine dining, and that is not the point. You are eating at a working-style ranch after outdoor activities. I would value the fresh, homemade feel more than presentation. If you have dietary restrictions, the supplied details do not specify special menus, so ask before booking.

Is $147 a good value?

At $147 per person, this tour is not the cheapest way to ride a horse or use a zipline in Puerto Vallarta. The price makes more sense when you add up what is bundled into the day: transportation, the ranch admission, horseback riding, ziplining, lunch, national drinks, and a driver-guide.

You are also saving planning time. Instead of arranging a ride to a ranch, paying separately for activities, and finding lunch in a remote area, one booking covers the main pieces. The small maximum group of 15 improves the value for people who dislike large bus tours.

The main question is how you feel about the transfer. If you want five hours of nonstop activity, the long drive may make the tour seem less efficient. The listed duration is about five hours, but the transfer can make the total time away from your hotel substantially longer.

I would call the price fair for someone who wants several activities in one package and appreciates a rural setting. It is less compelling if you only want a short horseback ride, dislike rough roads, or prefer a polished zipline park close to town.

Souvenir photos are not included and are available to purchase. That is a small extra cost to keep in mind if you want professional pictures from the ziplines or horseback ride.

Who will enjoy this day most?

I would recommend Rancho Capomo to active couples, families with older children, and anyone who wants to see more than Puerto Vallarta’s waterfront. The combination of horses, a hike, ziplines, and lunch gives you a full range of outdoor activities without requiring separate bookings.

It also suits people who prefer a smaller, more personal operation. The ranch staff are described as friendly, helpful, funny, and attentive, and the setting feels less corporate than some large adventure companies.

You should think twice if you have limited mobility, do not meet the height or weight requirements, or want a gentle sightseeing trip with little physical effort. The ride is slow, but the day still includes mounting a horse, walking to a waterfall, handling rough roads, and using zipline equipment.

This is also not the best match for someone who needs guaranteed waterfall views. In dry weather, the river and falls may be dry. The strongest reasons to go are the combination of activities, the ranch meal, and the chance to reach the Sierra Madre away from the city.

Practical details that make the day easier

Bring long pants, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. A small bottle of water for the transfer is useful, even though drinks are included at the ranch.

Keep your morning open. The advertised activity lasts about five hours, but the transfer can be lengthy, especially with road conditions and hotel pickups. Cruise ship passengers must provide the ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and reboarding time when booking.

Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. Confirmation is provided at booking, and the activity returns to the meeting point at the end.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the 8:15 am start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. If the minimum number of participants is not met and the operator cancels, you will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Should you book Rancho Capomo?

Book this tour if you want a full outdoor day with several activities, a good Mexican lunch, and a less commercial setting in the Sierra Madre. The horses are a strong choice for beginners, the zipline section offers about 10 routes, and the included food and drinks make the $147 price easier to justify.

Skip it if a long, bumpy transfer sounds unpleasant or if you want a guaranteed waterfall, luxury facilities, or a short activity close to Puerto Vallarta. For the right person, Rancho Capomo offers a memorable break from the beach, with enough rough edges to keep it feeling like a real ranch outing rather than a theme park.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 8:15 am from a designated pickup point in Puerto Vallarta.

How long does the experience last?

The activity itself lasts approximately five hours. The transfer may add significant time, with the journey to the ranch taking about 90 minutes each way in some cases.

What is included in the price?

The price includes pickup and drop-off at the designated meeting point, entrance to Rancho Capomo, horseback riding and ziplining, a Mexican lunch, unlimited national alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, and a driver-guide.

Are there age, height, or weight requirements?

Children must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum height is 1.30 meters, the minimum weight is 50 pounds, and the minimum drinking age is 18.

Can cruise ship passengers book this tour?

Yes. Cruise ship passengers must provide the ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and reboarding time when booking.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the experience are not refunded.