Horseback Riding Experience in Sierra Madre Mountains

The most unusual part of this Puerto Vallarta outing comes after you leave the saddle: you walk across Puente Colgante El Jorullo, a long suspension bridge hanging 150 meters above the Cuale River. Below, the jungle spreads out in every direction. It is a thrilling finish, but not a minor detail for anyone uneasy with heights.

I like the small groups, capped at 10, and the way the ride moves through several types of terrain rather than staying on one flat ranch path. I also like the calm, careful handling of the horses. Guides such as Javier, Alejandro, Alex, and Omar are repeatedly singled out for patient help, especially with first-time riders.

The main consideration is the trail itself. You will encounter cobblestones, rocks, boulders, river crossings, and uphill and downhill sections. The bridge crossing is part of the experience, so tell the staff at check-in if you have a fear of heights or need an alternate arrangement.

Key points to know before you book

• Ride beside the Cuale River: The route passes through jungle, riverbeds, mountain paths, and open countryside.
• Expect a rocky trail: The ride is leisurely, but the ground can be uneven, especially when the river is dry.
• Cross a 492-foot-high bridge: You dismount and walk across Puente Colgante El Jorullo.
• Good for first-time riders: Gentle horses and attentive guides make this approachable, though you may feel sore afterward.
• Small-group setting: The tour accepts a maximum of 10 people, allowing more direct help from the guide.
• Bring practical clothing: Stable closed shoes, long pants, water, and sun protection make the ride more comfortable.

From Puerto Vallarta to the Sierra Madre foothills

This four-hour experience begins at David Alfaro Siqueiros 127 in the Zona Hotelera, near Las Glorias. The stated duration includes travel time to and from the riding area, so do not expect four full hours in the saddle. Actual riding time may be closer to roughly one and a half to two hours, with time also set aside for the bridge and stops.

You can choose a morning or afternoon departure. That flexibility matters in Puerto Vallarta, where the heat can build quickly. A morning ride is likely the more comfortable choice during hot months, while an afternoon outing may offer softer light over the hills.

The trip takes you away from the hotel zone and toward the Sierra Madre. The change happens quickly. Beach traffic and city noise give way to mountain roads, jungle, and the sound of moving water. One useful feature is that the ride begins higher in the mountains, away from the busiest ATV routes, so you get a quieter setting once the horses are ready.

The group size is limited to 10. That is small enough for a guide to watch how each rider is doing, adjust instructions, and help with mounting or handling the horse. It also makes it easier to ask questions without holding up a large line.

Meeting the horses and getting comfortable in the saddle

The horses are generally described as gentle, healthy, and well cared for. Staff match riders with suitable animals and give guidance before the group sets off. If you have not ridden in years, or have never ridden at all, say so clearly at the start. The experience is designed to accommodate beginners, but honesty about your comfort level helps the guide choose the right pace.

You should not expect a fast ride. This is a trail outing at a relaxed pace, with the guide leading the group through changing terrain. That is good news if you want time to look around, take photographs, and enjoy the forest rather than concentrate on speed.

The horses do much of the work, but riding still uses muscles you may not have used recently. People who have not been in a saddle for years can feel sore afterward. Long pants help prevent rubbing, and closed shoes with a firm sole are more useful than sandals. A bathing suit is worth wearing underneath if you hope to swim in the river or stop near water.

The staff provide water. Food and other drinks are not included, so bring money if you expect to buy a meal or beverage at the activity area. A tequila tasting is included for people age 18 and older.

The first section: cobblestones, slopes, and the Cuale River

The ride begins with a downhill stretch over cobblestone streets. This first half mile or so can feel bumpy, especially if you are a beginner or have a sensitive back. Once the route reaches the river area, the surface becomes rockier, with boulders and uneven ground.

That rough footing is one of the biggest differences between this outing and a smooth ranch ride. In the dry season, from December through May, the Cuale can have much less water, leaving exposed rocks in the riverbed. During wetter periods, the crossings can feel more like a proper jungle stream ride.

You will move along the Cuale River and through winding mountain paths. The scenery changes from open countryside to thick tropical forest, with flowering plants and high Sierra Madre slopes around you. The route is not built around one famous viewpoint. Instead, its appeal comes from the steady change in scenery and the feeling of moving through a working mountain environment.

The pace gives you time to watch for wildlife. Macaws, parakeets, butterflies, eagles, and hawks have been seen along the route. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the quiet pace and forest setting give you a better chance than a quick vehicle ride through the same area.

Several guides have been praised for adding local conversation to the ride. Javier is often requested by name, while Alejandro, Alex, and Omar are also noted for making beginners feel secure and explaining the route. Guide assignments can change, so treat these names as examples of the staff you might meet, not a promise that a particular person will lead your tour.

River crossings and a break in the mountains

The river crossings are a memorable part of the route. The horses are accustomed to the terrain, but you still need to pay attention to your balance and follow the guide’s instructions. The water level and exposed rocks can vary with the season.

A midway stop gives both you and the horses a chance to rest. It is a simple but valuable part of the timing. After sitting in the saddle over uneven ground, a pause to stretch your legs can make the second half much more pleasant.

Some descriptions of the experience include a waterfall or a place where you may swim. The supplied details do not promise swimming on every departure, so consider it a possible extra rather than a guaranteed feature. If you want to swim, wear suitable clothing and ask at the start what conditions allow that day.

This is also a good point to take photographs. The higher mountain sections provide broad views over the jungle and countryside. The scenery can look especially green during the rainy season, while the dry season reveals more rock and open riverbed.

Puente Colgante El Jorullo: the dramatic final stop

The bridge is the defining feature of this outing. At Puente Colgante El Jorullo, you dismount and continue on foot across a long suspension bridge. It hangs about 150 meters, or 492 feet, above the Cuale River, giving you wide views into the forested valley.

The bridge is described as one of the longest vehicular suspension bridges in the world. Even though this activity has you cross it on foot, its size is immediately apparent. The walkway has open spaces between the planks, so you can see down toward the jungle below.

For many people, this is the highlight. It adds a burst of adrenaline after a quiet ride and gives you a completely different view of the river. The bridge also creates the clearest panoramic viewpoint of the day.

For anyone afraid of heights, however, this can be the hardest part. The bridge is not a small footbridge, and the height is not easy to ignore. Tell staff before the ride begins if you do not want to cross. The operator says an alternate arrangement can be coordinated if you speak up before the start time. Do not wait until you are standing at the bridge.

After crossing, you return to the activity area and eventually back to the original meeting point. Some departures include time for a meal or beers at the site, but food and drinks are not part of the tour price. Plan to pay separately if those options are available.

How the $119 price holds up

At $119 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the Puerto Vallarta countryside. The value depends on what you want from a half-day outing.

You are paying for more than a short horse ride. The price covers a guided route through the Sierra Madre, a small group, water, transportation time from the central meeting point, staff support, and the suspension bridge experience. The tequila tasting is included for adults age 18 and older.

I think the price makes the most sense if you want several activities in one outing: a mountain ride, river crossings, jungle scenery, a high bridge, and a tasting. It is less compelling if your main goal is simply to spend a long time on horseback, since the four-hour duration includes transport and other stops.

The small-group limit helps justify the cost. A group of no more than 10 allows closer attention than a large trail procession. Couples may find themselves in a very small group on quieter departures, while families can benefit from extra help with children and first-time riders.

The tour is booked, on average, about 23 days ahead. That suggests planning early, especially if you need a particular morning or afternoon. Confirmation is normally provided at booking, though reservations made within one day of departure are confirmed as soon as possible and depend on availability.

Who will enjoy this ride most

I would recommend this outing to:

• First-time riders who want a slow, guided introduction
• Couples looking for mountain scenery and a shared adventure
• Families with older children who can follow riding instructions
• People who want a mix of nature, horses, and a dramatic viewpoint
• Riders who are comfortable with uneven ground and some physical activity
• Anyone interested in seeing a quieter side of Puerto Vallarta beyond the beach

You should think twice if you have severe back, hip, or knee problems, though the supplied information says most people can participate. The rocky trail and saddle time can be tiring. The 220-pound, or 110-kilogram, weight limit is firm and should be checked before booking.

This is also not ideal if you strongly dislike heights. You may be able to avoid the bridge by arranging it before the tour, but the bridge is central to the experience. If the thought of open planks over a 492-foot drop makes you uncomfortable, choose a different mountain activity.

What to bring and how to prepare

Wear long pants and sturdy, closed shoes. Avoid flip-flops and loose footwear. A bathing suit can be useful if swimming is possible during your departure.

Bring sunscreen, a hat that fits securely, and extra cash for food, drinks, and tips. Water is provided, but you may still want a refillable bottle for the rest of the day. Tips for guides are not included.

Do not bring apples or other food for the horses unless staff allow it. One rider brought apples and enjoyed feeding the animals, but the safest choice is to ask first. The horses have managed diets, and not every stable permits outside treats.

If you are celebrating a birthday or another special occasion, tell the guide. Staff have made an effort to give extra attention to people marking an event, though this is not a formal package.

The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions force cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.

Should you book the Sierra Madre horseback ride?

Book it if you want a relaxed horse ride with a strong dose of mountain scenery and one genuinely dramatic attraction. The best parts are the gentle horses, patient instruction, river crossings, and the sudden change from jungle trail to high suspension bridge.

Go in with the right expectations. You will not spend all four hours riding, the trail is rocky, and the bridge can be frightening if you dislike heights. At $119, the outing is a fair value for a small-group, multi-part experience, but not the right choice for someone seeking a smooth, long horseback trek.

For most first-time riders, couples, and families comfortable with uneven terrain, I would book it. Tell staff about your riding experience and height concerns at check-in, wear practical clothes, and leave room in your schedule for the ride back to Puerto Vallarta.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

The meeting point is David Alfaro Siqueiros 127, Zona Hotelera, Las Glorias, 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts about four hours, including travel time to and from the meeting point.

Can I choose a morning or afternoon departure?

Yes. Morning and afternoon tour times are available.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 10 people.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. Most people can participate, and the experience is suitable for first-time riders. Guides provide assistance and set a relaxed pace.

What is the weight limit?

The weight limit is 220 pounds, or 110 kilograms.

Do I have to cross the suspension bridge?

The activity includes crossing Puente Colgante El Jorullo on foot. If you have a fear of heights or do not want to cross, tell the staff at check-in so they can coordinate an alternative.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. Water is provided, and an adult tequila tasting is included for people age 18 and older.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can receive a full refund or choose another date. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time.