Sierra Madre Horseback Riding and ATV Tour

The best part of this outing is the change of scenery. You leave Puerto Vallarta behind for Rancho Capomo and the Sierra Madre, where the day combines a horse ride to a waterfall with an ATV trip through small villages and rural roads. It is a useful choice when you want more than a beach day but have only half a day available.

I like the way the tour mixes two very different activities, and I like that lunch, drinks, and transportation are included in the $150 price. The homemade-style Mexican meal, especially the carne asada and tortillas, gets high marks, while guides including Sergio, Hector, and Berto have been praised for making the day friendly and fun.

The main thing to consider is that the ATV portion may be more of a country road ride than a true off-road challenge. One poor experience also involved a shared ATV, late pickup, and an unhelpful guide, so confirm the vehicle arrangement and pickup details before you set out.

Key points to know before you book

• The waterfall requires a real hike: The uphill walk can be strenuous, but the setting at the end makes the effort worthwhile.
• Horseback riding is the scenic centerpiece: Expect a forest and river route, with uneven sections that require balance.
• The ATV ride favors villages and country roads: It offers local scenery, but it may not satisfy you if you want mud, rocks, and technical trails.
• Lunch is part of the value: Carne asada, fresh tortillas, margaritas, beer, soda, and other drinks are included.
• Pickup starts at 8:15 am: Transport is provided from designated meeting points, and the tour returns to that same meeting point.
• The group can reach 20 people: Smaller departures may feel more personal, but you should not assume a private tour.

Leaving Puerto Vallarta for Rancho Capomo

The morning begins with pickup at 8:15 am from a designated meeting point. Some people have been collected near an Oxxo within a short walk of their hotel, but pickup locations vary, so check your confirmation rather than assuming door-to-door service.

The drive takes you away from the resort zone toward Rancho Capomo and the village of Las Palmas. That change matters. Puerto Vallarta is easy to enjoy from the water or the beach, but this excursion gives you a look at the foothills, farms, roads, and settlements outside the city.

The ranch is the base for the full outing. It is where you arrive, begin the activities, and return for lunch. The setting is described as attractive and far from the main tourist areas, with a more rural feel than the organized attractions closer to town.

The tour is offered in English, and the maximum group size is 20. That is not a tiny private outing, but it is still manageable for a half-day activity. Guides named Sergio, Hector, and Berto have been singled out for being attentive, conversational, and safety-minded. Guide quality can shape the entire day, so it is worth asking at pickup who will lead your group.

Horseback riding through the Sierra Madre

The horseback ride takes you into the tropical forest and along areas near the river. This is the more scenic half of the day, and it gives you time to notice the countryside instead of simply speeding through it.

You do not need to be an expert rider to consider the activity, since most people can participate. Still, do not treat it as a gentle walk in a flat corral. The route includes uneven ground, turns, and sections where keeping your balance matters. A little stretching before the tour is sensible.

The horses have been described as well cared for, which is important in any riding excursion. You should still expect the pace to be controlled and the route to be suited to a group with mixed ability. If you have never ridden before, tell the guide clearly at the start. A patient briefing can make the difference between enjoying the ride and spending the morning tense in the saddle.

Past descriptions put the horseback portion at roughly 90 minutes, though the exact timing may change with group size and conditions. That is enough time to feel that you have had a proper ride, rather than a quick photo stop.

The route toward the waterfall is the highlight. You ride through forest and country scenery, then continue on foot for the final section. The walk uphill has been called a real hike, not a token stroll. Wear shoes with a firm grip, and do not book this part casually if steep walking is difficult for you.

The reward is a waterfall in a natural setting. You may find the walk tiring, especially in warm weather, but the payoff is one of the strongest reasons to choose this tour. The waterfall also breaks up the riding with a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy the setting at a slower pace.

The waterfall walk and what to expect

The waterfall stop is not simply a roadside viewpoint. Reaching it involves an uphill hike, and the phrase Mexican hike has been used for good reason. The path can test your legs, particularly after horseback riding.

That effort is a benefit if you want an active morning rather than a passive sightseeing trip. It is also the clearest limitation for anyone with mobility concerns or low comfort on uneven paths. The provided information says most people can participate, but it does not promise an accessible trail.

Plan for practical clothing. Long pants can help with the horse ride, while closed-toe shoes are the sensible choice for both the saddle and the walk. Bring only what you can carry comfortably, since a large bag would be awkward during the activities.

The waterfall stop gives the outing a sense of purpose. Without it, the horse ride would still offer forest views, but the walk adds a small adventure and a memorable destination. You should allow yourself to enjoy the route instead of rushing to the water.

ATV riding through villages and country roads

After the horseback activity and waterfall visit, you move to the ATV portion. This changes the pace from a quiet ride through the forest to a motorized trip through villages and the surrounding countryside.

The ATV segment is often described as lasting about 60 to 70 minutes. You may pass farms, small communities, and rural roads, giving you a glimpse of how people live outside Puerto Vallarta’s hotel zone. This is where the tour feels most connected to everyday Mexico rather than built purely for recreation.

There is an important distinction here. The ATV ride may be peaceful and scenic, but it is not necessarily a rugged off-road course. One account found the route too ordinary because it stayed mostly on roads. If you are looking for deep mud, steep climbs, or technical driving, this may not be the right ATV tour.

For me, the road-based route is not automatically a flaw. It lets you see villages and countryside that you would not cover on foot, and it may suit families or first-time ATV drivers. But the description should be clear: you are choosing a rural sightseeing ride with an ATV, not guaranteed extreme terrain.

Also confirm whether each person receives a separate ATV. The tour information does not promise one vehicle per participant, and one couple was assigned to share. That arrangement may be fine for some pairs, but it can be disappointing if you have paid expecting to drive alone.

Lunch, margaritas, and the value of the $150 price

Lunch is served back at Rancho Capomo after the activities. This is more than a snack added to the schedule. A meal of carne asada, homemade-style tortillas, and Mexican dishes gives the day a satisfying finish, especially after the ride and hike.

Unlimited drinks are included, including alcoholic beverages. Margarita, beer, soda, and other drinks have all been noted as part of the meal service, and there has even been a chance to taste barrel-aged tequila. Drink responsibly, particularly if you still need to return by vehicle.

At $150 per person, the price is not low, but the value depends on how you use the inclusions. You are paying for transportation, two activities, lunch, drinks, taxes, and handling charges. Booking separate horseback riding, an ATV trip, a meal, and transport could quickly approach the same total.

The price makes more sense for someone who wants a full, organized half-day with no need to arrange each piece independently. It makes less sense if you mainly want a serious ATV course or if you do not drink and would rather pay only for the activities.

The meal is one of the strongest parts of the package. A good lunch can turn a tiring activity into a pleasant day, and the food has received especially warm praise. If you are comparing tours, check what each competitor includes before deciding that a lower headline price is actually cheaper.

Who will enjoy this half-day outing

I would recommend the tour to couples, friends, and families who want an active change from the beach. Families with children around 10 and 12 have enjoyed the combination, but the hike, horseback riding, and ATV rules still require adults to judge what their children can handle.

It also suits solo visitors. The half-day format gives you several activities in one booking, and the group setting can make it easier to meet other people than a private excursion would.

You will probably enjoy it most if you value variety. The day moves from forest to waterfall to villages, then ends with food and drinks. You do not spend long stretches doing only one activity.

I would be more cautious if you need a gentle, fully accessible outing. The hike is uphill, the horse route can be uneven, and the activity order may leave you physically tired before lunch. I would also choose another tour if your main goal is aggressive ATV driving.

The experience is offered in English, and confirmation is received at booking. Most people can participate, but the practical details of riding ability, walking comfort, and vehicle sharing are worth discussing before payment.

Small details that can shape the day

Pickup timing matters. One positive account praised the driver for staying on schedule despite late arrivals at the meeting point, while another described a late pickup. Arrive early and make sure you are waiting at the exact designated location.

Guiding style also matters. Many accounts describe friendly, watchful staff, while one serious complaint involved rude comments and pressure during the horse ride. That appears to be an isolated poor experience among mostly positive ratings, but it is still useful information. If the guide is rushing you or treating a beginner badly, speak up early.

The group limit of 20 means the outing can feel social rather than private. On a quiet day, you might get a more personal ride, but you should not book on the assumption that you will be alone. The tour ends where it begins, which keeps the return simple.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before the 8:15 am start time, with a full refund. Inside that window, the payment is not refunded, and changes are not accepted. That rule is worth noting when you are planning around weather, travel delays, or a cruise schedule.

Should you book Rancho Capomo?

Book it if you want a varied rural day with horseback riding, a waterfall hike, an ATV ride through villages, and a substantial lunch with drinks. The combination is the main attraction, and the strong overall rating of 4.7 from 35 ratings reflects how well the package works when the guides and logistics are on form.

Think twice if you want a demanding off-road ATV course, a private outing, or an easy walk. Before booking, ask whether you will have your own ATV, confirm the pickup point, and be ready for a proper uphill hike.

For most active visitors with limited time in Puerto Vallarta, the package offers solid value. It gets you beyond the resort zone, includes the costly practical pieces, and gives you a fuller sense of the Sierra Madre than a short city excursion can.

FAQ

How long does the Sierra Madre Horseback Riding and ATV Tour last?

The tour lasts approximately five hours, including transportation, horseback riding, the waterfall visit, ATV riding, and lunch.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 8:15 am. Pickup is provided from designated meeting points.

What is included in the $150 price?

The price includes taxes, fees, handling charges, lunch, unlimited drinks, alcoholic beverages, and pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points.

Is the waterfall walk difficult?

The waterfall route includes an uphill hike. It may be strenuous, so wear suitable shoes and consider your comfort with uneven walking before booking.

Are ATVs provided for every person?

The provided information does not guarantee one ATV per person. One recorded experience involved two people sharing an ATV, so confirm the vehicle arrangement before you go.

What happens if I need to cancel?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted and are not refunded.