Sierra Madre Horseback Riding and Zipline with Lunch Included

The best part of this outing is the change of scene. You leave Puerto Vallarta’s coast and head into the Sierra Madre, toward Rancho Capomo and the village of Las Palmas. The day mixes a roughly 90-minute horseback ride, a waterfall walk, mountain ziplines, and a cooked Mexican lunch.

I like the small groups of up to 15 people, which keep the day friendlier and less mechanical than a large adventure park. I also like the combination of activities: you pay once for transport, riding, ziplines, lunch, and drinks instead of arranging several separate outings.

The main drawback is the road. The ranch can take about 90 minutes each way, and the ride may be bumpy. If you want a quick, polished activity close to town, this is not it. If you want a full day in the hills, the rough journey is part of the tradeoff.

Key points to know

• About 90 minutes on horseback: The route heads through the Sierra Madre toward a waterfall, with a hike included.
• Around 10 zipline routes: Expect mountain views, river and valley crossings, and a more rustic setup than a major commercial zipline park.
• Rancho Capomo feels far from Puerto Vallarta: The setting is quiet and rural, but reaching it takes time.
• Lunch and national drinks are included: The meal may include Mexican dishes such as fajitas, along with alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.
• The horses are generally gentle and well cared for: The riding itself is basic and can be slow and bumpy.
• Bring practical clothing: Long pants, closed shoes, water, and a change of clothes will make the day easier.

Leaving Puerto Vallarta at 8:15 a.m.

Pickup begins at the stated meeting points, with the tour returning to the same general meeting point at the end. The early start helps you reach the ranch while the morning is still relatively fresh, but this is a five-hour activity only in approximate terms. Road conditions and the pace of the group can affect the schedule.

The shuttle ride is a real part of the outing. Rancho Capomo is far from the beach zone, and the trip may take around 90 minutes in each direction. The road is described as rough, so anyone prone to motion sickness should prepare carefully. You may want to eat lightly before departure and bring water for the drive.

The driver or guide handles the transfer, and Sergio has been singled out for keeping the ride cheerful with jokes. That matters on a long drive. You are not simply being dropped at an activity site near town, you are making a proper trip into the hills.

The group limit is 15 people. That is small enough for a more personal pace, though it does not guarantee that every part of the day will feel private. Pickup is available only from select meeting points, so check your exact meeting location before booking.

Rancho Capomo and the Sierra Madre Setting

Rancho Capomo sits in a quieter part of the Sierra Madre, near Las Palmas and away from Puerto Vallarta’s main tourist areas. The appeal is not polished scenery or a resort-style setting. It is the sense of getting out into a working rural area, with tropical forest, mountain roads, rivers, and broad views from the higher ground.

The ranch setting is one of the strongest reasons to choose this outing over a standard zipline park. The atmosphere is more informal and rustic, and the day includes time with horses, guides, and ranch staff rather than only a series of engineered platforms.

That rustic quality has two sides. You may enjoy the relaxed, local feel and the chance to see a less developed part of the region. You may also notice rough roads, basic riding conditions, or less communication from one staff member than from another. This is best approached as a country excursion, not as a highly polished theme-park attraction.

The ranch entry fee is included, so you do not need to budget an extra admission charge once you arrive.

The Horseback Ride Toward the Waterfall

The horse ride is listed as part of an ecological route into the forest and lasts about 90 minutes according to the available details. One route covers roughly 1.5 miles toward a waterfall, with a hike required at the end or along the way.

The horses are described as gentle, trained, and well cared for. That is important if you have some riding experience but are not an expert. At the same time, do not expect an athletic trail ride. The pace is generally slow, and the route can be bumpy. One account describes the ride through a small town as basic, with some untidy areas along the way.

You should wear long pants and sturdy closed shoes. Sandals are a poor choice for both horseback riding and the zipline equipment. A change of clothes is useful if you get muddy, sweaty, or wet near the river.

The waterfall walk adds more effort than the ride alone. It is not a long description on paper, but the route can require a bit of exertion. In wet conditions, the forest and waterfall may be more rewarding. During dry season, the water feature can be greatly reduced or dry, so do not book this solely for a powerful cascade.

That seasonal point is worth stressing. The mountain setting remains attractive, but the waterfall is not guaranteed to look the same year-round. If the water is low, the horse ride, forest, views, and zipline sections carry more of the day.

Ten Zipline Routes Above the Valleys

The combo package includes about 10 zipline routes. The courses reach across exposed mountain areas, with views of rivers and large valleys below. The ziplining is often the liveliest portion of the day, especially if the horse ride feels too slow for your taste.

The setting is not always shaded. Parts of the zipline area can feel hot and dry, so bring water and use sun protection. You may be outside for a while as the group moves from one line to the next.

This is not presented as a luxury adventure park. The setup is more primitive than some of Puerto Vallarta’s larger zipline operations, and that can be either a plus or a minus. I like the less corporate feeling, but you should not expect the same level of polish or large-scale staging found at a major commercial park.

The package may also include a short faster horse ride toward the beginning of the zipline section, depending on the group and guides. Do not count on an extended gallop. The main riding remains a relaxed trail outing, not a riding lesson or racing experience.

Mexican Lunch, Fajitas, and National Drinks

Lunch is included, along with unlimited national drinks, both alcoholic and nonalcoholic. The meal has been described as homemade and memorable, with fajitas specifically noted as a favorite. A tequila tasting or homemade tequila may also be part of the ranch hospitality.

I see real value here. After a morning outdoors, a meal at the ranch saves you from finding food in an unfamiliar rural area. The included drinks also make the $147 price easier to assess, especially if you plan to enjoy the social side of the day.

The minimum drinking age is 18. If you do drink, remember that the tour includes horseback riding, ziplines, and a long drive. You should pace yourself and follow the guides’ rules. Nonalcoholic drinks are included as well, so you can take part without drinking alcohol.

Food service is one of the strongest parts of the package, but lunch timing can depend on how quickly the group moves through the riding and zipline sections. Bring a couple of bottles of water even though drinks are included. That is especially sensible during hot, dry weather and on the long road to the ranch.

What the $147 Price Really Covers

At $147 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning in Puerto Vallarta. The price includes round-trip transport from select pickup points, ranch admission, a guided horseback ride, ziplining, lunch, and national drinks. Buying those pieces separately would take more planning and could cost more.

The value is strongest if you want all three main parts: horses, ziplines, and a meal. If you only want to ride a zipline, a shorter activity may suit you better. If you only want a quiet horseback ride, you may find the extra zipline and transport time unnecessary.

The package also saves you from arranging transport into the Sierra Madre. That matters because Rancho Capomo is not a simple walk or short taxi ride from central Puerto Vallarta. You are paying for access to a rural setting as much as for the activities themselves.

I would think of the $147 as a full-day outing price, even though the stated duration is about five hours. The approximate timing and long road mean you should keep the rest of your day flexible.

Who Will Enjoy This Outing Most

This is a good fit for you if you want variety and prefer a more local, rustic setting to a large adventure complex. Families with older children, couples, and friends can all find something to enjoy, provided everyone meets the physical requirements and is comfortable with horses, heights, and a rough drive.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum weight is 50 pounds, and the required minimum height is 1.30 meters. Most people can participate, but the day still involves mounting horses, walking to a waterfall, standing in exposed heat, and using zipline equipment.

You should choose another activity if you need a short transfer, dislike bumpy roads, or want a consistently cool and shaded environment. The horse section is not a fast or advanced ride, and the waterfall may be disappointing in dry weather.

Service animals are allowed according to the stated conditions. Cruise ship passengers need to provide the ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and reboarding time when booking. That information helps the operator judge whether the schedule fits your port call.

What to Pack for Rancho Capomo

A little preparation will improve the day considerably.

• Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.
• Bring water, even though drinks are included.
• Pack a change of clothes.
• Use sun protection for the exposed zipline area.
• Keep valuables limited, since the day involves riding and outdoor equipment.
• Leave room in your schedule for a long transfer in each direction.

Souvenir photos are not included, but they are available to purchase. If you want photos, ask about the process before you start so you know when and where they are taken.

The tour is offered in English, and confirmation is provided at booking. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Within 24 hours, refunds and changes are not accepted. If the minimum number of participants is not reached and the operator cancels, you can receive a different date or activity, or a full refund.

Should You Book the Sierra Madre Combo?

I would book this tour if you want a complete change from the beach and like the idea of combining a quiet horse ride, a lively zipline course, and a Mexican lunch in one outing. The friendly staff, gentle horses, scenic mountain route, and small group size give it a personal feel.

I would skip it if your main goal is a dramatic waterfall, a fast horseback ride, or a short trip from the hotel. The road is long and bumpy, the horse ride is fairly basic, and dry season can reduce the waterfall to a minor feature.

For the right person, the appeal is the whole day: leave the city, meet the Sierra Madre on its own terms, try several activities, and eat at the ranch before heading back. Pack sensibly, accept the rough edges, and you get a varied outing with solid value for the price.

FAQ

How long does the Sierra Madre horseback riding and zipline tour last?

The stated duration is approximately five hours. The drive to Rancho Capomo can take about 90 minutes each way, so you should allow extra flexibility around the scheduled activity.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:15 a.m.

Where does the tour begin and end?

Pickup is available from select meeting points in Puerto Vallarta. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from the designated pickup point are included.

What food and drinks are included?

A Mexican lunch is included, along with unlimited national drinks. Alcoholic and nonalcoholic options are available.

How long is the horseback ride?

The horseback riding is approximately 90 minutes. One described route covers about 1.5 miles and includes a hike toward a waterfall.

How many zipline routes are included?

The combo includes about 10 zipline routes.

What are the age, weight, and height requirements?

Children must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum drinking age is 18. Participants must weigh at least 50 pounds and be at least 1.30 meters tall.

Are photos included?

No. Souvenir photos are available to purchase separately.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time, you can receive a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.