REVIEW · PUERTO VALLARTA
Horseback Riding Experience in Sierra Madre Mountains
Book on Viator →Operated by Journey Vallarta Tours · Bookable on Viator
Jungle horseback plus a 150-meter bridge walk. This 4-hour Puerto Vallarta tour takes you into the Sierra Madre Mountains where the Cuale River trail turns into jungle paths and big sky panoramas. The big moment comes when you leave the saddle and cross the Puente Colgante El Jorullo suspension bridge on foot.
I love the small-group feel (max 10 travelers), because it means you get real attention while mounting, staying steady on rocky spots, and getting your questions answered. I also love the guide energy—names like Javier, Alejandro, Xavier, and Omar Alex show up again and again in praise, and the common thread is calm coaching for first-timers.
The one consideration: if you have a fear of heights, you’ll want to flag it at check-in, because you will cross a high bridge on foot. The height is part of the experience, and that’s not something to guess about once you’re standing there.
In This Review
- Key Highlights You’ll Feel Immediately
- Sierra Madre Jungle-to-Beach Views From the Saddle
- The 4-Hour Flow: Pickup, Ride Time, and Back Again
- Cuale River Horseback Riding: Wild Paths, Rocky Spots, and River Crossings
- Puente Colgante El Jorullo: A 150-Meter Walk in the Clouds
- Tequila Tasting After the Big View
- Horses and Guides: Why the Best Part Is Usually the People
- Price and Value: What $119 Buys in the Puerto Vallarta Mountains
- Who Should Book This Ride (and Who Might Skip the Bridge)
- Should You Book This Puerto Vallarta Horseback Tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the horseback riding tour in Puerto Vallarta?
- Do I ride the horse the entire time?
- How high is the suspension bridge walk?
- Is tequila tasting included, and is there an age limit?
- What’s included in the price, and what isn’t?
- What should I do if I’m afraid of heights?
- Can I cancel and get a full refund?
Key Highlights You’ll Feel Immediately

- Max 10 travelers keeps the ride personal and the pace manageable
- Cuale River scenery: jungle trails, panoramic country views, and river crossings
- Puente Colgante El Jorullo: a 150-meter walk with dramatic jungle-and-river views
- Choose morning or afternoon so it fits your day in Puerto Vallarta
- Water plus tequila tasting (18+) helps make the time feel complete
- Many guides are praised by name, including Javier, Alejandro, Xavier, and Omar Alex
Sierra Madre Jungle-to-Beach Views From the Saddle

This isn’t just a ride around a ranch. The whole point is that you’re going from coastal Puerto Vallarta toward the higher terrain where jungle meets open countryside. You’ll spend your time with your horses moving along paths that can feel wild—winding tracks, jungle shade, and stretches where the views open up to the Sierra Madre peaks.
One practical plus: the tour offers a morning or afternoon option. That matters in Puerto Vallarta because timing changes the feel—heat, light for photos, and how your day is paced before or after beach time.
And yes, the “small group” thing isn’t marketing fluff here. When you’re learning how your horse responds on uneven ground, having fewer people in your group makes it easier for your guide to spot who needs extra help.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Puerto Vallarta.
The 4-Hour Flow: Pickup, Ride Time, and Back Again

The tour is about 4 hours total, including travel time to and from the pickup point. You start at David Alfaro Siqueiros 127, Zona Hotelera, Las Glorias, 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico, and the experience ends back at that same meeting point.
In real-world terms, this is a good length if you want something active without burning your whole day. You’re out long enough to feel like you did an experience in the mountains, but not so long that it wipes out dinner plans.
Also, it’s offered in English, and the operation runs on a small-group schedule (max 10 travelers). That helps if you’re the type who likes a clear plan instead of “we’ll see.”
Cuale River Horseback Riding: Wild Paths, Rocky Spots, and River Crossings
You’ll follow the Cuale River area for part of the ride, with your guide leading you through the kind of terrain that makes horseback riding feel like a real countryside activity, not a theme-park loop. Expect jungle sections and paths where you’re seeing countryside from higher ground.
Here’s the part to think about before you book: some stretches can be rocky. One rider pointed out that the trail can start off bumpy on cobblestones and then get very rock-heavy once you’re working along the riverbed. The reason is seasonal—Puerto Vallarta doesn’t get rain from about December through May, so parts of the river can be dry and the footing becomes more uneven.
What I’d do with that info if I were planning your trip: wear stable, covered shoes and long pants. Some riders also mention swimming if conditions allow—if you want that option, a bathing suit can be a smart bring (even if you don’t plan on using it).
And even when the ground is uneven, the repeated theme in the feedback is that the horses and guides handle it well. Many riders note that the pace stays relaxed, with a mid-ride stop to stretch and reset.
Puente Colgante El Jorullo: A 150-Meter Walk in the Clouds
The signature moment is crossing Puente Colgante El Jorullo on foot after you dismount. The bridge is a big deal: it’s described as one of the longest vehicular suspension bridges in the world, and the walk happens at a height of 150 meters (492 feet).
This is why the tour feels different from basic horseback riding. The horses get you into the mountains, but the bridge is where you really get the “wow” view—lush jungle below and the Cuale River running through the valley far beneath you.
Practical truth: if you’re even slightly unsure about heights, don’t pretend you’ll be fine once you arrive. One solo rider said they were scared of heights, and they hadn’t fully expected the bridge experience to be mandatory in a high-footing way. The company does mention the bridge on the activity description, and the staff also say you can avoid the bridge by letting them know in advance—so your best move is to speak up at check-in.
If you do decide to cross, bring a mindset for slow, careful steps and focus on your balance. The bridge floor has spaces between planks, so it can feel “open” underfoot.
Tequila Tasting After the Big View

After the ride and bridge moment, you’ll have the included option of tequila tasting for riders who are 18 years old and above. If tequila isn’t your thing, it’s still part of the reason the 4-hour experience feels rounded—there’s a payoff after the exertion.
Food isn’t included, and that’s worth knowing. Some riders mention time to enjoy lunch or beers around the area, but that part is not guaranteed as included in the base price. If you’re hungry, plan a snack before you go and have your expectations set for buying food/drinks on-site afterward.
What I like about keeping food separate: you can match your day. You might want a light post-ride bite. Or you might want to eat back at your resort. Either way, you’re not forced into a set meal.
Horses and Guides: Why the Best Part Is Usually the People
A lot of tours say guides are great. Here, the praise is specific: riders repeatedly call out attentive, patient guidance and well-behaved horses. People describe guides who were professional, organized, and genuinely focused on comfort and safety.
It’s also clear that first-timers are welcome. Several comments highlight that beginners did well, including families with teens who had never ridden before. That’s a good sign for you if you want an outdoor day without needing prior saddle experience.
And the guide names matter because they show consistency in the team. Multiple riders mention guides such as Javier, Alejandro, Xavier, Gerardo (Jerry) Puncho, and Omar Alex. If you have a preference, you can’t always choose your exact guide, but it’s fair to ask who’s available that day.
Finally, remember you’re in a working outdoors operation, not a city sidewalk experience. Expect to get dirty, shift around in a saddle, and move through uneven ground. The people on the ground help you enjoy it instead of fighting it.
Price and Value: What $119 Buys in the Puerto Vallarta Mountains

At $119 per person for a roughly 4-hour experience, you’re paying for a full mountain outing that includes:
- Horse riding guided by a small team
- The iconic bridge walk with major views
- Water
- Tequila tasting for riders 18+
Food and drinks aren’t included, and tips aren’t included either. But the big value levers here are the animal + guide + location combination. You’re not just getting a view; you’re physically traveling into the Sierra Madre and then taking part in the bridge moment.
If you’re comparing this to other half-day tours in Puerto Vallarta, the bridge-and-river combo is what makes it feel more “active” than a basic sightseeing stop. You also avoid bus-style chaos thanks to the max-10 group size.
My advice: treat it as your “mountain day,” not a quick side quest. Pair it with a relaxed dinner and a simple plan for the rest of your day.
Who Should Book This Ride (and Who Might Skip the Bridge)

This tour suits you best if you:
- Want a real Sierra Madre experience instead of only beach time
- Like animals and want guided horseback riding with coaching
- Prefer smaller groups and clearer attention
- Are okay with some uneven terrain and riverbed conditions
It may not suit you if:
- Heights make you panic. The bridge crossing is part of the experience, and if that’s a hard no, tell staff at check-in so they can coordinate accordingly.
- You’re not comfortable with rocky footing. In drier months, riders may deal with more rock-and-boulder terrain along the river area.
Weight limit is listed at 220 lbs / 110 kg, so if you’re close to that, it’s worth confirming with the staff at check-in.
Should You Book This Puerto Vallarta Horseback Tour?
If you want an honest mix of jungle riding and a headline-worthy viewpoint, I’d book it. The combination of Cuale River scenery, small-group attention, and the Puente Colgante El Jorullo walk is the recipe for a memorable mountain day without needing advanced skills.
Just do one thing for yourself: be upfront about heights. The bridge walk is the reason many people love this tour, but you shouldn’t gamble with fear. If you can handle it, this is a strong value for the time—and you’ll come away with both the horseback experience and a big visual story to share.
FAQ
How long is the horseback riding tour in Puerto Vallarta?
It’s approximately 4 hours total, and that includes the travel time to and from the pickup point.
Do I ride the horse the entire time?
No. You’ll ride through the Sierra Madre and Cuale River area, then you dismount and cross on foot the Puente Colgante El Jorullo suspension bridge.
How high is the suspension bridge walk?
The bridge is at a height of 150 meters (492 feet).
Is tequila tasting included, and is there an age limit?
Yes. Tequila tasting is included for riders who are 18 years old and above only.
What’s included in the price, and what isn’t?
Included items are water and the tequila tasting (18+). Food and drinks, and tips for tour guides, are not included.
What should I do if I’m afraid of heights?
Let the staff know at check-in. The activity includes crossing a high bridge on foot.
Can I cancel and get a full refund?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the activity is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.










