Stairs, waterfalls, and tame horses—what’s not to like. This Sierra Madre tour is built for people who want a guided nature day without navigating muddy trails on their own. I especially liked the feel of riding through river scenery with a real ranch set-up at Rancho Capomo, followed by a proper sit-down Mexican lunch with drinks.

My second favorite part is the way the day mixes riding with short, guided walking segments—so you’re not just sitting on a saddle for hours. One thing to plan around: there’s a hike to the waterfall with lots of stairs and steps, so bring shoes that grip and be ready for some uphill work even if you’re fit but not a hiker.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Guided Sierra Madre route (no guesswork): You follow a ranch guide through the river route and crossings.
• River crossings and hanging bridges: The scenery changes fast, and the bridges add a fun dose of adventure.
• A real waterfall trek: You’ll get off the horse and walk, including stairs/steps toward the falls.
• Lunch at the ranch is part of the deal: Expect fajitas or chicken plus sides like beans, rice, guacamole, and handmade tortillas.
• Unlimited national drinks: Expect beers/margaritas with an open bar vibe during the ranch stop.
• Small-ish group size: The tour caps at 40 travelers, which helps keep it from feeling chaotic.

From Puerto Vallarta to Rancho Capomo: The Ride Start Matters

This tour runs about 5 hours, starting at 8:15 am and ending back where you meet. The big practical win is round-trip transportation from Puerto Vallarta included, so you don’t have to coordinate taxis or figure out rural roads. You’ll also get a mobile ticket, and it’s offered in English.

On the drive, you’ll likely get the “get settled” part of the day: the van picks you up, you head inland, and you spend the early time preparing for the horses and the walk later. Some drivers/guide teams (like Beto, who shows up in multiple experiences) are described as upbeat and informative, and they tend to keep the group comfortable while you’re on the road.

If you’re connecting from a cruise, plan on sharing your ship and re-boarding timing at booking. It’s a small detail, but it matters because pickup windows are usually tight when ships are involved.

Tip for you: if you’re prone to being late, aim to be ready before pickup time. A few people have mentioned pickup confusion in low-star feedback, and the easiest fix is being early and keeping your eye on communication.

On Horseback Through the Riverbed: What the Horse Part Is Like

Once you’re at Rancho Capomo’s area, the tone shifts from road trip to outdoors. The main horse route includes riding by and through a river setting, with times where you’ll cross water. Many people love this part because it feels like real Sierra Madre terrain rather than a staged ride on flat ground.

The horses are generally described as well behaved, including for first-timers. More than one person also notes that horses have personalities—still calm, but not identical—so you’ll want to follow your guide’s instructions and keep a steady grip. The pacing is often described as fun and scenic rather than extreme.

Two things you should keep in mind:

• You may get a quick explanation and then get riding. One person said they wanted more riding instruction, so if you need extra clarity (how to hold reins, where to place your feet), ask right away before you set off.
• The river route can mean repeated crossings depending on conditions. If you’re sensitive to cold water or slippery footing, wear the right footwear and expect your day to have a few wet moments.

If you’re coming for your first horseback experience: this is a good match because you’re not thrown into chaos. You’ll still feel like you’re out doing something real—just with a team managing safety.

The Waterfall Trek: Hanging Bridges and Stair Work

Here’s the heart of the day, and also the part that divides “easy fun” from “bring your A-game.” At Rancho Capomo, the route includes a shift from riding to walking: you descend from your horse and head on foot toward the waterfall area.

What you’ll experience along the way:

• Walk sections toward the mountain and the waterfall
• Hanging bridges
• Steps and stairs
• A chance to cool down in the river water once you reach the falls area

The tricky part isn’t just the distance—it’s the vertical effort. Even though some people describe the waterfall walk as relatively short (like 5–10 minutes), multiple experiences emphasize stairs and steep bits that can feel intense if your legs aren’t used to that kind of climb. One helpful theme across feedback is simple: bring runners or closed-toe shoes with grip, because rocks and steps are part of the route.

Now, expect conditions to affect the waterfall.

• In dry season, people note the waterfall may have less water, turning it more into a photo-op and quick dip than a big swim.
• In wetter periods, the waterfall can be more rewarding, and the post-ride refresh feels better.

If you’re thinking, I don’t do stairs: don’t ignore this. Even if you’re adventurous, you’ll want to judge this segment honestly. It’s not a long day hike, but it’s not just a stroll either.

Back at Rancho Capomo: Lunch, Handmade Tortillas, and Open Bar Drinks

After the riding and the waterfall area, you get the “thank goodness I’m sitting down” portion of the day. You’ll arrive back at the ranch for a meal that’s repeatedly called a standout.

The lunch usually includes options like fajitas or chicken, plus sides such as:

• guacamole and Mexican sauce
• beans and rice
• chips
• and handmade tortillas

One neat bonus is that you may get to see tortillas made and you can be part of simple food moments like mixing toppings (people mention pico de gallo). Even if you’re not there for a food-nerd hobby, it’s one of those experiences where you feel the local rhythm without turning it into a formal class.

Then comes the drinks part. The tour includes unlimited national drinks (open bar), and you’ll see people mention beers and margaritas. A tequila tasting is also commonly part of the ranch finish. Some people say it’s short, and a bottle purchase is optional if you want a take-home souvenir.

What to remember about photos: souvenir photos aren’t included, though they may be available to purchase. If you want lots of keepsakes, plan on paying extra for that.

How Challenging Is This Day, and Who Should Book?

This is a “nature day with movement” tour. You’re doing:

• Horse riding through river scenery
• A hike segment to the waterfall with stairs/steps and hanging bridges
• Some cooling time in the water depending on conditions
• A big ranch lunch afterwards

So who is it best for?

• First-time horseback riders: You get a guided route and calm horses for most people.
• Nature lovers: The riverbed and waterfall approach feel like real outdoor terrain.
• People who can handle stairs for a short segment: This is the key. It’s not all-day hiking, but your legs still need to do work.

Who might want to reconsider?

• Anyone with mobility limits who struggles on stairs.
• People who hate uneven footing or aren’t comfortable with ladders/rocky steps (even for a short walk).
• If you’re expecting a purely relaxing half-day, the hike segment will surprise you.

Also, a practical note: the minimum drinking age is 18, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Service animals are allowed.

Price and Value: Is $103 Worth It?

At $103 per person, the value comes from stacking the day’s costs together. You’re paying for:

• guided horseback time in a specific Sierra Madre route
• round-trip transportation from Puerto Vallarta
• a Mexican lunch
• unlimited national drinks (open bar)
• taxes and fees
• driver/guide support

If you tried to piece this together yourself—transport out to a ranch area, a guide, and a lunch plus drinks—it would usually cost more than the ticket price. The tour also keeps group size to a maximum of 40, which tends to help the experience feel smoother.

What you’re not paying for:

• souvenir photos (optional)
• anything special you decide to buy at the ranch (like tequila bottles)

One fair caution: a single low-star report mentioned pickup crowding and rough service from a specific staff member. That’s not the majority of experiences, but it’s a reminder to keep your expectations realistic and confirm pickup details. If something feels off, speak up early and ask for clarification on the spot.

Timing Tips and What to Bring From Day One

Even if the tour runs on a schedule, it’s still outdoors and can be hot. People mention it getting warm, so you’ll want to protect yourself from sun and heat.

Here’s what I’d pack or wear, based on what the day actually asks you to do:

• Closed-toe shoes with grip (for stairs, rocks, and possible wet ground)
• Runners if you have them
• A light layer for morning shade and afternoon sun
• Water-resistant socks or something you don’t mind getting damp
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
• Swimwear if you want the option of a river dip
• A small towel or quick-dry item if you’re prone to feeling cold after water

If you show up in sandals and hope for the best, the waterfall trek will feel harder than it needs to be.

Should You Book Rancho Capomo Horseback Riding From Puerto Vallarta?

Book it if you want a guided, scenic day that mixes horseback riding with a memorable waterfall approach, plus a ranch lunch and drinks that make the whole thing feel like a complete outing. It’s a strong pick for first-timers who still want a real taste of the Sierra Madre.

Skip (or at least think twice) if you’re not comfortable with stairs and uneven footing, because the waterfall walk is a serious part of the experience. Also, if you’re extremely sensitive to pickup timing or group management, plan to confirm details before the morning and keep a close watch on communication.

If your goal is: horses, rivers, a waterfall moment, and a sit-down meal afterward—this is the kind of tour that tends to pay off quickly.

FAQ

What time does the horseback riding tour start?

The tour start time is 8:15 am.

How long is the tour from Puerto Vallarta?

It runs for about 5 hours (approx.).

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from the Puerto Vallarta meeting points are included, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

What’s included for food and drinks?

You’ll get a Mexican lunch and unlimited drinks (open bar with national drinks).

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

What’s the minimum drinking age?

The minimum drinking age is 18.

Are children allowed?

Children are allowed, but they must be accompanied by an adult.

What should I wear for the waterfall part?

You should expect a hike that includes stairs/steps, so wear shoes with good grip. Closed-toe shoes are a smart choice for safety.