Puerto Vallarta gets quieter, and greener, fast. This 6-hour adventure pairs a 4-hour horseback ride through the Sierra Madre and along the Cuale River with time at Las Palmas Waterfall, plus lunch and drinks waiting at the end.

I love that there is no prior horseback riding experience required, and the group stays small (max 12), so you get more attention when you need it. I also like the practical value here: horse and saddle, private transportation, and lunch plus alcoholic beverages are included, so you are not piecing together your own day. The one drawback to note is that the tour needs a minimum number of travelers, so it can be canceled if that minimum is not met.

If you want a day that feels like you are seeing the real area beyond the main strip, this is a strong pick. You’ll ride into older neighborhoods and out into lush tropical scenery, then finish with the kind of waterfall moment people actually remember.

Key Highlights at a Glance

• Small group (up to 12) for more guide attention
• No experience needed for horseback riding
• Sierra Madre + Cuale River ride with a Bay viewpoint
• Las Palmas Waterfall stop after a short hike
• Lunch and alcoholic beverages included after the ride

Why This Horseback-and-Waterfall Day Works in Puerto Vallarta

Most Puerto Vallarta tours are about rushing from one view to another. This one slows down on purpose. You spend most of the day on horseback, moving through hills and river scenery, then you end with the payoff: a waterfall and a meal.

The “quiet side of Puerto Vallarta” angle matters because it changes the feel of your day. You are not just staring at the bay from a crowded bus stop. You are getting out into older, rustic neighborhoods and countryside that most people never see on foot, much less from horseback.

The tour is also built for comfort. You get private transportation, and it loops back to the meeting point at the end, which is exactly what you want on a half-day adventure.

The 4-Hour Ride Through Sierra Madre: Cuale River to a Bay Lookout

Your day starts with a mellow horseback ride lasting about 4 hours. You’ll travel into the Sierra Madre Mountains, and the route takes you along the Cuale River through one of Puerto Vallarta’s older rustic neighborhoods.

That river-and-neighborhood mix is a big deal. It means you get variety without having to constantly get on and off a vehicle. One stretch is about local, everyday scenery, and the next is more about open countryside views as you move higher into the hills.

As the ride continues, you reach a magnificent lookout of the entire bay. You are surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, which is the kind of scenery that instantly makes the effort feel worth it. If you like photos, this is where you’ll pause and get your bearings for a long look.

Practical consideration: horseback riding is still riding. Even when it is “mellow,” you’ll want moderate physical comfort and a willingness to sit for stretches of time.

Las Palmas Waterfall and the Short Hike: The Payoff Part

The experience is built to end with water. After the ride and viewpoint moments, you make your way to Las Palmas Waterfall, with a short hike included before you reach it.

This is the part people seem to love most: the combination of mountain scenery plus a waterfall that feels more personal than the big, chaotic tourist setups. When lunch and drinks are waiting afterward, the day stays relaxed rather than turning into a scramble.

What to expect on the ground: because there is a short hike, you should be ready for uneven footing. Bring shoes that can handle dirt and rocks, and keep an eye on where you step during the walk.

Also, since waterfalls can get slippery, it is smart to move carefully near the water. You are there to enjoy the view, not to negotiate a slip-and-slide.

Food and Drinks Included: Mexican Fare, With No Extra Stops

A lot of “all-in” tours say lunch is included, then make it feel like a snack. This one is clearer about what matters: you get lunch plus alcoholic beverages as part of the package.

Timing helps here. Lunch and drinks are set up at the end of your horseback ride, after the hike and waterfall time. That means you can enjoy the meal without rushing to catch another bus, and you do not have to hunt for food once you are tired.

The food is described as typical Mexican fare, and that is exactly what I look for on a trip like this. You want a meal that matches the place you are in, not just something bland and familiar to keep everyone calm.

If you are traveling as a couple, this part tends to land well because the day ends in a social, relaxed way rather than a frantic line situation.

Meeting Points and Timing: How to Start Smoothly

This tour starts at 10:00 am and runs about 6 hours total.

Pickup is offered, with three meeting locations. Choose the one closest to where you are staying:

• OXXO in Conchas Chinas: 8:30am

Km 2.5, Manzanillo – Puerto Vallarta, Conchas Chinas, 48399 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.

• La Europea / Collage / Marina area: 9:00am

Av. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Isla Iguana, 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.

• Starbucks Las Juntas: 9:15am

Parcela 158, Zona 1 Puerto Vallarta, 48291 Las Juntas, Jal.

You do not have to figure out the route alone. It is set up with private transportation, and the activity ends back at the meeting point, which keeps your plans simpler.

Tip that saves stress: confirm which pickup spot you selected after booking, and arrive a few minutes early. Even a small delay can throw off a day where you ride for hours.

Small Group Riding: Why Max 12 Changes the Day

One detail that makes this tour feel more personal is the maximum group size of 12 travelers.

With a group this size, your guide is less likely to disappear into the crowd. It also tends to make it easier to manage the pace—especially important for first-timers on horseback.

You also get more chances to ask questions before you start moving. That matters because the tour says no prior riding experience is required, which implies the guide and team will support you during the experience.

If you’ve ever been packed into a large group where nobody can hear instructions, you will appreciate this format. You can actually focus on the ride and the scenery.

What I’d Bring (and What to Skip) for a Horse and Water Day

Even though the tour includes horse gear and necessary gear, you still control your comfort.

Bring:

• Closed-toe shoes with grip for the short hike
• Sun protection (it’s Puerto Vallarta, and the day is outdoors)
• A light layer if you run cool during shade periods

Skip:

• Heavy bags. You want to travel light when the day includes riding and walking.
• Anything fragile you cannot afford to get damp near the waterfall area.

Since souvenirs are listed as not included, consider that if you want to bring something home. If you want a specific item, it may be better to plan your shopping on another part of your trip.

Who This Tour Fits Best in Puerto Vallarta

This is a great match for:

• Couples who want a scenic, romantic-feeling day without the bus-tour chaos
• People who want a quieter Puerto Vallarta experience, with nature and viewpoints
• Riders who are curious but not confident about horseback riding (no experience needed)
• Travelers who like good value: horse, transportation, lunch, and drinks are included

It may not be ideal if:

• You hate the idea of being seated for long stretches while riding
• You need a perfectly predictable schedule. This tour depends on good weather and on meeting a minimum traveler count.

Weather, Minimum Travelers, and Backup Plans

Two things can affect your day. First, the tour requires good weather. If the weather is poor, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Second, the experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If that minimum is not met, the operator may cancel and offer a different date/experience or a full refund.

Practical takeaway: do yourself a favor and keep one flexible option in your itinerary. Even if you are excited, it’s smart to have a Plan B day.

Should You Book This Jungle HorseBack Adventure?

If you want a meaningful Puerto Vallarta nature day that is not all crowds and shopping, I’d strongly consider booking. The most praised aspects are exactly what you’d hope for: the horseback ride, a short hike, and the beautiful Las Palmas Waterfall, with drinks and lunch waiting at the end.

Book it if:

• You want small-group attention
• You want no-rider-experience pressure
• You value tours where key items are already handled (transport, lunch, drinks)

Skip it if:

• Your schedule is tight and you cannot handle a weather or minimum-attendance change
• You are uncomfortable with moderate physical activity, including time on a hike

Overall, this is a solid “do-it-once” experience in Puerto Vallarta: nature, movement, and an end moment that feels worth the effort.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 10:00 am.

How long is the experience?

The duration is about 6 hours.

Is pickup available, and where do I meet the group?

Yes. There are three pickup meeting locations: OXXO in Conchas Chinas (8:30am), La Europea/Collage/Marina (9:00am), and Starbucks Las Juntas (9:15am). You should use the location closest to your hotel.

Do I need prior horseback riding experience?

No prior horseback riding experience is required.

How big is the group?

The maximum group size is 12 travelers.

What is included in the tour price?

Included items are horse and saddle, private transportation, lunch, alcoholic beverages, and horse and necessary gear.

Is lunch and alcohol provided?

Yes. Lunch and alcoholic beverages are included.

What kind of fitness level do I need?

You should have a moderate physical fitness level.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for free?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund (local time applies).