Rainforest rides and ATVs in one morning. This Sierra Madre combo tour takes you away from Puerto Vallarta crowds and into rural scenery, with a 8:15 am start.

I really like the horseback segment because it gets you moving through tropical forest toward the village of Las Palmas, with a waterfall moment at the end. I also like the ranch payoff: lunch plus an open bar feel, including alcoholic drinks along with soda and beer.

One consideration: the ATV setup and guide vibe can vary. If the group is very small, you may not get the exact one-person ATV expectation you’re imagining.

Key Highlights Worth Booking

• Small group cap (max 20): you get a more personal ranch-to-trail day.
• Horseback in tropical rainforest: this is the main “nature” engine of the tour.
• Waterfall at the end of a hike: plan for effort, then enjoy the payoff.
• ATV ride through villages: you’re not just driving in open areas.
• Lunch plus unlimited drinks: an open bar style stop at Rancho Capomo.
• Souvenir photos cost extra: if you want them, budget for it.

A Sierra Madre Combo Tour That Beats the Beach Rut

Puerto Vallarta can be all shoreline, all the time. This tour is the antidote: a half-day mix of horses + ATVs that puts you in the Sierra Madre countryside without needing to plan two separate trips. The route idea is simple and smart. You start at the ranch, ride into the area, hike up to a waterfall, then switch gears to driving your own ATV through nearby towns and roads.

It’s also a great length if you don’t want to spend a full day away. At about 5 hours, you still keep your afternoon for the things you actually came to PV for: a food crawl, a beach session, or just wandering at your own pace.

Best of all, it’s built around movement. You’re not stuck on a bus watching from a window. You’ll feel the day in your legs (especially the hike) and in your arms and hands (ATVs). If you’re the type who likes an action day with a real break afterward, this format works.

Getting to Rancho Capomo: Pickup, Timing, and Small-Group Feel

The tour begins at 8:15 am. You’ll be picked up from designated meeting points, then you end back at that same meeting area once everything wraps up. In one example, pickup was arranged at an Oxxo location that was only a short walk from a hotel, which is the kind of practical detail that makes the morning smoother.

The group stays capped at 20 travelers, which matters. Smaller groups typically mean less waiting around and more attention during the transitions—getting on horses, switching to ATVs, and settling in for lunch.

You’ll receive a mobile ticket, and the tour is offered in English. You also get confirmation at booking time. Put all that together and you’re not left guessing how the day flows. It’s not a complicated itinerary on paper: ranch arrival first, then horseback, then ATV, then food and drinks.

Horseback Riding in the Rainforest and the Waterfall Payoff

This is the centerpiece. You start at Rancho Capomo, then head out into the Sierra Madre tropical forest and the area around the village of Las Palmas. The vibe is rural and natural rather than touristy. You’re seeing real countryside rather than a staged attraction.

From the experience details, the horseback riding portion runs around 90 minutes for many groups. You should expect a steady ride with moments where your balance matters—one review describes areas where you need to keep your footing on the horse. That’s normal for trail riding, but it’s worth knowing if you’re sensitive about stability or you’re nervous on a horse.

And then there’s the part people remember most: the waterfall at the end of a hike. Several comments point out that the hike up the hill is not just a stroll. One rider called it a long hike, and another warned clearly that it’s a hike. If you’re going, plan to go into it with legs ready to work. The upside is that the waterfall payoff is described as worth the effort.

If you’re short on time in PV but still want a nature moment that feels earned, this horseback-and-waterfall sequence is the best reason to choose this tour.

ATV Time Through Villages: Fun Driving With a Few Caveats

After horses, you switch to ATVs for about 60 to 70 minutes. This segment is where the day turns more playful and fast. The riding route is described as going through towns and villages, not just open country. That means you’re more likely to see how life looks outside the main tourist zones—small communities, farms, and everyday scenery.

A key practical point: different people described the ride feel differently. One person found the ATV portion peaceful and low-key through the country and little towns. Another noted that their ATV time felt more like driving on roads and that the route didn’t feel very off-road.

So here’s the way I’d think about it: you’re booking an ATV experience, and the exact “off-road adventure” level might depend on the day and the route. If you want guaranteed rugged trail riding, you’d want to confirm that expectation before you go. If you mainly want fun driving and village scenery, this usually hits the mark.

Also, if the group is very small, there can be surprises around how the ATVs are assigned. One negative experience mentioned having to share an ATV when the group was tiny. You can’t control what happens on any given day, but you can reduce frustration by asking how ATV allocation works when there are fewer riders.

Lunch at the Ranch and Drinks That Keep the Mood Light

This is the part that turns a good adrenaline day into an actually satisfying one. You arrive at the ranch and you get lunch, plus unlimited drinks in an open bar style setup. Alcoholic beverages are included, along with things like beer and soda. Margaritas show up in multiple accounts, and one group mentioned even tasting barrel-aged tequila.

The food itself gets praise for quality, not just quantity. Several descriptions mention great Mexican lunch and standout items like carne asada and homemade tortillas. That matters because some tours cram you with bland food. Here, the lunch is a core part of why the day feels complete.

Timing also helps. You’re not rushing straight from ATV dust into a dry snack. You get to reset at the ranch, hydrate, and eat while things slow down. If you’re the type who likes a plan that has a clear “end with good food” structure, you’ll probably appreciate this format.

Price and Value: Why $150 Often Feels Fair

At $150 per person, you’re paying for a true combo: horseback riding, a hike to a waterfall area, ATV time, lunch, and unlimited drinks. And importantly, that price includes all taxes, fees, and handling charges, which keeps the bill from creeping up with surprise add-ons.

Is it worth it? For most people who enjoy active outdoor days, the value is strong because you’re not paying separately for each component. You also get pickup and drop-off from designated points, which is a big deal if you’d otherwise be sorting out transportation.

The value equation changes if you’re expecting a very specific ATV style experience (like heavy off-road trail time) or if you’re sensitive to tour-guide interactions. The one negative experience shared a mismatch in ATV assignment and felt the guide approach was rude and rushed. That’s not something you should ignore. It doesn’t erase the positive reports, but it’s a signal that day-to-day human factors matter.

If you go in with the right mindset—active day, some effort for the hike, and a ranch lunch you can enjoy afterward—this price usually lines up with what you get.

Tips to Make the Day Smoother (Especially for the Hike and the Horse)

This tour is built around physical activities, so small choices can make a big difference.

1) Be ready for the hike. People call it a hike and an uphill climb to the waterfall. Wear shoes that grip and clothing that you can move in. If you’re unsure about your comfort level, you can plan a slower pace right from the start.

2) Respect the horse segment. Some riding paths require concentration and balance. If you feel nervous around animals, tell your guide early. A calmer, prepared rider tends to have a better day.

3) Plan your ATV expectations. You’ll likely drive through villages and country roads. If you want true off-road trails, confirm what the route tends to look like on typical days.

4) Stretch before the waterfall portion. One person specifically suggested stretching before heading up for the waterfall. That’s simple advice that can pay off fast.

5) Don’t overdo alcohol before you ride. Alcohol is included at lunch and the open bar is part of the fun. Just keep it sensible. You still have physical segments before that point.

Who Should Book This Tour From Puerto Vallarta

This is a strong fit for you if you want an action-filled half-day that doesn’t revolve around the beach. It works well for couples, friends, and solo travelers who are comfortable with outdoor activity and want to see rural life around PV.

It’s also a decent option for families, with at least one report mentioning a great day with kids around ages 10 and 12. Still, because the tour includes a hike and horseback riding, you should judge based on your child’s comfort and stamina rather than age alone.

It may not be the best match if:

• You want a purely relaxing sightseeing day
• You’re expecting all ATVs to run like aggressive off-road machines
• You get very bothered by guide style and pacing
• You’re uncomfortable with any uphill walking, even if the payoff is pretty

In other words, this tour is best when you’re game for effort.

Should You Book Rancho Capomo Horseback Riding and ATV Tour?

I’d say yes if you’re looking for a true horses-and-ATVs day with a real rural feel and a lunch stop that’s more than just a box-check. The combo structure is the win: rainforest riding, waterfall time after a climb, then ATV driving through villages, finished with food and unlimited drinks at Rancho Capomo.

Before you lock it in, do yourself one quick favor: ask how ATVs are handled when the group size is smaller. Also, go in expecting that the hike is real, not a quick photo stop.

If you match the tour’s energy, this is the kind of half-day you’ll talk about long after you’ve gone back to the beach.

FAQ

How long is the Sierra Madre horseback riding and ATV tour?

It’s about 5 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:15 am.

Where do pickup and drop-off happen?

Pickup is from designated meeting points, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

What activities are included?

You get horseback riding through the Sierra Madre area toward Las Palmas, a hike with a waterfall payoff, and then an ATV ride through villages and scenery, followed by lunch.

Is lunch included?

Yes, lunch is included.

Are drinks included, and is there alcohol?

Yes. The tour includes unlimited drinks with an open bar, including alcoholic beverages.

Are souvenir photos included?

No. Souvenir photos are available to purchase.

How large is the group, and what language is it in?

The tour has a maximum of 20 travelers, and it’s offered in English.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel within 24 hours of the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.