A jungle morning with horses and zip lines. I love the small-group feel (max 15) and the real Sierra Madre setting, far from Puerto Vallarta’s beach crowds. The main catch is the drive: expect a bumpy, roughly 90-minute ride up and back each way.

This tour also makes the day easy: it runs about 5 hours starting at 8:15 am, with round-trip transfers from select meeting points. Once you reach Rancho Capomo, you get Mexican lunch plus an open bar of national drinks, and the trip there is handled by a friendly driver like Sergio, who keeps things light on the road.

Key things to know before you go

• Max 15 people keeps the pace and attention more personal.
• Rancho Capomo puts you into the Sierra Madre’s tropical rain-forest world.
• Horseback plus zipline combo means you don’t waste a full day on just one activity.
• Lunch and unlimited national drinks are included, so you’re not doing the math mid-day.
• You’ll likely feel the heat on exposed zipline sections—long pants and good shoes matter.

Rancho Capomo: A rain-forest reset from Puerto Vallarta

If you’re staying in Puerto Vallarta and you want a break from beach-and-shops mode, this is the kind of excursion that actually changes your scenery. You’re headed inland to the Sierra Madre region, where the air, sounds, and terrain feel different fast. The goal here isn’t luxury—it’s an outdoor day with animals, jungle trails, and mountain views.

What makes Rancho Capomo feel authentic is the mix of nature + real ranch rhythm. You’re not just getting dropped at a single viewpoint. Instead, you spend time on the property and in the surrounding area, including a horseback segment that takes you away from the tourist flow.

The small-group limit also matters. Fewer people means less waiting around, fewer “herding” moments, and more chances to get the basics right—especially with something as physical as horseback riding and ziplining.

The horseback part: Las Palmas countryside and a waterfall hike

The day starts with a ride into the Sierra Madre tropical rain forest area, including time near the village of Las Palmas. Horseback time is about 90 minutes, and the route includes a hike to a waterfall destination. That hiking portion can take some effort, so don’t plan to treat it like a casual stroll.

The upside: the morning light and the changing scenery make the ride feel like a real journey, not just “sit on a horse and move along a track.” The horses are treated well and are described as gentle and well-behaved, which helps if you’re not an experienced rider. Still, you should expect a working-ranch feel—some walking pace, some uneven ground, and a need to stay aware.

One more practical note: the route is part ride, part walking, and part mountain terrain. So even if you’re fine on a horse, you’ll still want comfortable shoes for the hike.

Ziplining: 10 routes, exposed sections, and a real thrill factor

After the horseback segment, the zipline portion adds the adrenaline. You’ll follow multiple zipline routes—about 10 different routes is how it’s commonly described. The terrain is up on the exposed mountain side, which means you’ll feel the sun more than you might on a shaded course.

This is where clothing and preparation really matter. The ziplining is fun, but the conditions can be hot and dry, with limited shade. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. You’ll also feel better if you bring a change of clothes, since you can end up sweaty and dusty after an active day like this.

Also, the pace can vary depending on group flow and which lines you hit first, but the overall vibe is more “primitive adventure” than “big corporate factory.” If you like your zipline days with an authentic ranch-and-mountain feel, you’ll probably appreciate that.

Lunch and drinks at Rancho Capomo: included and genuinely worth it

One of the best parts of this tour is how much value you get from the meal. Lunch is included—Mexican food—and you also get unlimited drinks in an open bar format with national drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic).

Several people specifically call out the food as memorable and the drinks as a highlight. There’s also mention of a homemade tequila experience at the ranch, which fits the “real ranch” style better than a generic beverage stop.

What I like about including lunch and drinks here is you’re not forced to pick a restaurant after you’re already hot and tired from the morning. You eat on-site at the right time, and you’re not trying to plan your hunger during transport.

Timing and transfers: an early start with a long ride up

The start time is 8:15 am, and the tour runs about 5 hours total. The end is back at your meeting point, so you’re not juggling extra logistics once the adventure is done.

Round-trip transfer is included, but only from select meeting points in Puerto Vallarta. That matters because it changes how easy the morning feels. If you choose a location that’s far from you, you might spend more time shuttling than you want.

And the drive itself is a real factor. Expect a roughly 90-minute ride each way, and some people describe it as bumpy due to road conditions. If you get car sick, you’ll want to plan ahead.

Bottom line: this is not a “quick hop and go” tour. It’s a full-morning commitment that pays off once you’re in the Sierra Madre.

Group size, comfort level, and who this fits best

With a maximum of 15 travelers, this tour sits in the sweet spot between personal and organized. You’re not alone out there, but you also aren’t stuck in a huge group where you wait your turn for everything.

Most travelers can participate, and there are clear requirements:

• Minimum weight: 50 pounds
• Required height: 1.30 meters
• Children: must be accompanied by an adult
• Minimum drinking age: 18
• Service animals: allowed

If you’re traveling as a couple or small group, this size makes it easier to enjoy the day without constantly adjusting to crowds. If you’re bringing kids, confirm the height requirement before you buy—this is one of the easiest rules to miss.

This tour is also a good match for people who want an outdoor day that feels like it’s truly outside the city. If your idea of adventure is staying on paved sidewalks and avoiding anything physical, you may find the horseback-and-hike combo more work than you want.

What to pack for horses and zip lines

You don’t need a whole kit, but the right basics make the day way better.

Here’s what I’d bring based on what people report working well:

• Long pants for ziplining
• Closed-toe shoes (not sandals)
• Sunscreen and water (even though drinks are included)
• A change of clothes if you want to feel human afterward
• Light layers if mornings cool down for you

Also, souvenir photos are available to purchase, but they aren’t included automatically. If you want photos without thinking, consider setting aside a little extra budget for that.

Price and value: what $147 really covers

At $147 per person for about 5 hours, this isn’t a “cheap” excursion. The value comes from what’s included, not from the headline price.

You’re getting:

• Entrance fees included for Rancho Capomo
• Lunch (Mexican food)
• Unlimited drinks in the open bar of national drinks
• Guide/driver support
• Round-trip transfers from select Puerto Vallarta meeting points

Add it up: a standalone horseback ride, zipline, and an on-site meal with drinks would usually cost more when you’re paying separately. Here, you’re buying a packaged day where the big costs are folded into one price.

Is it worth it? If you want horses + ziplining + a real meal in a small group format, yes. If you only care about one activity, you might find you’re paying for parts of the day you won’t use.

How “eco” and “adventure” feel in real life

The Sierra Madre portion of this tour isn’t styled like a theme park. You’re in a more rustic setting, with an emphasis on getting outside and moving through the terrain. That’s why people keep returning to Rancho Capomo—it’s not just another stop.

The flip side is that the day includes some physical effort, and the schedule is built around being active in a mountain environment. You’ll also deal with heat, sun, and dust on parts of the route, especially on the exposed zipline sections.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes authentic operations, trained animals, and straightforward guides, this fits. If you want everything ultra-smooth and fully shaded, you may feel more discomfort than on larger, more “controlled” experiences.

Should you book Sierra Madre Horseback Riding and Zipline with Lunch?

Book it if:

• You want a break from beach life and a real change of scenery
• You like small-group days with fewer crowds
• You want a package where lunch and drinks are included
• You’re okay with a bumpy, long ride to get to the mountains

Skip or think twice if:

• You get car sick easily or dislike long travel time in the morning
• You don’t enjoy hiking parts of the day
• You’re sensitive to sun because ziplining sections can be exposed and hot

If you’re deciding between “one activity only” and this combo day, this tour is a strong choice because it gives you the full horseback-to-zipline progression, plus the kind of meal setup that keeps the day comfortable instead of chaotic.

FAQ

How long is the Sierra Madre Horseback Riding and Zipline tour?

The tour lasts about 5 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:15 am.

Is lunch included, and what kind of food is it?

Yes. Mexican lunch is included, and it also includes a national drink.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited drinks are included as an open bar with national drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic).

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

Do I need to bring my own ticket?

You receive a mobile ticket.

What are the minimum requirements to participate?

There is a minimum weight of 50 pounds and a required height of 1.30 meters. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, you won’t receive a refund.

Are souvenir photos included?

No. Souvenir photos are available to purchase, but they are not included.