Rainforest horses, then ATV roads. That combo is why this Puerto Vallarta half-day tour works. I like the horseback-to-waterfall arc and the fact that you’re also getting unlimited drinks at the ranch, not just a quick snack. The only real caution is that a small number of experiences report issues with guide behavior or ATV setup, so you’ll want to go with clear expectations.

You’re based at Rancho Capomo in the Sierra Madre area, away from the thick tourist strip. The day is built for momentum: ride, hike, splash-in-waterfall payoff, then switch gears to ATV time. If you’re the type who hates a physical stretch, the hike portion is the main thing to think through.

Bottom line: for $150, this is a “do a lot in one morning” tour that mixes nature, rural views, and a proper lunch stop. Most people will find it worth it; just don’t come expecting a gentle stroll with zero surprises.

Key highlights worth marking on your map

• Horse ride into the Sierra Madre rainforest toward a waterfall, with some balance required on horseback
• Waterfall payoff after a real hill hike, which people say is worth the effort
• ATV ride through villages and countryside with lots of scenery time, not just a short loop
• Open bar with lunch at Rancho Capomo, including alcoholic drinks and sodas
• Small group cap (max 20), which helps it feel more personal than big-bus tours
• One possible snag: ATV setup can vary, including reports of sharing rather than getting a separate bike

Puerto Vallarta to Rancho Capomo: why this mix of activities makes sense

Puerto Vallarta is great for beaches, but after a few days you start craving something with motion. This tour is designed for that itch. You get a full change of pace—horseback into the rainforest, then a waterfall visit, then ATV riding through local areas.

What makes it work for real-life vacation schedules is the half-day timing. It’s an early start and you’re back after the experience ends at the meeting point, so you still keep your afternoon free for the things you’ll actually plan around: tacos, the malecón, and one last sunset.

The group size is kept to a maximum of 20, which usually helps the flow. You don’t spend your morning stuck waiting around while a busful of people slowly gathers. You also tend to get more direct attention when it’s time for instructions—especially for ATV riding and for anyone who isn’t a seasoned horse rider.

Your morning schedule: what a 5-hour day feels like

The tour runs about 5 hours and starts at 8:15 am. Pickup is from designated meeting points, and you’ll end back at the meeting point afterward.

That timing matters. You get out before the area gets too hot and before you’ve exhausted your energy on the beach. Also, doing the horse part early means you’re less likely to feel rushed once you hit the physical hike and waterfall segment.

Lunch is built into the ranch time (included), and the day is structured so food doesn’t feel like an afterthought. In the real-world rhythm described by people who have done it, the morning naturally ends with the “okay, I earned this” meal and drinks.

Horseback riding in the Sierra Madre: rainforest, balance, and a waterfall goal

The horseback portion is where the tour earns its name. You head into the Sierra Madre tropical rain forest area and toward the village area of Las Palmas, far from Puerto Vallarta’s main tourist zones.

Expect two things:

• Scenery time. People talk about beautiful river-like scenery during the ride and the feeling that you’re actually heading into the countryside rather than staying on the edge of town.
• Active riding. You’re not on a kiddie trail. One key note that comes up is the need to keep balance at certain points. If you know you get uneasy on uneven ground, you’ll want to take the instructor’s guidance seriously.

Then comes the waterfall. A common theme is that there’s a hike up the hill and that the walk is no joke. People say it’s a longer effort than they expected, and they recommend you stretch before the waterfall hike because your legs will feel it.

The upside is that the waterfall payoff is described as worth the effort. That’s the emotional “why” of the horseback portion: you’re not just riding for the ride. You’re working toward a moment at the end that feels like a reward.

ATV time after the horses: villages, countryside roads, and what to expect

After the horse ride and waterfall stop, you jump onto ATVs. In the way the day is described, the ATV segment is usually around 60–70 minutes.

Here’s the practical value: it changes how you see the area. On foot or horseback, you follow narrower routes. On an ATV, you get that quick-glance view of rural life—small roads, village layouts, and stretches of countryside.

Some people describe the ATV ride as relatively peaceful, with driving through towns and countryside. Another important note: a small number of experiences report that the riding ended up being mostly regular roads rather than more off-road paths. So if you’re expecting deep dirt trails the whole time, it’s smart to stay flexible.

One ATV detail to clarify in your own head

You’re not always guaranteed a one-person, one-bike setup. There’s at least one experience that mentions being asked to share an ATV motor bike when they expected separate rides. That doesn’t mean it’s the norm, but it’s enough of a note that it should shape your expectations—especially if you’re traveling as a couple and want equal time driving.

Lunch and the open bar at Rancho Capomo: where the value shows up

Lunch at the ranch is included, and it’s one of the strongest points of the day. The food is described as genuinely good Mexican cooking, including carne asada and standout tortillas. People also mention margaritas and beer as part of the included drinks, plus soda.

Two “value” factors matter here:

1. You’re not buying lunch separately. With tours like this, food is often the extra cost. Here it’s built in.
2. The open bar changes how you feel about the day. After horses and a hike, you want something that makes the day feel like a full outing, not an activity-and-chase.

There’s also a fun detail from the experiences shared: one person mentions getting to taste a barrel-aged tequila as part of the day. Even if that’s not guaranteed every time, it hints at how the ranch experience leans into the social side of a Mexican countryside lunch—not just fuel.

Price and value: is $150 per person a fair deal?

At $150 per person for about 5 hours, this tour sits in the “mid-range adventure” category. Whether it’s a good deal comes down to what you want most from your morning.

You’re paying for:

• Two major activities (horseback riding plus ATV riding)
• A real destination day (rainforest countryside, not a quick city drive)
• Lunch included
• Unlimited drinks with alcoholic options
• Pickup and drop-off from meeting points
• A small group cap (max 20)

If your vacation style is “one ticket, many memories,” this price starts to make sense. You’re not trying to schedule horseback riding one day and ATVs another day with separate transfers and separate meals.

The only reason it wouldn’t feel like value is when the day doesn’t match your expectations—like if you end up with ATV setup you didn’t want, or if a guide’s attitude makes the experience stressful instead of fun. One downside report specifically calls out late pickup and rude comments, which would be a deal-breaker for many people. Those cases seem to be in the minority, but they’re important.

Guides and the small-group feel: Berto, Sergio, and Hector come up

Guide quality is often the difference between a great day and a merely okay one. Names come up like Berto and the duo Sergio and Hector, with lots of praise for helpfulness and humor, plus a focus on showing rural life.

That matters because the day has two skill-based activities. You’ll be happier if you feel coached for horse riding basics and ATV confidence. When the guides are friendly and steady, the day flows; when they’re not, it can feel tense fast—especially around the ATV handoff.

Who should book this tour, and who should skip it

This is best for you if you want:

• A half-day adrenaline mix (horses + ATVs)
• A break from beach-only days
• A day that includes lunch and drinks, so you don’t chase food plans afterward
• Rural scenery and village glimpses, not just a scenic road drive

It can also work well for families, based on experiences where kids around the 10–12 range joined and still had a good time. But remember: the hike toward the waterfall is described as substantial. If your group has anyone who struggles with hills or uneven footing, you should take the physical side seriously.

Skip or reconsider if:

• You’re expecting constant off-road ATV trails (some routes may be more road-like)
• You need a guaranteed solo ATV ride (there are reports of sharing)
• You know you’ll get upset with a less-than-perfect guide attitude—because that’s the kind of issue that ruins an outdoor day

Practical tips before you go (based on what’s actually been said)

The day has a “work for the payoff” element. Plan your body accordingly:

• Stretch before the waterfall hike. People specifically recommend it.
• Wear footwear and clothing you’re comfortable getting used in a more active outdoor setting, since you’ll be on horseback and hiking.
• If you’re new to horses, listen carefully to the guidance about balance and posture—one recurring note is that you may need to pay attention with your footing.

Also, if having clear, respectful service is a priority, take note of guide timing. One experience describes late arrival and rude behavior; if you want the best chance of a smooth morning, be ready for the day to start early and for staff to manage the group tightly once you’re on-site.

Should you book Rancho Capomo’s Horseback Riding and ATV Tour?

If you want a Puerto Vallarta morning that blends rainforest horseback riding, a waterfall reward, and ATV time, this is an easy yes to consider. The included lunch plus unlimited drinks is a big part of why the $150 price feels fair for many people, and the small group size helps the experience stay lively.

Book it if your group is okay with effort on the waterfall hike and you’re flexible about ATV route variety. If you’re strict about getting a solo ATV bike every time, or you’re very sensitive to guide tone and punctuality, you might want to think twice or set expectations clearly before you go.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Sierra Madre Horseback Riding and ATV Tour?

It runs for about 5 hours.

What time does the tour start in Puerto Vallarta?

The start time listed is 8:15 am.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $150.00 per person.

What activities are included during the tour?

You’ll do horseback riding in the Sierra Madre area, hike as part of the experience toward a waterfall, and then ride ATVs.

What’s included in the price?

All taxes and fees are included, plus lunch, unlimited drinks with an open bar (including alcoholic beverages), and pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points.

Are souvenir photos included?

No. Souvenir photos are available to purchase.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 20 travelers.

What language is the tour offered in?

It’s offered in English.