Sierra Madre horses and zip-lines in the hills. That’s what you’re signing up for when you head to Rancho Capomo, far from the beach crowds. I like the combo format because you do horseback riding plus zip-lining in one organized block, and I also like the fact that entrance fees, lunch, and unlimited national drinks are built into the price. One thing to weigh: the ride out to the ranch takes time and the road can be bumpy.

This tour runs as a small group (max 15), with an early start and a full morning’s worth of nature time. The horses tend to be well cared for and the day has a laid-back, less corporate feel compared with larger operations. The main drawback is distance from town and heat/ruggedness for parts of the zip-line, especially in dry conditions.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group size (up to 15 people) helps keep the pace calmer.
• Rancho Capomo is in the Sierra Madre so you’ll feel a real change from Puerto Vallarta.
• Lunch + unlimited national drinks are included, so you can stop thinking about add-ons.
• Horse time includes a hike option toward a waterfall (fitness level matters).
• Zip-lining runs in open mountain areas, so wear proper clothes and plan for sun.
• Souvenir photos cost extra, so don’t budget for those unless you want them.

Rancho Capomo: trading Puerto Vallarta beach time for Sierra Madre air

Puerto Vallarta is great, but after a few hours in town you might start craving something greener and quieter. This tour gets you out into the Sierra Madre and down into areas near the village of Las Palmas. The point isn’t luxury; it’s a working ranch feel plus real outdoors time. You’re getting away from the tourist strip and into something that looks and smells like the jungle.

I like that the ranch setup is built for visitors without turning it into a theme park. The horses and staff are set up to handle people who aren’t experienced riders. In past experiences at places like this, the trick is whether horses are treated well and whether guides keep things safe and friendly—and here that part seems to be a strong match for most people.

The 5-hour flow: how the day moves from morning pickup to back again

Plan for an approx. 5-hour outing starting at 8:15 am. You’ll be picked up from a pickup point in Puerto Vallarta (round-trip transfers from select meeting points are included), then dropped back at the end of the activity. Because it’s an early departure, you get into the hills while the air is cooler and visibility is usually better.

The day’s rhythm goes like this: you start at Rancho Capomo, you ride, you add hiking time toward scenery like a waterfall when conditions allow, you cool down with lunch and drinks, and you finish with zip-lining. The order helps: riding first makes the later zip-line feel like a fun second act instead of a rushed schedule.

What’s genuinely valuable here is that it’s a full half-day you don’t have to plan or piece together. One company handling transfers, entrance, food, and the activities means you spend your energy on the experience, not logistics.

Horseback riding at Rancho Capomo: what to expect on the trek

Horseback riding is the core of the tour, and the style is described as an ecological ride in the Sierra Madre with time that can include hiking. In one common version of the day, the horseback portion is around 90 minutes, and that can include effort toward a waterfall area.

Here’s the real practical takeaway: you’re not doing a quick photo ride. You’re moving at a ranch-appropriate pace through scenery that’s meant to be experienced on horseback. Reviews also point out that horses tend to be gentle and well behaved, which matters if you’re nervous about riding in a group or you’re not used to handling tack for long stretches.

If you’re thinking about hiking time

Some versions of the route include a hike segment. That hike can take some effort. If you’re fine walking uphill or uneven ground for a while, you’ll likely find it worth it. If you have limited mobility, you should be thoughtful and consider how comfortable you are with a trek beyond just sitting on the saddle.

Zip-line time: mountain heat, exposed runs, and how to stay comfortable

The zip-line portion is part of the combo, and you can expect multiple routes (one description references about 10 different routes). The zip-line experience is up on exposed mountain terrain, which means you’ll get wind and open views—but also sun with limited shade.

In hot, dry conditions, this is where clothing and footwear matter. I recommend long pants and closed-toe shoes so you’re not dealing with skin irritation from lines, rocks, or abrasion. Bringing a change of clothes can also be smart, since you may end up sweaty and dusty before the day ends.

One more angle: you may not glide the whole time on your own hands like an adrenaline park. Many set-ups use coordination with staff and include horse movement up to the start of zip-line areas. That can make the whole thing feel more like a ranch adventure than a big commercial operation.

Lunch and drinks: the part that makes the price feel fair

This tour includes Mexican lunch and unlimited drinks described as an open bar with national drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic). In other words, you’re not going to get halfway through the day and then start hunting for snacks.

The lunch gets strong credit because it’s described as homemade and memorable, not just a boxed meal. When a day like this includes both riding and zip-lining, food timing is crucial. You’ll be able to refuel without paying extra mid-tour, and you can keep energy up for the later zip-line portion.

There’s also mention of a tequila element—some days include a homemade tequila tasting, which adds a local flavor if you’re into Mexican spirits. Even if you’re not a tequila person, tasting-style stops are a good way to learn what’s made on-site without turning the day into a drinking contest.

Price and value: what $147 buys you in real terms

At $147 per person, this isn’t a $20 marketplace activity. But it can still feel like good value because several big ticket costs are packaged together:

• Entrance fees (including the Rancho Capomo admission)
• Round-trip transport from select Puerto Vallarta meeting points
• Lunch plus unlimited national drinks
• A driver/guide and activity organization
• A zip-line component bundled with the horseback riding

If you tried to assemble these separately—transport, guided horseback riding, zip-line tickets, and food—you’d likely spend more and spend extra time coordinating. For me, the “value win” here is not just saving money. It’s saving decision fatigue.

Getting there: the transfer time and the bumpy-road reality

Distance is the most common caution. The trip from Puerto Vallarta can take roughly 90 minutes each way. That means you’ll start early and you’ll spend a good chunk of the day in transit before you’re fully in the mountains.

And yes, road conditions can make it bumpy. If you get motion sick, you might want to plan for that in advance (bring what helps you on winding roads). The trade-off is that you’re earning a change of scenery: the Sierra Madre isn’t a small detour—it’s a different world than the beachfront.

Group size and guide attention: why the pace feels more personal

This operation caps groups at 15 travelers, and that matters more than people think. Smaller groups tend to move at a more human speed—less waiting around, less rushing, more individual attention when you have questions about riding comfort or zip-line steps.

The tone you’ll likely feel is friendly and supportive rather than stiff. Guides and ranch staff are described as personable and helpful, and the driver sometimes brings jokes to the ride to the ranch. That helps the morning pass, especially on the longer transfer.

Also, confirmations happen quickly after booking, and the tour uses a mobile ticket with English offered. If you like clear information and smooth check-in, this setup should fit your style.

Who should book this Rancho Madre horseback and zipline combo

This is a great match if you want:

• A full morning adventure beyond the beach
• Horseback riding with a real nature setting
• Zip-lining that’s part of a ranch day, not just a standalone ride
• Included lunch and drinks so you can relax

You might consider skipping (or at least thinking carefully) if:

• You can’t handle a long road transfer and bumpy rides
• You’re sensitive to sun and heat during exposed zip-line segments
• You want only the easiest walk possible—some versions include a hike to waterfall areas

Important minimum requirements to check first

Make sure you meet the tour’s stated requirements:

• Minimum weight: 50 pounds
• Required height: 1.30 meters
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Service animals are allowed
• Minimum drinking age is 18
• Most people can participate, but your comfort with riding and walking is still key

Also note that cruise ship passengers must provide ship name and docking/disembarkation/re-boarding times at booking.

Should you book this Sierra Madre horseback riding and zipline with lunch?

If you want one organized trip that swaps Puerto Vallarta’s crowds for Sierra Madre scenery, I’d say this is a strong booking choice. The biggest reason: you’re not just buying a ride—you’re getting a full package with transport, entrance, lunch, and drinks included, plus a smaller-group ranch feel.

Book it if you’re happy with a longer morning in transit and you’re ready for real outdoor time (some sun, some walking, and a hike possibility). Skip it or choose another option if bumpy rides or a hike component would be a deal-breaker for you.

If you go, pack for comfort: long pants, closed shoes, and plan ahead for sun. And if you care about photos, budget for them separately since souvenir photo sales aren’t included.

FAQ

What’s included in the Sierra Madre horseback riding and zipline tour?

It includes pickup and drop-off, Mexican lunch, unlimited drinks (national drinks; alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and a driver/guide. Entrance fees to Rancho Capomo are included as part of the tour.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 5 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:15 am, and it ends back at the meeting point.

Is lunch and drinks really included?

Yes. You get Mexican lunch and unlimited national drinks during the tour.

Are there height and weight requirements?

Yes. The minimum weight is 50 pounds, and the required height is 1.30 meters.

What should I wear or bring for zip-lining?

Wear long pants and shoes. It’s also a good idea to bring a change of clothes and a couple bottles of water, since parts of the zip-line area can be hot.

Is there a limit on group size?

Yes. The tour/activity has a maximum of 15 travelers.

What’s the cancellation policy?

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid isn’t refunded.