Some days you want views. This one adds horses and a waterfall hike. You’ll ride with a guide so you’re not wandering on your own, cross rivers, and hit hanging bridges and steps on the way to a cooling stop. What I like most is the included round-trip transport from Puerto Vallarta and the ranch meal with unlimited drinks at the end.

The main thing to consider is the fitness part. You’ll dismount for a walk, cross bridges, and climb stairs to reach the falls—beautiful, but it’s not for fragile knees, especially in hotter weather.

Key things to know before you go

• River ride + bridges: Expect a trail that includes river sections, multiple crossings, and bridge crossings.
• You’ll hike too: You ride, then dismount to reach the waterfall via stairs and uneven ground.
• Real ranch payoff: Lunch includes fajitas or chicken plus guacamole, beans, rice, and handmade tortillas.
• Drinks are part of the deal: Unlimited national drinks, plus margaritas and a tequila tasting time on the ranch grounds.
• Small group feel: Maximum of 40 travelers, with guides and staff keeping things moving.
• Photo upgrades cost extra: Souvenir photos aren’t included, though you can buy them.

Sierra Madre on horseback: what this 5-hour outing feels like

This tour is built for people who want the Puerto Vallarta area’s nature, without the stress of planning a route. You’re taken out to the Sierra Madre with a guide, assigned to a horse, and led along a scenic path that uses the river route rather than a straight-line trail.

The feel is half adventure, half reward. The ride gives you that classic horseback-in-the-mountains experience—trees, riverbeds, and the steady rhythm of hooves—then the waterfall walk gives you something to aim for. And when you’re done, the ranch meal and open bar bring you back to earth in the best possible way.

Getting to Rancho Capomo: pickup, timing, and group setup

Start time is 8:15 am, and the tour runs about 5 hours total. You’ll be picked up and dropped back at your starting area, so you’re not stuck figuring out logistics after the ride.

From what I’ve gathered, the drive from Puerto Vallarta can be about 30–45 minutes to the ranch area, and in some cases closer to an hour-plus. The ride is done in a van, and some groups get AC and lively chatting from the driver/guide (names you may hear include Beto). With a group size capped at 40, it still feels like a day trip rather than a bus tour factory.

Practical note: you’ll want to keep your shoes and phone reachable. You’ll have a lot of stop-and-go time—riding, then dismounting, then lunch and drinks—so being ready for quick transitions helps.

The horseback ride: river crossings, hanging bridges, and calm horses

The big star of the day is the horse trail through the Sierra Madre foothills. The route follows the river, and you should plan for sections where you move through water and cross back and forth. One of the most unique parts is that you’re not just riding “near” a river—you’re actively using it as part of the trail.

The trail also includes hanging bridges plus climbing and descending steps before you reach the waterfall area. On some parts you may even be asked to jog a little while moving through sections of terrain—nothing like a marathon, but it’s not a totally flat, sit-and-smile ride either.

Good news: multiple accounts point to horses that are well cared for and generally well behaved, including calm options for first-timers. Horses do have personality, though. The best approach is to listen closely when your guide gives instructions and keep a steady, relaxed hold.

The waterfall segment: the part that needs legs (and good shoes)

At Rancho Capomo, your day shifts from “horse time” to “trail time.” You’ll dismount and walk toward the mountain and a waterfall, with several key moments along the way:

• You’ll cross hanging bridges
• You’ll climb steps up to the falls
• There’s time once you arrive to cool down in the river

This is the moment where you’ll feel the effort. The climb is repeatedly described as steep enough that people recommend closed-toe shoes, and it’s definitely not for anyone who doesn’t want stairs. One reviewer called it not for the faint of heart, and another highlighted that steps and rocky footing can be real.

Water level also matters. If you ride in a drier period, you may find the waterfall has less water. You might still get the views and the photo moment, but don’t assume a huge spray every day.

If your legs aren’t thrilled by stairs, you can still enjoy the earlier ride and then decide on the go-forward pace. But be honest with yourself: this part is the main physical challenge.

Ranch lunch and open bar: fajitas, tortillas, margaritas, and tequila

Once you’re back at the ranch, the day turns into the payoff. You’ll get a meal that includes Mexican favorites and—importantly—lots of it.

You can expect options like:

• Fajitas (chicken or a mix)
• Or chicken with guacamole and Mexican sauces
• Beans and rice
• Handmade tortillas (fresh, not just warmed)
• Guac and salsa to build your tacos

The “wow” for many people is the tortilla work. You may see a quick demo of how tortillas are made, and some groups get the chance to help with things like making pico de gallo. It’s not a full cooking school in the way you might imagine, but it’s hands-on and ties the meal to the ranch setting.

Then comes drinks. Your package includes unlimited national drinks (open bar). You’ll likely see margaritas served during the meal time, often in a cantarito-style cup. There’s also a tequila tasting on the ranch grounds. If you’re thinking about buying bottles later, that’s usually an extra expense, and people note it can be pricey for take-home souvenirs.

Included vs extra costs: what you should plan your money for

Here’s what’s included, based on the tour setup:

• Pickup and drop-off from Puerto Vallarta area
• Driver/guide
• Mexican lunch
• Unlimited drinks (national drinks)
• All taxes/fees/handling charges

What’s not included:

• Souvenir photos (available for purchase)

So if you want keepsakes, bring cash/card just for that. Also, if you’re the type who likes buying tequila bottles as travel trophies, plan extra budget—because the tasting setting is built for it.

Price and value: why $103 works (for the right traveler)

At $103 per person, the value comes from a combo that’s hard to replicate cheaply on your own: transport, guiding, horseback time, the waterfall trek, a full ranch lunch, and an open bar.

If you try to piece it together yourself, you’d still need someone to get you out there, someone to guide you on the trail, and food that’s timed for after the activity. Here, it’s bundled. And the meal isn’t an afterthought—it’s part of the “ranch experience,” with tortillas and classic sides.

The best value is for first-time riders and people who want nature without navigation headaches. If you’re already an experienced rider who hates hiking stairs, you might find the physical side less worth it—but if you want the full story of river, bridge, falls, and then a ranch feast, it’s a strong deal.

Who this tour fits best (and who should think twice)

This tour is a great match if you:

• Want a guided Sierra Madre experience so you don’t have to figure out routes
• Enjoy nature outings that are active but manageable with decent shoes
• Like the “reward loop” of ride → hike → cool down → lunch and drinks
• Are traveling with a partner, friends, or family and want a shared day outdoors

It also tends to work well for families, with some accounts noting helmets for kids and safe options for youth riding. Still, the staircase and uphill walk to the waterfall is the part that can limit ages and comfort levels.

Think twice if you:

• Have knee issues or a low tolerance for stairs and uneven ground
• Expect a short, totally gentle experience
• Want a purely riding-focused day with minimal dismounting

One more honest note: there’s at least one outlier review with serious complaints about pickup timing, seating, and staff treatment. That’s not the average experience, but it’s a reminder to confirm your pickup time and keep an eye on how your group is assigned before you board.

Tips to make the day smoother in the Sierra Madre heat

You’ll enjoy this tour more if you go in prepared:

• Wear closed-toe shoes with grip. You’ll be on steps, rocky patches, and river-adjacent areas.
• Bring a small water bottle even if drinks are included. You’ll sweat during the hike segment.
• Dress for sun. Even shaded rides can have bright exposure while climbing.
• Expect some stairs and uphill breathing—even if the horse portion feels relaxing.
• When your guide talks about horse handling and spacing, listen early. It’s the difference between a calm ride and a stressful moment.

Also, a small but helpful mental trick: don’t treat the waterfall walk like an optional detour. Plan your energy like it’s the centerpiece.

Should you book Rancho Capomo from Puerto Vallarta?

Book this tour if you want a guided Sierra Madre adventure with the full package: horse riding, river scenes with crossings and bridges, a real waterfall goal, and then a ranch meal with unlimited drinks. It’s especially worth it for first-timers who want the guide doing the route work and the staff handling the timing.

Skip or choose another option if your legs hate stairs, or if you’re expecting a totally flat, easy outing. The hike to the waterfall is the one part you can’t really ignore, and it’s what makes or breaks the experience for comfort-level-sensitive travelers.

If you’re ready for a day that mixes calm horseback time with an active waterfall trek—and you like eating well after—you’ll likely feel like this was a standout Puerto Vallarta day trip.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The activity starts at 8:15 am. You’ll also be picked up and later dropped back at your starting point, with the full outing lasting about 5 hours.

What’s included in the price?

The price includes pickup and drop-off, a driver/guide, Mexican lunch, and unlimited national drinks (open bar). It also includes taxes and fees.

Do I need to be an experienced rider?

No. The tour is designed so that most travelers can participate, and many accounts describe horses as well mannered enough for first-time riders. You’ll still need to follow the guide’s instructions.

How hard is the waterfall part?

It involves walking and climbing stairs after you dismount, plus bridge crossings on the way to the waterfall. You should plan for a workout. Closed-toe shoes are a smart idea.

Are kids allowed?

Children are allowed as long as they are accompanied by an adult. Helmets may be provided for younger riders, but the waterfall climb is still a key factor to consider.

Is there an age requirement for drinks?

Yes. The minimum drinking age is 18.