Waterfalls and horses, without the fuss. This Jungle Horseback Adventure lets you see a quieter Puerto Vallarta from the saddle, then finish at Las Palmas waterfall with drinks and lunch. I especially like the mellow pace for a day that still feels like an adventure, and I like that you’re not scrambling to find food after getting muddy.

One thing to consider: this tour depends on good weather and on hitting a traveler minimum. If it doesn’t meet those numbers, you may get canceled with limited alternatives, so it’s smart to keep a flexible backup plan.

Key things I’d watch for before booking

• Mellow horseback time with no experience required
• Small group capped at 12 for real guide attention
• Las Palmas waterfall as the big payoff after riding
• Lunch plus alcoholic beverages included
• Good weather matters, and minimum numbers can affect the schedule

A mellow horseback day on Puerto Vallarta’s quieter side

This is a countryside-focused ride, not a “rush through town” outing. You’ll head into the Sierra Madre Mountains and spend the day away from the busiest beachfront pockets, which is exactly why this feels relaxing even when you’re on horseback.

The vibe is family-friendly-adventure, but with enough payoff to feel special. Reviews from couples and water-and-nature lovers line up on the same theme: the combination of the ride, the waterfall moment, and the food-and-drinks stop at the end is a strong match for people who want a complete half-day package.

That said, you should be comfortable with the physical side of a horseback day. The tour lists moderate physical fitness as the bar, so if you’re dealing with mobility issues or you’re worried about being on uneven ground, plan accordingly.

Getting picked up: three meeting points near Puerto Vallarta

The tour starts at 10:00 am, and you’re offered pickup. It’s designed so you can choose the closest meeting spot rather than crisscrossing the city.

Use the pickup times as your anchor:

• 8:30 am: OXXO in Conchas Chinas (Km 2.5, Manzanillo – Puerto Vallarta, Conchas Chinas, 48399 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.)
• 9:00 am: La Europea / Collage / Marina area (Av. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Isla Iguana, 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.)
• 9:15 am: Starbucks Las Juntas (Parcela 158, Zona 1 Puerto Vallarta, 48291 Las Juntas, Jal.)

Bring your mobile ticket on your phone. The experience ends back at the meeting point, so you don’t need to arrange a separate ride home.

Horseback into the Sierra Madre: river ride, rustic neighborhood, and a bay lookout

Your riding time is the heart of the day. You’ll enjoy about 4 hours of horseback riding into the Sierra Madre Mountains with your guide, moving along a cuale river and through one of Puerto Vallarta’s older, rustic neighborhoods.

What I like about this kind of start is simple: it gives you a different Puerto Vallarta lens fast. Instead of just staring at postcards from a viewpoint, you’re seeing everyday terrain as it changes—river edges, working countryside, and the feel of neighborhoods that aren’t built for day tours.

As you continue, you’ll reach a magnificent lookout over the entire bay, surrounded by tropical vegetation. This is where the day shifts from “ride and look around” into “stop and really take it in.” If you’re the kind of traveler who likes photos but also likes a quiet moment, this is the part to savor.

A small consideration: horseback riding involves time in the saddle, and even when the ride is described as mellow, you’ll still want to be prepared for basic discomfort. The operator provides the horse and necessary gear, but your body still does the job of staying steady for hours.

Las Palmas waterfall: the short walk and the cool-down payoff

The waterfall is what people remember. The experience includes time at Las Palmas waterfall, and the best reviews focus on that end moment: riding through the mountains, then getting to a private-feeling waterfall scene and cooling off.

You can also expect a bit of walking to reach the falls area. Some of the strongest feedback mentions a short hike as part of the waterfall access, so don’t plan on staying totally hands-off the whole time.

Why this matters: doing the waterfall after the ride changes how it feels. It’s not just a stop on a route. It’s the reward after you’ve spent the morning moving through the Sierra Madre, and that order helps the day feel more complete.

The day’s flow also matters for comfort. By the time you reach Las Palmas, you’re ready for the drink-and-lunch rhythm that comes afterward.

Lunch and alcoholic beverages: what’s included and why it’s good value

This tour is set up as an all-in day, and that can be a real win in Puerto Vallarta. You’ll get lunch and alcoholic beverages included, plus the food is described as typical Mexican fare.

I like included meals because you’re not stuck hunting for something that fits your timing. When your day ends back at your pickup area, you don’t want to add one more planning task on top of a horseback morning.

Also, drinks at the end are part of the “complete day” feeling. Reviews specifically mention drinks waiting at the end of the ride, and that lines up with why couples and groups recommend it so strongly: you’re not finishing the adventure and immediately switching into logistics mode.

Souvenirs aren’t included. That’s normal, but it’s useful to remember so you don’t get surprised if you want a small purchase at the end.

A small group with more guide attention

This tour caps at 12 travelers, which changes the experience. Bigger group horseback tours can feel like a conveyor belt; here, the small size supports more attention from the guide, especially if you’re newer to riding or you want help reading how to move safely.

If you’re the type who gets anxious about being the slowest person on a trail, this small-group setup is comforting. Even if you’re not a horse person, having fewer people means you’re more likely to get quick corrections and clearer pacing.

The reviews also lean into this “personal day” angle—especially from couples—because a smaller group tends to lower the noise level and help the whole experience feel quieter, more relaxed, and more romantic.

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

This is a great fit if you want:

• A no-riding-experience-needed horseback day
• A quieter, nature-forward Puerto Vallarta outing
• A day with food and drinks handled for you
• A small group so the guide can actually focus

It’s also a good choice for couples. One of the most common patterns in the feedback is that this tour hits a honeymoon sweet spot: horseback along a river, views from the mountains, and then the waterfall payoff.

Think twice if:

• Your schedule is tight and you can’t risk a weather or minimum-attendance disruption
• You have limited ability for moderate physical movement (even if you’re not doing anything extreme)

Nakawe Adventures: what the provider info tells you about the experience

The experience provider is Nakawe Adventures. From the details listed, the operation is set up for standard pickup flow (three meeting locations), a mobile ticket, and a maximum group size of 12. That points to a guided day designed to keep things organized without feeling overly industrial.

It also says you’ll be near public transportation, which is helpful if you’re arranging your own back-up plan.

And because this tour depends on good weather, you’ll want to watch conditions on the day. If weather isn’t good, you’ll either be moved to another date or get a refund.

Before you go: weather, minimums, and having a backup plan

Here’s the reality check. One review mentioned a cancellation due to low attendants and disappointment around notice and lack of alternatives. That lines up with the tour’s stated structure: it can cancel if the minimum isn’t met.

So I recommend you book this only if:

• You can shift plans a little, and
• You have at least one alternate activity ready in case it gets rescheduled or canceled.

The good news: it’s designed with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time. That gives you breathing room to decide once you’ve seen the day’s weather and your schedule.

Should you book Jungle Horseback Adventure to Las Palmas waterfall?

I’d book it if you want a guided, small-group horseback day that doesn’t end when the saddle stops. The strongest parts are the 4-hour mellow ride, the bay lookout, and then the Las Palmas waterfall payoff followed by lunch and alcoholic beverages. If that sounds like your kind of Puerto Vallarta day, you’re likely to feel satisfied from start to finish.

Skip it if you’re locked into a schedule where a weather day or minimum-number cancellation would put you in a bind. Also skip if the idea of spending hours on horseback (even with provided gear and guidance) feels like a strain.

If you’re a first-time rider, a couple looking for a memorable half-day, or anyone who wants the quieter side of the Sierra Madre countryside with a real endpoint, this is the kind of outing that fits.

FAQ

How long is the Jungle Horseback Adventure to Las Palmas waterfall?

The tour runs for about 6 hours (approx.).

Is pickup included, and what time does it start?

Pickup is offered, with pickup times starting around 8:30 am depending on which meeting location you choose. The experience itself starts at 10:00 am.

Do I need prior horseback riding experience?

No prior horseback riding experience is required. The tour is described as suitable for riders starting from scratch, with a guide.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers, which helps keep the experience more personal.

What’s included in the price?

Included: horse and saddle, private transportation, lunch, alcoholic beverages, and horse and necessary gear.

What should I expect if the weather is bad or the tour doesn’t meet the minimum?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. If it’s canceled because the minimum number of travelers isn’t met, you’ll also be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.