You get two adrenaline hits in one half-day, with real countryside in between. This tour pairs a horseback ride into the Sierra Madre rain forest and a waterfall hike with ATV time through villages like Las Palmas, plus a filling ranch lunch and an open bar.

I especially like that the schedule is tight (start 8:15 am, about 5 hours total) and you’re not stuck in a long, single-activity loop. The other big win for me is the value: lunch + unlimited drinks are included, and the group stays small (max 20), so the day feels more personal than most big-van tours. One drawback to consider: the physical parts matter. The climb to the waterfall is described as a real hike, and ATV riding can vary in how much is true off-road versus mostly roads.

Key points to know before you go

• Small-group vibe (max 20): better pacing and more attention during the riding parts.
• Two different ways to move: horses for the rainforest and ATVs for village driving.
• Waterfall is the payoff: the uphill effort is repeatedly described as worth it.
• Lunch and drinks are included: unlimited beverages at the ranch, plus Mexican food highlights.
• Your guide can shape the experience: named guides like Berto, Sergio, and Hector show up in standout reviews.
• ATV setup may not always be “solo”: one review reported sharing, so ask if that matters to you.

Why the Sierra Madre horse-and-ATV combo works in half a day

This is the kind of tour I like when you want more than the beach but you don’t want to burn an entire day traveling. In one morning, you go from Puerto Vallarta to Rancho Capomo, then out into the Sierra Madre for riding that feels tied to the land instead of just scenic driving.

The day’s rhythm also makes sense. First you take it slower on horseback through the tropical rain forest, where you can actually notice the setting. Then you switch gears to ATVs, which is faster, louder, and built for fun. And you top it off at the ranch with lunch and unlimited drinks, so you’re not scrambling to find food after you’re tired.

There’s also a practical advantage: going on horseback and ATVs lets you cover more ground than walking would. That matters if you’re short on time but still want to feel like you left the tourist core.

Price and what it actually buys you (at $150 per person)

At $150 per person, this tour isn’t a “cheap and cheerful” add-on. But it does include the parts that usually cost extra on other excursions.

Here’s what’s included:

• Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points
• Lunch
• Unlimited drinks (open bar), including alcoholic beverages
• All taxes, fees, and handling charges

So the $150 isn’t just for two activities. You’re also paying for transportation, a meal, and a full drinks setup. That changes the math if you were otherwise going to pay for a guide, a meal, and drinks on top of entry fees.

If you’re the type who would happily spend $60–$120 on dinner, margaritas, and a local tour anyway, this becomes easier to justify. If you don’t drink alcohol and you’re picky about having your own ATV, it’s worth confirming the ride setup before you lock it in.

Morning logistics: 8:15 start, mobile ticket, and a max-20 group

The tour runs on a start time of 8:15 am and ends back at the meeting point. You also get a mobile ticket, and the tour is offered in English.

The group limit is 20 travelers, which usually means less waiting and tighter time on the activities. That matters because the day includes multiple moving parts: horses, time for the waterfall area, ATV riding, and then lunch.

Pickup is from designated meeting points. One review mentioned a pickup at an Oxxo that was only a few minutes’ walk from their hotel, so if you’re staying near convenience stores, your meeting point may feel very easy to reach. You’ll want to be on time for pickup so you don’t get rushed later in the day.

Finally, confirmation comes at booking, and the operator notes that most travelers can participate. That’s a good sign, but it doesn’t remove the need to judge your own comfort with balance, riding, and the climb.

Rancho Capomo: arriving to horses, rain-forest vibes, and a ranch base

Your day centers on Rancho Capomo, where you arrive, start the experience, and get lunch later. Expect the ranch to be your base: it’s where you’re organized, your group gets oriented, and you switch between the horseback part and the ATV part.

The horseback segment is framed as an ecological ride into the tropical rain forest of the Sierra Madre and toward the village area of Las Palmas, away from the Puerto Vallarta tourist crowd. In practical terms, that’s what you want to hear: it’s not just a quick scenic loop around town.

I like how the ranch structure keeps things simple. You’re not hunting for directions or meeting a bunch of different teams at different locations. One place, one flow.

And based on the strongest reviews, the horses appear to be treated well. People also mention the ranch as beautiful, and the guides as friendly—names that came up include Berto and the duo Sergio and Hector. When guides are good at explaining what’s happening, the riding feels safer and more fun instead of stressful.

The horseback ride to the waterfall: the uphill part you should take seriously

This is where the tour earns its reputation. The horseback experience is described as amazing, and the payoff is the waterfall. But the day also makes one thing clear: the route involves more effort than just sitting still.

One review calls out a hike up the hill as long and worth it, and another warns that the Mexican hike is a hike. That’s not a minor detail. If your idea of a great day includes comfortable strolling, you’ll want to think twice.

There’s also balance involved. One family review mentioned having to keep your balance at points on horseback, and another rider highlighted that the horseback path is beautiful. That combination is important: it sounds like the ride includes uneven moments, not a perfectly manicured ride trail the whole time.

Practical takeaway: plan for a day where you’ll use your legs. If you’re going with kids, this tour still can work, but they’ll need to handle the climb and stay comfortable with riding.

And here’s the tip you’ll actually hear from people who loved it: stretch before going to the waterfall. That line is small, but it’s exactly the kind of advice that helps you feel better once the uphill grind starts.

ATV riding through villages: fun speed with a reality check on route style

Once the horse part is done, you hop onto ATVs and keep moving. The ATV segment is described as fun, and it’s also painted as a calmer, low-key drive through country and little towns.

Timing-wise, one review says the ATV ride was about 60 to 70 minutes. Another mentions the ATV ride going through villages and seeing beautiful scenery. That lines up with what you’re looking for: enough time to feel like you did more than just a quick loop.

But I also want to give you the balanced note. One review in French said the ATV portion was ordinary because it was mostly road driving, and there weren’t much off-road path. That means the “ATV” label might mean different things depending on the day and how the operator routes the group.

What should you do with that? If you’re expecting a full-throttle off-road scramble, consider that this is likely more about driving through rural areas than technical trail riding. If your main goal is scenic village driving with some excitement, it should fit nicely.

Also, one negative review reported that when there were only two people on tour, the guide had them share an ATV motor bike instead of each person having their own. I can’t tell you whether that’s the usual setup—but if having your own ATV is important, ask directly when you book.

Lunch at the ranch with unlimited drinks: why the food is part of the value

The ranch lunch is not just filler here. Multiple high-rated reviews call it delicious, and several people mention very specific food highlights.

You can expect a Mexican lunch on-site. People mention carne asada, homemade tortillas, margaritas, beer, and soda. One standout review even calls out a moment involving barrel aged tequila.

The open bar angle matters too. You’re not doing a “one drink ticket” situation. The included part is described as unlimited drinks, and alcoholic beverages are part of that package. That turns lunch into a social reset where you can actually relax after the riding and the climb.

If you’re the type who always ends up skipping lunch because excursions run late, this is built in as part of the schedule. It’s one reason the tour works well as a half-day plan.

Guides make a real difference: Berto, Sergio, and Hector in the mix

This isn’t a faceless, script-following operation. Named guides come up in top reviews, and that usually signals that you’re not just passing time—you’re getting context.

Berto is mentioned as on time for pickup, funny, and conversational. Sergio and Hector show up in a review that says they gave a tour of what Mexico is actually like, including small villages and farms you can pass through during the ATV portion and beyond.

That matters for your experience because rural tours feel better when someone explains what you’re seeing and keeps the pace reasonable. It also affects safety and comfort during riding. And yes, one lower rating complained about rude comments and a late pickup. That’s the exception, but it’s real enough that you should pay attention to how you’re treated on the day.

If you show up early, keep a good attitude, and communicate your comfort level clearly, you’ll likely have a smoother ride.

Who should book this tour—and who should think twice

This tour is a strong fit for:

• Adrenaline-minded travelers who want both horses and ATVs, not one or the other
• People short on time who still want to get out into the Sierra Madre area
• Food-and-drinks lovers, since lunch and unlimited drinks are included

It may be less ideal if:

• You don’t want to deal with a real uphill hike to the waterfall
• You’re sensitive to balance challenges on horseback
• You strongly need a private ATV for each person (since one review reported ATV sharing)

Families can work, too. One review describes the day as family fun with kids around 10 and 12, but those kids still had to handle the climb and the riding. If your group includes younger riders, it’s worth thinking about stamina and comfort more than age numbers.

Finally, if you’re traveling with the expectation that every ATV minute will be off-road, adjust your mindset. The experience is rural driving and scenery with some excitement, not necessarily a trail-racing day.

Should you book Sierra Madre Horseback Riding and ATV Tour from Puerto Vallarta?

I’d book it if your ideal day is: a structured morning outside town, a memorable waterfall payoff, and then a relaxed ranch finish with carne asada, tortillas, and unlimited drinks.

I’d hesitate if you’re the type who needs a low-effort outing, or if you’re very concerned about getting your own ATV. In that case, ask the operator what the ATV plan looks like for your specific group size, and be honest about your comfort with riding and the climb.

If you’re deciding between this and a “beach-only” Puerto Vallarta day, this one is usually the better trade. It swaps sand time for movement time—and it gives you a day that feels tied to the countryside rather than the resort zone.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?

The tour runs for about 5 hours.

What time does the tour start in Puerto Vallarta?

The start time is 8:15 am.

How much does it cost, and is it per person?

It’s $150.00 per person.

What activities are included in the tour?

You’ll do horseback riding through the area and then ATV riding, with time at the ranch and a waterfall mentioned as part of the experience.

What’s included with the price?

The tour includes lunch, unlimited drinks (open bar) with alcoholic beverages, and pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points.

Is there a photo package included?

No. Souvenir photos are not included and are available for purchase.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

How big is the group?

The maximum group size is 20 travelers.

What is the cancellation window for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.