Sierra Madre Horseback Riding and Zipline with Lunch Included

Leave the beach behind for a while. This horseback riding and zipline trip takes you into the Sierra Madre, toward Rancho Capomo and the village of Las Palmas, where the setting feels far removed from Puerto Vallarta’s hotel zone. I like the mix of a gentle horse ride, several zipline routes, and a homemade Mexican lunch. The main drawback is the journey: the mountain road can be rough, and some guests report up to 90 minutes each way.

I also like the small maximum group size of 15, which should make the day feel less like a conveyor belt than a large commercial adventure park. Guides and ranch staff are described as friendly and helpful, with driver Sergio earning praise for keeping the shuttle ride lively. Still, the horseback portion is not a polished equestrian show. Expect a basic, sometimes slow ride, with uneven roads and a rustic ranch setting.

The package costs $147 per person and includes transport from select Puerto Vallarta meeting points, entrance fees, lunch, national drinks, and both main activities. That is a fair price if you want several pieces bundled together, but less appealing if your main goal is a long horseback ride or a quiet day in the mountains.

Key points at a glance

• Horse ride to a waterfall: The ride can last about 90 minutes and may include a hike to a waterfall, though water levels depend on the season.
• About 10 zipline routes: The zipline section crosses open mountain terrain, river views, and large valleys.
• Lunch and national drinks included: Expect Mexican food, an open bar with national drinks, and a tequila tasting.
• Rustic Rancho Capomo setting: The ranch feels more personal and less corporate than the biggest zipline parks near Puerto Vallarta.
• A long, bumpy transfer: The drive into the Sierra Madre is part of the outing, but road conditions can make it tiring.
• Practical clothing matters: Wear long pants and sturdy shoes, and bring extra water and a change of clothes.

From Puerto Vallarta to Rancho Capomo

The day begins at 8:15 a.m. with pickup from a designated meeting point. Round-trip transportation is included, along with a driver and guide. The exact pickup arrangement depends on where you are staying, so check the meeting point carefully when you book.

The ride into the mountains is not just a quick hop outside town. One account puts the journey at roughly 90 minutes each way, with a bumpy road for part of the route. That can take up a large share of a five-hour outing. If you dislike rough transfers, have limited time before a cruise departure, or want nonstop activity, this is worth considering before you reserve.

On the other hand, the transfer gives you a clear change of scene. Puerto Vallarta’s beaches and restaurants give way to the Sierra Madre and the village of Las Palmas. Driver Sergio has been praised for his jokes and friendly manner, which helps make the road time easier. The ride is part of the day’s rural character, not simply a transfer between polished facilities.

Cruise ship passengers need to provide the ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time at booking. The excursion returns to the original meeting point, but you should still allow plenty of margin around your ship schedule.

Horseback riding through the Sierra Madre

At Rancho Capomo, the first major activity takes you into tropical forest and mountain country. The horses have been described as gentle, well trained, and well cared for. That matters, especially if you are new to horseback riding or have children in your group.

The riding pace is generally modest. One account describes about 90 minutes on horseback, including a hike toward a waterfall. Another describes a 1.5-mile trek in the morning light. These details suggest a pleasant outing rather than a long-distance riding expedition.

The scenery is a strong point. The route can pass through a small village and continue toward a river and waterfall, with views into the Sierra Madre. The setting feels rural and practical, not staged for a luxury resort. That gives the outing a more local flavor, though it also means you may encounter rough paths, litter in parts of the village, and a slower ride than you expect.

The waterfall is seasonal. During dry periods, the water may be very low or absent. If you are booking mainly for a dramatic cascade, keep your expectations flexible. The forest route and mountain views still provide much of the appeal, but the waterfall cannot be guaranteed at its best.

One point deserves careful attention: the minimum weight is 50 pounds and the required height is 1.30 meters. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed, but anyone with mobility concerns should think carefully about the uneven ride and walking portion.

Ziplining over valleys and river views

The zipline section supplies the sharper burst of excitement. The combined package includes about 10 routes, according to one detailed description. These lines run across exposed mountain terrain, with views of large valleys and a river below.

The setting is different from the horse ride. The forest route offers shade and a slower pace, while the zipline area can feel hot and dry, with limited cover from the sun. Bring water and use sun protection. The tour includes drinks, but carrying a bottle for the transfer and activity is still sensible.

This is a rustic adventure rather than a glossy theme park. One person described it as more primitive than larger Puerto Vallarta zipline companies, but considered that part of the charm. I see the trade-off clearly: you may get a more personal ranch atmosphere and smaller groups, but you should not expect the same polished feel or extensive facilities found at a major adventure park.

The zipline appears to be the stronger part of the package for many people who want a real thrill. The horse ride is slow and basic, while the lines offer height, speed, and wide views. If you are choosing this outing mainly for ziplining, the roughly 10 routes help justify the price.

Lunch, drinks, and the ranch atmosphere

Lunch is included, and it is one of the most praised parts of the day. The food is described as homemade Mexican cooking, with fajitas specifically receiving high marks. National alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks are included, along with an open bar and a tequila tasting.

The drinks policy has an important limit: the minimum drinking age is 18. Pace yourself, especially after a morning in the heat and on the zip lines. Water is still important, even though the package includes unlimited drinks.

The meal adds real value to the $147 price. If you booked horseback riding, ziplining, transport, lunch, and drinks separately, you would spend more time arranging the day and might pay more overall. The question is not simply whether the price is low. It is whether you want this exact combination.

I like the ranch setting because it gives the day a relaxed finish. Staff are described as personable, funny, and helpful, and the tequila tasting adds a distinctly Mexican touch. The meal is not just fuel between activities. It is part of the social side of the outing.

What the $147 price really buys you

At $147 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the mountains. You are paying for convenience and variety as much as for the individual activities.

The package includes:

• Pickup and return transportation from selected meeting points
• A driver and guide
• Entrance to Rancho Capomo
• Horseback riding
• Ziplining
• Mexican lunch
• Unlimited national alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks
• A small-group setting capped at 15 people

That list makes the cost easier to understand. You do not need to arrange a separate taxi, meal, ranch admission, and adventure activity. You also avoid spending a full day organizing transport into the hills.

Still, value depends on your priorities. If you want a serious riding lesson, a long gallop, or many hours in the saddle, this may disappoint. One account wished the horseback ride had lasted longer. If you want a full-day, high-speed zipline park, you may prefer a larger operator with more developed facilities.

For someone who wants a half-day break from the coast, the combination works well. You get the mountain setting, two activities, food, and drinks in one booking. The package is particularly useful for couples or families who would otherwise choose between horseback riding and ziplining.

What to wear and pack for the day

The right clothing can make a big difference. Wear long pants for the horse ride and sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Sandals are a poor choice for uneven ground, saddles, and zipline platforms.

Bring a change of clothes. The ride and hike can be dusty or sweaty, and the mountain heat may be strong around the zipline area. A small bottle of water is also wise, even though drinks are included at the ranch.

A practical packing list:

• Long pants
• Closed-toe shoes
• Extra shirt or change of clothes
• Water bottle
• Sunscreen
• Hat for the exposed zipline area
• Small amount of cash for souvenir photos, if wanted

Souvenir photos are not included, but they are available for purchase. You do not need to buy them to enjoy the outing.

Who will enjoy Rancho Capomo most?

I would recommend this for people who want variety. You can ride through the hills, walk toward a waterfall, zip over valleys, eat Mexican food, and return to Puerto Vallarta without planning each part yourself.

It suits:

• First-time riders who want a gentle introduction
• Families with children meeting the height and weight requirements
• Couples looking for an active day away from the beach
• Cruise passengers with enough time between ship movements
• Visitors who prefer smaller, more personal ranch settings
• Anyone who wants lunch and drinks included in the price

It may not suit you if you need a short transfer, dislike bumpy roads, or want a refined adventure park. It is also not ideal if the waterfall is your main reason for booking during the dry season.

The horse ride itself may feel too basic for experienced riders. The zipline portion is likely the better match for thrill seekers, while the ranch meal and scenery may appeal more to people looking for a relaxed cultural and outdoor outing.

Booking, cancellation, and practical limits

Confirmation is provided when you book, and the tour is offered in English. The activity requires a minimum number of participants. If that number is not reached and the operator cancels, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted and are not refundable. The cut-off uses local time in Puerto Vallarta.

The tour is recommended by 96 percent of participants and has a 4.9 rating from 28 reviews. Those figures point to a very well-liked outing, but the written feedback also gives you the useful limits: a slow horse ride, a rough transfer, seasonal waterfall conditions, and a hot zipline area.

Should you book this Sierra Madre adventure?

Book it if you want two outdoor activities, lunch, drinks, and transport wrapped into one mountain day. The friendly staff, gentle horses, homemade food, tequila tasting, and roughly 10 zipline routes give the outing plenty of variety.

Skip it if you want a long horseback expedition, a guaranteed waterfall, or a polished commercial zipline park. The road can be rough, the riding may feel basic, and dry-season conditions can change the waterfall stop.

For most active visitors with a free morning and afternoon, I think the package offers solid value. Go prepared for a rustic setting, wear proper shoes, and treat the transfer as part of the Sierra Madre adventure rather than an inconvenience to endure.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately five hours.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 8:15 a.m.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from selected meeting points in Puerto Vallarta are included.

What does the price include?

The $147 price includes transportation, a driver and guide, Rancho Capomo entrance, Mexican lunch, unlimited national alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, horseback riding, and ziplining.

Is there a minimum age for drinking?

Yes. The minimum drinking age is 18.

Are there size requirements?

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

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded.