Puerto Vallarta, but make it rural. This Sierra Madre horseback and ATV tour takes you away from the beach and into places like the village area of Las Palmas. You get a real change of pace, tropical forest time, and a day that mixes effort with payoff.

I especially like how the day is built around three concrete moments, the horse ride into the Sierra Madre, a hike up toward a waterfall, and then ATV time through countryside and village areas. I also think the value is strong for the inclusions, lunch plus unlimited drinks at the ranch.

One thing to consider is that the day includes a hike up to the waterfall and it is not a flat stroll. If you have mobility limits or you hate steep climbs, you may feel the strain more than you expect.

Key things to know before you go

• Small-group size (max 20) keeps the ride feeling more personal than big-bus tours
• Waterfall goal after the horse ride gives the morning a clear, memorable payoff
• ATVs through villages and scenery are part fun ride, part real look at rural daily life
• Lunch and open bar mean you do not end the tour hungry or thirsty
• English service with mobile tickets makes it easier to plan day-of

Why the horseback plus ATV combo fits Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta has plenty of tours, but most of them feel like variations of the same theme. This one swaps the usual coastline focus for a more Sierra Madre rhythm, animals first, then off-road machines, then food and drinks back at the ranch.

The structure matters. A half-day tour is perfect when you only have a couple of afternoons to spare, but you still want more than a single activity. Here, your morning has motion, scenery, and a finish that feels social.

It also helps that the group stays capped at 20. On tours with huge numbers, you spend more time waiting than riding. With this one, the day tends to move.

Getting to Rancho Capomo and starting at 8:15 am

The experience starts at 8:15 am and runs about 5 hours. You will have pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points, and the tour ends back at that same meeting point.

Most people go to the ranch where everything begins. Rancho Capomo is where you arrive, start, and where lunch happens later. That is a nice setup because you are not constantly loading and unloading through three different locations.

One practical detail I appreciate is the mobile ticket. It is one less paper item to worry about, especially on a busy vacation day. The tour is offered in English, too, which makes it easier to understand safety and timing.

Horseback riding through the Sierra Madre to the waterfall

Your first big block of the day is the horseback ride in the Sierra Madre area. You are heading into tropical forest surroundings and toward a waterfall moment, and the day has a clear arc: ride out, climb up, then reward yourself at the end.

From the experience details and timing shared by guests, plan on roughly 90 minutes on horseback, with additional walking or hiking involved for the waterfall portion. That hike up the hill is worth it for the views at the end, but it is also the part that can surprise people who expect a simple scenic ride.

How the ride feels matters. Some riders report the path includes places where you have to stay balanced and pay attention. If you are comfortable on uneven ground and you can follow simple instructions, you will likely find it fun. If you prefer zero wobble, you might want to rethink the horseback segment.

If you have never ridden before, you can still do this tour since most travelers can participate. Still, do not plan for it to be effortless. You are trading beach stroll ease for a real outdoor activity.

ATV time through villages and countryside (and what to expect)

After the horses, you switch gears to ATVs. Guests describe the ATV segment as roughly 60 to 70 minutes, and it often includes driving through village areas plus stretches of countryside.

This part is popular with adrenaline lovers because it feels like you finally get speed after the slower pace of riding. Several guests also note the scenery is beautiful, and some describe it as peaceful rather than chaotic, especially once you are used to the ATV controls.

Here is the balanced note: some people say the ATV route can be more road than true off-road trail. You still get to see places beyond the tourist bubble, but if you are specifically hoping for deep mud tracks and nonstop dirt paths, your experience may vary.

Another consideration is how the day handles equipment and pairing. One negative account mentions sharing an ATV motorbike rather than each person getting their own machine. That is not the usual way people expect to buy a per-person adventure, so it is worth checking expectations with the operator when you book, especially if you are traveling as a couple and you want separate ATVs.

Rancho Capomo lunch and the open bar that people actually remember

The lunch at Rancho Capomo is not just a box meal moment. It is a real part of the day, and it is one of the most consistently praised pieces.

Guests talk about strong Mexican favorites like carne asada and margaritas, and many mention tortillas that taste homemade. If you are coming from Puerto Vallarta’s restaurants and resort food, it can feel like a reset. It also gives you a chance to calm down after riding and hiking, which matters because your afternoon might include more walking once you return.

Drink-wise, the tour includes unlimited drinks with an open bar, and it includes alcoholic beverages. People mention margaritas, beer, soda, and even a taste of barrel aged tequila. That is a fun bonus if you like trying local spirits in a casual setting.

You should expect this to be the social heart of the tour. Even if you are traveling solo, this is the moment where you sit together, share stories, and compare notes with your small group.

Guides, timing, and why names come up

In a tour like this, the guide can make or break the vibe. A few guides get named in the experience accounts, and that tells me something important: the staff interaction can be personal.

For example, Berto is mentioned for arriving on time for pickup and keeping things conversational. Sergio and Hector also earn strong praise for showing rural life through villages and farms, plus keeping the day fun and well paced.

At the same time, there is at least one unhappy story about guide behavior, including late pickup and rude or disrespectful comments. That is a reminder that quality can vary depending on the guide and the day’s logistics.

My advice: if you are sensitive to rough communication, choose the earliest time slot and show up ready for the start. When a tour is running on tight timing, small delays get magnified, and that can affect the mood on the day.

Price and value: is $150 really fair for what you get?

At $150 per person, you are paying for a packed half-day with multiple activities. This is not a simple one-hour ride. You are looking at horseback time, a hike toward a waterfall, ATV riding, and a sit-down lunch plus open bar drinks.

That matters because you are paying for the whole operation, ranch staff, horses, ATV use, and food and beverages. When you compare that to piecing together separate activities on your own, it is usually where value shows up, especially if you want pickup and drop-off.

The price also feels more reasonable when you focus on inclusions that people notice, like unlimited drinks and a meal that is more than filler. The negative experiences mostly cluster around expectations not matching reality, such as ATV sharing or service issues. Those are different from the basic value question.

If your goal is to get away from the beach and have a full-feeling adventure afternoon, the $150 figure can make sense.

Who this tour suits best (and who should pass)

This is a strong match for you if:

• You want action in a short window, horse ride plus ATV plus waterfall
• You enjoy rural scenery and do not mind a day that includes some physical effort
• You like tours with food and drinks included, so you can avoid a separate meal plan
• You prefer smaller groups, since the tour caps at 20

It may be less ideal if:

• You are not comfortable with a steep hike to the waterfall
• You want fully separate ATV machines for each person, not shared equipment
• You get frustrated by uneven pacing, late pickup, or blunt communication styles

One good sign is that most travelers can participate, so it is not only for seasoned riders. Still, “can participate” does not mean “easy for everyone,” especially once you add hiking and balancing on horseback.

Practical tips for a smoother day in the Sierra Madre

A few things will help you enjoy the tour more, even if details vary by day.

First, plan for mud or dust. After the horses and during ATV time, you may get dirt on your clothes. Wear something you can live with and comfortable enough for an active morning.

Second, bring water or plan to use what is offered. The day includes lunch and unlimited drinks, but you will still feel better if you stay hydrated during the hike and rides.

Third, arrive early and be ready for pickup. Several accounts praise on-time pickup, but when tours run late, it can affect the whole day. If you are at a meeting point that feels ambiguous, ask your hotel staff to help you identify where the driver will actually find you.

Finally, stretch before the hike. Guests specifically mention that stretching helps for the waterfall walk. It is a simple move that costs nothing and can make the climb more comfortable.

Should you book this Sierra Madre horse and ATV tour?

If you want a half-day that feels like more than one activity, and you like the idea of combining tropical forest horseback riding, a waterfall payoff, and ATV driving through village scenery, I think this is worth your time.

Book it if you are traveling with friends, a couple, or family and you want a clear routine: morning adventure, ranch lunch, open bar finish, back to town by later afternoon. The max group size of 20 also supports a more relaxed feel.

Hold off or ask extra questions if you are hiking-limited or if you are very particular about getting your own ATV. Also, since guide quality can swing from amazing to not so great, go into the day with a patient mindset. When the guide gels with the group, the day sounds unforgettable, especially around the lunch table.

If that sounds like your kind of day, Rancho Capomo’s Sierra Madre ride is the kind of Puerto Vallarta excursion that actually changes how your trip feels.

FAQ

How long is the Sierra Madre horseback riding and ATV tour?

The tour runs about 5 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:15 am.

What is included in the price?

Your price includes lunch, unlimited drinks (open bar), alcoholic beverages, pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points, and all taxes, fees, and handling charges.

Is lunch included, and what kind of meal should I expect?

Yes, lunch is included at Rancho Capomo. Guests highlight that the food can be especially good.

Are souvenir photos included?

No. Souvenir photos are available to purchase, but they are not included.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 20 travelers.

What is the cancellation policy?

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