Puerto Vallarta, but in the jungle. This Sierra Madre horseback-and-zipline day at Rancho Capomo swaps crowds for real hills, forests, and a ranch feel, with lunch and drinks wrapped in.

What you’re buying is a full morning adventure—getting out of town early, riding toward the Las Palmas area, and then transitioning to ziplining later, all with an included meal so you’re not hunting food after you’re tired.

I love that the price covers the big stuff you’d otherwise pay separately: Mexican lunch plus unlimited national drinks. I also like the small-group setup (max 15), and the fact that the horses and guides are set up for a calmer, controlled ride.

Best part for me: it’s not just a zipline ticket—it’s a ranch day with actual time on horseback.

One possible drawback: the location is far from Puerto Vallarta. Expect about 90 minutes each way on a road that can feel bumpy, and in dry season the waterfall may not be as full as you hope.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group (max 15): You’re less likely to feel like you’re part of a factory tour.
• Lunch + unlimited national drinks included: Mexican food and an open-bar setup are part of the package.
• Horseback ride into the Sierra Madre: You’ll head away from the tourist area toward Las Palmas and a waterfall trek.
• Zipline included with multiple routes: The zip portion is set up as a route-style experience (around 10 routes is mentioned).
• Transfers from select meeting points: Round-trip transport is included if you’re picked up where they operate.
• Physical minimums matter: You need a minimum height of 1.30 mts and weight of 50 pounds.

Rancho Capomo: the real escape from Puerto Vallarta

This is a classic Puerto Vallarta “leave the beach” day. You start early, then you’re pulled away from downtown and into the Sierra Madre hills. The change is immediate: less traffic, more green, and a ranch atmosphere that feels like you stepped into a different rhythm.

At Rancho Capomo, the focus isn’t on flash. It’s about time outdoors—horseback riding in the tropical forest area, plus an active zipline section afterward. Even when the day is hot, the setting does the heavy lifting.

Price and value: what your $147 covers

At $147 per person, the value comes from bundling things that usually add up fast in Puerto Vallarta: transportation, ranch access, meals, and activities.

Here’s what you get that makes the price easier to justify:

• Entrance fees to Rancho Capomo are included.
• Mexican lunch is included at the ranch.
• Unlimited drinks are included (national drinks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic).
• Round-trip transfers are included from select meeting points.
• A driver/guide is included, plus pickup and drop-off at the meeting point.

Souvenir photos are not included, but that’s common with these tours. The practical upside is you’re not stuck paying for basics like food on the other side of town.

Also, this experience has a strong track record: a 4.9 rating and 96% recommended. That usually signals consistent guides, smooth ranch operations, and a decent chance the day matches what they promise.

The 5-hour rhythm: start at 8:15 and return to your meeting point

The tour runs about 5 hours total, starting at 8:15 am. It ends back at your meeting point, so you don’t have to deal with taxi math later.

The day typically flows like this:

1. Pickup and transfer to the ranch area.
2. Horseback portion on the ranch property and toward the waterfall destination.
3. Transition to ziplining routes.
4. Lunch and drinks included during the ranch portion.
5. Return to Puerto Vallarta.

The key for you to plan around is energy. You’re active early in the day, then you still have a ziplining segment afterward. If you tend to crash mid-day, this schedule is still workable—just treat breakfast seriously.

Horseback riding in the Sierra Madre: Las Palmas and the waterfall trek

The horseback ride is the heart of the day. You head into the Sierra Madre tropical rain forest and toward the village of Las Palmas, far from Puerto Vallarta’s tourist zone. The ride is not just a short loop—it’s long enough to feel like you actually traveled.

Expect around 90 minutes of horseback riding, and in many cases that includes effort in the form of a hike to a waterfall area. One strong detail: the trek has been described as roughly 1.5 miles up toward the waterfall.

What’s good about the horseback part

• Calm, well-behaved horses: The riding experience is described as gentle rather than wild.
• Scenery that feels real: You’re in forest and hills, not an arena.
• It’s more than sitting on a horse: The mix of riding plus the waterfall area makes it feel like a structured outing.

One caution to keep in mind

It can be more physical than you expect, especially if you aren’t used to hiking. The waterfall can also be hit-or-miss depending on season; in dry conditions, water flow may be minimal. You’ll still be outdoors, but you might not get the full waterfall moment you imagined.

Zipline time: hot routes, open mountain, and controlled fun

After horseback, the day shifts to ziplining. The zipline experience is route-based, with about 10 different routes mentioned in the experience details. That means it’s not just one or two lines and done—you’ll likely spend time moving through the course.

This is also the part where weather matters. One description notes the ziplining area can be hot and dry, with not a lot of shade. If you’re the type who gets uncomfortable in heat easily, wear breathable layers under your pants and drink plenty during breaks.

The style of zipline experience

This doesn’t feel like a big corporate conveyor-belt operation. The ranch setup has a more primitive, hands-on feel, and that can be a plus when you want less “tourist factory.”

One more practical note: if you’re planning to take photos, remember that souvenir photos are extra. If you care about owning the zipline shots, budget for it or plan to bring your own camera/phone (and keep it protected).

Lunch and drinks: the ranch meal that actually matters

Let’s talk about the included lunch, because this is where many tours quietly cut corners. Here, lunch is described as delicious Mexican food, not just a filler bite.

You also get:

• Unlimited drinks during the ranch time (an open bar setup with national drinks).
• Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.

One of the best value cues is how people describe the food: it’s memorable enough that it gets called out as a highlight. If you’re the type who hates feeling hungry halfway through an excursion, this package removes that stress.

Dry season reality

The food and drinks are consistent, but the waterfall can be affected by season. If the waterfall destination is important to you for the big photo, keep expectations flexible during dry months.

Transfers from Puerto Vallarta: pick-up convenience with a bumpy road

Round-trip transfers are included from select meeting points in Puerto Vallarta. This is a real convenience because it saves you from figuring out transport while you’re already on a tight morning schedule.

Still, there’s no sugarcoating the drive. Expect about 90 minutes each way on roads that can be bumpy. That doesn’t ruin the day, but it’s worth planning for:

• Sit back and brace a little.
• If you’re sensitive to motion, consider bringing your own solution (like medication you already know works for you).

On the plus side, the driver/guide experience can add personality to the transfer. One driver named Sergio was specifically mentioned for jokes and a lighter vibe—exactly what you want before a physically active day.

What to wear (and what to bring)

This tour has practical clothing guidance because you’ll be moving around outdoors.

From the experience info and rider tips:

• Wear long pants
• Wear shoes
• Bring a change of clothes
• Bring a couple bottles of water with you

That last one matters because even with unlimited drinks included, zipline and riding can still leave you thirsty in heat. Water keeps you comfortable and helps you enjoy the day instead of counting minutes until the next break.

Also consider sun and dust indirectly: long pants help with both. The day can feel more exposed on zipline runs than you’d expect.

Who should book this horseback and zipline combo?

This is a strong fit if you want:

• A small-group ranch day (max 15)
• Horseback riding that lasts long enough to feel meaningful (about 90 minutes)
• Ziplining as a full activity, not a quick add-on
• Lunch and drinks included, so you’re not nickel-and-diming your day

You’ll need to meet minimums

This tour has clear physical requirements:

• Minimum weight: 50 pounds
• Required height: 1.30 mts
• Minimum drinking age: 18 years (for alcoholic drinks)

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Service animals are allowed.

Who might rethink it

If the bumpy drive and hiking effort sound like a dealbreaker, you might prefer a Puerto Vallarta activity that’s closer to town. The horseback portion can require endurance, and the waterfall area may be less impressive during dry season.

Quick FAQ for planning your day

FAQ

What is the duration of the Sierra Madre Horseback Riding and Zipline tour?

It runs about 5 hours.

What time does the tour start in Puerto Vallarta?

The start time is 8:15 am.

What does the price include for $147 per person?

You get pickup and drop-off, Mexican lunch, unlimited drinks (national drinks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic), a driver/guide, and entrance fees to Rancho Capomo. Ziplining and the horseback riding are part of the experience.

Are souvenir photos included?

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

Do I need to meet height or weight requirements?

Yes. You must be at least 50 pounds, and the required height is 1.30 mts.

Is alcohol included with the unlimited drinks?

Unlimited drinks include alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, but the minimum drinking age is 18.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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

Should you book? My take

Book this if you want a real change of pace from Puerto Vallarta: a Sierra Madre ranch day with horseback riding, a zipline course, and a proper Mexican lunch with unlimited drinks—all wrapped into one package for $147.

Think twice if you’re sensitive to bumpy roads or hiking effort, or if you’re going for a guaranteed waterfall spectacle in dry season. The ride and zipline still happen, but nature can be a little unpredictable.

If you want my simple decision rule: if you’re okay with travel time for a more authentic day outside town, this combo is the kind of excursion that’s worth planning around.

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