Waterfalls feel far away in Puerto Vallarta. This jungle horseback outing mixes an easy start in the Sierra Madre with big bay views, then delivers real payoff at Las Palmas Waterfall. I especially like how the ride keeps things mellow while still giving you river scenery, and I love that lunch and drinks are handled for you so the day doesn’t turn into a hunt.

One thing to plan around: this is best with good weather, and you should be comfortable with a moderate physical effort for the day.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group size (max 12) means more attention when you’re riding and walking.
• No prior horseback experience required, so beginners can relax and follow the guide.
• Cuale River route + Sierra Madre views gives you a nature break without leaving the Puerto Vallarta area.
• Las Palmas Waterfall time is the main reward after the ride and short walking segments.
• Lunch plus alcoholic beverages are included, so the all-in feeling is real, not marketing fluff.
• Multiple pickup points make it easier if you stay in Conchas Chinas, Marina/Isla Iguana area, or Las Juntas.

Why this Puerto Vallarta horseback day feels calmer than most tours

If Puerto Vallarta usually feels like a nonstop blur of buses, carts, and crowds, this tour offers a different rhythm. You spend most of the day outdoors—quiet ride time first—then you end with the waterfall moment that makes the whole effort worth it.

The ride itself leans mellow. You’re not doing intense trail riding, and you don’t need experience to get started. Instead, you follow your guide along a route that threads through older, rustic parts of the area before opening up into broader countryside views in the mountains.

And the final bonus is practical: the day isn’t just scenery. It includes lunch and alcoholic beverages, plus the essentials you need to ride comfortably. For a 6-hour block, that adds up to real value—less time stopping, ordering, or negotiating, more time actually enjoying the outing.

The 10:00 AM schedule: what your 6 hours typically include

Plan on about 6 hours total. The day starts at 10:00 am, but pickup happens earlier depending on which meeting point you choose.

Your day is built around:

• A 4-hour horseback ride into the Sierra Madre Mountains area, starting from near Puerto Vallarta.
• A scenic stretch that takes you toward a lookout over the Bay with lush tropical vegetation around you.
• Time that leads to Las Palmas Waterfall, where you get your main nature payoff.
• Lunch and drinks at the end, so you’re fed after the outdoor time.

Because the day runs on a mix of riding and walking, it helps to think of it as an active half-day, not a quick photo stop. If you like tours that give you an experience you can remember—not just a checklist—this fits.

First ride segment: mellow countryside riding from older Puerto Vallarta areas

One of the most interesting parts of this experience is how it begins close to town, then gradually turns more wild. You ride into the Sierra Madre Mountains, and along the way you pass through one of the oldest rustic neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta.

That blend matters. It’s easy to think of mountain tours as “we leave town and see nature only.” Here, you get a more grounded start—local streets and river scenery—before the terrain lifts and the views widen.

You’ll also follow the cuale river for part of the ride. Water always changes the feel of a hike or ride. It cools the air a bit, gives you a natural path, and gives the route more variety than dry trail riding. If you want something more than a straight line through the hills, this segment delivers.

What to consider on the saddle

Since you don’t need prior riding experience, you should feel comfortable if you can handle basic time in the saddle. The tour notes moderate physical fitness as the target. That doesn’t mean you need to be an athlete—but it does mean you should be fine with spending hours outdoors and sitting upright for extended stretches.

The lookout moment: Bay views framed by tropical vegetation

After the ride into the mountains, the day brings you to a magnificent lookout of the entire Bay. The timing is built so you’re not just riding in the shade all day. You get a high-feel viewpoint where the geography makes sense at once.

What I like about lookout stops like this is that they help you orient yourself. Puerto Vallarta looks different when you see it from above. It also gives your legs and mind a break—often the hardest part of these days isn’t the effort; it’s the steady rhythm. A viewpoint pause breaks that up.

Here, the lookout sits among lush tropical vegetation. You’re not stuck staring at a single angle. The view is broad enough that it feels like you’re looking at the whole region, not just a patch of coastline.

Las Palmas Waterfall: why the payoff is worth the effort

The reason most people choose this tour is simple: Las Palmas Waterfall is the highlight. The best part is that the waterfall isn’t tacked on as a tiny stop. It’s part of the arc of the day—after you’ve spent time riding through the mountains and countryside, the waterfall gives you a natural reset.

One of the most praised elements of the experience is the way the waterfall time feels special. With a small group and a guided route, you’re not fighting for space like you might on bigger outings. That makes a difference for photos, for taking a slow moment, and for actually soaking in the setting.

You can expect:

• A short walking segment tied to reaching the waterfall area
• Time to enjoy the waterfall itself
• The sense that the waterfall is the main event, not an extra

I’d plan to bring a clear head for this part. Waterfall time goes fast when you’re worried about what happens next. If you show up ready to slow down, this stop becomes the memory you’ll talk about later.

Lunch and drinks: included, timed, and actually useful

The “all included” part matters most at the end of the day. You’ll arrive back to lunch with alcoholic beverages ready, and you’ll eat before you head back. That saves you from the usual scramble—no hunting for a place to sit, no figuring out where your next meal is.

You’ll also get typical Mexican fare, which is a nice touch because you’re eating like the day’s setting. It’s not just bread and snacks to keep you moving.

And because you’re outdoors earlier, the food feels earned. It’s the kind of included meal that turns a tour from a transport service into a true experience.

What you’re getting with Nakawe Adventures (and what you’re not)

Here’s the value breakdown you can count on:

• Horse and saddle
• Horse and necessary gear (so you’re not responsible for sourcing riding equipment)
• Lunch
• Alcoholic beverages
• Private transportation
• Pickup offered
• Mobile ticket
• Small group (maximum 12 travelers)

Not included:

• Souvenirs

That last point is minor, but it’s useful to know. If you want something for home, budget a little extra time at the end or plan to buy something in town.

When a tour includes gear, lunch, and drinks, it usually costs more than a bare-bones half-day. Here, the trade-off feels fair because it covers the biggest friction points: riding equipment, meals, and transport.

Pickup points: choosing the right meeting location and time

You have three pickup locations, and your best bet is to choose the one that’s closest to your hotel. Pickup times are staggered, so don’t mix them up.

Pickup options:

• OXXO in Conchas Chinas: 8:30 am

Km 2.5, Manzanillo – Puerto Vallarta, Conchas Chinas, 48399 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.

• La Europea / Collage / Marina (Isla Iguana area): 9:00 am

Av. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Isla Iguana, 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.

• Starbucks Las Juntas: 9:15 am

Parcela 158, Zona 1 Puerto Vallarta, 48291 Las Juntas, Jal.

The tour notes that confirmation comes at booking time, and that the pickup areas are near public transportation. That’s helpful if you’re not staying in one of the closest neighborhoods and need to get yourself to a meeting point.

Tip: when you lock in your pickup choice, think about how you’ll get there at 8:30–9:15 am. Morning logistics can make or break a good day.

Pace and physical comfort: what moderate fitness really means

The tour asks for moderate physical fitness. Here’s how to interpret that in real life: you should be comfortable spending extended time outdoors, and you should be okay with a mix of riding and short walking segments.

Even though there’s no prior horseback experience required, the saddle is still work for your body if you don’t ride often. Wear comfortable shoes, and dress for being outside for hours in the mountain area.

Also note the weather dependency. This experience requires good weather, which means plans may shift if conditions aren’t right. If you hate schedule uncertainty, this is the only part that can mess with your expectations.

Best fit: who this tour suits best

This is a strong choice if you want:

• A quiet side of Puerto Vallarta with nature time
• A horseback experience that doesn’t require skill
• Scenery that includes river views, mountain countryside, and a Bay lookout
• A waterfall stop that feels like the main event
• A small group for more attention from your guide

It’s especially good for couples. The day is romantic in a low-key way: quiet ride time, a lookout over the Bay, and waterfall scenery that feels made for sharing photos and talking.

And it works well for first-timers. You’re not walking in and doing a technical climb. The guide handles the routing, and you get the gear you need.

Value check: does the all-in setup make sense?

I look at two things: time saved and decision fatigue.

Here, you save time because private transportation is included and you don’t have to figure out gear or meal stops. You also reduce decision fatigue because lunch and drinks are handled. That matters on a half-day when you’d rather be outside than making choices.

The only extra spending implied is souvenirs. And since the experience already covers the core costs (transport, horse, lunch, beverages, gear), it’s a straightforward value package for a 6-hour outing.

Should you book this Jungle Horseback Adventure to Las Palmas?

If you’re in Puerto Vallarta and want an outdoor day that feels less like a production, I think this is a solid pick. The combination of a beginner-friendly horseback ride, a big scenic lookout, and Las Palmas Waterfall makes the day feel complete. Add lunch and drinks, plus small-group attention, and you get a lot of experience for your time.

Book it if:

• You want a calmer, nature-forward day outside town
• You’d enjoy a 4-hour ride experience followed by waterfall time
• You like tours where the essentials are already taken care of

Skip it or think twice if:

• You’re very sensitive to schedule changes caused by weather
• You expect something fully sedentary or easy all the way through

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Jungle HorseBack Adventure to Las Palmas Waterfall?

The tour is about 6 hours.

Do I need prior horseback riding experience?

No. Prior horseback riding experience is not required.

What’s included in the price?

Horse and saddle, necessary horse gear, private transportation, lunch, and alcoholic beverages are included.

What is not included?

Souvenirs are not included.

What time does the activity start?

The start time is 10:00 am.

Where can I meet the group for pickup?

There are three meeting locations: OXXO in Conchas Chinas at 8:30 am, La Europea/Collage/Marina in Isla Iguana at 9:00 am, and Starbucks Las Juntas at 9:15 am.

What happens if weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.