Two rides, one half-day escape. From Puerto Vallarta, Rancho Capomo sends you into the Sierra Madre rain forest on a Sierra Madre horseback ride and then out on ATVs through nearby villages like Las Palmas. I also love that the open bar lunch is part of the deal, so you’re not scrambling for food right after the adrenaline.

The one thing to plan for is the physical side: the waterfall moment comes after a hike up the hill, and you’ll feel it.

This is built as a compact 5-hour outing (start time 8:15 am), with small groups up to 20 people, pickup and drop-off from set meeting points, and English available.

Key things to know before you go

• Rain forest horseback riding plus a waterfall: the horse part leads to a hike and a payoff at the end
• ATV time through local villages: Las Palmas-style neighborhood driving, not just a parking-lot loop
• Lunch and unlimited drinks included: you’re fed and hydrated, not nickel-and-dimed
• Runs with a small group: up to 20 travelers, so you’re less likely to feel lost in the crowd
• Guides make a difference: good service shows in reviews (and it can swing the day)
• ATV trail expectations vary: one review noted more road than off-road, so keep an open mind

From Puerto Vallarta to Rancho Capomo: the morning setup

I like tours that start early and get you out of the beach-zone mindset. This one typically begins with pickup around 8:15 am, and you’ll head toward the Sierra Madre foothills where the day changes pace fast—from city noise to ranch energy.

You’ll arrive at Rancho Capomo, get organized, and meet your guide and group. The small group size helps here. With a maximum of 20 travelers, the day feels more hands-on than big-bus tours where you spend half your time waiting for someone to find their hat.

You’ll also want to keep your expectations realistic about timing. The whole experience is about 5 hours, so the horse portion, the hike to the waterfall, the ATV ride, and lunch all fit into a tight schedule. That’s good news for a short trip. It’s also why I recommend doing this on a day you don’t need your schedule to stay flexible.

What to do before you leave

• Wear shoes you’re happy to get a little rough. You’ll be walking for the waterfall segment.
• Bring sunscreen and water. Even if drinks are included later, you’ll likely be in the sun during parts of the ride and hike.
• If you have camera plans, note that souvenir photos are sold separately—so don’t assume they’re included.

Sierra Madre horseback riding: how the horse part feels and what to expect

The best reason to pick this tour is the combo: horseback riding in the Sierra Madre area, followed by a waterfall stop, then ATVs afterward. The horse segment is where the day earns its “nature + adventure” label.

On the ranch grounds, you’ll get your instructions and then start riding through the countryside toward the waterfall area. The ride is typically about 90 minutes according to guides mentioned in reviews. Even if you’ve never ridden before, you’ll usually be placed with a guide who can keep you moving safely.

Here’s what I’d focus on if you’re deciding whether this is for you: this is not a quick pony stroll. You’re going deeper into the region, and the route involves changes in footing where you need to stay alert. One family noted that there were spots where you had to keep your balance on top of the horse. That’s normal for horseback riding in rougher terrain—nothing scary, just a reason to take the ride seriously.

The waterfall hike: the part you shouldn’t treat as optional

The waterfall isn’t just “arrive and look.” There’s a hike up the hill that some people describe as worth it. One review called it a long hike that ended up being spectacular, and another warned that the Mexican hike is a hike.

So think of this like a mini workout. If you’re traveling with kids or you’re worried about stamina, you’ll want to judge your own comfort level here. I’d rather you plan for effort and be pleasantly surprised than assume it’s easy and then get grumpy on the uphill.

Why the rainforest setting matters (even if you don’t need a lecture)

The Sierra Madre ride isn’t only about scenery. It’s also a break from the main Puerto Vallarta flow. You’re riding away from the typical tourist strip and into a more rural rhythm. That shift is the whole point: you get to feel like you’re spending time in the region, not just passing through it.

And because you’re on horseback, you cover ground differently than on foot. You’ll see more than you would if you were just walking trails near town.

ATVs after the horses: villages, roads, and the “real” fun factor

Once the horseback and waterfall time wraps up, you switch gears to ATVs. In reviews, the ATV portion is often described as about 60–70 minutes. That’s a solid chunk of time for feeling the vehicle rather than just trying it for a few minutes and calling it an experience.

The ATV driving route includes local villages—with Las Palmas showing up as a named area—and then country roads and small-town scenes. One group highlighted that it’s fun driving through the town and getting out to beautiful scenery.

A key expectation to set: off-road isn’t guaranteed

Here’s where I’ll be honest in a practical way. One negative review said the ATV riding was mostly road, with little off-road trail. That doesn’t mean the ATV portion is bad—it just means your day may depend on conditions and routing.

So if your dream is wild, rock-hopping dirt tracks for the whole ride, keep your expectations flexible. The safer mindset is: you’re here for ATV fun and local driving views. Not for a professional enduro course.

Riding safety and comfort

You’ll be given guidance, and the guides seem to vary in communication style. In the strong reviews, guides are described as friendly, watchful, and helpful. In one critical review, there were complaints about rude comments and a guide rushing the rider.

That’s why I recommend you take the safety briefing seriously, ask questions if anything is unclear, and speak up if you’re uncomfortable. You don’t need to debate—just be direct about your needs.

Lunch and open bar at the ranch: where the value really lands

This tour has a money-saving secret: lunch and unlimited drinks are included. You’re not paying extra for food after the exertion, and you’re not hunting for a bar once you’re done. That matters more than most people think.

Multiple reviews describe lunch as a highlight. People call out delicious Mexican food, including mentions of carne asada and homemade tortillas. You’ll also get an open bar experience, with unlimited drinks like margaritas, beer, and soda mentioned in reviews.

One review even mentions a taste of barrel-aged tequila. Since the official info says alcoholic beverages are included, you should expect that kind of drink offering, but exact brands can vary by day.

What I’d do during lunch

If you’re the type who’s always trying to maximize your sightseeing, this is the moment to slow down. After riding and driving, you’ll likely want:

• a real break for your legs and shoulders
• time to chat with the staff and learn how life works out there
• a quick reset before the final ATV segment or the ride back

Also, if you’re taking photos, remember that souvenir photos cost extra. If you want a keepsake, ask about purchase options so you don’t scramble at the end.

Guides and group size: what makes the difference on a 5-hour day

With a max group size of 20 travelers, your experience is shaped a lot by your guide’s style. In the positive reviews, guides were described as on time, funny and conversational, friendly, and watchful.

One guide named Berto is specifically mentioned as arriving on time and being personable. Another set of reviews praises Sergio and Hector for showing the reality of Mexico beyond the resort zones—small villages, farms, and the day-to-day scenes you’d never catch from the highway.

But there’s also at least one cautionary note. A critical review complained about late pickup, rude behavior, and an unfair setup on the ATV portion. I can’t predict which guide you’ll get, but the takeaway is clear: a ranch adventure depends on customer service as much as it depends on horses and engines.

How you can get the best service

• Be at the pickup point early. Even a few minutes can matter in a tight morning schedule.
• Listen carefully during safety instructions.
• If you need help riding or adjusting your plan, ask right away. Waiting can turn a small issue into a stressful one.

Price and value: why $150 feels fair (and when it might not)

At $150 per person for about 5 hours, this tour looks like an “adventure bundle.” And that’s what it is: horseback riding, a waterfall hike, ATV driving, lunch, drinks, and pickup/drop-off.

Where the value shows up is in the inclusions:

• lunch is included
• unlimited drinks are included
• pickup and drop-off are included
• taxes and fees are included
• alcoholic beverages are included

When you price these separately, the total usually grows fast. So the real question isn’t just whether you like horses or whether you like ATVs. It’s whether you want both in one half-day with food and drinks handled.

When it may feel less worth it

If you’re someone who only enjoys ATVs when they’re truly off-road, be aware that one review said it was mostly road. If you’re expecting an intimate, perfectly personalized ATV experience with a one-to-one bike setup for every person, also keep in mind that the ATV logistics can vary depending on the day and the number of riders.

In other words: this is good value if you’re flexible. It’s less of a slam dunk if you arrive with very specific expectations about trail type and vehicle assignments.

What to bring (and what to skip)

I don’t love packing advice that’s all guesswork, so here’s what I can say based on what the day requires: horse riding, a hike, ATV driving, and then lunch.

Bring:

• closed-toe shoes with grip
• a light layer for shade (if you run hot, you can leave it tied to your bag)
• sunscreen and a hat
• a small amount of cash only if you plan to buy souvenir photos

Skip:

• fragile items you’d hate to damage
• anything you can’t comfortably carry or secure while riding

And plan for comfort. This is not a sit-and-watch tour.

Who should book this Sierra Madre horse-and-ATV combo?

This is a great fit if you:

• want a break from the beach in Puerto Vallarta
• like the outdoors and don’t mind being active for the waterfall payoff
• enjoy combining experiences in one day (horse first, ATV second)
• want lunch and drinks included so your day feels complete

Families can make it work too. One review mentions a fun day with 10- and 12-year-olds, which suggests the overall pace can be manageable for older kids who can handle riding and a hike.

It’s less ideal if you:

• hate uphill climbs (the waterfall hike is a real consideration)
• want guaranteed off-road ATV trails
• are very sensitive to guide communication style and personal service

Should you book Rancho Capomo’s horseback riding and ATV tour?

If you’re looking for an energetic half-day that feels genuinely rural—horses in the Sierra Madre area, a waterfall at the end, then ATVs through villages—this is a strong choice. The big selling point for me is practical value: lunch and unlimited drinks are included, and you get real time on both horseback and ATV instead of rushed samples.

I’d book it if you’re comfortable with one main physical ask: the hike to the waterfall. I’d also go in expecting a mix of roads and country driving on the ATV portion, not a pure off-road free-for-all.

FAQ

What time does the Sierra Madre horseback riding and ATV tour start?

The start time is 8:15 am. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

How long is the tour?

It runs for about 5 hours (approx.).

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included as part of the tour.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The tour includes unlimited drinks (open bar), including alcoholic beverages.

Do I get pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points are included.

What’s the group size?

The tour has a maximum of 20 travelers.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English.

What is not included?

Souvenir photos are available to purchase, but they’re not included in the price.