Horses and ziplines, but in a jungle. This Sierra Madre day trip takes you out of Puerto Vallarta to Rancho Capomo for a mellow mountain ride and a zipline run, then feeds you Mexican lunch with national drinks. I liked the switch in scenery fast, and Rancho Capomo feels away-from-everything.

I especially like the value: entrance fees, lunch, and unlimited national drinks are built into the price. The ranch staff run a small operation, so it does not feel like a conveyor belt. The main thing to consider is the drive, which can be long and bumpy both ways, and in dry season the waterfall area may not have much water.

Key takeaways before you go

• Rancho Capomo takes you into the Sierra Madre instead of keeping you stuck in town.
• Combo outing saves planning time: horseback riding plus ziplining in one package.
• Lunch and unlimited national drinks are included (with an 18+ drinking age).
• Small group size (max 15) helps the day feel more personal.
• Expect heat and sun on the zipline side and dress for it.
• Entrance fees to Rancho Capomo are included, so you start the day already covered.

Getting Out of Puerto Vallarta: Transfers, Time, and the Drive

This tour starts at 8:15 am and runs about 5 hours total. It includes round-trip transfers from select Puerto Vallarta meeting points, and the activity ends back where you started. For most people, that means less stress finding the ranch and more time living the day instead of negotiating a taxi.

One thing to plan for: you are leaving the coast. The ride out to the Sierra Madre takes close to 90 minutes each way, on roads that can be rough. If you get car sick easily, consider a plan before you go. Pack light, keep water handy, and be ready for a bumpy start to your adventure.

The tour is offered in English, and you get a mobile ticket at booking. Groups are capped at 15 travelers, which matters because it usually keeps the day from feeling hectic. You also get a driver/guide who handles the moving parts so you can focus on the actual experience.

Entering Rancho Capomo: A Sierra Madre Horseback Trek

Rancho Capomo is the heart of the day. Once you arrive, you settle into the ranch rhythm and head out on horseback through the tropical forest areas tied to the Sierra Madre. The experience is set up to feel ecological and local, far from the tourist strip, with time near the area of Las Palmas rather than just riding scenic paths for show.

The horseback part is described as gentle and well cared for. In plain terms: you are not wrestling a cranky horse. It is a guided ride with trained, calm animals, which makes it a good pick if you want the outdoors without feeling like you need to be a lifelong rider.

From what you can expect on the ground, you will likely spend around 90 minutes on horseback during the trek portion. The pace is not about speed. It is about movement through the hillside country—quiet moments, shade when you can find it, and the kind of nature that feels different from the beach.

There are also basic physical requirements. The tour lists a minimum weight of 50 pounds and a minimum height of 1.30 meters. If you’re booking for kids, these measurements matter, because they directly affect who can take part.

The Waterfall Hike Portion: Fun Work, Not a Walk in the Park

At Rancho Capomo, the day typically includes more than just the ride. There is time tied to a hike toward a waterfall area, and that part takes a bit of effort. It is not an all-day grind, but it is also not something you cruise through in flip-flops. If you are comfortable with a moderate walk, you should enjoy it.

Here is the key season note you should keep in mind: the waterfall can be dry in the dry season. If you go during a period with low water, you may see less of the waterfall than you expected. I still think the hike-and-views side can be worth it, but it is smart to accept that the outcome can vary with weather and water levels.

My practical advice: wear shoes you trust on uneven ground, because the hike is part of the experience, and your feet will thank you later.

Ziplining at the Ranch: Multiple Runs and Real Sun Exposure

The zipline portion is where the day turns playful. This combo outing pairs the horseback experience with ziplining at the ranch. One detailed expectation you can plan around: the zipline package includes about 10 different routes.

The zipline area is described as being up on exposed mountain. That means heat and sun can be intense, especially in drier months. Shade may be limited, so treat this as an active sun day. That also ties into how you dress.

You’ll do better if you:

• wear long pants and closed shoes
• consider bringing a change of clothes
• bring extra water (the tour includes unlimited drinks, but having your own water can still help you stay comfortable)

There is also mention that you may get horse gallops up to the beginning of the zipline area. Even if you’re not racing the guide, that stretch adds a fun boost to the transition from land to air.

One more detail: souvenir photo options exist, but they are not included. If you care about photos, decide whether you want to purchase them after you see what they cost.

Lunch and Drinks Included: The Part You’ll Remember

This is one of the biggest reasons the tour hits good value. You get Mexican lunch plus unlimited drinks described as an open bar with national drinks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic. The minimum drinking age listed is 18, so if you’re bringing younger travelers, expect them to stick to the non-alcoholic side.

The lunch itself is described as delicious Mexican food, with one mention of fajita-style lunch. It’s not a sad sandwich-and-water situation. You’re getting a full meal designed to keep you powered after time outside in the hills.

There may also be an extra ranch touch like homemade tequila tasting, depending on what’s happening during your visit. Even if you skip it, the fact that drinks are part of the day helps you avoid the usual spending creep of excursions.

If you want to get the most enjoyment out of lunch, pace yourself earlier. Between the drive, the ride, and the hike, you’ll likely work up an appetite—and you’ll appreciate a real meal.

Transfers and the Small-Group Advantage (Max 15)

The tour caps at 15 travelers, and that size shows in how the day tends to flow. It is easier to manage schedules when you’re not herding a big crowd, and it usually makes the guides more available. You should also notice the day feels less like corporate outdoor fun and more like a ranch experience.

The driver/guide handling transfers and timing can also set the tone. One specific example: the driver Sergio is mentioned as sharing jokes during the ride. That kind of light spirit matters when you’re dealing with a long drive—you arrive more relaxed and ready.

If you care about a smoother day, small group size is a real plus. You spend less time waiting, and the experience feels more human.

Who Can Participate, and What to Bring for Comfort

This tour states that most travelers can participate, with clear limits for kids and basic sizing for ride participation:

• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Minimum height: 1.30 meters
• Minimum weight: 50 pounds
• Service animals allowed
• Minimum drinking age: 18

That height requirement is the big one for families. If a child is close to the minimum, I’d treat it as a deciding factor and confirm your child meets it before you book.

What should you pack? The tour includes lunch and drinks, but you still need comfort gear for outdoors:

• closed shoes (for the hike and zipline platform areas)
• long pants for sun and zipline friction
• a change of clothes, especially if you expect to get warm or sweaty
• sun protection (you’ll be exposed during ziplining)
• a light layer if mornings feel cool to you

And since roads can be rough, keep valuables secure and expect a bumpy ride as part of the bargain for getting out into the Sierra Madre.

Price and Value: Is $147 Fair for This Mix?

At $147 per person for about 5 hours, this can feel like a good deal because the package is doing a lot of work for you.

Here is what is included, based on the tour details:

• round-trip transfers from select Puerto Vallarta meeting points
• entrance to Rancho Capomo
• Mexican lunch
• unlimited national drinks (with an 18+ drinking age)
• driver/guide
• the core activities: horseback riding and ziplining

If you tried to match the same combination on your own—transport out to the ranch, tickets/entrance, guided riding, ziplining, and then lunch—you’d likely end up paying separately for each chunk. The pricing here feels designed for people who want the whole day without chasing multiple vendors.

The main cost you should mentally budget for beyond the tour price is optional souvenir photos. If you do not buy photos, your day may stay close to the amount you already planned.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Might Prefer Another Day)

I think this is a great fit if you:

• want to escape beach-only days and see the Sierra Madre
• like animal time but want guided, calm horses rather than a stressful experience
• enjoy a mix of nature and adventure (ride plus zipline)
• prefer a small group feel over a large commercial operation

It might be less ideal if you:

• hate car rides or get car sick (the road can be bumpy, and it’s about 90 minutes each way)
• are traveling in dry season and expect a dramatic waterfall every time
• want lots of shade during the zipline portion (the zipline area can be exposed)

If you’re a couple, a group of friends, or a family with kids who meet the height requirement, this can be a strong “one-day active” option.

Should You Book Rancho Capomo Horseback Riding and Zipline?

Book it if you want a true change of pace from Puerto Vallarta and you like the idea of getting more included than most half-day tours. The combo structure makes sense: you’re paying for the experience, not just paying for a ticket and then figuring out the rest.

Before you click confirm, I’d make three quick checks:

• Are you comfortable with a long, bumpy drive out of town?
• Do you have the right gear for zipline sun and the hike’s uneven ground?
• Are you okay with the possibility that the waterfall may be low or dry in dry months?

If those are yes, this is the kind of day trip you’ll remember: horses through the hills, zipline flying over valleys, and lunch and drinks that actually land well after you’ve been outside.

FAQ

What is the duration of this horseback riding and zipline tour?

It’s about 5 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:15 am.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Mexican lunch is included.

Are drinks included, and is there an age limit for alcohol?

Yes. Unlimited drinks are included (an open bar with national drinks). The minimum drinking age is 18.

Is ziplining included or an add-on?

Ziplining is part of the experience in this combo package.

What is not included in the tour price?

Souvenir photos are available to purchase but are not included.

How big are the groups?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

Are there minimum height and weight requirements?

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

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 start time, you won’t get a refund.