Sierra Madre Horseback Riding and ATV Tour from Puerto Vallarta

Ride into the Sierra Madre, then cross rivers on an ATV in a single afternoon.

A 5-hour tour from Puerto Vallarta combines horseback riding through the tropical jungle of the Sierra Madre Mountains with ATV riding across rivers in the village of Las Palmas, ending at a ranch where lunch and unlimited drinks are served. The guide speaks English or Spanish, and pickup from designated meeting points is included. Children from age 1 are welcome, though the tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular concerns.

Step-by-step itinerary

Horseback and ATV tour in Sierra Madre

• Arrive at the ranch
• Ride horse through Sierra Madre jungle
• Discover a beautiful waterfall
• Ride ATV across rivers in Las Palmas
• Have lunch at the ranch

The Experience

You start at a ranch in the Sierra Madre foothills, where you mount your own horse and ride into the tropical rainforest away from Puerto Vallarta's crowds. The trail takes you deeper into the mountains toward a waterfall, moving at a pace that suits the group. After the horseback portion, you return to the ranch for lunch and a break before switching to the ATVs.

The second half sends you across rivers in Las Palmas on your own ATV, navigating water crossings and forest terrain. This is hands-on riding, not a demonstration—you control the machine and choose your line through the water. The combination of two different animals and landscapes means the day doesn't repeat itself: the quiet of the jungle on horseback, then the engine and splash of the river crossing.

Lunch and unlimited drinks are served back at the ranch, so you're not managing hunger or thirst during the ride. A guide in English or Spanish stays with the group throughout. Pickup and drop-off from your hotel or a designated meeting point in Puerto Vallarta are arranged, so you don't need to find the ranch on your own or rent a car.

What’s included

• Horseback riding through the Sierra Madre jungle.
• ATV riding across rivers in Las Palmas.
• lunch at the ranch.
• unlimited drinks (open bar).
• pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points in Puerto Vallarta.
• live guide in English or Spanish.
• all taxes, fees and handling charges.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Horseback Riding Rancho Capomo Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to ride two different vehicles and cover more ground than a single-activity tour allows. The combination of horseback and ATV means you experience both the quiet of the forest and the rush of river crossings in one afternoon, and the ranch lunch breaks up the physical activity so the day doesn't feel like a single long ride.

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Top questions

Do I need horseback riding experience to join this tour?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and the operator welcomes children from age 1, which suggests no prior riding experience is required. The guide will match the pace to the group.

What happens if I'm not comfortable riding an ATV?

The tour combines both horseback and ATV riding as core activities, so both are part of the experience. If you have concerns about either activity, contact the operator before booking to discuss alternatives or modifications.

What should I wear and bring for a 5-hour tour in the jungle?

The tour runs 5 hours in tropical rainforest and river crossings, so wear sturdy shoes or boots, long pants to protect from brush, and bring sunscreen and a hat. The operator includes lunch and unlimited drinks, so water and refreshment are covered.

Can I buy photos of myself on the horse or ATV?

Souvenir photos are available to purchase during the tour, though they are not included in the base price.