Puerto Vallarta: Horseback Riding & Waterfall Trek Sierra Madre
Ride into the Sierra Madre, swim at the waterfall, eat what you make
You ride through Sierra Madre foothills, cross hanging bridges to a waterfall where you swim, then return to the ranch to prepare and eat a Mexican lunch with an open bar. Pickup from designated points outside Puerto Vallarta is included, along with the guide and all drinks. Plan for a full morning and early afternoon out of the city.
Step-by-step itinerary
Horseback ride and waterfall visit
- Ride horses by the river
- Dismount horses for mountain walk
- Cross hanging bridges
- Climb steps to waterfall
- Cool down in river water
- Jog down sloping hill
- Enjoy meal at the ranch
What’s included
Pickup from one of three designated points outside Puerto Vallarta, transportation to and from Rancho Capomo, horseback riding along the river, guided walk to the waterfall with hanging bridge crossing, time to swim at the waterfall, Mexican lunch (fajitas or chicken with handmade tortillas, guacamole, beans, and rice), help preparing part of the meal, unlimited national drinks throughout the day, driver and guide, and drop-off at your pickup point.
Times
- Every day 08:15
Before you book
Operated by Horseback Riding Rancho Capomo Tours
Prices and times updated 4 days ago
Traveler reviews
The experience
You're thinking this might be just another horse tour, and then you realize you're actually walking across a hanging bridge toward a waterfall with your boots off. The ride starts at one of three pickup points outside Puerto Vallarta. The ranch is about thirty minutes away, nestled in the Sierra Madre foothills where the jungle gets serious and the air changes. Your guide meets you at Rancho Capomo, a working ranch set on a river, and from there the horseback riding begins along the water. The trail follows the river for a while, but the real part comes when you dismount and start walking toward the waterfall. There are hanging bridges to cross and stone steps that climb up the mountainside, and it's the kind of thing that feels harder in your head than it actually is.
When you reach the waterfall, you get time to actually swim in it. Not a quick dip: real time to cool off and float around in the water. After that, the ride back down involves a sloping hill and a section where you jog a little on the horse, which sounds stranger than it feels. The whole thing moves at a pace that works for riders of different experience levels, so you're not racing anyone. Once you're back at the ranch, lunch is waiting, and this is where it gets different from most tours: you help make it. You prepare handmade tortillas, guacamole, and Mexican sauce yourself, then eat fajitas or chicken with beans and rice that actually tastes like someone cared. The open bar runs the whole time, so you can drink national drinks without counting.
Pickup happens from one of three designated points, not directly from hotels, so you'll need to let them know where you're staying when you book. The whole day is built around getting you back in time, and the guide handles the driving and the route. It's the kind of horseback riding tour that doesn't feel like you're being herded through a checklist: the waterfall swim and the lunch you make yourself are the things people actually remember.
Is this one for you?Right for riders who want a full Sierra Madre experience in one morning without arranging transport or lunch: the horseback riding, waterfall swim, and meal you help prepare are all handled. Expect a few hours out of the city with some walking and climbing mixed into the riding, which is what makes the waterfall and the swim possible.
Compare the 12 alternatives
Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Spanish.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 10 years); Infant (1 to 4 years).
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
How far is Rancho Capomo from Puerto Vallarta?
About thirty minutes by car from the city center. Pickup happens at one of three designated points, not at hotels.
Do I need horseback riding experience?
No. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, and the pace works for different experience levels.
What's included in the lunch?
Fajitas or chicken, handmade tortillas, guacamole, Mexican sauce, beans, and rice. You help prepare some of it. Drinks are unlimited and included.
Can I swim at the waterfall?
Yes. After the hike to the waterfall, there's time to swim and cool off in the river water.
Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers or people with back problems?
No. It's not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries due to the horseback riding and walking involved.
What if I'm a cruise ship passenger?
You can book this tour, but you'll need to provide your ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time at the time of booking.
Puerto Vallarta: Horseback Riding & Waterfall Trek Sierra Madre
5h · EN · ES
from US$ 103 per person
Next, you choose your date and number of travelers and see the final price.