Puerto Vallarta: Sierra Madre Horseback Ride & Waterfall Lunch

Summary

Horseback ride riverside trails sierra madre jungle with waterfall swim and ranch lunch

You’ll ride through riverside jungle trails on horseback with a local guide, hike across hanging bridges to reach a hidden waterfall for a swim, then share lunch at a Sierra Madre ranch near Puerto Vallarta. Expect laughter, real flavors, and moments that stick with you long after you’ve dried off.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll get used to his trot,” our guide Luis grinned, patting my horse’s neck as we left Rancho Capomo behind. I wasn’t sure if he meant the horse or himself — both had this relaxed way of moving through the morning haze. The air smelled green, like wet leaves and earth, and I kept hearing birds I couldn’t name. We followed the river, hooves splashing in shallow spots. There was this moment where the sunlight hit the water and everything went quiet except for one guy in our group who sneezed so loud even Luis laughed.

The day trip from Puerto Vallarta to the Sierra Madre felt longer than half an hour — maybe because every turn looked different. After a while, we got off to walk up toward the waterfall. Crossing that hanging bridge was trickier than it looked (I might’ve held onto the rope too tight). You could hear the falls before you saw them — kind of a low rush that made me want to run ahead. When we finally reached it, some people jumped right in; I just sat on a rock for a bit with my feet in the water, letting it all soak in. The rocks were cool and slippery, and someone handed me a piece of fresh guava they’d picked up along the trail.

Lunch back at the ranch was louder than I expected — everyone talking over each other about their horses or how cold the river was. We made tortillas together (mine looked weird but tasted fine), piled up fajitas and beans, and there was this smoky salsa that stung my nose but I kept going back for more anyway. Luis told stories about growing up around here — how he still finds new trails sometimes even after years guiding these horseback riding tours in Sierra Madre. It made me think about how much you can miss if you’re always rushing past things.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Horseback riding 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 delicious meal at ranch

Top questions

How far is Rancho Capomo from Puerto Vallarta?

Rancho Capomo is about half an hour from Puerto Vallarta by road.

Is pickup included for this horseback riding tour?

Pickup is included from designated pickup points in Puerto Vallarta (not directly from hotels).

Do I need horseback riding experience?

No experience is necessary; guides will help beginners during the tour.

What should I bring for swimming at the waterfall?

Bring swimwear and a towel if you want to swim at the waterfall during your day trip.

Is lunch included at the ranch?

Yes, lunch is included with fajitas or chicken, handmade tortillas, beans, rice, guacamole, and salsa.

Are drinks provided on this tour?

An open bar with national drinks is included during your time at Rancho Capomo.

Are children allowed on this horseback riding tour?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

Can cruise ship passengers join this day trip from Puerto Vallarta?

Cruise passengers can join but must provide ship details when booking for coordination.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from selected points in Puerto Vallarta (just let them know your hotel), all taxes and fees covered, unlimited national drinks at Rancho Capomo’s open bar, a full Mexican lunch with handmade tortillas and salsa you help prepare yourself, plus drop-off back at your original point when it’s all done.