Sierra Madre Horseback Riding and Zipline with Lunch Included

That hike to a waterfall starts the day off right. This Sierra Madre horseback riding and zipline combo trades beach time for Rancho Capomo, tropical forest scenery, and a lunch that actually feels like part of the adventure.

What I like most is the full day in one smooth package: horses + zip lines + entrance fees + lunch and unlimited national drinks. The small group size (up to 15) also makes a difference when you’re bouncing down a rough road and then strapping into safety gear.

One thing to consider: you’re far from Puerto Vallarta. Expect a long drive each way on bumpy roads, and in dry season the river/waterfall stop can be quieter than you’d hope.

Quick reasons this Sierra Madre combo is worth your attention

• Small group (up to 15) keeps the ride and zipline experience from feeling chaotic.
• Rancho Capomo entrance + lunch + drinks included, so you’re not nickel-and-diming your budget mid-day.
• Round-trip transfers from select Puerto Vallarta meeting points save you from complicated logistics.
• Zipline routes run off exposed mountain terrain, so heat and sun matter.
• Horse trek includes a hike component (often tied to a waterfall), which adds real variety.

Rancho Capomo and Las Palmas: trading crowds for real green

The whole point of this tour is getting out of Puerto Vallarta’s beach rhythm and into the Sierra Madre hills. You start at Rancho Capomo, where the setting shifts quickly from town to tropical rain forest and smaller village life. The ride also pulls you toward the area around Las Palmas, so you’re not just sightseeing from a viewpoint.

This is one of those experiences where the scenery is part of the activity, not a side note. In the morning, you get that early-day feeling—cooler air, more shade under trees, and less pressure to rush. Once you’re up in the ranch zone, you’re reminded how different the coast is from the inland terrain.

The ranch itself is the hub: you’re not bouncing around multiple places, waiting for transfers, and trying to assemble the day from scraps. It’s one base with a schedule that moves you through horse time, hike time, and then zipline time.

Price and value: what $147 buys you in the real world

At $147 per person for about 5 hours, this tour is priced like a full activity day—not just transportation and a snack. The math is easier when you look at what you don’t have to add later.

Included items you’ll feel the value of:

• Entrance fees to Rancho Capomo
• Mexican lunch (including a national drink)
• Unlimited national drinks during the experience
• Round-trip transfers from select meeting points
• Driver/guide, plus a staff-led ranch experience

The non-included part is small: souvenir photos are extra. If you don’t care about buying pictures, you’re basically done with extra spending unless you want bottled water, tips, or optional souvenirs.

If you were pricing horseback riding or ziplining separately, you’d normally pay for ranch access, transportation, food, and drinks one-by-one. Here, it’s bundled into one plan, which is why this combo keeps scoring so well.

Getting there at 8:15: long drive, bumpy roads, and why it’s still part of the charm

The start time is 8:15 am, and the day begins with pickup and round-trip transfers from select meeting points in Puerto Vallarta. Plan for the fact that you’re going inland and up into ranch country. One of the most common practical notes: it takes a while to reach Rancho Capomo, and the roads can be bumpy.

That drive is the trade-off for the seclusion. You’re not staying close to town. You’re swapping convenience for authenticity and space—less urban, more Sierra Madre. If you’re the type who gets annoyed by rough rides, it might sound like a dealbreaker on paper. In practice, I think it only matters if you’re extremely sensitive to motion or timing.

Because the day is built around being at the ranch for your activities, leaving early also helps. You’re there before the heat really spikes, which matters later when the zipline runs are up on exposed mountain terrain.

Horseback riding at the ranch: what the trek feels like

Horseback riding is the centerpiece. Expect a ride that’s long enough to feel like you’re actually traveling through the Sierra Madre, not just sitting for a short photo stop. Based on the experience details shared, the horseback portion can run around 90 minutes, and it’s tied to ranch scenery and the hike component.

On many days, the horseback trek connects to a walk/hike toward a waterfall area. The distance mentioned is about 1.5 miles up toward that destination. This is not an easy stroll where you never work up any sweat. It’s more like a “doable with effort” hike—one that feels worth it when you’re moving through the natural surroundings.

The horses and how you’re treated are also part of the value. The ranch horses are described as well cared for and typically well trained and gentle. That matters because it affects how relaxed you feel from the moment you mount up. If you’re nervous about animals, this kind of care makes the day feel safer and more comfortable.

One reality check: if you’re traveling in the dry season, the river/waterfall can be dry. You’ll still get the nature trek and the experience, but the payoff might be less dramatic than you imagined.

Ziplining up in the hills: heat, exposure, and the fun part

After the riding and hiking, you switch gears to ziplining. The zipline setup is described as having around 10 different routes. That gives you variety—different segments, different angles, and a better chance that you’ll get at least a few runs that really wow you.

Where it gets more practical is the location: the ziplining area can be hot and dry with not much shade. You’ll want to come prepared for sun and warmth, especially if you’re sensitive to heat.

Also note the day’s sequence: there’s sometimes a horse segment that helps get you up toward the beginning of the zipline area. One useful detail from the experience description is that riders can get a gallop moment on the way up, before reaching the start of the lines. Even if you’re not aiming for adrenaline, those moments add a bit of energy to the middle of the day.

In short: the zipline portion is likely the highlight if you want action. If you prefer calm, shaded nature time, the ride/hike may appeal more. Either way, wear the right clothing.

Lunch and drinks: the underrated reason this tour hits so well

One of the strongest selling points is the lunch. This isn’t a token meal. You’re getting Mexican food for lunch, and you also have unlimited drinks (national drinks) during the tour. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic options are part of the mix, with a minimum drinking age of 18.

The food itself gets described as delicious—often specifically as fajita-style—and it’s served at a point in the schedule where you’ll actually be hungry. That timing matters. After riding and hiking, lunch feels like fuel, not an afterthought.

You may also encounter a homemade tequila element. It’s mentioned as part of the day, which adds a local flavor beyond the standard open bar. If you’re someone who enjoys trying regional alcohol responsibly (and not overdoing it), this is a nice perk.

Practical advice: even if drinks are unlimited, you still need energy for ziplining later. I’d pace yourself and treat drinks as part of the experience, not a full reset.

What’s included vs. not included (so you don’t get surprised)

Included:

• Pickup and drop-off at the meeting point
• Mexican lunch
• Unlimited drinks (national drinks)
• Driver/guide
• Entrance fees to Rancho Capomo

Not included:

• Souvenir photos (sold separately)

That’s a clean lineup. The biggest “surprise” factor tends to be personal—how you handle the sun, the walking/hike effort, and the bumpy road ride. If you come prepared, you’ll likely feel like this is a straightforward, bundled day with very few extras.

Who should book this horseback + zipline combo

This tour fits best if you want:

• A break from the beach that still feels like a structured day
• A small-group adventure (max 15 people)
• Real outdoor time: horseback riding plus a hike, then ziplining
• Lunch and drinks handled for you

It’s also a good match if you’re traveling with mixed adventure levels. Some people love horses, some love zip lines, and the itinerary gives both without forcing you to choose.

Who may want to think twice:

• If you dislike bumpy van rides or long drives
• If you expect the waterfall to be dramatic year-round (dry season can change that)
• If heat exposure makes you miserable, since the zipline area can be sunny and dry

Packing tips that make this day easier

Even though the tour includes lunch and drinks, you’ll want to bring your own comfort items.

Bring:

• Long pants
• Sturdy closed-toe shoes (you’ll be walking and climbing in places)
• Water bottles (the advice is to bring a couple)
• A change of clothes if you think you’ll get sweaty or wet around the waterfall area

Wear:

• Clothes you’re comfortable getting warm in. The zip line terrain can be exposed.

Also check your body fit requirements ahead of time:

• Minimum height: 1.30 mts
• Minimum weight: 50 pounds
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Most travelers can participate, but your comfort and fit matter for safety gear

Booking window and how full it can get

This activity is often booked ahead—on average about 46 days in advance—so if your dates are firm, it’s smart to reserve early. The day is capped at 15 travelers, and that small group limit is part of why the experience stays manageable.

You’ll also get confirmation at the time of booking, and there’s a mobile ticket. If you’re a cruise passenger, you’ll need to provide your ship name and timing details at booking.

Should you book this tour?

I’d book it if you want a true inland Sierra Madre day with horses, zip lines, and lunch/drinks all handled—and you’re okay with the long drive and the possibility that the waterfall may be less impressive in drier months.

I might skip it if your top priority is staying close to Puerto Vallarta, you hate heat, or you want guaranteed waterfall water. But if you’re flexible and you want a small-group adventure that feels less corporate and more ranch-like, this is a strong choice for the money.

FAQ

How long is the Sierra Madre Horseback Riding and Zipline tour?

It runs for about 5 hours (approx.).

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:15 am.

Where does the tour start and end?

It includes pickup at a pickup point and ends back at the meeting point with drop-off.

Are round-trip transfers included?

Yes. Round-trip transfers from select meeting points in Puerto Vallarta are included.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes Mexican lunch, unlimited drinks (national drinks), a driver/guide, and entrance fees to Rancho Capomo.

What drinks are included?

You get unlimited national drinks, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.

What is not included?

Souvenir photos are not included (available to purchase).

Is there an age requirement for alcohol?

Yes. The minimum drinking age is 18.

Are there height and weight requirements?

Yes. Minimum weight is 50 pounds and required height is 1.30 mts.

Can cruise passengers book, and what information is needed?

Yes, cruise passengers can book. At booking, you must provide ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time.

Cancellation is free—what’s the cutoff?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time. Within 24 hours, there is no refund.