Ride through the Sierra Madre to El Salto, a 20‑meter waterfall with a crystal pool, passing ranchland, tropical forest, and wildlife. This moderate, six‑hour tour pairs horseback travel with a traditional Mexican meal at a working ranch.
Ride through the Sierra Madre to El Salto, a 20‑meter waterfall with a crystal pool, passing ranchland, tropical forest, and wildlife. This moderate, six‑hour tour pairs horseback travel with a traditional Mexican meal at a working ranch.
A morning saddle creaks as the forest exhales—leaves drip from last night’s mist and the trail narrows between centuries-old trees. Riders move in single file, horses picking their way over rocky soil while the distant roar of water grows louder, daring you toward the canyon.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by CV tours & travel · Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
A morning saddle creaks as the forest exhales—leaves drip from last night’s mist and the trail narrows between centuries-old trees. Riders move in single file, horses picking their way over rocky soil while the distant roar of water grows louder, daring you toward the canyon.
This route threads the coastal Sierra Madre’s steep ridgelines and river-cut valleys, a landscape shaped by volcanic uplifts and persistent streams. The destination, El Salto, drops about 20 meters into a clear mountain pool—an easy swim for those who time it between rainy-season surges. Along the way, the ride passes a working Mexican ranch where cattle and equine traditions remain part of daily life; expect simple corrals, a chance to meet local staff, and a communal meal of tortilla soup and chicken fajitas afterward.
Flora here shifts quickly from tropical understory to open palms; fauna includes green macaws that call from the canopy and chachalacas that answer in raucous bursts. The trail is single-track with short steeps, rocky footing, and occasional stream crossings—terrain best experienced at a moderate pace.
Practical notes: arrive with closed-toe shoes and sun protection, bring a small daypack with water and insect repellent, and be ready for six hours door-to-door. Riders should have a basic level of fitness and no serious back or heart conditions. Guides typically handle saddles and basic instruction, making this a good introduction to mountain horseback riding with a cultural finish—food, forest, and a cool plunge beneath the falls.
moderate.
6 hours.
Moderate level of fitness; able to mount/dismount and sit for extended periods with occasional short hikes.
The ride is rated moderate: mostly single‑track with short steep sections and stream crossings; guides set a comfortable pace for mixed experience levels.
Yes, there’s a clear pool below the falls suitable for a quick swim outside peak rain periods; assess water flow and heed guide instructions before entering.
Options often include pickup points near Puerto Vallarta—confirm pickup details at booking and arrive early to meet the group.
This tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious back, heart, or spinal conditions; infants must sit on laps as noted by the operator.
Ranching and small-scale agriculture have shaped the Sierra Madre foothills here for generations; the route passes working ranches that preserve local equestrian traditions.
This area supports important bird habitat—keep to trails, avoid disturbing nests, and pack out all waste to protect the forest and watershed.
CV tours & travel operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




A morning saddle creaks as the forest exhales—leaves drip from last night’s mist and the trail narrows between centuries-old trees. Riders move in single file, horses picking their way over rocky soil while the distant roar of water grows louder, daring you toward the canyon.
A morning saddle creaks as the forest exhales—leaves drip from last night’s mist and the trail narrows between centuries-old trees. Riders move in single file, horses picking their way over rocky soil while the distant roar of water grows louder, daring you toward the canyon.
This route threads the coastal Sierra Madre’s steep ridgelines and river-cut valleys, a landscape shaped by volcanic uplifts and persistent streams. The destination, El Salto, drops about 20 meters into a clear mountain pool—an easy swim for those who time it between rainy-season surges. Along the way, the ride passes a working Mexican ranch where cattle and equine traditions remain part of daily life; expect simple corrals, a chance to meet local staff, and a communal meal of tortilla soup and chicken fajitas afterward.
Flora here shifts quickly from tropical understory to open palms; fauna includes green macaws that call from the canopy and chachalacas that answer in raucous bursts. The trail is single-track with short steeps, rocky footing, and occasional stream crossings—terrain best experienced at a moderate pace.
Practical notes: arrive with closed-toe shoes and sun protection, bring a small daypack with water and insect repellent, and be ready for six hours door-to-door. Riders should have a basic level of fitness and no serious back or heart conditions. Guides typically handle saddles and basic instruction, making this a good introduction to mountain horseback riding with a cultural finish—food, forest, and a cool plunge beneath the falls.