Saddle Up in the Sierra Madre: Puerto Vallarta Horseback Ride to Jungle Waterfalls
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4.5–5.5 hours
Fitness Level
Comfortable sitting in a saddle for 1–2 hours and managing a short, sometimes steep hike with steps in humid conditions.
Overview
Trade the boardwalk for the backcountry on a guided horseback ride from Puerto Vallarta into the Sierra Madre. Splash river crossings, hike to a jungle waterfall, and cap it with handmade tortillas and an open bar at a working ranch.
Saddle Up in the Sierra Madre: Puerto Vallarta Horseback Ride to Jungle Waterfalls
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Dawn leans over Puerto Vallarta’s marina as you trade the boardwalk for a shuttle bound inland. Asphalt gives way to palms, then to the corrugated folds of the Sierra Madre. By the time the road turns to dirt at Rancho Capomo, the air smells of wet stone and citrus leaves, and the river below chats like it’s daring you to follow. Horses flick their ears toward the hills. The jungle is awake and, today, it’s your trail partner.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Wear real shoes
Closed-toe hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers grip slick clay and rock steps, especially after summer showers.
Go light but waterproof
Pack a small daypack with a lightweight towel and a phone pouch—river spray and brief crossings are common.
Beat the heat
Choose the earliest pickup and pre-hydrate; carry electrolytes to handle humidity on the hike to the falls.
Mind the bridges
Hanging bridges sway—hold the side cables and space out to keep them steady for everyone.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Green iguanas sunning on riverside limbs
- Coatis foraging along the forest edge
History
Old mule routes once linked these hills to inland silver towns; ranch culture followed and still shapes everyday life around Las Palmas. Wixarika (Huichol) communities maintain traditions in the broader Sierra Madre.
Conservation
Stay on established paths and skip soaps in the river to keep the water clean. In dry months, avoid sparks and open flames—wildfire risk is real.
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Adventure Hotspots in Puerto Vallarta
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Closed-toe hiking shoes
Improves traction on clay, cobbles, and wet bridges during the hike to the waterfall.
Insect repellent
Mosquitoes are active near the river, especially in the rainy season.
summer specific
Lightweight long pants
Protects legs from brush while riding and stays comfortable in humid air.
Compact microfiber towel
Dries fast after a dip in the waterfall and packs small in a daypack.