Sierra Madre Horseback & ATV Tour from Puerto Vallarta: Jungle Rivers and Waterfalls
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4.5–5.5 hours
Fitness Level
Comfortable with light activity for several hours, able to balance on a moving horse and stay alert on an ATV over uneven terrain.
Overview
Swap the shoreline for Jalisco’s green interior on a guided horseback-and-ATV loop through the Sierra Madre. Expect river crossings, a hidden waterfall, and a relaxed ranch lunch—an authentic look at mountain life just beyond Puerto Vallarta.
Sierra Madre Horseback & ATV Tour from Puerto Vallarta: Jungle Rivers and Waterfalls
Select participants and date
Morning light slides over the green folds of the Sierra Madre as the ranch comes alive—horses shifting in their stalls, ATVs idling with a gravelly purr, the jungle already humming. You tighten a chin strap, swing into the saddle, and follow the guide beneath a canopy of fig and parota. The trail narrows, damp earth giving off a sweet, peppery scent after the night’s humidity. A river winks through the trees ahead, daring you to cross. Hooves find their rhythm, water pushes forward, and the day begins to move with you.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Dress for splashes
Wear closed-toe, water-ready shoes and quick-dry clothing; river crossings and spray are part of the fun.
Ride with control
On the ATV, keep two fingers over the brake and throttle when approaching water or rutted sections.
Mind the heat
Start hydrated, sip regularly, and use sun protection—the jungle is humid and midday sun is strong.
Respect your horse
Listen to the wranglers, keep heels down, and give the horse space on narrow or rocky segments.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Green iguanas sunning on river stones
- Coatimundis moving along forest edges near dusk
History
The Sierra Madre Occidental has long connected coastal trade routes with inland mining towns; today, ranching communities keep traditional horsemanship alive while welcoming visitors to their trails.
Conservation
Stick to established tracks to prevent erosion, avoid riding directly over stream banks, and use biodegradable sunscreen and repellent to protect freshwater species.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Puerto Vallarta
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Closed-toe water shoes or trail runners
Provide grip on wet rock and comfort during river crossings and at the waterfall pool.
Lightweight long-sleeve sun shirt
Shields skin from strong tropical sun while staying breathable in humidity.
summer specific
Small dry bag or waterproof phone pouch
Keeps your phone and essentials dry during splashes and river crossings.
Biodegradable insect repellent
Helps deter mosquitoes in shaded jungle sections without harming freshwater habitats.
spring specific