Deep in the Sierra Madre mountains, about 25 minutes from Puerto Vallarta, lies one of the region's best-kept secrets: a stunning natural waterfall accessible only on horseback and foot. The journey to reach it is half the experience — crossing rivers, navigating jungle trails, and crossing hanging bridges before the sound of rushing water signals your arrival. But whether or not that waterfall is flowing depends almost entirely on the time of year you visit.
This guide covers everything you need to know about timing your visit, what to expect in each season, and how to plan the perfect horseback riding tour to the waterfall at Rancho Capomo.
The Waterfall at Rancho Capomo — What Makes It Special
The waterfall is the crown jewel of our Horseback Riding + Waterfall Tour and is not accessible by any other means — no road, no ATV trail, no shortcut. The only way to reach it is by horseback through the Sierra Madre jungle, followed by a short trek through the forest. This inaccessibility is exactly what makes it so special.
When flowing at full strength during rainy season, the waterfall cascades into a crystal-clear natural pool surrounded by dense tropical vegetation. The sound of falling water echoes through the jungle canopy above. At the base, the water is refreshingly cool — a welcome contrast to the warmth of the jungle trail that brought you there.
The waterfall is located within the private lands of Rancho Capomo, which means no crowds, no vendors, and no noise — just you, your guide, the horses, and the sound of the Sierra Madre.
Rainy Season vs Dry Season — What to Expect
The Sierra Madre near Puerto Vallarta has two distinct seasons, and they produce dramatically different experiences at the waterfall.
Rainy Season (June–October) — The Waterfall at Its Best
This is when the waterfall is at full power. Heavy afternoon rains throughout these months feed the streams and rivers of the Sierra Madre, and the waterfall flows strongly — sometimes dramatically so. The jungle itself is intensely green and alive during this period. Temperatures are slightly cooler than peak dry season, and the humidity gives the forest a lush, almost otherworldly quality.
Trail conditions during rainy season: some sections can be muddy or wet, particularly after heavy overnight rain. This is perfectly manageable on horseback, and our guides navigate these trails daily. Waterproof shoes or sandals you don't mind getting wet are recommended.
Dry Season (November–May) — Beautiful Trails, Less Water
During the dry months, the waterfall diminishes significantly. By February through May, it may be reduced to a trickle or stop flowing altogether. This is the honest truth about dry season visits — if seeing the waterfall in full flow is your priority, dry season will likely disappoint on that front.
However, the horseback riding experience itself remains excellent year-round. The trails are drier and easier to navigate, the humidity is lower, and the scenery is still spectacularly beautiful. The Sierra Madre doesn't lose its magic just because the rains have stopped — the jungle remains lush, and the views across the mountains are arguably clearest in the dry months.
Month-by-Month Guide
| Month | Season | Waterfall | Trail Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Dry | Minimal or none | Excellent, dry paths |
| February–April | Dry | Typically none | Ideal — clear & comfortable |
| May | Dry/Transition | May begin trickling | Very good |
| June | Rainy | Starts flowing | Some mud possible |
| July–September | Rainy | Peak flow — full power | Wet but manageable |
| October | Rainy | Still flowing strongly | Can be muddy |
| November–December | Transition | Tapering off | Improving, drier |
Bottom line: If seeing the waterfall in full flow is your top priority, book between July and October for the most dramatic experience. If you're visiting November through May, the horseback riding tour is still outstanding — just manage your expectations about the waterfall itself.
What the Tour Includes Regardless of Season
No matter when you visit, the Horseback Riding + Waterfall Tour at Rancho Capomo includes a full day of authentic Sierra Madre experiences that go well beyond the waterfall itself.
- The horseback ride — through jungle trails, river crossings, and mountain terrain with experienced horses that know every step of the path.
- Hanging bridges — crossing suspension bridges over forest ravines is one of the highlights of the trek to the waterfall.
- River crossings — during rainy season, some of these are deep enough to get your feet wet, adding to the adventure.
- Traditional Mexican lunch — prepared fresh at the ranch, with authentic regional recipes using local ingredients.
- Mexican cooking class — learn to prepare a traditional dish alongside the ranch cooks before sitting down to eat.
- Open bar — national spirits, beer, agua fresca, and soft drinks included.
- Professional bilingual guides — who know the Sierra Madre ecosystem deeply and share its stories throughout the tour.
Is the Dry Season Worth Visiting?
Absolutely — with the right expectations. Many of our most loyal guests have visited multiple times: once in rainy season for the waterfall, and once in dry season for the ease and comfort of the trails. They consistently report that both experiences are completely worthwhile, just different.
In dry season, you get a cooler, less humid day with excellent trail conditions and stunning views. The horseback experience itself — the relationship with the horses, the jungle scenery, the food, the people — doesn't change with the seasons. The waterfall is one element of a multi-faceted day.
Our honest recommendation: if the waterfall is your main reason for booking, time your visit between July and October. If you're visiting Puerto Vallarta in the high season (winter months) and want a genuine Sierra Madre adventure, book the tour knowing the waterfall may be dry — and enjoy everything else it offers, which is considerable.
How to Book and Plan Your Visit
The Horseback Riding + Waterfall Tour runs every day of the week, Monday through Sunday, departing at 9AM and returning by approximately 3PM. Transportation from the Puerto Vallarta hotel zone is included.
We recommend booking online in advance via our FareHarbor booking system to secure your spot — particularly during peak rainy season (July–September) when the tour is most in demand from visitors who have specifically timed their trip to see the waterfall at its best.
For groups of 6 or more, or for cruise passengers with specific timing needs, contact us directly at ranchocapomo@gmail.com or +52 322 230 7793 to arrange your visit.
A note for cruise passengers: We work with ship schedules regularly and can coordinate your pickup and return times to ensure you're back before departure. Contact us with your ship's arrival and departure times for a customized schedule.
