Puerto Vallarta: ATV/RZR Canopy River for Cruise Guests

If you’re cruising into Puerto Vallarta and craving a taste of adventure, the ATV/RZR Canopy River tour offers a fantastic way to explore the region’s wild side. This experience combines exhilarating rides, scenic views, and a splash of relaxation — perfect for travelers wanting more than just beaches and resorts.

What makes this tour particularly appealing are the stunning vistas of lush landscapes, the chance to get your adrenaline pumping on rugged trails, and the refreshing swim opportunity at El Salto waterfall. Plus, the inclusion of friendly guides and good safety measures make it feel well-organized and safe.

One thing to consider is that the entire experience lasts about 5 hours, which includes transportation and breaks, so it’s best suited for those ready for a half-day outdoor adventure. If you’re interested in exploring Puerto Vallarta’s countryside, love outdoor activities, and don’t mind a bit of dirt and water, this tour could be a memorable highlight of your trip.

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Key Points

Scenic Ride: Expect breathtaking views of Puerto Vallarta’s green landscapes from rugged trails.
Waterfall Swim: The stop at El Salto waterfall is a highlight for relaxation and fun.
Flexible Vehicles: Choose between an ATV or RZR, each offering a different thrill.
Professional Guides: Friendly, English-speaking guides ensure safety and local insights.
All-Inclusive Experience: Includes safety gear, shuttle service, tequila tasting, and a welcome drink.
Value for Money: At $155 per group, you get a comprehensive adventure with multiple activities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

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Starting Point and Transportation

From the moment you step into the shuttle, you’ll notice the tour’s emphasis on ease and comfort. The shuttle service from the designated meeting point takes you to the adventure zone, a short drive from Puerto Vallarta’s busy streets. This setup means you don’t need to worry about organizing transport — the guides handle it all, allowing you to focus on the fun ahead.

The Vehicles: ATV or RZR

Choosing between an ATV or RZR depends on your thrill level and group size. The ATV is a classic option, offering a straightforward yet exciting ride through dirt roads and trails. For those craving more power and room, the RZR provides a higher adrenaline rush with its suspension and larger seating capacity, accommodating heavier weights up to 880 lbs.

A common comment from guests is that both vehicles are well-maintained, with safety gear provided, including helmets. One guest mentioned, “The guides made sure we felt secure, and the vehicles handled the terrain perfectly,” which is reassuring for first-timers.

The Trail and Scenic Views

The tour’s route takes you through a variety of terrains — from dirt roads to rocky paths — showcasing the rugged beauty of the Puerto Vallarta countryside. We loved the way the guides narrated local stories and pointed out notable sights along the way, making the ride both fun and educational.

The ride offers spectacular panoramic views, especially when climbing higher elevations. These moments provide perfect photo opportunities, and many guests comment on how “stunning” and “breathtaking” the scenery is. The lush greenery paired with distant mountain views creates a postcard-perfect backdrop.

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The Highlight: El Salto Waterfall

After about an hour of riding, you’ll arrive at El Salto waterfall, which is the tour’s star attraction. Here, you can take a well-deserved break, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and, of course, jump into the cool waters. Several reviewers mention the waterfall’s inviting, clear water as a refreshing reward. “It’s the perfect spot to relax after the adrenaline rush,” one guest shared.

The waterfall area is also an ideal spot for photos, with the cascade pouring down amidst jungle foliage. The water’s refreshing nature is often praised, with visitors saying it’s “just what you need after a rugged ride.”

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Additional Activities and Tasting

Post-swim, the tour continues through more exciting terrain, giving you a chance to explore even more of the area’s hidden gems. The experience also includes a tequila tasting, adding a fun local flavor to your adventure. The guides are knowledgeable about Mexican spirits, making it not just a thrill ride but a cultural taste adventure.

Safety and Practicalities

Safety equipment, including helmets, is provided, and the guides are attentive to participants’ needs, ensuring everyone remains secure. The tour is suitable for ages 6 and up, with a maximum weight limit of 150 kg (330 lbs) for ATVs and 880 lbs (400 kg) for RZRs, making it accessible to a wide range of travelers.

Participants are advised to bring swimwear, a change of clothes, towel, sunscreen, insect repellent, cash, and closed-toe shoes. It’s worth noting that there is a $10 USD collision insurance fee for ATVs and a $20 USD fee for RZRs, which are non-refundable but clearly communicated.

Length and Pacing

The total duration is about 5 hours, including transportation, safety briefing, riding time, and breaks. The actual riding period is roughly 2 hours, so don’t expect the entire time to be on the vehicle. This pacing allows enough time to enjoy each element without feeling rushed.

Cost and Value

At $155 per group, this experience offers a lot of value, especially considering the inclusions — guided tour, safety gear, shuttle, tequila tasting, and waterfall swim. Guests have noted that the price is fair for a comprehensive outdoor adventure of this caliber. Additional costs like insurance are clearly communicated upfront, avoiding surprises.

What We Think

This tour is ideal for active travelers, families with older children, or couples seeking a mix of adventure and natural beauty. While it may not suit those with back or heart issues, pregnant women, or very young children, it offers a genuinely fun way to see Puerto Vallarta’s landscapes from a different perspective.

Final Thoughts

This ATV/RZR tour from Puerto Vallarta combines scenic beauty, adrenaline-pumping fun, and cultural touches like tequila tasting into a well-rounded experience. The guides’ friendliness and safety focus make it accessible for newcomers, while the rugged trails and waterfall stops will satisfy even seasoned outdoorsy travelers.

The stunning views, the refreshing waterfall swim, and the interaction with local spirits make this tour stand out among outdoor excursions in the region. It offers excellent value for a half-day adventure packed with memorable moments, especially if you love being active and discovering hidden corners of Puerto Vallarta.

If you’re looking for a way to get off the beaten path, enjoy nature, and add some adventure to your vacation, this tour is a strong contender. Just remember to bring your sense of humor, sturdy shoes, and a towel — and you’re all set for a memorable ride.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the shuttle service from the meeting point to the adventure site is included in the tour.

Can I choose between an ATV and RZR?
Absolutely. You can select either an ATV or RZR based on your preference; both are guided and safety-equipped.

How long is the riding portion?
The actual riding time lasts about 2 hours, spread across the different trails and terrains.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, change of clothes, towel, sunscreen, insect repellent, cash, and closed-toe shoes for safety.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 6 and above can participate, provided they meet the weight limits.

Are there any extra costs?
Yes, a collision insurance fee of $10 USD per ATV and $20 USD per RZR is payable at the site and is non-refundable.

How long does the entire tour last?
The full experience takes approximately 5 hours, including transportation, breaks, and the ride.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your plans.

In summary, the Puerto Vallarta ATV/RZR Canopy River tour offers an engaging blend of adventure, scenery, and culture. It’s well-suited for those craving outdoor fun and natural beauty, with plenty of opportunities for photo-worthy moments and relaxing dips in waterfalls. For travelers eager to step outside the typical beach scene and explore Puerto Vallarta’s wild side, this experience delivers on both excitement and authenticity.

You can check availability for your dates here: