Puerto Vallarta gets wilder on an ATV. You’ll ride the Sierra Madre on an ATV with a professional guide, make time for an El Salto waterfall stop (with the chance to swim), then finish with an included tequila tasting at Canopy River near Las Glorias.

I love the small-group setup and the hands-on coaching when you’re learning (guides like Alejandro, Eric, Alex, Pancho, and Charlie have been praised for patience). I also love that the fun doesn’t end with the ride: the tequila tasting is built into the experience, with staff like Esmeralda helping turn the final stretch into something memorable.

One thing to plan around is timing. Even though the trip is advertised as about 2 hours, real-world totals often run longer once you include transportation, the ride itself, and extra time at the on-site restaurant, plus photos and lunch can cost extra.

Quick hits before you go

• Sierra Madre ATV trails with a pro guide, moving from mountain viewpoints toward a river canyon area
• El Salto waterfall stop with an option to cool off in the river
• Tequila tasting included after the ATV portion
• Max 20 people, which usually means more attention on driving and safety
• Bring a driver’s license and pay $10 USD for mandatory vehicle insurance on the day
• Expect to get dirty in a good way, especially after rain days when everything looks lush

Where your ATV adventure starts in Las Glorias, Puerto Vallarta

Your day centers on Canopy River Oficina Las Glorias in Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Hotelera. The address listed for the start is Plaza Villas Vallarta, José Clemente Orozco Local H2A, so it’s not out in the middle of nowhere. It’s also described as being near public transportation, which is useful if you’re arranging your own rides to the meetup.

Pickup and drop-off are included from designated meeting points, and the activity ends back at the meeting point. You’ll get a confirmation at booking time, and the tour is set up for mobile tickets. If you’re staying outside the hotel zone or your schedule is tight, put your hotel and preferred departure time into the booking notes so they can line you up correctly.

One small practical note: there are multiple Canopy River locations mentioned around the city area. If your email directions point you somewhere else, go by the address on your confirmation and don’t assume the first desk you find has your exact schedule.

ATV trail time: what the ride is like (and what you’ll want to bring)

This is an ATV tour focused on driving real trails through the Sierra Madre area, not a slow scenic loop. You’ll be guided through routes that move from mountain scenery down toward a river canyon zone, with nature stops along the way. In plain terms: you should expect a physical, hands-on ride where you’ll work the throttle, steer through uneven ground, and keep your footing when the trail gets bumpy.

The equipment is included, and you’ll have a professional guide with you throughout. The small-group size (up to 20 people) matters because it usually means more attention to comfort level, driving basics, and pacing. If it’s your first time on an ATV, that extra attention can make a big difference.

Dress like you’re planning to get dirty. Reviews and the tour setup line up with that reality: dust, mud, and that “I rode hard today” feeling are part of the deal. Wear light clothing and comfortable shoes, and I’d add practical planning like sunglasses for dust and a hat if the sun is strong. Bring a swimsuit because you’ll want it later.

The El Salto waterfall stop and your river swim option

Halfway through your adventure, you’ll reach a waterfall stop associated with El Salto. The goal here isn’t just photos from the edge. You’ll have the opportunity to get in the river, and many people take that chance when the water is inviting.

This is also a great moment because the ride is adrenaline, then you get a break in the middle of the action. The change of pace is one reason this tour is popular: ATV driving plus a natural swimming hole is a combo that doesn’t feel repetitive.

Plan for your timing and gear. If you want to swim, wear or bring swim-ready items (the tour recommends light clothing and a swimsuit). If you don’t want to get in the water, you can still enjoy the waterfall area and use it as a photo and break stop.

One more practical detail: weather matters. If rain happened earlier, the area can be greener and water can be flowing more. If it’s dry, trails can be dusty and visibility can be tougher. Either way, your best move is to keep expectations flexible and enjoy the ride.

Tequila tasting: how the tour ends at Canopy River

After the ATV portion, you’ll switch gears from action to tasting. Tequila sampling is included, and the vibe is more relaxed. Staff members like Esmeralda have been specifically mentioned for bringing energy to the tasting, and the tasting can include different flavors (one example called out is an almond flavor).

This part works well even if tequila isn’t your favorite spirit. You’re not just being handed a cup; it’s more like a structured finish with context and guided sampling. And because it comes after the ride, you’ll likely feel like you earned it.

Important budgeting reality: food and drinks are not included. The on-site restaurant food may be good, but you should plan to pay for it yourself. A couple of people also pointed out that the schedule often includes extra time at the restaurant area beyond what’s advertised, so consider this your built-in hangout window where you can eat, cool down, and buy photos if you want them.

Timing reality: why the experience can run 4 to 6 hours

The tour is advertised as 2 hours (approximately), but there’s a clear pattern in how the day plays out: transportation plus the ATV route plus waterfall time plus post-ride restaurant time can add up fast.

If you’re trying to stack this with another activity the same day, I’d treat it as a half-day commitment. Many groups describe totals closer to 4+ hours once pickup and drop-off are included, and some mention it can run even longer due to the on-site stop after the ride.

How to handle this like a pro:

• Plan a later lunch or a simple nearby meal before you go
• Keep your evening open for buffer time
• Set expectations that you’re doing a full outing, not a quick in-and-out

This is also why the small-group nature helps. You get better attention when the pace is set to the group, but the day still takes the time it takes.

Price and value: what $110 gets you (and what costs extra)

At $110 per person, this tour bundles a lot: professional guide, ATV equipment, pickup and drop-off, and tequila tasting. That’s solid value if you want the full package, because most of the cost drivers here are the guide time, the ATV operation, and the transportation.

Then you hit two costs that you should factor in:

• Vehicle insurance: $10 USD per person, mandatory on the day of the tour (a credit card can be used as a guarantee)
• Food and drinks: not included, so you’ll likely pay at the restaurant if you eat while you’re there

There can also be optional add-ons like purchasing photos. One common complaint is that photos taken during the ride can be pricey, so if you’re budget-conscious, consider that before you agree to any purchases.

When does $110 feel like a great deal? When you use the whole itinerary: ATV driving you can feel in your arms, a waterfall swim stop, and a guided tequila finish without needing to pay separately for each piece. If you only want a short ride and zero downtime, then this may feel like more time and money than you expected.

Who should book this ATV Tour R.R (and who should think twice)

This tour is a good fit if you:

• Want an ATV ride through the Sierra Madre with a guide who helps with driving confidence
• Like nature breaks, especially a waterfall stop with a river swim option
• Enjoy a guided finish, like tequila tasting with staff members such as Esmeralda and other helpful team members people have highlighted
• Prefer a smaller group experience (max 20)

You might think twice if you:

• Need a strictly short time commitment, since the full day often runs longer than advertised
• Hate dust and mud, because the “get dirty” element shows up in expectations
• Don’t want to spend extra on food, drinks, or photos once you arrive on site

Minimum age is 18, and you should have a moderate physical fitness level. If you’re comfortable walking over uneven ground and staying steady during stops, you’ll likely be fine.

Practical checklist for a smooth ATV day

You’ll have better luck if you show up ready for both the ride and the water stop. Here’s what to plan for based on what’s recommended and what tends to come up in real use:

• Light clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty
• Swimsuit for the river swim option at the waterfall
• Comfortable shoes that can handle dust and possibly wet ground
• Your driver’s license (required on the day)
• A way to cover the mandatory $10 USD vehicle insurance
• Cash or a card set aside for food and drinks at the on-site restaurant

Also, bring a sense of humor about timing. This is an outdoor, active day, and it moves at the rhythm of nature and the group.

Should you book this Canopy River ATV + tequila tour?

If you want a true adventure combo—ATV trails, a waterfall swim option, and an included tequila tasting—this is an easy yes. The $110 price feels fair when you take the full experience, especially with a guide and a smaller group size that helps first-timers.

Book it if you’re flexible on time and okay budgeting for the mandatory insurance plus whatever you choose to buy at the restaurant or for photos. Skip it if you need a tight schedule or you’re expecting a quick 2-hour activity with no extra time on site.

FAQ

How long is the ATV Tour R.R in Puerto Vallarta?

It’s listed as about 2 hours, but the total time you’ll spend can run longer once you include transportation, the ATV riding portion, and extra on-site time.

What’s included in the $110 per person price?

The tour includes a professional guide, pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points, all necessary equipment, and tequila tasting.

Do I need a driver’s license to ride the ATV?

Yes. A driver’s license is required on the day of the tour.

Is the $10 USD vehicle insurance included?

No. Vehicle insurance is mandatory on the day of the tour and costs $10 USD per person. A credit card can be presented as a guarantee instead.

What should I wear for the tour?

Wear light clothing, a swimsuit, and comfortable shoes.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.