Leave the beaches for forest flight. This Sierra Madre ATV-and-zipline day trades the usual Puerto Vallarta tourist strip for Las Palmas, trees, rivers, and a ranch lunch finish.

I like that the day is genuinely all-in: ATV + zipline with the equipment, a professional guide, air-conditioned transport, plus lunch and drinks. I also like the food and tequila side, especially the handmade tortillas and the in-house tequila tasting from their own agave.

One heads-up: the ATV portion can be dusty, and the zipline setup may be a bit weathered or mid-maintenance, so pack for comfort and move carefully on the platforms.

Key things I’d bet on

• Small group size (max 25) makes it easier to get set up and stay on schedule.
• ATVs ride through town, countryside, and a local river for more variety than a simple loop.
• Zipline has an option to turn back early if you want to stop before the final runs.
• Lunch is real Mexican food, with tortillas made by hand and salsas on the table.
• Tequila tasting features flavors like almond, coffee, and pineapple made from their agave.
• Bring sunglasses and gripping gloves to handle dust and metal handlebars.

A Day Away From Puerto Vallarta: Sierra Madre + Las Palmas

This tour is built for people who want a change of scenery fast. Instead of spending five hours staring at a beach, you head into the tropical rain forest area of the Sierra Madre and out toward the village of Las Palmas. The pitch is ecological and nature-focused, and the day matches that with tree canopy flying and river-and-farm scenery from the ATV.

What I like is that it is not just one activity. You get an adrenaline hit early (ATV), then a slower, view-heavy payoff (zipline). Between the two, you reset with restrooms and time to get comfortable again. If you’re the type who gets bored easily, this combo helps keep the energy moving.

You should also know this is daytime adventure. That matters because you’ll be in sun, dust, and heat at different points, and you’ll want to dress for that.

Getting Started: 8:15 Meeting Point and the Ranch Ride

Your day starts at 8:15 am. The meeting point is OXXO at the corner of Carretera Barra De Navidad, Púlpito 242, Zona Romántica, Amapas, 48399 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. Pickup and drop-off are included from designated meeting points, and the activity ends back at the start point.

Timing-wise, plan for about 5 hours total. You’re also looking at a drive to the ranch area of roughly 1 hour and 10 to 20 minutes before the fun starts. That’s long enough that you’ll want to use the first stretch of downtime wisely.

A practical note from real-world experience: the air-conditioned van can feel better from the front seats. If you sit in the rear, there may be an odor, and the van has fixed windows unless you’re in the front passenger area. If fresh air matters to you, sit up front with the driver.

ATV Time: What the Ride Feels Like in the Sierra Madre Country

After arrival, you’ll use the restrooms and get brought to a bar area for refreshments. Then comes the gear moment: helmets and handkerchiefs for the ATVs. One good detail here is that the ATVs are described as brand new, and you’ll have single and double options.

The ATV portion typically lasts about an hour or a bit more. You’re not just circling in one place. The route includes riding through town, then into the countryside, and there’s local river scenery in the mix. That variety is what makes the time feel worth it.

Now for the reality check: it can get very dusty. If you’re behind another ATV, the dust can blow right into your eyes. This is one of those small things that changes the whole mood of the ride. I’d bring sunglasses and keep them on your face from the start.

At the ranch, you’ll return and use restrooms again before the zipline portion. There are lockers, but you’ll need to bring your own lock if you want to lock up. This is mostly a comfort thing—if you’re traveling in a group, the activity format can feel calm—but don’t rely on the lockers being secure without your own lock.

Also, expect a quick “get on the machine” moment. If you like to adjust every strap carefully, give yourself that time when the helmets go on. The day moves, and you’ll likely be pushed toward the first photo moment right after outfitting.

Zipline Over Trees and Rivers: Safety, Shoes, and the Last Runs

Ziplining is where this tour earns its name. After the ATV, you’ll be outfitted with harnesses and guided through the experience. The view from up there is the payoff: tree canopy, the sense of speed, and the feeling of being suspended over the green.

You should take the safety instructions seriously, but also be aware of how the setup looks. In one account, the zipline platforms were in maintenance while the group was going onto them—so watch your footing and keep an eye out for rough edges like splinters or rusty metal. That doesn’t mean it’s automatically unsafe, but it does mean you should slow down and be careful with where you place your feet.

You’ll also get the chance to choose your comfort level. Some of the zipline sections allow you to stop early and head back if you want. If you’re worried about heights or want to save energy, that option helps.

Bring grip and traction. The handlebars can be mostly metal, and if your hands get clammy, you may want extra help. I’d pack workout gloves or weight-lifting style gloves if you have them. For shoes, standard athletic shoes can work, but the last part of the zipline course may require a short mini hike between platforms. If you have hiking boots, this is where they earn their keep.

One more tip: if your group is doing all ziplines, the last 2 or 3 can feel more active than the earlier ones. So plan for that, not just for standing on a platform and flying.

Lunch at the Ranch: Handmade Tortillas, Salsas, and Margaritas

After ziplining, you’ll return your gear, use the restrooms, and head to outdoor dining for lunch. This is not a sad “tour lunch.” The meal includes tortillas and salsas (two kinds), plus sope. You’ll also get choices like chicken, beef, beans, and rice.

A big reason I like this part of the day is what you get to see: tortillas being made by hand and the kitchen team cooking for the group. It turns lunch into a mini cultural moment without turning the meal into a lecture.

Drinks are part of the deal. You get alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, and accounts mention margaritas as a hit after sun and exertion. The ranch also has hammocks for a short siesta, which is a nice breather if you’re feeling sun-tired.

Tequila Tasting: Agave, Local Flavors, and a Good Finish

Tequila tasting is included, and it’s tied to what the ranch grows. You’ll taste their in-house tequila made from agave grown on-site. That detail makes it more than a quick pour-and-go stop.

Flavor notes mentioned include almond, coffee, and pineapple. Even if you’re not a tequila super-fan, this is a fun way to end the day because you can compare flavors and pick your favorite. It also fits the ranch setting so the tour feels like one connected experience, not a checklist.

Price and Value: Is $150 Worth a Full ATV + Zipline Day?

At $150 per person, you’re paying for a full 5-hour adventure with a lot bundled in. Here’s what’s included based on the tour details:

• ATV and zipline equipment, plus a professional guide
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points
• Lunch with Mexican food and a national drink (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
• Tequila tasting

When you add those together, the price makes more sense than buying ATV and zipline as separate tickets in pieces. The transfers matter, too. It’s one less thing you have to figure out in a new place.

What’s not included is souvenir photos. If you care about professional action shots, treat it as an optional add-on purchase, not something you’ll automatically receive.

Also, booking timing can matter. This kind of adventure is often scheduled ahead, and the average booking window is about 8 days in advance. If you have fixed travel dates, don’t wait too long.

What to Pack (So the Day Feels Good, Not Annoying)

This tour mixes dust, sun, and metal equipment. Pack for comfort, not just for looks.

Bring:

• Sunglasses to block dust while riding behind other ATVs
• Closed-toe shoes with grip (and ideally something sturdy for the mini hikes between zipline platforms)
• Gloves if you want better grip on metal handlebars
• A small lock for the lockers, if you plan to lock valuables
• Sunscreen and a hat for the outdoor parts of the day

If you’re traveling with service animals, they’re allowed on this activity.

One more comfort consideration: the van windows may limit fresh air unless you sit nearer the front passenger area. If you’re sensitive to motion or stuffy rides, choose your seat thoughtfully when you can.

Small Group, English-Friendly Guides, and the Pace of the Day

This tour is designed for up to 25 travelers, which helps keep it organized. It’s also offered in English, and you’ll work with a professional guide throughout the adventure.

The day has a “flow,” and that’s useful. You’ll gear up quickly, ride, come back for restrooms and a gear change, then go again with zipline harnesses and instructions. If you like slow travel, it may feel fast. But if you want a full day that stays on track, it works well.

On photos: you may see that souvenir photos aren’t automatic. The tour includes a way to buy photos, but you’ll still likely use your own phone for most memories.

If you’re coordinating a group, communication speed can matter. One practical takeaway: reaching out through WhatsApp was reported as much faster than email when changes or logistics came up.

FAQ

How long is the Sierra Madre ATV Tour and Zipline?

It runs for about 5 hours, starting at 8:15 am.

What’s included with lunch and drinks?

Lunch includes delicious Mexican food and a national drink. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included.

Do I get ATV and zipline equipment?

Yes. All necessary equipment is included, and you’ll be supported by a professional guide.

Where is the meeting point, and do I return there?

You meet at the OXXO on the corner of Carretera Barra De Navidad, Púlpito 242, Zona Romántica, Amapas, 48399 Puerto Vallarta. The activity ends back at the meeting point, with pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points included.

Are souvenir photos included?

No. Souvenir photos are available to purchase, but they are not included automatically.

What happens if weather is poor or I need to cancel?

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time.

Should You Book This Puerto Vallarta ATV + Zipline Tour?

Book it if you want an action-packed day that feels like you left Puerto Vallarta behind: ATV through countryside and river views, then ziplining overhead, followed by a solid ranch lunch and included tequila tasting.

Skip it if you hate dust and messy clothes, dislike height/air-time activities, or you’re very sensitive to rough-looking equipment areas. This is a practical adventure day, not a polished spa-day.

If you’re active, willing to bring sunglasses and good grip/traction gear, and you’d like one ticket that bundles transport, gear, meals, and tequila, this is a strong pick for your morning.