ATV Tour R.R

Get ready to trade pavement for mountain trails. This Canopy River outing combines an ATV ride through the Sierra Madre with a waterfall stop, river swimming, and tequila tasting, giving you several distinctly Mexican experiences in one trip. I like the scenic mountain route and the chance to cool off at El Salto, a waterfall surrounded by forest.

I also like the small-group format, with no more than 20 people and guides who help first-time riders get comfortable. The main catch is time: the ride is described as about two hours, but transportation, meal time, and stops can stretch the full outing to four, five, or even six hours. Plan your day around the longer version.

Quick points before you book

• The ATV route reaches the Sierra Madre: Expect rugged trails, mountain views, bridges, streams, and a stop at the El Salto waterfall.
• Swimming is part of the appeal: Bring a swimsuit if you want to cool off in the clear river water.
• The full outing takes longer than two hours: The riding portion may be about two hours, but pickup, transport, food, and tequila tasting add considerable time.
• Guides get strong praise: Names noted by past participants include Alex, Alejandro, Eric, Charlie, Misel, Pancho, and Eddie.
• Budget for extras: The $110 price includes the guide, equipment, transport from designated meeting points, and tequila tasting, but not food, drinks, or the mandatory $10 vehicle insurance.
• You need to be 18 or older: Bring a valid driver’s license and wear light clothing, comfortable shoes, and swimwear.

From Las Glorias to the Sierra Madre

The meeting point is Canopy River Oficina Las Glorias at Plaza Villas Vallarta, José Clemente Orozco Local H2A, in the Hotel Zone north of central Puerto Vallarta. The tour ends back there, so you are not left arranging a ride from a remote mountain location.

Pickup details deserve care. The published meeting point and departure time may not always tell the whole story, so confirm the exact time and location before you leave your hotel. One past participant was sent to the wrong office and had to arrange a taxi to the correct location. Another noted that Las Glorias is different from the downtown office in the Romantic Zone.

The company asks you to provide your hotel and preferred departure time when booking. That does not necessarily mean door-to-door hotel pickup, since the included transport applies to designated meeting points. If you are staying outside the main hotel areas, ask where you need to meet the group.

The ride to the activity area is part of the time commitment. A past participant described roughly an hour of transport each way, while another said the complete outing lasted more than four hours. The exact timing can vary, but I would not schedule a dinner reservation or airport transfer soon afterward.

Riding an ATV through mountain country

Once you reach the Canopy River activity area, the main event begins. You ride an ATV along rough trails in the Sierra Madre, passing through forest, streams, and mountain terrain. The scenery is one of the strongest reasons to choose this tour instead of a simple road-based ATV ride.

The route includes elevated views, a bridge crossing, rugged sections, and stops where you can take in the surroundings. After rain, the forest can look especially fresh, with more water running through the streams and falls. The tradeoff is dust during dry conditions. If the trail is dry, you may find it hard to see at times, especially when riding behind another ATV.

You should expect to get dirty. Light clothing is practical, but do not wear anything you want to keep spotless. Comfortable, closed shoes make more sense than sandals on uneven ground. Sunglasses can help with dust, though the tour information specifically calls for comfortable shoes, light clothing, and a swimsuit.

The ATVs have been described as comfortable and high quality, but this is still an active outing. You need a moderate level of fitness, and your arms may feel tired afterward. The trails are not a passive sightseeing route. You will steer, manage the machine, and stay alert over rough ground.

First-time riders are welcome, but you must have a driver’s license. The guides have received praise for explaining the controls, checking that riders feel comfortable, and keeping safety in view. Eric was singled out for his patience with a first-time rider, while Alex was praised for making sure the group was comfortable before setting out.

That said, an ATV carries real risk. One past participant described another rider going over the side of the trail, after which the group continued. This is a reminder to ride within your ability, keep a sensible distance, and avoid trying to match the fastest person in the group.

El Salto waterfall and the river stop

The waterfall stop gives the tour its best break from the engine noise. The route reaches El Salto, where you can see the falls and nearby springs before spending time by the river. The water has been described as clear, and many people choose to get in.

Bring your swimsuit under your riding clothes or in a small bag. The practical information says swimming is available, but it does not promise a private changing area, so keep your packing simple and easy to manage. A towel is also worth bringing, though it is not listed among the included equipment.

The waterfall is more than a quick photo stop. It gives you a chance to cool down, stretch your legs, and enjoy the forest without sitting on an ATV. Past participants particularly liked the falls after recent rain, when streams were flowing strongly and the forest looked lush.

Do not assume every stop will be a long photography break. One person wanted more chances to stop for photos of the mountain scenery. If you care about pictures, take advantage of the planned viewpoints and keep your camera protected from dust and water.

The swimming stop also depends on conditions and your comfort level. You can enjoy the scenery without entering the river. If you do swim, follow the guide’s instructions and leave enough time to dry before the next part of the outing.

Tequila tasting after the ride

The tequila tasting comes after the ATV portion, and it changes the mood from outdoor adventure to a more social finish. You sample several tequilas and may encounter flavored options, including almond, which received particular praise.

Esmeralda has been remembered as a lively and entertaining host. The tasting is not just a quick pour at the end. It is presented as a chance to learn about the drink, try different styles, and relax after the ride. If you enjoy tequila, this adds real value to the package.

Keep in mind that tasting alcohol after an ATV ride is another reason to plan your transportation carefully. The included transport brings you back to the meeting point, so use that arrangement rather than trying to drive yourself afterward.

The tasting is included, but food and additional drinks are not. Several past participants enjoyed the restaurant food and chose to stay for a meal, but this created one of the biggest timing complaints. Some people were expected to remain at the restaurant for roughly an hour and 20 minutes after the ride.

That may suit you if you want a relaxed meal in the forest setting. It may frustrate you if you booked the activity as a short two-hour excursion. Bring extra money for lunch and drinks, and ask the staff at the start how much time the restaurant stop will take.

What the $110 price really covers

At $110 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning in Puerto Vallarta. Still, the price includes several costly pieces: a professional guide, ATV equipment, transport from designated meeting points, the mountain route, the waterfall stop, and tequila tasting.

The value improves if you want one organized outing that combines driving, scenery, swimming, and tequila. You do not have to arrange separate transport to the mountains or find an ATV operator on your own. A small group also means more direct help if you need instruction or have a problem with the vehicle.

The price looks less attractive if you only want a brief ATV ride. The full experience includes more than the advertised riding time, but you should pay extra for food and drinks, plus the required vehicle insurance.

The insurance costs $10 per person on the day of the tour. It is mandatory unless you present a credit card as a guarantee instead. Treat this as part of the real cost when comparing options.

Photography can also add to the bill. The company takes pictures during the ride, but past participants found the purchase price high. You can enjoy the trip without buying them, so decide in advance how much you want to spend on souvenir photos.

Timing: the two-hour ride is only one part

The clearest practical warning is the schedule. The experience is promoted around an approximate two-hour duration, but the riding section is only part of the day.

A realistic plan should allow at least four hours from pickup to drop-off. Some accounts put the complete outing closer to five or six hours, especially when transport, food, tasting, and waiting time are included. The longer schedule is not automatically a problem, but you need to know about it before booking.

Here is what can extend the day:

• Transport between Puerto Vallarta and the mountain activity area
• Safety instructions and ATV preparation
• The ride itself
• Stops for viewpoints, bridges, and the waterfall
• Swimming time
• Tequila tasting
• Lunch or drinks at the restaurant

I would book this when you have a flexible half-day, not when you need to return to a cruise ship or catch a tightly timed tour. Confirm the meeting time directly, especially if your hotel is in a different part of Puerto Vallarta.

Who will enjoy this outing most

This tour suits adults who want active sightseeing and do not mind dust, noise, rough terrain, or a longer day than first expected. It works well for couples, friend groups, and families with adult children. The minimum age is 18, so it is not a choice for younger children.

You will probably enjoy it if you want:

• A guided introduction to ATV riding
• Forest and mountain scenery
• A waterfall and river swimming stop
• A social tequila tasting
• A day with several activities rather than one simple ride

It is less suitable if you dislike motorized adventure, want a quiet nature walk, or have limited time. The moderate fitness requirement matters, as does the possibility of sore arms after riding.

Large friend groups can work well here, with one group of 12 enjoying the ride together. The maximum group size is 20, so you get a group experience rather than a private tour. The small-group approach still allows personal attention, but you should not expect a completely private trail outing.

What to bring and what to know

Pack light, since you do not want a heavy bag bouncing around on the ATV. I would take swimwear, comfortable shoes, light clothes, sun protection, and a small amount of cash or a card for the insurance, restaurant, drinks, and optional photos.

Your driver’s license is required. You should also have your booking confirmation available on your phone, since confirmation is issued at booking.

The tour is offered in English. Guides have been praised for friendly service and useful explanations about the area and Canopy River operation. Still, the exact guide changes from day to day, so do not expect a particular person such as Alejandro, Eric, or Esmeralda every time.

The cancellation policy is forgiving if your plans change early. You can receive a full refund by canceling at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book ATV Tour R.R.?

I would book this tour if you want an energetic half-day in the mountains and like the idea of combining an ATV ride with a waterfall, river swim, and tequila. The strongest parts are the scenery, friendly guides, comfortable ATVs, and the feeling of reaching a quieter forest setting beyond Puerto Vallarta.

I would not book it if you need a strictly timed two-hour activity. The true commitment is usually closer to four hours and can run longer when lunch and drinks are added. Ask about pickup, the correct office, and the expected return time before you set out.

At $110, plus $10 insurance and any food or drinks, the tour offers fair value for a bundled mountain adventure. Go prepared to get dusty, bring your license and swimsuit, and leave your schedule open. If you do that, this is a lively way to see the Sierra Madre rather than simply looking at it from town.

FAQ

How long does the ATV tour take?

The ATV ride is approximately two hours, but the complete outing can take four hours or more because of transport, stops, the waterfall, tequila tasting, and possible restaurant time.

Where does the tour begin?

It begins at Canopy River Oficina Las Glorias, Plaza Villas Vallarta José Clemente Orozco Local H2A, Hotel Zone North, Puerto Vallarta.

Where does the activity end?

The tour ends back at the Las Glorias meeting point.

Is transportation included?

Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points are included. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is vehicle insurance included in the price?

No. A mandatory $10 vehicle insurance charge is paid on the day of the tour. You may present a credit card as a guarantee instead.

Do I need a driver’s license?

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

Can I swim during the excursion?

Yes. The route includes a stop at El Salto waterfall and nearby river water where you can swim. Bring a swimsuit if you want to enter the water.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 18. A moderate level of physical fitness is also recommended.