REVIEW · PUERTO VALLARTA
ATV Tour in Puerto Vallarta, waterfall and tequila tasting.
Book on Viator →Operated by UNIQUE ATV TOURS · Bookable on Viator
Jungle trails, waterfall breaks, and tequila stops. This Puerto Vallarta ATV tour blends off-road scenery with real rural Mexico moments, all in about 3.5 hours. I like that the ride is geared for everyday travelers, with an easy-to-use ATV feel and included safety gear.
The ride also comes with a built-in change of pace: you get time at the waterfall area, then a stop at a tequilera for tastings. I especially enjoy that you’re not stuck in one boring viewpoint the whole time.
One consideration: it gets very dusty, especially early when you’re closer to town and mixed road traffic.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- Why This Puerto Vallarta ATV + Waterfall + Tequila Loop Works
- Meeting at Unique ATV Tours: The First Minutes Feel Like a Test Run
- ATV Riding Confidence: Manual vs Automatic and How Guides Help
- Stop 1: Waterfall and Artesian Pools (Where You Actually Get to Swim)
- Stop 2: Tequilera Tasting With Different Flavors and a Calm Break
- Dust, Rain, and Comfort: What to Expect and What to Pack
- Price and Value: Is $103.50 Worth It?
- Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Might Pass)
- Should You Book Unique ATV Tours in Puerto Vallarta?
- FAQ
- How long is the ATV tour?
- How much does it cost?
- Is the tequila tasting included?
- What safety gear is provided?
- Is lunch included?
- Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
- Where is the meeting point?
- How big is the group?
- Do I need anything special for dust or the waterfall?
Key things to know before you go
- You’ll ride into the mountains fast: the tour starts with an on-road section before switching to dirt trail.
- Waterfall time is the main event: you stop at a waterfall with artesian-style pools and time to swim and take photos.
- Tequila tasting is included: you try different tequila flavors at a tequilera stop.
- Small-group feel: the tour caps at 25 travelers, so it stays manageable.
- Bring a face cover plan: face covers are available at the lobby, and it’s a lifesaver in dusty conditions.
Why This Puerto Vallarta ATV + Waterfall + Tequila Loop Works
This tour is a smart pick if you want your Puerto Vallarta day to feel active, outdoorsy, and a little off the beaten path. You’re trading the usual coastal stroll for jungle and mountain trails, with two payoff stops built in: a waterfall swimming break and a tequila tasting.
The timing matters too. At about 3 hours 30 minutes, you get a full experience without losing your whole day. If you’re juggling a beach day, a sunset dinner, or a day trip, this format is usually easier to fit than longer multi-stop tours.
That “three-part” structure is also the value. You’re not just paying for the ATV itself. You’re paying for the guide, the gear (helmet and goggles), the fuel, and two different kinds of breaks: one natural (waterfall/pools) and one cultural (tequila).
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Puerto Vallarta.
Meeting at Unique ATV Tours: The First Minutes Feel Like a Test Run
You meet at Unique ATV Tours on Río de La Plata 246, López Mateos, and the tour ends back at the same spot. There’s no hotel pickup, so plan on getting there on your own time.
The first stretch can feel like a mini reality check. One common theme in feedback is that the opening portion includes driving through the city before you reach the mountain trails. You’ll be sharing the road with cars, motorcycles, and pedestrians on rocky sections where traffic can feel unpredictable.
The good news: the guides are there for a reason. They provide safety instruction, keep an eye on the group, and will even help some riders feel more comfortable if they’re not confident at the start. In other words, the tour doesn’t expect you to magically be an expert on minute one.
ATV Riding Confidence: Manual vs Automatic and How Guides Help
This is an ATV tour, not a theme park ride. You’re driving yourself, and your comfort level will depend on a few things.
First, expect you may encounter different bike setups. One review noted that an ATV with manual transmission can feel easier if you already know motorcycle riding, while an automatic is better if you don’t. Since the tour data describes the ATVs as easy to use but doesn’t guarantee one transmission type for everyone, the practical move is to pay attention during the safety briefing and ask questions right away if you’re unsure.
Second, the guide-led instruction is a big deal. Riders praised the way guides checked in throughout the tour and adjusted support based on comfort levels. If you start tense, that early attention can save the day. You’re not just handed a helmet and left to figure it out.
Finally, remember the physical side: the tour lists a moderate fitness level requirement. That usually means you should be comfortable mounting/dismounting, handling some uneven ground, and staying alert on dirt trails. If you have mobility limits, you may want to think twice.
Stop 1: Waterfall and Artesian Pools (Where You Actually Get to Swim)
The first major stop is the waterfall area, with artesan-made pools and time to hang out. This isn’t just a quick photo stop. You get time to enjoy the views and cool off.
The scenery here is part of the payoff. People talk about being in front of the mountains and right next to the river area, which makes it feel like you’re far from the city even though you’re still in Puerto Vallarta region. And yes, swimming is part of the plan. Feedback also suggests bringing swimming clothes under your regular clothes, so you can change quickly.
Food is available in this area, but it’s not described as included. One rider pointed out that the mountain restaurant can be expensive, and that makes sense: you’re paying for location and convenience. So if you’re hungry, treat meals as an extra budget line.
Potential drawback at this stop: the moment you get in the water, you’ll understand why people talk about packing smart. A basic towel strategy and quick-change clothes help more than you’d think, especially if you’re riding afterward.
Stop 2: Tequilera Tasting With Different Flavors and a Calm Break
After the waterfall break, the tour heads to a tequilera stop where you try different tequila flavors. The tasting is included, and it’s built into the schedule rather than added as an upsell later.
This is also a good “reset” stop. One detail that stood out is the lack of cell reception during the tasting/shack-style break. That means it can feel calmer than the rest of your day—like you’re in a pocket away from notifications.
How to pace it: it’s a tasting, so you don’t want to treat it like you’re trying to finish a bottle. Take it slow, drink water, and save your full attention for the scenery and the drive back.
Also note what’s not included: alcoholic drinks beyond the tasting are available to purchase, but they aren’t part of the base price. If you’re hoping for a full drink package, you’ll need to plan on extra spending.
Dust, Rain, and Comfort: What to Expect and What to Pack
Here’s the most consistent theme: you will get dusty.
Dust shows up in two ways. You’ll notice it on your clothes and on your skin, and it can also be distracting if you’re not prepared. A practical tip from the tour experience: bring or buy a face cover. The lobby sells them, so you’re not stuck if you forget. But if you want to keep your day comfortable, plan on using one.
Rain is another variable. One family reported rain toward the end of the tour, and while that doesn’t mean it will happen to you, it’s a reminder that the weather can shift. If rain does come, expect dirt and water to turn into a messier (but still memorable) ride.
Packing list thoughts that match what this kind of day needs:
- Closed-toe shoes you don’t mind getting dirty
- A face cover (or cash/time to buy one at the lobby)
- A small towel and a dry bag if you’re swimming
- Sunglasses and sunscreen (you’ll be outdoors a lot)
- Spare clothes or a plastic bag for the dusty layer afterward
If you’re thinking you can just wear flip-flops and hope for the best: the ride isn’t a beach promenade. You’ll want footwear that can grip on uneven ground.
Price and Value: Is $103.50 Worth It?
At $103.50 per person, this tour sits in the “you’re paying for an experience, not just transport” category. The price includes:
- tequila tasting
- driver/guide
- helmet and goggles
- fuel surcharge
What’s not included:
- hotel pickup and drop-off
- lunch
- alcoholic drinks beyond the tasting
- souvenir photos (optional)
So the value comes from stacking multiple costs. If you did this day separately—ATV rental plus guide plus safety gear plus waterfall time plus a tequila tasting—you’d likely spend more. The ATV portion alone is already an activity cost, and the two built-in stops give you more than a single thrill moment.
You also get a relatively small group cap (max 25 travelers). That matters because bigger groups can lead to long waits and rushed stops, and here the structure is meant to keep timing smooth.
One reason people rate it well is the full “arc” of the day: drive, waterfall break, tequila tasting, then back. You’re not just checking one box.
Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Might Pass)
This tour is ideal for people who want a mix of outdoor activity and short stops with personality. It’s a good fit if you:
- want an active day with jungle/mountain scenery you can’t easily access by yourself
- like swimming at natural spots
- enjoy tequila tastings and learning a bit about the process through a casual setting
- feel comfortable following safety instructions and driving in a supervised environment
It may be less ideal if you:
- hate getting dirty and dusty (you’ll want a face cover either way)
- need hotel pickup or door-to-door convenience (you’ll meet at the office)
- have limited mobility and struggle with uneven terrain
If you’re traveling as a couple or friends, it also works well because you can ride together. One tip from feedback: if you’re both sharing one ATV, you may have more flexibility depending on how comfortable you feel with the ride setup.
Should You Book Unique ATV Tours in Puerto Vallarta?
I’d book this if you’re the type of traveler who likes your vacation days to have motion. The combination of ATV riding, a genuine waterfall/pool break, and a tequila tasting stop gives you a full itinerary rhythm without feeling overpacked.
Book it if you’re prepared for two realities: dust and self-driving. Bring the right gear (especially a face cover plan), arrive ready for the initial on-road section, and you’ll get the best of what this tour is designed to deliver.
Skip it if you want a quiet, low-impact day or you’re not comfortable with uneven dirt trails and getting messy. For everyone else, this is a strong value way to see Puerto Vallarta’s inland side in just half a day.
FAQ
How long is the ATV tour?
The tour lasts about 3 hours 30 minutes.
How much does it cost?
The price is $103.50 per person.
Is the tequila tasting included?
Yes. Tequila tasting is included, while alcoholic drinks beyond the tasting are available to purchase.
What safety gear is provided?
You get a helmet and goggles as part of the tour.
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch isn’t included, though food may be available for purchase at the mountain restaurant during the waterfall area stop.
Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and you’ll meet at the Unique ATV Tours location.
Where is the meeting point?
Unique ATV Tours is at Río de La Plata 246, López Mateos, 48330 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.
How big is the group?
The tour has a maximum of 25 travelers.
Do I need anything special for dust or the waterfall?
You should plan for dust and bring or buy a face cover (available at the lobby). For the waterfall stop, riders also suggest bringing swimming clothes under your clothes. Some previous riders also advise bringing your driver’s license and debit for potential damage-related procedures.
