REVIEW · PUERTO VALLARTA
Puerto Vallarta: Canopy River ATV, Waterfall, Tequila Tour
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Puerto Vallarta Net · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Dusty fun with big mountain views. This Puerto Vallarta adventure mixes ATV thrills with a waterfall swim stop in the Sierra Madre, plus a tequila tasting to cool down after the ride. I love how the route keeps moving through rugged terrain, and I also like that the guides stay focused on safety. One thing to consider: it can get very dusty, so plan for dirt on clothes and gear.
My favorite part is the change of pace. You go from engine noise and canyon views on the ATV to the calm, refreshing moment at El Salto, where you can actually get in the water. Then you wrap up with tequila tasting, which feels like the right reward after two hours of riding.
This tour is best for people who want active time outdoors. If you have a back or heart issue, or if you’re pregnant, this one isn’t set up for you.
In This Review
- Key Things To Know Before You Go
- Why This Puerto Vallarta ATV + Waterfall Day Feels Different
- Getting From Town to the Sierra Madre: Shuttle and Set-Up
- Two Hours of ATV Riding: Trails, Canyon Views, and Real Safety
- ATV limits you should check now
- El Salto Waterfall: Swim Time and Photo-Friendly Stops
- How to make the waterfall stop easier
- Tequila Tasting Session: A Calm Finish After the Ride
- Price and What You Actually Pay (Including the $10 Insurance)
- What to Pack: Wear This, Bring That, Skip the Headaches
- My quick clothing logic
- Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Should Skip It)
- Age and weight checks matter
- Guide Power: What Names Like Jennifer, Daniel, and Juancito Tell You
- Final Advice: Should You Book This ATV, Waterfall, and Tequila Tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the tour in total?
- Is the ATV ride really two hours?
- What do I need to bring?
- What is the extra $10 USD cost?
- What are the minimum ages and weight limits?
- Can I cancel for a refund?
Key Things To Know Before You Go

- Two-hour ATV riding block inside a 5-hour full tour day (shuttle and park time included).
- El Salto waterfall includes a swim opportunity when conditions allow.
- English- and Spanish-speaking guides with a strong safety focus.
- Tequila tasting is included after the active portion of the day.
- $10 USD per ATV collision insurance is charged separately and is non-refundable.
- You’ll want to bring swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes for the water and the dust.
Why This Puerto Vallarta ATV + Waterfall Day Feels Different

This isn’t a drive-by sightseeing day. You’re earning the views with an ATV ride through Sierra Madre terrain, guided by people who know how to manage a fun group day without turning it into chaos.
The mix is what makes it work. The waterfall stop gives you something visual and physical right away, and the tequila tasting gives you a slower, local-feeling finish without pretending you’re at a bar crawl.
Also, the guide names really stand out from recent experiences. I’ve seen names like Jennifer and Daniel, and I’ve heard how guide Juancito can turn the day into a genuinely memorable ride by keeping things clear and upbeat while staying safe.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Puerto Vallarta.
Getting From Town to the Sierra Madre: Shuttle and Set-Up

You meet at a location that can change depending on what option you booked, and you’ll be picked up by shuttle service from there. Expect the day to include travel time plus the time spent at the park before and after riding.
Before the ATV moves, you’ll get safety equipment and a briefing from the tour guides. That briefing matters because this is not a flat-track ride. You’re in rugged terrain with uneven surfaces, so you’ll want to know how to handle turns and how to follow your guide’s pacing.
You’ll also get a complimentary welcome drink when you arrive. It’s a small detail, but it helps you get settled before you gear up.
Two Hours of ATV Riding: Trails, Canyon Views, and Real Safety

The core of this tour is about two hours of ATV riding. That’s long enough to feel like you did something real, but short enough that you don’t turn into a tired, miserable passenger by the end.
During the ride, you’ll explore hidden trails deep in the Sierra Madre. The terrain is rugged, and the views can be dramatic, especially with canyon moments where you look down and see how the river cuts through the area.
What I like most is that the tour is clearly built around experienced guidance. People have called out guides as safe drivers and strong leaders, including Jennifer and Daniel in one recent experience. That means you can focus on enjoying the ride rather than worrying about what your next move should be.
One practical caution: this ride can be very dusty. I’d plan your clothing like you’re okay with getting grit on it. Wear stuff you don’t mind sacrificing, because the dirt is part of the experience.
ATV limits you should check now
- Minimum age to drive is 18.
- Extra passenger minimum age is 6.
- Maximum weight per ATV is 150 kg (330 lbs).
- Driver needs a valid driver’s license.
If you’re deciding between driving and riding as a passenger, choose based on comfort. Driving adds control and adrenaline. Passenger time can be more relaxing, but you’ll still deal with dust and movement.
El Salto Waterfall: Swim Time and Photo-Friendly Stops

After the ride, the tour centers on the standout feature: El Salto waterfall. The waterfall is the moment your camera wants to work harder. You’ll see it during the route, and the tour includes time at the falls where you have the chance to swim in refreshing water.
I like this stop because it gives you a reset. You go from dusty adrenaline to cool water, and that contrast makes the day feel complete instead of one long rush.
Timing can shift based on how busy it is. In a recent experience, guides offered extra time when things were less crowded, and they also helped with pictures at the falls. That’s helpful because not everyone wants to stop and wrestle a phone while standing near water and slippery rocks.
How to make the waterfall stop easier
Bring what you need so you’re not stuck. Swimwear and a towel are key, plus a change of clothes because you’ll likely be wet and then drying off in a dusty environment afterward.
Wear comfortable shoes. If you plan to swim, make sure your footwear is stable enough for moving around uneven areas.
Tequila Tasting Session: A Calm Finish After the Ride

The day isn’t only dirt and water. Included in the tour is a tequila tasting session, which helps balance the adrenaline with something more grounded.
I’m a fan of this kind of pacing. After two hours on an ATV, your body needs a break and your brain needs a change of focus. The tasting slot is a natural “downshift,” and it fits Mexico’s rhythm: you get activity, then you get something cultural and local.
The tour also includes friendly English-speaking guides, and the day runs in English and Spanish, so you can ask questions instead of just passively tasting.
Tequila tasting can mean different formats depending on the provider and time, but in this case it’s clearly part of the included experience. If you’re deciding on tours, this is a practical reason to pick this one over a pure ATV-only option.
Price and What You Actually Pay (Including the $10 Insurance)

The price listed is $168 per group up to 1, for a total tour time of about 5 hours. That can be good value if you compare what’s included versus piecing it together yourself.
Here’s what’s built into the tour:
- Shuttle service from the meeting point
- Friendly guides (English available)
- Welcome drink
- Safety equipment
- ATV ride
- Tequila tasting
Then there’s the separate extra cost: a $10 USD per ATV collision insurance charge. It’s non-refundable. I’d treat this like part of your “real” budget, not an optional add-on.
If you’re traveling with just one person and want both ATV + waterfall + tequila without arranging multiple activities, the bundle tends to make sense. If you’re extremely price-sensitive, the extra insurance fee is the one line item that can surprise people, so budget it up front.
What to Pack: Wear This, Bring That, Skip the Headaches

This tour has two realities: you’ll likely get wet at the waterfall, and you’ll almost certainly get dusty on the ATV ride. Pack for both.
Bring:
- Driver’s license (if you’re driving)
- Comfortable shoes
- Swimwear
- Change of clothes
- Towel
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable clothes
- Insect repellent
- Cash
That cash note matters. The tour data doesn’t specify what cash might be for, so assume you’ll want it for any small items you might want while you’re at the park.
My quick clothing logic
Wear long pants and a top you don’t mind getting dusty. Bring a hat if you’re sunscreen-resistant. If you tend to burn easily, treat sunscreen as mandatory, not optional.
When it comes to the water part: dry off after swimming and change into fresh clothes quickly if you can. It’s not about comfort alone. Being cold and wet in a breezy outdoor setting can make the rest of the day feel longer.
Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Should Skip It)

This is an adventure-focused day. You should book if you want active time outdoors, you’re comfortable riding an ATV, and you like the idea of a real nature stop rather than a short photo stop.
It’s also a solid pick if you enjoy guided experiences with clear structure. Guides have been praised for being safe drivers and for making the experience smooth, including help with photos at the falls.
You should skip it if you fall into any of these categories:
- Pregnant women
- People with back problems
- People with heart problems
Even if you feel “mostly fine,” these restrictions exist for a reason. ATV riding and uneven terrain can be physically demanding. Better to choose an activity that fits your body, not one that tests it.
Age and weight checks matter
- Drivers must be at least 18.
- Passengers must be at least 6.
- Maximum ATV weight is 150 kg (330 lbs).
If you’re traveling as a family, do the math early so you don’t end up with someone unable to participate once you arrive.
Guide Power: What Names Like Jennifer, Daniel, and Juancito Tell You

Good guiding shows up in the little things. People have highlighted Jennifer and Daniel for being amazing, knowledgeable, and safe drivers, and they also mention extra time at the falls when it wasn’t busy. Another experience praises guide Juancito for turning the day into something truly memorable by being engaged and keeping the ride fun.
You can use that as a real decision tool. If you want a day where safety and enjoyment are both taken seriously, this kind of guiding track record is exactly what you’re hoping for.
Final Advice: Should You Book This ATV, Waterfall, and Tequila Tour?
I’d book it if you want a single day that mixes three different moods: engine-powered exploration, a cool waterfall swim moment, and a tequila tasting that brings the day back to slower human scale.
I wouldn’t book it if you hate dust, you’re not comfortable with outdoor movement, or you’re in one of the “not suitable” health categories listed for pregnancy, back problems, or heart problems.
If you’re on the fence, make your decision with these three questions:
- Do I want real ATV time, not just a short ride?
- Am I okay packing for dust and water?
- Will the waterfall stop and tequila tasting sound like a good pair for my day?
If your answers are yes, this tour is built for exactly that kind of traveler.
FAQ
How long is the tour in total?
The experience lasts about 5 hours. The ATV time is about 2 hours, plus shuttle time and time spent at the park.
Is the ATV ride really two hours?
Yes. The tour information notes that the tour lasts 2 hours for the riding portion, with additional time for shuttle and park activities.
What do I need to bring?
Bring a driver’s license (if you will drive), comfortable shoes, swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable clothes, and cash.
What is the extra $10 USD cost?
There’s a charge of $10 USD per ATV for collision insurance. It’s non-refundable.
What are the minimum ages and weight limits?
To drive, you must be at least 18. Extra passengers must be at least 6. The maximum weight is 150 kg (330 lbs) per ATV.
Can I cancel for a refund?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

























