Private Tour: Puerto Vallarta ATV Adventure

This private ATV tour shows Puerto Vallarta from the saddle of a quad, with a route that suits you and your family rather than a fixed group schedule. The operator says you will see mountains, trails, rivers, waterfalls and virgin beaches. The listed duration is 180 minutes, although the operator also describes the tour length as flexible, since you choose how long to stay at each stop, so confirm your preferred timing when you book.

You meet the team at their shop 15 minutes before departure. There you fill out the waivers and hear where the group is going and what stops are planned. Helmets, bandanas and goggles are provided, and the guide explains the hand signals used to communicate while riding and how to operate the ATVs. The tour is designed for people without riding experience: you get an operating tutorial and a driving test before setting off.

The ride starts along Puerto Vallarta’s side streets, with views of downtown, then heads off-road on the trails of the Sierra Madre. Along the way you stop at a hidden bar in the mountains and cool off with a jump into the Río Cuale. On the way back into town, the guide shows you more streets and the route to the lighthouse, where you can look over the downtown area and the bay.

This is a good option for families and small groups, but note the age rules: the minimum age to drive is 16 with a driver’s permit, and passengers must be at least 6 years old. Each booking requires a minimum of 2 ATVs, single or double riders. The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers, for people with spinal injuries or for those with poor cardiovascular health.

Bring comfortable walking shoes, a swimsuit if you want to jump into the river, and bug spray. The tour operates in all weather, so dress accordingly. Cruise ship passengers must give the ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time when booking. The operator also mentions that you can take an Uber to the shop, and that community families from Ejido El Jorullo optionally ask for 3 USD per ATV to maintain the trails, so bring exact change if you want to contribute.

The private guide, ATV, helmet, goggles, face masks and fuel surcharges are included. Food, drinks, gratuities, hotel pickup and drop-off, and photos and videos are not.