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Puerto Vallarta is one of the best resort towns in Mexico. Located on the west coast of Mexico sitting along the Pacific Ocean, this city is pure paradise.
I love packing my vacation full of adventurous activities. Vacations are a place to make memories and I have a ton of great memories in Puerto Vallarta. One of my favorites from this city is ATVing/Quading. All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) not only get your blood pumping (in the best way possible) but also allows you to see different parts of the city you’re visiting.
Going on an ATV or a UTV (Utility Terrain Vehicle) tour is one of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta. I’ve gone on a lot of ATV tours all around the world, and I can confidently say Puerto Vallarta was one of my favorite spots to go riding. The hills in Puerto Vallarta provide cooler weather, great dirt road trails, and lots of muddy sections to splash through.
But as you can imagine, there are a few different ATV tours in Puerto Vallarta to choose from – and all tours aren’t created equal! Below I’ll go into detail about the absolute best ATV tours in Puerto Vallarta, as well as provide some essential info that you need to know before you book.
Our TOP ATV Tour in Puerto Vallarta
It’s not often you hear people saying that they’ve crossed a bridge over the jungle in Mexico, but after going on this 5 to 6-hour ATV experience, you can! This tour is full of iconic and scenic stopping points, including the Jorullo Bridge, as well as the El Salto waterfall.
I had a real blast on this tour, and it’s my personal choice of the bunch! Tickets for this tour can be booked online here and range from $105 USD to $165 USD per person depending on the type of ATV or RZR and the number of riders.
About ATVing in Puerto Vallarta
One of my favorite tours in Puerto Vallarta is ATVing. While you may be worried about the heat of Mexico and spending the day outside, ATV tours in this area wind you up through the hillside to cooler climates that are ideal for being outdoors. Most of the tours on our list will have you riding through rivers or splashing in waterfalls to cool off. Plus, driving up the mountain delivers consistent beautiful views of the whole coastal area!
A Puerto Vallarta ATV tour will include everything you need to get on the ATV and start riding. This will include safety gear such as a helmet, goggles, a guide, and an orientation on how to drive the ATVs safely. You have to have a driver’s license in order to ride an ATV in Puerto Vallarta, but your standard driver’s license is enough. The tours on our list are great to choose from, even if you’ve never ridden on an ATV before.
All of these tours on our list include a tour guide that is experienced and knows the area well. They will take you through areas that they have hand-picked and are the best for ATVing. Knowing the terrain and the climate is important for your safety and peace of mind. Our guide was incredibly friendly and made it so that all we had to do was focus on the stunning terrain and the fun of the ride.
You’ll want to arrive at least 20 minutes early for your Mexican ATV tour. Make sure you read our tips on renting a car in Puerto Vallarta first if you plan to drive yourself!
Every ATV tour company should have a brief orientation about how to operate the ATV, what to look for along the route, and ask if you have any questions. These orientations are important no matter your skill level. You should feel 100% safe and comfortable before getting on an ATV no matter if it’s your first time, or you’re a pro.
Most ATV tours in Puerto Vallarta will be around 3 to 5 hours long and are usually classified as “half-day tours”. Most of the tours listed below will have a morning or afternoon riding option. This is ideal so you can plan your day around your tour.
My favorite ATV tours are combo tours that are packed with other activities. Some include zipline adventures, others include trips to waterfalls and rivers you can jump in and bridges you can drive over. Going off-roading down dirt paths often leads to the most exciting areas and takes you off the beaten path.
Related Read: While you’re here, you should be sure to check out the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta!
Are ATV tours in Puerto Vallarta safe?
Yes, ATV tours in Puerto Vallarta are safe. Every tour has a professional guide that will give you a rundown of how to operate the ATV as well as some training before you get on and ride your ATV.
Once you have the training, you are in full control of your rig. You can go as fast or slow as you want. All of these tours also have a local guide trained in the area that will navigate you around and ensure you don’t get lost.
ATVs are easy to learn and most of these tours are geared toward beginner riders. You should feel very safe riding your ATV through the dirt roads of Puerto Vallarta.
Related Read: For general safety info, check out our guide to safety in Puerto Vallarta!
6 Best ATV Tours in Puerto Vallarta
1. Xiutla Riders Ecoadventure
This $92 USD/$1780 MXN, 3-hour Puerto Vallarta ATV Adventure is one of the top ATV tours in Puerto Vallarta. You’ll be ATVing through the side streets of Puerto Vallarta and then onto the Sierra Madre’s trails. There are places to jump into the Rio Cuale river to cool off, and even a hidden bar to chill at.
You’ll meet just south of downtown Puerto Vallarta, and after you fill out some paperwork, you’ll get an orientation on how to use the ATV including hand signals. Once that is completed, the guide will go over the route with you and decide how long you want to spend at each stop.
This tour is a private tour meaning your group will be the only ones with your guide. There is a minimum of 2 ATVs per booking, either single or double riders. Everything is included like face masks, a helmet, goggles, the ATV, and fuel. You must be at least 16 years old with a driver’s license in order to drive the ATV.
2. ATV and RZR Jorullo Bridge Experience
If you’re looking for even more adrenalin, then this ATV and RZR Jorullo Bridge experience is the tour you’ll want to book. It includes crossing a HUGE bridge and is one of the most iconic things to do in Mexico.
This half-day (4-hour) tour will take you through the Mexican jungle, and explore the hills of Puerto Vallarta. You will get taken to El Salto waterfall, a hidden waterfall in the jungle that you can swim in to cool off. Swimming in this waterfall is a lot of fun so be sure to bring your bathing suit!
The best part of this trip is crossing the longest bridge in Latin America, Jorullo Bridge. This isn’t your typical bridge but instead a suspension bridge only a few feet wide that stretches over the jungle canopy. This will give you an aerial view of the forest below and is quite the thrill. In true Mexican fashion, the experience is ended with an optional tequila tasting.
There are different prices for different types of ATVs and amount of people riding. For $132 USD/$2683 MXN you’ll be able to ride an ATV by yourself, and $205 USD/$4150 MXN for up to 2 people on an ATV.
This tour also has vehicles called RZR which is a side-by-side. These vehicles hold up to 4 people and have a roll bar on top. The price is $290 USD/$5800 MXN for up to 2 guests on an RZR, and $360 USD/$7250 MXN for up to 4 people on one RZR. The minimum age for drivers is 18 years with a valid driver’s license while the minimum age for passengers is 6 years old.
Not included in this trip is the collision insurance. $10 USD/$197 MXN per ATV and $20 USD/$393 MXN per RZR. If you’d like access to the pool after your tour, that can be added to your experience for an additional $8 USD/$150 MXN per person.
3. Sierra Madre ATV Adventure
This ATV tour in Puerto Vallarta will take you into the jungle, along dirt roads, and through creeks. There are two trips available, a 3-hour and 4-hour tour, which can start in the morning or afternoon. You’ll meet at Estigo Tours by Playa Camarones in Puerto Vallarta.
The tour will start by driving through the old town of Vallarta, giving you a feeling of how this bustling town started. The paved streets will turn to dirt roads with rivers and creek crossings so be sure to pack accordingly. There are two stops on this tour. The first will be at a Cantina to grab some refreshments and the second to eat at a riverside restaurant – so be sure to bring some cash with you.
This tour is one of the cheapest ATV tours in Puerto Vallarta at just $77 USD/1506 MXN – so it’s a great activity for those on a stricter budget.
Drivers will need to present a valid driver’s license in order to ride the ATV. Passengers must be at least 6 years old. As this tour is through the jungle, I highly recommend packing bug spray and wearing sunscreen and closed-toed shoes.
4. Punta Mita and Sayulita UTV Adventure (from Puerto Vallarta)
This UTV tour in Punta Mita and Sayulita is one of the best day trips from Puerto Vallarta. The $400 USD/$8,079 MXN price includes transportation from Puerto Vallarta (or Nuevo Vallarta) to Punta Mita/Sayulita, a professional guide, helmet, UTV, and even a light snack and water.
You’ll start at Vallarta Adventures at 8 am and be driven out to Punta Mita. From here is when the fun begins! From Punta Mita you’ll drive to Sayulita in your UTV.
A UTV (Utility Terrain Vehicle) is larger than an ATV and can comfortably fit up to 4 people. With a roll cage on top, these are similar in style to a side by side complete with seatbelts and a more standard vehicle seat. These vehicles are more stable and have a steering wheel that is more familiar to newer drivers.
The best part is that this tour includes time to explore the small town of Sayulita. This small fishing village has a market where you will find craft stalls and some food stalls. There are tons of amazing restaurants in Sayulita, so it’s perfect that this tour allows time to stop for lunch here before driving back to Punta Mita in your UTV.
Jungle dirt roads will be how you get to this town so be prepared to get dusty, dirty, and wet as there are a few places that have puddles and river crossings. Don’t worry, this tour includes goggles so you can see what’s in front of you no matter how dirty you get!
The minimum age for this tour is 8 years old, and it’s recommended that you wear jeans and comfortable close-toed walking shoes. If you’re wanting to drive, be sure to bring your valid driver’s license and be at least 18 years of age. Not included in the price is a non-refundable $25 USD/$491 MXN insurance fee for each UTV that must be paid at the start of the tour.
Related Read: If you love Sayulita why not consider staying there? Check out our guide on where to stay in Sayulita!
5. ATV-Zip Line Combo Adventure
If you’re looking for even more adrenalin and adventure, you’ll want to check out this half-day ATV and Zip-Line Combo Adventure. This tour costs $130 USD/$2,632 MXN per person and includes time on ATVs and will have you ziplining through the jungle! You should plan for this tour to be around 4 hours long and include everything you need from a guide to helmets. One of my favorite parts of this trip is that they include photos and videos in the price so you will be left with both memories and photos.
You’ll meet at Estigo Tours in Puerto Vallarta in the morning and end at the same place in the afternoon. The friendly staff will get you set up and comfortable with the ATV before you head out on the open trails.
The ATV tour heads through Puerto Vallarta and then southeast through the Sierra Madre mountains down the River Cuale. You should expect to get muddy and wet as there are a few places to cross creeks. Bring your bathing suit as there are secret places to swim along the way. You’ll ride your ATVs up the mountain range, enjoying the view until you reach the zipline course.
The zip line course has 8 cable ziplines that you’ll ride from treetop to treetop. This means you’ll not only get to experience the adrenaline-pumping zipline but also get spectacular views of the mountains. The ziplines will take you on a series of swings down the mountain. The interesting part is after you complete the zipline course you’ll jump on the back of a mule to take you back to the top of the course where your ATV is.
Make sure you get here at least 15 minutes before your tour starts to check in as the tour leaves at the start time. The minimum age for this tour is 6 years old for passengers and all drivers must present a valid driver’s license.
6. El Eden ATV Adventure
This ATV Adventure tour in Puerto Vallarta costs $123 USD/$2,370 MXN and includes a half-day (4 hours) ATV tour from Puerto Vallarta to El Eden. What I love about this ATV tour is that it is a completely customizable private tour just for your group. There is a minimum of 2 ATVs per booking so you will want to make sure you are going with others.
Edenva Parque Ecoturistico is where the famous movie Predator, from the Alien Vs. Predator movie series was filmed. This area also has some beautiful waterfalls and a river where you can jump in and explore. If you get hungry or thirsty there is a place to get some snacks, a hammock to relax in, and zip lines you can jump on. Do note that this trip is completely customizable and snacks and ziplines are not included in the price so be sure to bring some extra cash.
The meeting spot will be 6 blocks from the boardwalk in the morning (9 am) or later in the afternoon. You can even get them to pick you up and drop you off from your Puerto Vallarta hotel. You have the option to stop at Malecon Boardwalk, Los Arcos de Mismaloya, Edenva Parque Ecoturistico, and Boca de Tomatlan Beach for photos.
The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old with a valid driver’s license. You can work with the tour company to fully customize your experience based on what you want to do. You can choose how many stops you want to have and include activities such as swimming in rivers, exploring famous jungles and a small fishing town.
What’s our Favorite ATV Tour in Puerto Vallarta?
While all of the ATV tours we listed are great, we do have our favorites! Typically we love a good combo tour as I feel you get a lot more value for your money. Tours that include jumping in waterfalls, ziplining or other cool noteworthy things are my favorite kind of experiences.
The ATV and RZR Jorullo Bridge Experience a clear favorite of mine. Driving across the Jorullo Bridge, a suspension bridge only a few feet wider than your ATV, was a thrilling experience. I was quite nervous in the beginning but driving on top of the forest with the jungle treetops below you was an experience I will never forget. This tour also includes a stop at the El Salto waterfall where you can jump in and go for a swim.
The Sierra Madre ATV adventure tour is another of our favorite tours. This tour is affordable, which I love, but also takes you on a good tour blazing down dirt roads and through river beds. The guides were awesome and made the experience very fun, you could tell they love what they do and want to share their fun with you. It was easy to get to and included everything we needed to jump on the quads and ride.
Related Read: One of our favorite experiences in Puerto Vallarta was the Rhythms of the Night Show – read all about our experience!
Other Activities to do While You’re in Puerto Vallarta
There’s a good reason why Dan and I keep coming back to Puerto Vallarta – not only are the ATV tours a ton of fun, but there are so many other fun things to see.
From strolling down the Malecon (boardwalk) to seeing sea creatures up close under the water, there’s no shortage of things to fill up your itinerary! Here are a few of our personal favorite things to do in Puerto Vallarta:
- Enjoy a swashbuckling show on a pirate ship – Ahoy landlubbers! Ever wanted to live out your dream of being a pirate, sailing across the seven seas? Or maybe you’ve got a little one who is swinging around their imaginary cutlass like a pro? This pirate ship cruise includes a dinner fit for a pirate king with cannons, fireworks, and all kinds of jolly entertainment to boot!
- Explore underwater – While there’s plenty to do on land, it’s like a whole new world beneath the waves! If you can, snorkeling or scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta is a must. This scuba diving tour is jam-packed with caves and more tropical fish than you can count. Or to stay closer to the surface, this snorkeling cruise visits the beautiful Marietas Islands.
- Visit the Rhythms of the Night Show – When it comes to the best dinner shows in Puerto Vallarta, the Rhythms of the Night Show is a tough one to beat! It takes place on a secluded island with incredible dancing, acrobatics, music, and, of course, the food is amazing too. You also get to enjoy a beautiful catamaran cruise to and from the island! You can book your ticket online here.
- Walk the Puerto Vallarta Malecon – The boardwalk here is absolutely full of amazing museums, some of the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta, and more shops than you can count! This is a great spot to pick up some souvenirs for the folks back home, have a go at making your own chocolate, or simply enjoy a drink at Señor Frog’s!
- Go whale watching – Going whale watching in Puerto Vallarta is a pretty popular activity (and a favorite of mine!). Not only is it one of the best places to see humpback whales, but you might even see grey or blue whales too. This 4-hour whale-watching tour is ideal for those on a budget but is also capped at just 12 passengers per tour!
Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta
There are TONS of great hotels in Puerto Vallarta – no matter your budget or preferences. From luxurious budget resorts to cozy boutique hotels, deciding where to stay in Puerto Vallarta is super exciting, so I thought I’d share some of my favorite spots with you!
Oasis Hostel – $
Who said you couldn’t live the dream on a budget? The Oasis Hostel offers both dorms and private rooms, which all have air conditioning with traditional Mexican decor. It’s around 5 km (3 mi) to get downtown, but that’s really easy with a taxi, or you can also rent a bike straight from the hostel.
Rooms here are super affordable, starting at just $19 USD including breakfast! Whether you’re backpacking through Puerto Vallarta or prefer to spend your money on experiences over accommodation, this is a great choice. You can book your space on either Hostelworld or Booking.com.
Posada de Roger – $
Another superb budget choice is the Hotel Posada de Roger that’s right in the heart of the Romantic Zone. All rooms here have AC, and they even have an outdoor pool that gets tons of sun. If you fancy making up some packed lunches, they also have a shared kitchen which is free for guests to use. No wonder it’s our go-to place to stay in Puerto Vallarta!
A one-night stay here at Posada de Roger starts at $64 USD per night, but it is pretty popular, so I’d recommend making your reservation in advance on Booking.com. You can always cancel the stay for free if you change your mind, so it’s a win-win!
Amapas Apartments Puerto Vallarta – $$
The Amapas Apartments in Puerto Vallarta are a series of adult-only, self-contained apartments, located in my favorite area of town – the Romantic Zone. It’s really close to the beach, restaurants, as well as tons of shopping and nightlife options. They even have a pool, with all rooms being air-conditioned too!
With one and two-bedroom apartments available, a stay here typically starts around $96 USD per night, which I think is a great deal considering the size of the apartment and its location! This is another really popular spot though, so don’t forget to book your stay online in advance.
Hilton Vallarta Riviera – $$$
Of course, there are plenty of higher-end options available too! The Hilton Vallarta Riviera is one of the best resorts in town – it’s all-inclusive and adults-only, so you’re free to have plenty of peaceful downtime. They also have a late-night club with a DJ, tennis court, and gym – plus the reviews really speak for themselves!
Rooms here at the Hilton Vallarta Riviera average around $350-500 USD per night, but you can often get a good deal (on the lower end of that range) if you book in advance.
Note: For more options, you can also browse all the hotels in Puerto Vallarta here!
Renting a Car in Mexico
Undoubtedly, one of the best ways to get around Mexico is in a rental car.
I struggled to get around by bus and taxi for the longest time. But after renting a car in Cancun in 2019, I never looked back. It allowed me to explore the country without worrying about tours or taxis. It was why I fell in love with Mexico and eventually decided to live here periodically.
I refuse to use local services whenever I rent a car in Mexico. The truth is they sometimes can’t be trusted or come with hidden fees (or costly insurance that doesn’t make sense.) There are even rental car scams! So instead, I use Discover Cars, the company most experienced travelers or ex-pats in Mexico recommend.
The rates on Discover Cars are cheap, too, with the average rental costing around $25 USD per day. Full coverage insurance can be added for an extra $10 USD a day too.
Driving in Mexico also only requires a driver’s license using the Roman alphabet. If yours uses another like Japan and China, you simply need an international driving permit.
Insurance is required, but if you book with Discover Cars and get the full coverage, that’s all you need! Oh, and being over 18 is required, and if you’re over 25, your rental will be much cheaper!
Travel Insurance is more important than ever right now!
If you’re traveling during these uncertain times, be sure that you have travel insurance!
SafetyWing is our go-to insurance when we are going on longer trips. They offer travel medical insurance that’s super affordable (only $45 USD per 4 weeks!) and even have coverage in case you get that dreaded c-word. The only thing to note is that the insurance must be purchased once you’ve left your home country – we typically buy it as soon as we land at the airport.
We’ve personally used SafetyWing for many different trips, and we’ve been reimbursed for countless expenses when we’ve fallen ill. SafetyWing even covered our flights back to Canada in full when the pandemic first happened (when last-minute flights before the borders closed were super expensive!)
It’s safe to say that travel insurance has saved us thousands over the years!
Thanks for reading!
One of my favorite things about our trip to Puerto Vallarta was our ATV tour. I will forever remember climbing the hills, swimming in the rivers, and cruising down the dirt roads. For adrenaline junkies like me, I cannot recommend doing an ATV tour in Puerto Vallarta more.
I hope this blog has helped you choose the right Puerto Vallarta ATV tour for you! If you enjoyed this blog, be sure to check out our other Mexico blogs including a few favorites below: