Cancun & Riviera Maya: ATV, Ziplines, Cenote, Horseback & Tequila

Summary

Jungle adventure with ATVs ziplines cenote swim tequila tasting

You’ll race ATVs through tangled Mayan jungle, soar across ziplines high above green canopy, cool off in a deep limestone cenote, taste local tequila with new friends, and end on horseback under shifting light. Expect laughter, muddy shoes, and more than one story to bring home.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what the jungle smells like after rain? It’s kind of earthy but sweet — I noticed it right away when we hopped out of the van near Puerto Morelos. Our guide, Diego, grinned and handed me a helmet that still had a little sand on it from the last group (don’t worry, he wiped it off). He joked about how I’d probably scream on the first zipline. He wasn’t wrong.

We started with the ziplines — four in a row, each one a bit higher than I expected. The air up there is thick and warm; you can hear birds but also this weird silence that only happens above trees. My hands were shaking by the third platform, but Diego just shouted “¡Vamos!” and suddenly I was flying again. After that came these wobbly hanging bridges — my balance isn’t great so I kept grabbing at the ropes. Some local kids working there laughed and showed me how to walk sideways (it actually helps).

I thought the ATV ride would be easy but nope — those jungle trails are rough. Roots everywhere, rocks you don’t see until you’re bouncing over them. At one point we stopped because someone’s sunglasses flew off into a bush (they found them). The best part was this sudden burst of cool air when we got close to the cenote entrance — such a relief after all that sweat. The water in there is cold enough to make you gasp; I jumped in without thinking and my teeth hurt for a second but then it felt kind of perfect.

Lunch was simple: chicken fajitas and tortillas that tasted smoky from the grill. There was a tequila tasting too — I tried to say “salud” properly but pretty sure I butchered it; Diego just laughed and poured another round. Last thing was horseback riding through some quiet forest paths. The horses seemed half asleep but mine perked up when another group passed by singing something in Spanish. I still think about that view through the trees as we rode back toward the vans.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Adventure with ziplines, ATV, cenote

• Pickup at hotel in Cancun or Riviera Maya
• Travel to Mayan Jungle Rush
• Soar through trees on ziplines
• Cross hanging bridges in forest canopy
• Ride ATV on rugged jungle trails
• Cool off in cenote by ziplining or cliff-jumping
• Return to base for light snack
• Travel back to Cancun or Riviera Maya

Top questions

How long is the ATV ride in this tour?

The ATV ride lasts about 30 minutes through jungle trails.

Is hotel pickup included from Playa del Carmen?

Pickup from Playa del Carmen is available for an extra $10 USD per person.

What kind of lunch is provided?

A lunch of chicken fajitas is included after activities.

Are there weight limits for ziplining or horseback riding?

The weight limit for ziplines is 286 lbs (130 kg); for horseback riding it’s 264 lbs (120 kg).

Can you swim in the cenote during this tour?

Yes, swimming in a freshwater cenote is part of the experience.

Is this tour suitable for people with back problems?

No, it’s not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

How many ziplines are included?

The circuit includes four different ziplines plus hanging bridges.

Is there an age restriction for this adventure tour?

No specific age mentioned, but moderate physical fitness is required.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip hotel pickup from Cancun or Puerto Morelos (with optional pickup from Playa del Carmen), all entry fees for activities like four zipline circuits and hanging bridges, a 30-minute ATV ride through Mayan jungle trails, swimming time at a limestone cenote, horseback riding for half an hour, chicken fajitas lunch and tequila tasting before heading back in comfort.