ATV riding in Puerto Vallarta: Sierra Madre trails and waterfall

You operate the quad bike instead of watching from a seat

ATV riding in Puerto Vallarta's Sierra Madre takes you on a 3-hour off-road route through mountain trails, creek crossings and small villages, with stops at a panoramic viewpoint, a waterfall for swimming, and a working ranch where you learn to make tortillas and taste tequila. A professional guide in English or Spanish rides with you; helmet, goggles and protective gear are provided. Minimum driving age is 16 with a valid permit; children from age 6 can ride double on one quad bike with an adult.

Step-by-step itinerary

ATV tour with waterfall and tasting

• Receive safety talk and gear
• Drive ATV through mountain trails
• Stop at coyote viewpoint
• Continue driving to waterfall
• Swim at waterfall
• Visit Rancho Mi Abuelo for meal
• Learn tortilla making
• Enjoy tequila tasting
• Return to base camp

The Experience

The Dirty Monkey Tour starts at the base camp with a safety briefing and gear check — you get a helmet, goggles and sheepskin seat cover, then mount your assigned quad bike. The guide leads you out onto mountain trails and terrace roads, handling the pace and route while you focus on operating the bike. The first major stop is the Coyote viewpoint, where you pause to photograph the Sierra Madre and hear about the region from your guide.

From there you ride for roughly 90 minutes toward Agua Zarca, passing through viewpoints and small local villages on the way. The landscape shifts between open terrain and tighter sections where you'll cross creeks and splash through water. You arrive at a natural waterfall with crystal-clear pools where you can swim and cool off. This is the turning point of the ride — after time in the water, you head to Rancho Mi Abuelo, a working ranch where the day takes a different shape.

At the ranch you learn to make fresh tortillas by hand, then taste several varieties of tequila while sitting in what the operator calls one of Puerto Vallarta's best settings for it. Breakfast or lunch is available to order separately. The ride back to base camp takes about 15 minutes without stops. You'll need to arrive 10 minutes early to register, and a valid driver's license or permit is required to operate a quad bike solo.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English or Spanish.
• helmet, goggles and protective sheepskin seat cover.
• first aid kit.
• fuel surcharge.
• waterfall swimming stop.
• tequila tasting and tortilla-making lesson at Rancho Mi Abuelo.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Dirty Monkey Atv Adventure

Is this one for you?Choose the double quad bike if you want to ride together with a partner, or pick the single quad if you prefer to operate your own bike solo. The UTV options suit riders who want a larger vehicle with more seating; the quad bikes are lighter and more nimble on the mountain trails and creek crossings.

Traveler reviews

4.93★★★★★★★★★★

1,044 verified traveler reviews

5 ★1,000

4 ★25

3 ★8

2 ★8

1 ★3

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can I ride an ATV in Puerto Vallarta if I've never done it before?

Yes. The Dirty Monkey Tour includes a safety talk and gear setup at the base before you ride, and your guide stays with you throughout the route to ensure a safe experience. Suitable for all fitness levels; you just need a valid driver's license or permit if you're 16 or older and riding solo.

What happens at the waterfall stop on this ATV ride?

You arrive at a natural waterfall with crystal-clear pools where you can swim and soak. It's a rest point in the middle of the ride, so you have time to cool off in the water before heading to the ranch for the next part of the day.

Is the tequila tasting and tortilla-making included in the ATV ride price?

The tequila tasting and tortilla-making lesson at Rancho Mi Abuelo are included. Food and drinks at the ranch are paid separately at the time you order them.

How long does the ATV riding in Puerto Vallarta actually take?

The Dirty Monkey Tour runs 3 hours total. You ride for roughly 90 minutes toward the waterfall, stop to swim, then continue to the ranch for tequila and tortillas before a 15-minute return to base camp.

What's the difference between the quad bike and UTV options on this tour?

You can choose a single quad bike (for one rider), a double quad bike (two riders sharing one bike), or a Razer or 4-seat UTV. The route and stops are the same; the vehicle choice depends on whether you're riding solo, with a partner, or prefer a larger side-by-side vehicle.

Do I need a driver's license to ride an ATV in Puerto Vallarta?

Yes, if you're 16 or older and riding solo, you must present a valid driver's license or permit. Children from age 6 can ride double on one quad bike with an adult, who must sign a waiver of responsibility.