Puerto Vallarta: ATV & Zip Line Jungle Adventure Combo

Summary

ATV trails, river crossings and zip lines in the Sierra Madre mountains

You’ll ride ATVs from Puerto Vallarta through riverside villages into the Sierra Madre mountains, then zip line above jungle treetops before a laid-back mule ride back up. Expect laughter with your local guide, unexpected art along the way, and moments you’ll want to replay long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way my hands felt gripping the ATV handlebars—dusty, a little sweaty (nerves maybe?), with that salty air from Puerto Vallarta’s coast mixing with exhaust. We’d barely started rolling when our guide, Luis, waved us down the Malecón. He pointed out these wild bronze sculptures along the boardwalk—one looked like a mermaid tangled in seaweed. I didn’t expect art on an ATV tour. Then we turned off toward the Cuale River, and suddenly it was all green: palms, vines, the kind of shade that smells like wet earth after rain even though it hadn’t rained in days.

Once we hit those mountain trails in the Sierra Madre, things got bumpy fast. There were chickens darting across dirt roads in little villages (one kid waved at us with two hands and nearly dropped his snack). The engine noise faded every time we stopped for water or just to stare at how high we’d climbed—honestly, I didn’t realize Puerto Vallarta was so close to this kind of wild. Luis kept checking if we were good; he laughed when I stalled out on a hill and then showed me how to lean into it. Felt more like riding with a friend than following a guide.

The zip line park came up out of nowhere—just jungle sounds and then suddenly harnesses clicking and people yelling overhead. My heart was pounding before I even stepped onto the first platform. The air up there is different—cooler somehow—and you can smell something sweet from the trees below (Luis said it’s some kind of local flower but I forgot the name). Flying over that canyon was… well, I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic back home. The mule ride after was slow and honestly kind of funny; my mule kept stopping to nibble leaves so we ended up last but nobody seemed to care.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — ATV ride and zip line adventure

• Check in and attend tutorials
• Drive ATV through Puerto Vallarta town
• Ride along the Malecon coast
• Follow River Cuale into Sierra Madre
• Off-road on mountain trails
• Arrive at zip-line park
• Zip line through jungle treetops
• Take 15-minute mule ride back

Top questions

How long does the Puerto Vallarta ATV & zip line combo tour take?

The full experience usually takes several hours including check-in, ATV riding through villages and mountains, zip lining at the park, and a mule ride back up.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No lunch is included; bring snacks or pesos for food along the way.

Are photos included on this tour?

Yes, complimentary photos and videos are provided for the ATV portion of the tour.

What should I bring for the ATV & zip line adventure?

Bring closed-toed shoes, sunscreen, bug spray, towels, Mexican pesos for souvenirs/snacks/tips.

Is there hotel pickup for this tour?

No hotel pickup is included; you need to arrive at check-in 15 minutes early.

Are there age or weight restrictions?

The minimum age is 6 years old; maximum combined weight on an ATV is 400 lbs (180 kg); max weight for zip line is 250 lbs (115 kg).

Can pregnant travelers join this activity?

No, pregnant travelers cannot participate due to safety reasons.

Do drivers need a license for this tour?

Yes, all drivers must have a valid driver’s license presented at check-in.

What’s included

Your day covers use of an ATV with helmet provided, all taxes and fees handled upfront, guidance from a local expert throughout both mountain trails and zip lines (plus some good stories), plus complimentary photos and videos from your ATV adventure before heading back down by mule through jungle paths.