Puerto Vallarta jungle: zip line tour with river swim

Summary

Sweaty palms, treetop laughs & the rush of flying in Vallarta

Experience real jungle zip lining near Puerto Vallarta with a friendly local guide and eleven thrilling platforms. Walk through lush forest, fly above treetops, then relax by a cool mountain stream before heading back. It’s an adventure you’ll feel in your bones long after you’ve left Mexico.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t look down — unless you want to see how far you’ll fly!” That’s what our guide, Diego, grinned as he clipped us onto the first cable up in the Puerto Vallarta mountains. I could smell sunscreen and something sweet from the trees (Diego said it was guava blossom). My hands were already sticky from the humidity and nerves, but everyone was joking around, even the older couple from Guadalajara who’d never tried zip lining before. The walk to the first platform wasn’t long — maybe ten minutes? — just enough for my heart to start thumping for reasons other than climbing uphill.

The first jump is always the hardest, right? I remember hearing my own shout echo through the jungle as I zipped out over a tangle of green. It’s loud at first — wind in your ears, pulleys squealing — but then there’s this weird silence mid-air where all you hear is birds and your own breath. Eleven platforms in total, each one a little faster or higher than the last. Diego kept pointing out things: “That’s a parota tree,” or “Look left for iguanas.” Sometimes he’d say something in Spanish and laugh when we tried to repeat it back. I definitely butchered “arbol gigante.”

By the last line, my arms were tired but I didn’t really want it to end. You land right by this open-air restaurant where people are eating grilled fish and tortillas (not included, but honestly tempting after all that adrenaline). Some folks went straight for cold beers; I just wanted water and to dunk my feet in the river nearby. The stream is shallow and clear — felt good on sweaty ankles. We sat there for a while, not talking much, just letting everything slow down again before heading back to town. I still think about that view from halfway across the cables — sky above, green below, nothing else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Zip Line Canopy Jungle Adventure

• Zip line through treetop platforms
• Enjoy scenery and river dip

Top questions

How long does the Puerto Vallarta zip line tour take?

The total duration is about 5 hours including transportation; zip lining itself lasts 1.5–2 hours.

Is lunch included on this jungle canopy adventure?

No, meals at the restaurant are not included in the price.

What’s included with booking this zip line tour?

The tour includes transportation from a meeting point, water, and all necessary zip line equipment like helmet and bandana.

Can children join this Puerto Vallarta zip line activity?

The minimum age is 5 years old to participate.

Is there a weight limit for participants?

Yes, maximum weight allowed is 240 lbs (110 kg).

Are there health restrictions for this activity?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues; moderate fitness is needed.

Where does the tour start and end?

You’ll be picked up at a meeting point in Puerto Vallarta and return there after finishing at the park.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from a central meeting point in Puerto Vallarta, water throughout the adventure, plus use of all required safety gear like helmets and bandanas before returning to town after your time on the ziplines and by the river.