Puerto Vallarta: Private ATV Tour with River Swim & Sierra Trails

Summary

Ride Puerto Vallarta’s wild trails, rivers and secret bars by ATV

You’ll ride ATVs through Puerto Vallarta’s lively streets and up into hidden mountain trails with a local guide who knows every turn. Cool off with a swim in Rio Cuale, relax at a tucked-away Sierra bar, and catch sweeping bay views from downtown—all with gear included. It’s more than just driving; it’s feeling part of this place for a day.

What’s the experience like?

“You sure you’ve never driven one before?” our guide grinned, handing me a helmet outside the little shop in Puerto Vallarta. I laughed, probably looked nervous—I mean, I’d only ever ridden a scooter once in Rome and that was chaos. But he was patient, showing us the hand signals and letting us practice on the quiet street before we took off. The air smelled faintly of dust and something sweet—maybe from the bakery next door. My hands were shaky on the throttle at first but honestly, it felt good to be out of my comfort zone for a change.

We zigzagged through town, past painted houses and kids waving from doorways, then suddenly we were climbing into the Sierra Madre. The city noise faded behind us; all I could hear was the engine and birds somewhere overhead. Our guide—Carlos—knew every twist in those trails. He stopped now and then to point out something small—a lizard sunning itself on a rock, or some wildflowers I’d have missed otherwise. At one point we pulled up at this tiny bar tucked into the trees (I still don’t know how anyone finds it). Cold Coke in hand, boots dusty, just sitting there while someone played music on their phone—it felt like we’d stumbled into another world.

I didn’t expect to actually jump into the Rio Cuale but after riding under that sun? No way was I missing it. Water cold enough to make you yelp but so clear you could see pebbles on the bottom. We dried off in patches of sunlight while Carlos told us about his family growing up nearby—he even teased me for my Spanish (“gringa accent,” he said, not unkindly). The ride back was quieter; maybe we were all tired or just letting it sink in. There was one last stop near an old lighthouse where you could see all of downtown and the bay stretching out below—honestly, I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Puerto Vallarta ATV adventure and sightseeing

• Meet at shop 15 minutes early
• Fill waivers and receive tour briefing
• Get helmets, bandanas, and goggles
• Learn hand signals and ATV operation
• Ride side streets with downtown views
• Offroad Sierra Madre trails
• Relax at hidden bar in Sierra
• Swim in Rio Cuale to cool down
• Ride back to town and find lighthouse
• Admire downtown and bay views

Top questions

Is prior ATV experience needed for this Puerto Vallarta tour?

No experience is required; guides provide an operation tutorial and drive test before starting.

How long does the private ATV tour last?

The duration is flexible—you can choose how much time to spend at each stop or riding.

What should I bring for the river swim during the ATV tour?

Bring a swimsuit if you want to jump into the river during your ride.

Are helmets and safety gear provided on this Puerto Vallarta ATV adventure?

Yes, helmets, goggles, bandanas, and face masks are included for your comfort and safety.

Is lunch included on this private ATV tour?

No lunch is included but there’s a stop at a local bar where you can purchase drinks or snacks.

Is pickup included or do I need to get to the shop myself?

No pickup is included; you meet at the shop but Uber is recommended for convenience.

Can children join this Puerto Vallarta ATV trip?

The minimum age is 16 years with permit to drive; passengers must be at least 6 years old.

Does this ATV tour operate in bad weather?

Yes, tours run rain or shine—dress appropriately for conditions.

What’s included

Your day includes use of an ATV with fuel covered, plus helmet, goggles, face mask and bandana for safety. A private local guide leads your group along flexible routes—you decide how long to linger at each spot or keep riding through Puerto Vallarta’s mountains and rivers before heading back downtown.