Puerto Vallarta: RZR coast drive with Edén stop & tasting

Summary

Riding the coast, tasting tequila, and laughing in the dust

Buckle up for a day trip through Puerto Vallarta’s wild side: drive your own RZR along the coast, catch glimpses of Los Arcos National Park, stop at Edén for tequila tasting with locals, and swap stories with your guide. It’s messy, loud fun — one of those days you’ll remember whenever you smell salt air or hear an engine rumble.

What’s the experience like?

“Wait, is this really the gear shift?” I asked, half-laughing, as our guide Luis grinned and nodded. We’d just left Old Town Puerto Vallarta in these chunky RZRs — not what I usually drive back home. The air was thick with salt and something sweet from the street vendors nearby. Once we hit the edge of Banderas Bay, it was all wind and that low growl of engines. I kept glancing sideways at my friend — she had her hair tied up but still managed to get dust everywhere. There’s something about seeing the coastline from behind a helmet that makes you feel like you’re getting away with something.

Luis pointed out Los Arcos National Park as we rumbled past — those big stone arches just sitting out there in the water. He told us a story about fishermen and dolphins (I only caught half of it over the engine noise), but it stuck with me anyway. We stopped at Edén for a breather; my hands were buzzing from gripping the wheel so tight. The place smelled like wet leaves and grilled corn, which sounds weird but actually made me hungry. Someone handed around little cups for tequila tasting — honestly, I’m not much of a drinker, but it felt rude to say no. It burned in a good way.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much trying to pronounce “Mismaloya” (Li laughed when I tried to say it in Spanish — probably butchered it). The ride back was quieter; maybe everyone was tired or just soaking up the last bit of sun on their faces. My arms were sore by then, but I kept thinking about how different Puerto Vallarta looks when you’re not just walking along the malecón like everyone else. If you’ve got even a little sense of adventure (and can handle shifting gears), this day trip is worth every muddy minute.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dune Buggy Coastal Adventure

• Drive along coast and mountains in Puerto Vallarta
• View national park "Los Arcos" Mismaloya

Top questions

Do I need to know how to drive manual transmission for this tour?

Yes, if you want to drive a dune buggy; RZRs are fully automatic.

Is this Puerto Vallarta RZR tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, as long as drivers have experience with manual transmission (for dune buggies) or use automatic RZRs.

What is included in the day trip from Puerto Vallarta?

The tour includes approximately 24 miles of riding, tequila tasting, all safety equipment, and an English-speaking guide.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts about 3.5 hours.

Is pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; the tour starts from an office in Old Town Vallarta.

Are there any weight limits?

The maximum weight allowed is 450 lbs.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

What’s included

Your day includes roughly 24 miles (38 km) of riding through Puerto Vallarta’s coast and mountains in either a manual dune buggy or automatic RZR/Yamaha Viking (depending on what you choose), all safety equipment provided by friendly guides who speak English, plus a stop at Edén for tequila tasting before heading back to town.