Puerto Vallarta: Sierra Madre ATV Tour & Riverside Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.94 (867 reviews) 96% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/21

Duration3h 30m

GroupUp to 9

LanguagesEN · ES

Mobile ticketAccepted

Ride ATVs through old Vallarta streets, mountain trails and riverside villages for a taste of real Jalisco

You’ll ride ATVs from Puerto Vallarta’s lively streets straight into quiet mountain villages and along river trails in the Sierra Madre. Expect laughter with your guide, a riverside lunch stop where you can relax or swim, and glimpses of daily life far from the tourist crowds. It’s dusty, real, sometimes bumpy — but that makes it stick with you.

3h 30m

Step-by-step itinerary

ATV ride through Puerto Vallarta and Sierra Madre

Ride along Malecon by the shore
Explore old town colonial Vallarta
Travel through back streets and villages
Stop for refreshment at Cantina
Stop at riverside restaurant for meal
Return to home base

The Experience

I didn’t expect to start our Sierra Madre ATV tour right in the middle of Puerto Vallarta’s old town — but there we were, helmets on, engines humming while locals strolled by with groceries or just gave us that half-smile. The Malecon was busy as usual, sculptures glinting in the sun, and honestly I felt a bit awkward at first, like we were too loud for this place. But our guide (Miguel) waved at a vendor he knew and suddenly it felt more normal. We followed him out of the city — you could smell tortillas somewhere nearby and then all at once we were off the main drag, bouncing along back streets lined with faded murals and laundry flapping overhead.

The switch from city to countryside happened fast. One minute you’re dodging taxis, next you’re riding past fields and tiny houses where kids waved (some tried to race us on their bikes — they won). The air changed too — less exhaust, more earth and river mud. When we hit the Cuale River trails it got quieter except for the sound of water and those engines. At one point Miguel stopped us at this little cantina I never would’ve found alone; cold soda in glass bottles, lime wedges on the counter. I tried to order in Spanish but mostly just made everyone laugh. That’s when it hit me how far from the touristy side of Puerto Vallarta we’d come.

The last stop was a restaurant right by the riverbank — nothing fancy but I still remember how good those tacos tasted after all that dust and sun. Some people went swimming (I chickened out; water looked cold). We sat under trees while Miguel told stories about growing up near here, pointing out birds I couldn’t name. Heading back down into town felt different than leaving it — like you’d seen something most people miss even though it’s so close. My arms were sore but my head was clearer somehow.

What’s included

Your day includes use of an ATV with helmet provided, guidance throughout by a local expert who knows these backroads well, all taxes and fees covered, plus complimentary photos and videos so you don’t have to worry about capturing every moment yourself.

Good to know

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

Operated by Estigo Tours