Dusty ATV trails and zipline lines over the trees? That’s the vibe in the Sierra Madre near Las Palmas, a break from Puerto Vallarta crowds with ATV + zipline as the main event. I also like that the day is built like an all-inclusive adventure: you get a tequila tasting and a real meal, not just snacks on the run.

My second favorite part is the food setup. You’ll have homemade Mexican lunch with tortillas made by hand, plus salsas and a proper mix of sope, chicken, beef, beans, and rice. It feels local and it actually refuels you before the zipline portion.

One thing to plan around: it can get dusty on the ATV. Sunglasses help a lot, and closed-toe shoes are smart because you’ll want grip and comfort for the later walking between platforms.

Key things to know before you go

• ATV + zipline in one ticket so you’re not piecing together two separate tours
• Las Palmas countryside feel that shifts you away from the usual Puerto Vallarta scene
• Tequila tasting included (with flavors like almond, coffee, and pineapple)
• Lunch is part of the day and it’s cooked on-site, not a boxed meal
• Plan for dust and some rough-feeling gear areas—bring the right eye and foot protection

ATV and zipline in the Sierra Madre near Las Palmas

This Sierra Madre ATV and zipline tour is all about getting outside and up. You’ll head toward the tropical rainforest region and the village area of Las Palmas, where the day starts grounded and ends with a view from above—flying between trees and crossing over the rivers below.

What makes it work is the pacing. You’re not just riding in a straight line. The ATV portion mixes countryside and river-town scenes, so the day feels like travel through a real area. Then the zipline segment flips the perspective: harnesses on, safety instructions delivered, and you’re trading dust for height.

And yes, there’s tequila. You’ll do a tasting on-site, which gives the experience more character than a quick stop at a gift shop.

The 8:15 am start and how the 5-hour day flows

The tour starts at 8:15 am and you meet at OXXO (Esq. Carretera Barra De Navidad, Púlpito 242, Zona Romántica, Amapas, 48399 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico). Your day ends back at the meeting point.

Expect it to run about 5 hours. The schedule itself is built around two active blocks: the ATV ride and the zipline ride, with food in the middle. There’s also a setup period where you’ll get equipped—helmets, handkerchiefs, and later zipline harness gear—plus time for restrooms and brief transitions.

If you’re the type who hates being rushed, don’t plan to spend the morning relaxing with coffee. This tour moves, but it doesn’t feel chaotic. It feels like they’ve done this flow a lot and they want you strapped in and riding.

From helmets to brand-new ATVs: what the ride feels like

When you arrive at Rancho Capomo, you’ll typically do the first stretch of the day on-site: restrooms, quick refreshment area time, and then outfit time. Riders are given helmets and handkerchiefs for the ATV portion, which matters because the trails can kick up a lot of dust.

Then you’re on the ATVs—single or double—and the ride takes about an hour (or a bit more). The route includes riding through town and out into the countryside, plus passing by local river areas and neighboring farms/ranches. It’s the kind of mix that keeps it interesting even if you’ve done ATVs before.

A couple practical details I’d copy from real-world experience:

• If you’re behind another ATV, dust can really hit your eyes. Wear sunglasses.
• You’ll want clothing you don’t mind getting dusty, because the trail is dry-season rough in a very literal way.
• The ATVs are described as brand new, which helps. Newer machines tend to run smoother when you’re climbing, turning, and staying steady on uneven ground.

You’ll return to the ranch, use the restrooms again, and then shift to zipline equipment and harness instructions. After that, you’re ready for the sky part.

Zipline over trees and rivers: enjoy it, then check the small stuff

The zipline portion is the main “wow” moment for most people. Once you’re in harnesses, you’ll move through the platform system and fly above the rainforest and waterways below.

You do get instructions before you start, and there’s also a useful built-in option: you can call it quits mid-experience and head back to the bar/outdoor dining area if you decide you don’t want to finish. That’s good to know if you’re going with anyone who tends to be cautious once they’re actually strapped in.

Here are the considerations that can make or break your comfort:

• Dust and dryness are real. After the ATV, your feet and hands can feel dry, so you’ll appreciate gloves or anything that gives grip.
• Some zipline platforms may look a bit rough during maintenance windows. One experience included platforms being worked on while participants were stepping onto them, so watch your step and keep an eye out for anything sharp.
• If you do all the ziplines, the last segments may require a mini hike between platforms. Closed shoes help. Hiking boots are best if you have them, but athletic shoes can work if you’re stable.
• The handlebars can feel like bare metal. If your hands get clammy in the sun, consider bringing something for grip. Weight-lifting gloves are the most obvious solution.

The upside? When it’s working smoothly, the views from above the rivers and treetops are exactly why this tour earns such strong marks.

Lunch and tequila tasting: why this part matters

One of the smartest parts of this tour is that lunch is built into the day rather than tacked on. After the ATV ride and before ziplining (or just around that transition window), you’ll head to the outdoor dining area for a shared meal.

The lunch is described as homemade Mexican food and it’s a full plate, not a small snack:

• tortillas and salsas (two kinds)
• sope
• chicken, beef, beans, and rice

Then there are drinks. You’ll get a national drink included, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic options are available. Many people end up feeling happiest about the timing here: you’re fueled before you go airborne again.

Next comes the tequila tasting. The flavors you might encounter include almond, coffee, and pineapple. It’s not just tequila-water-and-a-shot. It gives you a sense of how the ranch makes its own in-house version (also described as tied to agave grown on-site). Even if you’re not a big tequila fan, it’s a fun palate switch in the middle of an active day.

If you care about hydration and comfort, plan to drink water too, not just margaritas or tequila-based drinks. The sun and dust can sneak up fast.

Transfers, van comfort, and group size reality

You’ll be picked up and dropped off from designated meeting points, and the tour is capped at 25 travelers, which is a manageable size for getting equipment, moving between stations, and staying on schedule.

Most people think “transfer” is just transportation. Here, it can affect how you start the day.

• The vehicle is described as air-conditioned, which helps a lot in Puerto Vallarta heat.
• If you end up in the rear of the van, there’s been an odor reported by some riders, while people in the front/middle didn’t notice it.
• The van may have fixed windows. In at least one experience, only the front passenger near the driver had access to fresh air from the outside.

So if you can choose seats, go for front or middle. It’s a small thing, but it can change your comfort level before you’re about to put on a helmet and hit dusty trails.

Also, communication matters. If you’re coming with a group or need tweaks to pickup, WhatsApp-style messaging worked well in one case. It’s worth saving a way to message the provider quickly if plans change.

Price and value: is $150 worth it?

At $150 per person for about five hours, the value comes from the mix: ATV + zipline + lunch + national drinks + tequila tasting + equipment + guide + transfers.

Here’s what you’re really paying for:

• Two adrenaline activities in the same day instead of paying for separate tours
• On-site meals and drinks that keep you from hunting for food afterward
• Tequila tasting that adds cultural flavor without turning into a detour
• Professional guiding and equipment, which is part of safety and convenience

The only add-on you might want is photo content. There’s mention of souvenir photos available for purchase, but you should assume you’ll mostly rely on your own phone for videos and pictures. There isn’t a theme-park style camera system covering everything automatically.

If you’re the type who already loves ATVs and ziplining, this price looks fair. If you only want one of the two activities, you might feel like the other portion is extra cost. But if you’re visiting Puerto Vallarta and want a day that feels like you got out into the real Sierra Madre, this is one of the better-packaged ways to do it.

Small surprises and practical tips that save the day

A few details help you plan your kit and expectations:

• Bring sunglasses. Dust from the ATV portion can be intense for riders behind others.
• Wear closed-toe shoes. You’ll step on and off platforms and there can be mini hiking at the end if you do all the ziplines.
• Consider grip support. If handlebars feel slick to you, gloves can help.
• Plan for lockers, not a full luggage solution. Lockers are available, but you may need your own lock. If you’re carrying a phone, small cash, and a layer, you’ll likely be fine.
• Don’t count on free photos. There may be group photo moments, but footage/pictures are described as coming from your own devices.
• A quick readiness note: getting helmet straps adjusted and gear on can feel a little fast. You’ll do better if you arrive on time and keep your coordination steady.

Also, if you’re sensitive to dust, you’ll enjoy the experience more if you treat it like an outdoor dirt sport: protect eyes, cover skin where you can, and don’t wear your softest light-colored outfit.

Who should book this ATV and zipline tour

This is a great match if you want:

• a day outdoors with two different thrills (ATVs on land, zipline above)
• a tour that includes lunch and drinks so your afternoon isn’t a scramble
• an experience that takes you toward Las Palmas and the Sierra Madre, not just a city ride

It might be less ideal if:

• you hate dust and don’t want to wear sunglasses and covered shoes
• you’re uneasy with platforms and safety gear setup that happens quickly
• you prefer a slow, scenic day with minimal walking between stations

Also, most people can participate, and the tour allows service animals. Still, you should judge it based on your comfort with harnessing up and moving between platforms.

Should you book? My take

I’d book this if you’re visiting Puerto Vallarta and want a real change of scenery within one half-day. The ATV ride gives you that countryside motion, and the zipline gives you the higher reward—views over trees and rivers—plus you don’t have to organize food or tequila stops separately.

Skip it or choose another option if dust and active walking stress you out. The experience can involve rougher platform moments and dust-heavy trails, so bring the right gear and keep your expectations practical.

If you’re well-prepared, you’ll have a fun, busy day that actually feels like an adventure, not a sightseeing checkbox.

FAQ

How long is the Sierra Madre ATV and Zipline tour?

The tour runs about 5 hours.

What time does the tour start, and where do I meet?

The start time is 8:15 am, and you meet at OXXO Esq. Carretera Barra De Navidad, Púlpito 242, Zona Romántica, Amapas, 48399 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.

What’s included in the price?

The price includes lunch (Mexican food) and a national drink, air-conditioned vehicle, all necessary equipment, pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points, a professional guide, and tequila tasting.

What food and drinks are included?

You get lunch with Mexican dishes and you’ll have alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available. A national drink is included as part of the experience, and tequila tasting is also included.

Are souvenir photos included?

No. Souvenir photos are available to purchase, but they’re not included.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

Do I need to bring a lock for the lockers?

Lockers are available, but you need to bring your own lock.

What’s the cancellation policy if I need to change plans?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded. The tour also requires good weather; if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.