If you’re looking for an adventure packed with adrenaline, stunning scenery, and authentic Mexican charm, the Puerto Vallarta Canopy Tour might just be your perfect day out. This experience combines the thrill of ziplining through lush mountain jungles with a high-speed boat ride across the bay, all topped off with wildlife encounters, river swimming, and a taste of local tequila. And with a top rating of 4.8 out of 5 from over 50 reviews, it’s clear this tour is a hit with travelers seeking a memorable mix of excitement and natural beauty.
What we love most about this tour is the variety of activities — from soaring across 19 zip lines to relaxing in river pools — and the professional, safety-conscious guides who make every step feel secure and fun. Plus, the chance to interact with rescued animals and sample regional tequila adds a genuine local touch. However, the tour’s full experience includes some walking and stair climbing, which might be a consideration if you have mobility issues or certain health concerns. This adventure is best suited for active families, friends, or solo travelers craving a well-rounded outdoor escapade in Puerto Vallarta.
Key Points
- Multiple modes of transport including speedboat and jungle truck options cater to different comfort levels.
- 19 zip lines offer a range of heights and lengths, with the longest over 1,800 feet for thrill-seekers.
- Wildlife encounters at the Animal Sanctuary provide a chance to meet monkeys, toucans, and more.
- River swimming and water slides add a refreshing break in the middle of jungle adventure.
- Authentic Mexican experience with tequila tasting and regional cuisine.
- Highly trained guides prioritize safety while keeping the vibe lively and fun.
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Contents
- Key Points
- A Closer Look at the Tour Experience
- Starting Point and Transportation Options
- The Zipline Adventure
- Wildlife Encounters at the Animal Sanctuary
- River Fun and Refreshing Swims
- Culinary and Beverage Experiences
- Additional Activities and Optional Extras
- The Itinerary in Depth
- What Travelers Say
- Practical Details and Tips
- Who Will Love This Tour?
- The Sum Up
- FAQ
- Our Top Picks in Puerto Vallarta
- More Tours in Puerto Vallarta
- More Tour Reviews in Puerto Vallarta
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Puerto Vallarta we have recnetly reviewed
A Closer Look at the Tour Experience
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Puerto Vallarta.
Starting Point and Transportation Options
Your adventure kicks off with a flexible set of meeting points, including several options in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta. The choice between speedboat (Apex) or land transportation depends on your preferences and location. The speedboat option is a real highlight, especially for those staying at Nuevo Vallarta — we loved how smoothly and comfortably these boats glide across the water, reaching speeds up to 40 mph. As one reviewer put it, “The guide is quite the comedian and entertained us on the way, and on the return, we even stopped to watch whales — a bonus none of us expected.”
For those opting for the land route, open-air jungle trucks provide a scenic, if slower, ride that still offers a taste of local flavor and fresh air.
The Zipline Adventure
The core of this tour is, of course, the 19 zip lines, which are often highlighted as the main draw. Los Veranos Canopy claims to be the largest zipline system in the world, and with good reason: you’ll zip across thousands of feet of cable, soaring above the canopy, the river, and the mountains. The longest zipline, stretching more than 1,800 feet, is a true thrill, giving you a bird’s-eye view of the lush landscape below.
The guides emphasize safety, with top-of-the-line gear, clear instructions, and helpful assistance. They also walk you between some platforms, offering opportunities to admire the jungle from the ground, a change of perspective that many travelers appreciate. Several reviews point out how attentive the guides are: “They were so fun and helpful, making safety a priority while making sure we had a blast,” says one happy guest.
Wildlife Encounters at the Animal Sanctuary
One of the unexpected highlights is the Animal House, where rescued monkeys, toucans, macaws, boas, and iguanas are on display. This sanctuary offers a chance to interact with animals in a respectful setting—a genuine bonus for families or animal lovers. Several reviews mention how much they enjoyed holding monkeys or taking photos with toucans, making this a memorable part of the day.
More Great Tours NearbyRiver Fun and Refreshing Swims
After the adrenaline rush, you’ll have time to relax at the riverside. The tour includes access to natural river pools where you can swim or kayak (weather permitting). There are also water slides and water toys, perfect for cooling off and adding some playful fun. The river’s tranquil setting, with golden sand beaches, makes it an ideal spot to unwind after zipping through the treetops.
Culinary and Beverage Experiences
A lovely touch is the riverfront lunch at Los Veranos Café, where regional dishes and tropical drinks await. While not included in the base price, many guests find the extra cost worth it. During the meal, you can sample Los Veranos Tequila and Los Arcos Tequila — a unique highlight for those interested in Mexico’s iconic spirit. Multiple reviewers have praised the quality of the tequila tasting, emphasizing how well-crafted and flavorful the bottles are.
Additional Activities and Optional Extras
Beyond the main activities, there’s a chance for shopping, wine tasting, and exploring local crafts. The tour also includes a photo service, allowing you to purchase professional pictures of your ziplining adventure, a popular option among many travelers. Just be aware that photos can be costly ($40-$50), but many say they’re well worth capturing the moment.
The Itinerary in Depth
Your day typically begins with a pick-up at one of several locations, followed by a roughly one-hour transfer to the adventure site. Once there, you’ll be fitted with safety gear, receive a safety briefing, and start zipping through the jungle. The two-hour zipline session features a mix of high, fast, and scenic lines, with some hikers choosing to skip the highest ones if knees or health issues make it difficult.
After the zipping, there’s a photo stop, where guides help you capture the incredible views. Guests then have about an hour for free time, which includes swimming, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. The riverfront restaurant offers regional dishes, and your tour concludes with a scenic return trip—either by boat or land—before dropping you back at your original point.
What Travelers Say
Reviewers consistently mention the professionalism of the guides. Deborah, who traveled with grandparents and a child, appreciated how attentive everyone was, especially with safety and assistance. Jacqueline called it “worth every dollar,” noting the fun boat ride, breath-taking zip lines, and delicious lunch. She also highlighted the guides’ kindness and helpfulness, noting, “Luigi, Ramon, Eduardo, and Pepe made it a memorable experience.”
Many rave about the views, describing ziplining over mountains and rivers, and how the guides made everyone feel at ease, regardless of age. Natalia called it “the best ziplining experience” she’s had worldwide, while others mention the dolphin sightings from the boat as an unexpected bonus.
Practical Details and Tips
The cost of $118 per person seems reasonable considering the range of activities included. The price covers safety equipment, guides, and some transportation, making it good value for a full day of adventure.
Consider bringing comfortable shoes, swimwear, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Cash is recommended for tips, souvenirs, or optional extras like food and photos. The tour operates daily, with a typical 5-hour duration, usually in the morning.
For those with mobility issues, pregnant travelers, or people over 280 lbs, some activities like the ziplining or speedboat rides might be restricted. The land transportation option offers a more relaxed alternative, suitable for children under five or guests with health concerns.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This outing is perfect for adventure seekers who want to experience a variety of outdoor activities in one day. Families with kids over six will enjoy the mix of wildlife, ziplining, and river fun. Couples and groups of friends looking for a memorable, action-packed day would find it especially satisfying. However, if you prefer a more relaxed vacation or have mobility restrictions, some parts might be less suitable, so plan accordingly.
The Sum Up
The Puerto Vallarta Canopy Tour offers an engaging and diverse adventure that combines the thrill of ziplining with scenic boat rides, wildlife encounters, and river relaxation. It’s clear from countless reviews that the professional guides, stunning views, and authentic Mexican touches like tequila tasting make it a worthwhile experience for those craving a full day of outdoor fun.
While it’s not the cheapest activity, the price reflects the variety of activities and quality of the experience. For travelers who love a mix of adrenaline, nature, and local flavor, this tour hits the mark. It’s particularly well-suited for active families, adventurous couples, or solo travelers eager to explore Puerto Vallarta’s natural beauty in a lively, safe, and well-organized way.
If you’re after a day full of excitement, scenic beauty, and genuine encounters, this tour should be on your list. Just prepare for some walking and stair climbing, and you’ll be rewarded with one of the most memorable outings in the area.
Puerto Vallarta: Canopy Tour with Zipline and Speedboat Ride
“Guides were informative & funny. Truly enjoyable experience. Boat ride was smooth, ziplines were amazing & river was a nice way to end the day. My …”
FAQ
Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes round-trip transportation either by speedboat or jungle truck, depending on your choice. Different pick-up points are available to suit your location.
How long does the tour last?
The entire experience generally takes about 5 hours, with activities spread throughout that time. Morning tours are typically available.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, swimwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, and cash. Lockers are provided for your valuables.
Are there age restrictions?
Children over 6 are generally welcome. However, children under 5, pregnant women, and individuals with certain health issues or mobility limitations may not be able to participate in ziplining or boat rides.
What about safety?
Safety is a priority, with guides explaining the use of top-notch gear and safety protocols. The guides are highly trained and attentive.
Can I buy photos of my experience?
Yes, professional photographers sell pictures of your ziplining moments. Prices are around $40 to $50, which many guests find worth it to preserve their adventure.
Is the tequila tasting included?
The tequila tasting at the riverfront is part of the tour, and many reviews highlight the quality and enjoyment of sampling regional spirits.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
Food and drinks are not included in the base price, so it’s best to bring snacks or plan to purchase food at the riverfront restaurant if desired.
This tour offers a well-rounded, exciting glimpse into Puerto Vallarta’s natural and cultural appeal. It’s a solid choice for those ready to combine adrenaline and nature, with enough variety to keep everyone engaged.
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