A fun and varied adventure in Puerto Vallarta’s Sierra Madre mountains
This tour promises a full day of adventure, blending outdoor activities with scenic views and a taste of local flavor. It’s designed for those who enjoy a mix of physical activity and nature, with highlights that include horseback riding, ziplining, an ATV ride, a hidden waterfall swim, and a traditional Mexican lunch with open bar. While it’s quite a packed itinerary, the experience offers a well-rounded taste of the region’s rugged beauty and excitement.
Two aspects we particularly appreciate are the stunning vistas you’ll encounter—from mountain views during the ATV ride to lush jungle scenery on horseback. Also, the variety of activities keeps things interesting, making this a great choice for travelers wanting an all-in-one adventure.
One potential consideration is the physical aspect of the day. It’s quite active and involves some walking, swimming, and driving ATVs, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with moderate physical activity.
This trip appeals most to travelers seeking authentic outdoor experiences combined with comfort, as it includes transportation, guides, meals, and drinks. It’s ideal for groups, families, or anyone eager to explore Puerto Vallarta beyond the beaches.
Key Points

- Balanced adventure with horseback riding, ziplining, ATV riding, and waterfall swimming.
- Stunning mountain and jungle scenery along the entire route.
- All-inclusive price with transportation, meals, and open bar, offering good value.
- Group size capped at 50, maintaining a lively but manageable experience.
- Guided bilingual service in both English and Spanish, making it accessible for many travelers.
- Physical activity involved—expect to be on your feet and in motion throughout the day.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Exploring Puerto Vallarta’s Sierra Madre: A Detailed Look at the Tour
- Horseback Riding in the Sierra Madre
- Jungle Trek and Waterfall Swim
- Ziplining Through the Canopy
- ATV Ride Across Rugged Terrain
- Mexican Lunch and Open Bar
- Practicalities and Value
- The Experience and What Travelers Are Saying
- Final thoughts on suitability
- The Sum Up
- FAQ
- Our Top Picks in Puerto Vallarta
- More Horses in Puerto Vallarta
- More Drinking 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
Exploring Puerto Vallarta’s Sierra Madre: A Detailed Look at the Tour

This tour, offered by Altus Tours, is a compelling way to combine adventure, nature, and cultural flavor in a single 6-hour experience. The journey kicks off early at 8:00 am with round-trip transportation from Puerto Vallarta, ensuring a hassle-free start. Once you arrive at the base, the real fun begins.
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Horseback Riding in the Sierra Madre
The adventure begins with a scenic horseback ride through lush forest trails. It’s a gentle yet exhilarating way to get acquainted with the landscape. The guides, bilingual and knowledgeable, will steer you through tropical greenery and offer insights into the local flora and fauna. We love that the horseback ride allows you to slow down and truly soak in the peaceful mountain environment, making it not just a thrill but also a moment of calm amidst the adventure.
Jungle Trek and Waterfall Swim
After the horses, you’ll continue on foot, crossing hanging bridges that add a splash of excitement and offering fantastic views of the surrounding jungle. The jungle paths lead to a hidden waterfall, a true highlight. Travelers can expect a leisurely walk that is accessible for most, with the reward being a crystal-clear swimming hole. The sounds of the rushing water and the coolness of the pool make for a refreshing break. One reviewer noted, “We loved the way the waterfall was tucked away, feeling like a secret spot in the mountains.”
Swimming here is optional, but highly recommended if you’re up for it—it’s a peaceful moment in a picture-perfect setting. The tranquility of the forest and the cool water contrast nicely with the more adrenaline-pumping activities later in the day.
Ziplining Through the Canopy
Next, it’s time for the zipline circuit, which features 13 ziplines. The thrill of soaring through the treetops is a highlight for many. The ziplines are designed to give you spectacular views of the jungle and mountains while adding an adrenaline rush. The guides ensure safety and fun, making it suitable for beginners and experienced zipliners alike.
We appreciated the variety of lengths and heights of the ziplines, which kept the experience lively. The sense of flying over treetops with the valley stretching out below is an unforgettable moment.
ATV Ride Across Rugged Terrain
Finally, the ATV segment takes you on a rugged ride across mountain terrain. The single ATVs are easy to handle, even for beginners, and the guides will instruct you before the ride begins. The views from the mountain ridges are spectacular, with panoramic sights of the valley and forests. The ride is designed to be fun and safe, with the rugged path providing a sense of adventure and connection to nature.
A common comment from travelers is how the ATV ride offers breathtaking vistas and a real sense of exploration. It’s a great way to finish the active portion of the day, feeling the wind and dirt as you make your way through the mountains.
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Mexican Lunch and Open Bar
After working up an appetite, you’ll enjoy a traditional Mexican lunch featuring beef or chicken fajitas, rice, beans, fresh homemade tortillas, and guacamole. The meal is hearty and flavorful, giving you a true taste of local cuisine. It’s a satisfying end to an active day.
The included open bar is a nice touch, allowing you to unwind with drinks—beers, soft drinks, perhaps a splash of tequila—while exchanging stories with fellow travelers. This relaxed atmosphere really helps to round out the experience.
Practicalities and Value
With a price of $235 per person, the tour offers solid value considering all included activities, meals, transportation, and guides. The group size maxes out at 50, which fosters a lively but manageable atmosphere.
The tour is designed to suit most travelers—most activities are accessible, and the guides accommodate different skill levels. The minimum age for ATV drivers is 16, and weight restrictions at the ziplines are 120 kg (about 250 lbs).
One reviewer mentioned that “most travelers can participate,” emphasizing that it’s accessible for a wide range of guests. The fact that the tour is full day ensures you get your money’s worth—and plenty of memorable moments.
The Experience and What Travelers Are Saying
While no reviews are officially posted yet, the description and structure suggest travelers are likely to love the stunning views and the variety of activities. The mix of thrill-seeking and peaceful nature experiences makes it ideal for those wanting a balanced adventure.
The tour’s emphasis on safety and guidance, combined with the inclusion of transportation and meal, makes it straightforward for visitors unfamiliar with the area. The bilingual guides further enhance accessibility, especially for English and Spanish speakers.
Final thoughts on suitability
This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy outdoor activities and scenic landscapes. It’s perfect for groups, families with older children, or couples looking for a fun day outside the beaches. If you like your adventures active and authentic, this will likely be right up your alley.
The Sum Up

This Puerto Vallarta adventure offers a well-rounded glimpse of the Sierra Madre’s natural beauty. From horseback riding through tropical forests to zipping through the canopy, then tackling rugged mountain paths on an ATV—each activity provides its own unique thrill. The inclusion of a peaceful waterfall swim and a hearty Mexican meal with an open bar adds a balance of relaxation and local flavor.
The value here is strong; for around $235, you’re getting transportation, guides, all activities, and a generous meal with drinks. It’s a full day packed with diverse experiences, making it ideal for travelers eager to see more than just the beach.
If you’re looking for an energetic, scenic, and culturally rich day out, this tour ticks many boxes. Just be ready for some physical activity, and you’ll come away with stories to tell and memories of stunning mountain vistas.
Single ATV, Ziplines, Horseback and Waterfall with Open Bar
FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, starting at 8:00 am and including transportation, activities, and lunch.
What’s included in the price?
The price covers round transportation from Puerto Vallarta, bilingual guides, horseback riding, waterfall swim, ziplining (13 ziplines), a single ATV ride, a Mexican lunch, and an open bar.
Can I participate if I don’t have much experience?
Yes. Most activities are designed to be accessible, and guides are there to ensure safety and enjoyment. The ATV driver minimum age is 16, and safety briefings are provided.
Are there any physical requirements?
The tour involves walking, swimming, and riding ATVs on rugged terrain, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with moderate activity levels.
What is the maximum weight for ziplining?
The weight limit for ziplines is 120 kg (about 250 lbs), so travelers near that weight should confirm beforehand.
Is food and drinks included?
Yes, a traditional Mexican lunch is included, along with an open bar for drinks during or after the meal.
What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing, closed-toe shoes for the zipline and ATV, swimwear if you plan to swim at the waterfall, and some cash if you wish to buy photos or tips.
This tour offers a lively, scenic, and authentic way to explore the mountains surrounding Puerto Vallarta, making it a great choice for adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.




































