It’s hard to write a post about ATV tours in Vallarta because as you’ll see if you’re looking to book one. There are a huge number of tours that go to quite a few different places and in combination with quite a few other activities.
So rather than writing about any individual tour I’ll give you a couple of thoughts on the general experience that might help you make your decision as to whether or not it’s something you want to make a part of your Puerto Vallarta trip.
We took the “Canopy Tours” ATV ride into the Sierra Madre mountains.
If you’ve ridden an ATV before you’ll know what to expect in that regard, but if you haven’t…
Riding an ATV is more like riding a one seater car with no roof than it is riding a motorbike. There’s no balance issues to worry about, the vehicle seems stuck to the road regardless of the ruggedness of the terrain, and the entire ride you can operate in one single gear without loss of acceleration or power.
Our tour started out winding our way from the top of the mountain to the bottom along 2 car width mountain trails. The terrain is always changing, taking you from trail, to water, to road, to sand and back. The tour guide leads the way and you’re mostly free to make your own speed, lagging as far behind him or as close to him as you choose, while he keeps a relaxed but watchful eye to make sure you haven’t fallen off any of the cliffs you’ve rounded on your journey.
Speed wise you’re able to hit about 50km/h if you really try but the most fun is had in sliding your way around corners, letting the bike attack seemingly treacherous bumps and rocks, and intentionally forcing your way over river crossings with an irresponsible amount of speed sending water flying into the air all over you and hopefully the person behind you if you’re lucky.
Along the way you’ll pass local farms and their menageries, a random goat or donkey here and there, and of course, breathtaking scenery in abundance.
The highlight of our ride was a stop at a long clearing that gave you a majestic view of the Sierra Madre against a blue cloudless sky. The mountains are calm as always, sharing with you for a moment that deliciously clear and crisp air they normally keep to themselves.
The tour you choose will dictate the sites you see, but all tours will offer something special so you’re unlikely to miss out on much regardless of which you opt for in the end.
Finally let me leave you with some tips for your Puerto Vallarta ATV experience.
- At the start of the tour they offer you goggles that are optional. Me, in my stubbornly tough and masculine ways declined the generous offer, being far too hardcore for this wimpy protective accessory. Half way through the tour, stopping periodically to wipe dust out of my eyes, I came to regret that decision. You can take your goggles on and off as you please and as the dust levels vary, but they’re surely good to have.
- Take water. Depending on the length of your tour it’s pretty likely, with all that dust spraying up into your face that you’ll be thirsty before long. You CAN ride an ATV with a backpack, so take advantage of that and keep yourself hydrated.
- Take your time. Your bike will be plenty fast enough to catch up to the group if you want to lag behind and take a little extra time to see one particular site for a while longer.
That’s about all I can tell you. ATV riding is a blast regardless of the tour you take and if you’re so inclined, a little adventure driven, you should be sure to include an ATV ride on your Vallarta itinerary. Canopy Tours are highly recommended!
If you do like adventures and want more fun un Vallarta, you might also want to book to go snorkelling at Los Arcos. You can also view more recommendations with my Mexico travel tips.
