Sierra Madre ATV Tour and Zipline

The best part of this Puerto Vallarta outing is the change of scene. Within about an hour, you leave the hotel zone behind and reach Rancho Capomo near Las Palmas, where the day shifts from beach-town sightseeing to dusty roads, forest, horses, agave plants, and river country. The ATV ride and zipline course give you two very different ways to see the Sierra Madre.

I like the all-in-one format: transport, equipment, lunch, drinks, and tequila tasting are bundled into the $150 price. I also like the generous meal, with handmade tortillas, salsas, chicken, beef, beans, rice, and sopes. The main drawback is that the ATV ride can be very dusty, while some zipline platforms have needed maintenance, so sturdy shoes, sunglasses, and a bit of caution matter.

Key points to know

• A full half-day beyond Puerto Vallarta: Plan on about five hours, with roughly 70 to 80 minutes of driving from central Puerto Vallarta to the ranch.
• New single and double ATVs: You ride through town, beside farms and ranches, and near the local river.
• Ziplining with some walking: The final two or three lines require a short uphill hike to reach the next platform.
• A substantial Mexican lunch: Expect handmade tortillas, two salsas, sope, meat, beans, rice, and your choice of alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks.
• Tequila from the ranch: The property grows its own agave and offers specialty tequila flavors such as almond, coffee, and pineapple.
• Bring eye protection and grip: Dusty roads call for sunglasses, and the metal zipline handlebars can feel slick in hot weather.

Leaving Puerto Vallarta for Las Palmas

The tour begins at 8:15 am at the OXXO on the corner of Carretera Barra de Navidad and Púlpito in the Zona Romántica. The exact meeting point matters because this is not a hotel-door pickup by default. You should allow enough time to reach the OXXO before departure.

From there, an air-conditioned vehicle carries you toward Rancho Capomo and the village of Las Palmas. The drive can take about 70 to 80 minutes from a Puerto Vallarta hotel, depending on your starting point and traffic. That is a real chunk of the day, but it also explains why the tour feels removed from the coastal resort strip.

Transportation is included from designated meeting points. Direct hotel pickup may be arranged in some cases, but do not assume it is automatic. A large group once arranged an extra hotel pickup for $25, so confirm the details before the morning of the tour. WhatsApp appears to be the most dependable way to reach the operator, since email and platform messages did not receive a quick reply in one booking experience.

The van is air-conditioned and can hold around 15 or 16 people. The windows are fixed except for the front passenger window, so you will not have much access to outside air. One practical note: an odor was noticed in the rear of the van, while the middle and front seats were more comfortable. If you are sensitive to smells or motion, try to sit closer to the front.

Rancho Capomo and the Pre-Ride Setup

Once you reach the ranch, you can use the restrooms and have refreshments at the bar area before the activities begin. The setting has more character than a simple equipment yard. Horses are kept on the property, and the ranch grows agave for its own tequila production.

You are outfitted with a helmet and handkerchief for the ATV portion. The handkerchief helps with dust, but you should still bring sunglasses. In the dry season, the ATV convoy can throw up a thick cloud, especially if you are following another vehicle. Sunglasses protect your eyes and make the ride much more comfortable.

The ATVs include both single and double machines, and the equipment has been described as new. That is useful for beginners and mixed groups, since you can choose to ride alone or share a vehicle. The start can feel rushed, though. Be ready to adjust your helmet strap and cover your face quickly, since photos may be taken almost as soon as you are mounted.

The tour has a maximum of 25 people. Your group may be split into smaller activity groups, which can make the ranch feel fairly relaxed instead of crowded. At least one large group found that each portion of the day felt almost private because groups were doing different activities at different times.

An ATV Ride Through Town, Farms, and River Country

The ATV ride lasts about an hour, possibly a little longer. It is not just a short practice loop at the ranch. You ride through the nearby town and into the countryside, passing neighboring farms and ranches and reaching the area around a local river.

That mix is the reason to choose this excursion over a basic off-road circuit. You get a look at daily rural life as well as the rougher roads and natural surroundings. The ride is active but not described as extreme, making it a good fit for people who want a little engine power without committing to an all-day expedition.

The tradeoff is dust. If you ride behind another ATV, keep your sunglasses on and expect your clothes, shoes, and face covering to get dirty. This is not the time for your best beach outfit. Closed-toe athletic shoes are the sensible choice, and you may want to bring a change of clothes if you plan to go out afterward.

You will likely use the restrooms again after returning to the ranch. That is a small but useful part of the rhythm here: ride, cool down, clean up, then change into the harness for the next activity.

Ziplining Above the Sierra Madre

After the ATV portion, staff fit you with a harness, helmet, and handlebars. The zipline course moves through the trees and across views of the rainforest and river areas. The attraction is not just speed. You get a high view of the wooded setting that is hard to see from the road.

Instructions are given before each line, and the staff are described as friendly and helpful, with most speaking English. That support matters if you have never used a zipline. Listen closely to braking and landing directions, and do not let the relaxed ranch atmosphere make you hurry through the safety steps.

The course has a useful escape option. On some sections, you can decide you have had enough and return to the bar or outdoor dining area instead of completing every line. That makes the activity more manageable for mixed groups, including people who like the idea of ziplining but are unsure about the full course.

If you complete all the lines, the last two or three require a short hike between platforms. The walk is not presented as a major trek, but it can be uneven and exposed to heat. Hiking boots are ideal. Standard athletic shoes can work, too, as long as they have a dependable sole.

There are a few cautions worth taking seriously. Some platforms were undergoing maintenance during one visit, with splinters and rusty metal reported near the walking areas. Inspect where you place your hands and feet, and follow staff directions instead of rushing onto a platform.

The handlebars are completely metal and may feel slippery if your palms get sweaty. You can wipe your hands before each line, or bring weight-lifting gloves or another pair of gloves with a firm grip. That small bit of preparation can make the ride feel more secure.

Tequila, Handmade Tortillas, and a Proper Lunch

Food is one of the strongest parts of the package. After the zipline, you return your helmet, harness, and handlebars, then sit down in the outdoor dining area. The meal includes tortillas made by hand, two types of salsa, sope, chicken, beef, beans, and rice.

This is more satisfying than a quick snack between activities. You get a real Mexican lunch, and you can watch the women in the kitchen preparing the food. The meal gives the day a local, home-style touch and helps restore your energy after sun, dust, and physical activity.

Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included. The margaritas have been especially popular, but you can choose what suits you. Remember that you may still be warm and dehydrated after the ride, so drink water before ordering alcohol.

Tequila tasting takes place before ziplining and during lunch. The ranch grows its own agave and produces specialty flavors including almond, coffee, and pineapple. These flavored tequilas offer something different from a standard straight tasting, though you should pace yourself because the active parts of the tour are not finished until after the zipline.

Hammocks are available for a short rest after eating. It is a welcome pause before the return drive, especially if you have spent the morning in the sun.

Photos, Lockers, and What to Pack

Souvenir photos are not included in the price. More importantly, you should not expect a theme-park-style camera system taking automatic shots on every line. The photos and videos captured during one outing came from personal phones.

If you want pictures, ask your group to designate one person to keep a phone accessible at safe moments. Do not carry loose items on the ATV or zipline unless staff specifically permit them. The ranch has lockers, but you need to bring your own lock. Without one, belongings may be placed in an unlocked locker, which is not ideal even if the property feels quiet.

Pack light and dress for dust and heat. I would bring:

• Sunglasses for the ATV ride
• Closed-toe athletic shoes or hiking shoes
• A shirt and shorts or pants you do not mind getting dirty
• A small amount of water and personal essentials
• Gloves with grip if your hands sweat easily on metal handlebars
• A lock for the locker
• A phone for photos, used only when it is safe

Service animals are allowed, and most people can take part. The tour is offered in English. Since this is a physical outing with vehicles, harnesses, hiking, heat, and dust, it is best suited to people who are comfortable with active outdoor activities.

Is the $150 Price Fair?

At $150 per person, this is not the cheapest Puerto Vallarta activity. The price makes more sense when you count what is included: air-conditioned transportation, a professional guide, ATV equipment, zipline equipment, lunch, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, tequila tasting, and return transport to the meeting point.

You are also paying for variety. A separate ATV outing may give you more time on the road, while a separate zipline visit may offer a larger course. This package gives you both in one day, plus a meal and tasting. For a group that wants an easy plan with no need to arrange several activities, that convenience has real value.

The value is weaker if your priority is a quiet nature visit or a polished luxury experience. The ride is dusty, the drive takes time, some setup can feel hurried, and the zipline platforms may show wear. You should book this for the mix of action, food, and rural atmosphere, not for flawless resort-style service.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the 8:15 am start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. The activity depends on good weather, and a weather cancellation brings the option of another date or a full refund.

Who Should Book the Sierra Madre ATV and Zipline Tour?

I would choose this tour for an active couple, a group of friends, a bachelorette party, or a family with older children who want several experiences in one outing. It works especially well when some people want ATVs and others want a zipline option, since sections of the course can be skipped.

You should book it if you like the idea of getting beyond Puerto Vallarta, do not mind a long van ride, and want lunch and drinks handled for you. The new ATVs, friendly staff, strong meal, and tequila tasting make the day feel generous.

I would hesitate if dust bothers you, you dislike fixed-window vans, or you need carefully maintained platforms and a highly polished operation. Also think twice if you want to photograph every moment, since there is no clear automatic photo system and lockers require your own lock.

For most active visitors, the package earns its 4.6 rating and 90 percent recommendation by giving you a lot to do in five hours. Pack sunglasses, sturdy shoes, and patience for the rough edges, and you will get a lively day in the Sierra Madre with more local flavor than a standard resort excursion.

FAQ

Where does the Sierra Madre ATV and Zipline Tour start?

The tour starts at 8:15 am at the OXXO at the corner of Carretera Barra de Navidad and Púlpito 242 in Zona Romántica, Amapas, Puerto Vallarta.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the original meeting point.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately five hours, not counting any extra time needed to reach the meeting point.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points and an air-conditioned vehicle are included.

Is hotel pickup included?

The standard details specify designated meeting-point pickup. Direct hotel pickup may be arranged separately, so confirm this with the operator before the tour.

What food is included?

Lunch includes handmade tortillas, two salsas, sope, chicken, beef, beans, and rice.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included, along with a national drink.

Is tequila tasting part of the tour?

Yes. Tequila tasting is included, with specialty flavors such as almond, coffee, and pineapple.

Are photos included?

No. Souvenir photos are not included, though photos may be available to purchase. You should not assume an automatic camera system will photograph every activity.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded or accepted. If poor weather cancels the tour, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.