Expect mud and speed in Puerto Vallarta’s jungle. This all-terrain UTV safari pairs Polaris RZR instruction with rough-track riding, then adds a hike to a waterfall and a dip at a remote swim-hole.

I like how this tour mixes adrenaline with real nature time. You’ll get hands-on guidance for driving a Polaris RZR, and you also get downtime for a hike, plus complimentary snacks and purified water.

One drawback to plan for: the day can get very wet and dirty. If you hate mud, this probably isn’t your style.

Key things to know before you go

• Polaris RZR training from an experienced instructor before you hit the trail
• Streams and jungle paths are part of the experience, so expect wet terrain
• A real hike and a waterfall stop, not just a quick photo break
• Remote swim-hole time for cooling off during the adventure
• Small-group feel with a maximum of 24 travelers
• Time back at the base to wander and enjoy snacks and local food options

UTV Through Puerto Vallarta’s Backcountry: What You’re Really Booking

This is not a tame, paved “ride around” excursion. It’s a proper off-road day: you’ll drive a Polaris RZR UTV over rough jungle paths, cross streams, and move through terrain that feels more like the mountains than a resort outing. The appeal is simple—you get to do the driving, then you slow down for the hike and swim stops.

The tour also feels grounded in real outdoor work. You’re not just dropped at a viewpoint. You’re with a professional guide and an instructor who focus on how to handle the vehicle safely on uneven ground.

Most of all, it’s structured like an all-day experience: action first, then nature time. And when you return to base, there’s typically time to settle back in (plus the chance to buy extras on-site, depending on what’s offered that day).

Price and Value: $399 Per Group Can Be a Sweet Deal

The price is $399.00 per group (up to 4). That matters, because the math changes a lot depending on how many people are in your booking.

• If you fill the group with 4 people, you’re effectively paying about $99.75 per person (before add-ons).
• If it’s just 2 people, you’re closer to $199.50 per person.
• If it’s only 1 driver (and a passenger), it can feel pricier, so sharing with friends or family is where the value pops.

Then there’s the insurance fee payable at check-in: $50.00 per booking, covering up to $400 USD for any damage/collision to the UTV. It’s not free—but compared to the risk of an off-road mishap, it’s a fairly standard setup for this type of activity.

One more small value note: you’re getting UTV + helmet + purified water + a light snack, plus a professional guide. If you’ve ever paid for tours where the “included” part is basically nothing, this is more complete.

Meeting Points and Getting There Without Stress

This tour starts and ends at the meeting point. The main start location listed is Vallarta Adventures | Marina Vallarta, at Mástil 13, Marina Vallarta, 48335 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. There’s also a meeting location in Nuevo Vallarta.

Here’s the practical part: the tour instructions say you must contact Vallarta Adventures right after booking to confirm the pickup location on your booking. Do that soon, even the same day if you can, so you don’t show up to the wrong area.

Also keep in mind:

• It’s near public transportation.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off is not included.
• Some groups report a long bus ride time getting to the area and back, so plan your day around that travel piece.

If you’re the type who likes everything close by, this isn’t that. If you’re okay with a longer ride in exchange for real jungle time, you’ll likely enjoy the payoff.

The Polaris RZR UTV Ride: Training, Safety, and Real Mud

The main event is driving a Polaris RZR UTV through off-road terrain. Before you go out, you’ll learn how to maneuver the vehicle with an experienced instructor. That training is key because the day isn’t just “drive in a line.” You’re dealing with uneven ground, speed adjustments, and wet surfaces from streams.

A big theme from guide praise is safety with real energy. People mention that the guides keep safety and enjoyment in balance—so you’re not just thrown onto a throttle with zero coaching.

What you should expect from the ride:

• Rough jungle paths and uneven tracks
• Streams you’ll barrel through (so wet is not optional)
• Plenty of opportunity for mud splatter

This is why what you wear matters so much. If you bring clothes you care about, you’re going to regret it. If you treat it like a full-on adventure day, you’ll have a much better time.

Hike to a Waterfall and Time at a Remote Swim-Hole

After the UTV portion, the day shifts gears. You’ll enjoy a hike and then reach a waterfall area. The hike is a big part of why this tour feels more like a nature day than a vehicle-only experience.

One of the best values here is that you don’t just stop at the waterfall for a quick look and leave. You’re part of the flow of the day: riding, hiking, and then cooling off.

You also get a dip at a remote swim-hole. That’s a smart break after off-road driving, especially in the Puerto Vallarta heat. Bring swimwear and expect to actually use it.

Fitness note: the tour calls for moderate physical fitness. Minimum age is 8 years, but physical comfort is still important because you’ll be walking as part of the experience.

Guides Who Make the Day Feel Local

This is the kind of tour where the guide can change your whole impression. Many people praise guides by name—like Tommy, plus guides including Emiliano, Omar, Andrea, Manuel, and Guna. You might not meet all of them, but you can safely expect a team that knows the trails and takes safety seriously.

The best guide moments, based on what’s shared, are usually small and practical:

• Real explanations on the trail (plants and animals are mentioned)
• A kept-along pace that works for safety
• Friendly energy with clear instruction

If you’re hoping to learn something while you’re getting muddy, this is one of those tours where that can happen naturally.

Snacks, Base Time, and Optional Food Finds

The tour includes a light snack and purified water, which helps you stay comfortable when you’re working up a sweat. You’re also set up for a bit of downtime after you return to base.

A common perk is time back at the ranch area, where you can wander and see animals. People also mention opportunities to buy food and drinks on-site—like large quesadillas and margaritas—so you can top off your energy after the ride and hike.

One caution: photo packages exist, and at least one review flagged that the pictures can be expensive. If you care about photos, bring your own camera or phone in a waterproof bag, since you will get wet and dirty.

What to Wear and Bring So You Enjoy the Wet Parts

This tour is outdoors with mud and water. So your clothing strategy should be simple: dress for getting messy.

The tour recommends:

• Sporty pants or shorts
• Comfortable, sporty shoes
• Swimsuit
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Money for souvenirs

My practical advice: avoid light colors. Anything you don’t want to come home muddy should stay in your hotel bag. Also, consider bringing a small dry bag or waterproof pouch for your phone and any money you’ll want to access during breaks.

If you want a smoother day, bring a plan for changing clothes afterward. Dry clothes can turn the last hour from “ugh” into “I can’t believe we did that.”

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Hate It)

This is ideal if you want a hands-on adventure day in Puerto Vallarta that feels real—speed, streams, rough tracks, and a guided nature stop.

It’s a strong match for:

• Families with kids old enough for the minimum age and hike demands
• Couples or friends who want to split the group cost up to 4
• People who like guided outdoor time more than shopping or sitting

It’s probably not the best fit if:

• You hate getting dirty (mud and wet terrain are part of the deal)
• You want a low-movement, easy walking plan
• You’re expecting a calm, controlled ride with minimal risk or mess

Also important: passengers arriving on a cruise ship cannot book this tour. If that’s your situation, you’ll need a different excursion option.

Should You Book All Terrain Safari – UTV Tour Puerto Vallarta?

Book it if your idea of a good Mexico day includes driving through jungle tracks, then earning a waterfall break. The combination of UTV instruction + a guided hike + swim-hole time is what makes the day feel worth it, even with a long travel component.

Don’t book it if you’re hoping for clean photos, a dry ride, or a gentle pace. This tour is for people who are okay with wet clothes and mud.

If you’re still deciding, do this quick check:

• Can your group share the $399 cost for up to 4 people?
• Are you okay wearing clothes you don’t mind getting wrecked?
• Can you handle moderate walking on a hike?

If you said yes to those, this is the kind of tour that tends to leave people smiling and muddy.

FAQ

How much does the All Terrain Safari UTV tour cost?

The price is $399.00 per group, up to 4 people.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 6 hours 30 minutes.

Where do I meet for the tour?

The tour starts at Vallarta Adventures | Marina Vallarta, Mástil 13, Marina Vallarta, 48335 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. There is also a meeting location in Nuevo Vallarta, and you should contact Vallarta Adventures immediately after booking to confirm your pickup location.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What’s included in the tour?

Included items are a professional guide, use of a UTV and helmet, light snack, and purified water.

Can children ride, and how old do you have to be to drive?

The minimum age is 8 years. The minimum age to drive is 18 years, and the UTV driver must present a valid driver’s license.

Is there an insurance fee?

Yes. An insurance fee is payable at check-in: $50.00 per booking, covering up to $400 USD for any damage or collision to the UTV.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear sporty pants or shorts and comfortable, sporty shoes. It’s recommended that you bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and money for souvenirs.

Can cruise ship passengers book this tour?

No. Passengers arriving on a cruise ship cannot book this tour.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid will not be refunded.