This is mountain riding without city traffic drama—just dirt roads and big Sierra Madre scenery.

I love that this tour is set up so you can drive your own ATV or RZR (or ride as a passenger), which makes it feel way more like an adventure than a bus day. I also really like the rhythm: you get a long stretch of riding at El Jorullo, then quick viewpoint and town stops so you’re always moving, not just sitting.

One thing to consider: you should expect dust and rugged dirt-road driving, so plan for your comfort. If you hate gritty wind on your face, bring the right cover and keep your expectations realistic.

Key highlights at a glance

• Drive yourself (ATV or RZR), or ride along if you prefer
• El Jorullo riding block with hot-springs country scenery and viewpoints
• Los Llanitos quick taste of a tiny mountain town and mountain views
• La Joyita viewpoint stop with a guide explanation and mountain-photo time
• Restaurant stop near El Jorullo (good chance to refuel, but food isn’t included)
• Tequila tasting for adults 18+ (optional for some tastes)

Sierra Madre ATV riding: 4 hours that feel like you left Puerto Vallarta

If you’re craving something more real than another coastal stroll, this ATV or RZR session delivers the change of scenery fast. You’ll start in Puerto Vallarta’s foothills, then move into the Sierra Madre where roads narrow, the vegetation thickens, and small communities dot the hillsides.

The best part is the sense of control. When you’re on your own machine, the tour stops aren’t the main event—you’re the main character. Even if you ride as a passenger, the pace feels like a guided ride through working mountain terrain, not a polished attraction.

And yes, you’ll get viewpoints and photo moments, but the day’s value is how much time you spend actually riding.

From Felipe Angeles to El Jorullo: where the road turns rugged

Your adventure starts at Felipe Angeles 680, Paso Ancho, 48373 Puerto Vallarta, and it ends back there. Along the way, you’ll drive from the base camp in the foothills of the Sierra Madre toward hot springs country, which is a classic “step out of the modern world” route.

The ride includes passing Los Llanitos and a mix of viewpoints and scenic stretches. This is also where the tour’s character shows up: the roads are dirt, the turns come fast, and the mountain environment feels close. One of the strongest notes from people who love this tour is how it stays authentic—small towns with just a few buildings at a time, not big tourist zones.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to see how locals live in the places tourists don’t wander, you’ll probably enjoy this part the most.

Stop 1 at El Jorullo: hot springs country and the longest riding window

El Jorullo is the big block, about 2 hours. After leaving base camp, you’ll spend a lot of time in the Sierra Madre’s dirt-road network. This is where the tour earns its four-hour length.

A few practical notes for this stretch:

• It’s not a gentle cruise. Expect bumps and uneven ground.
• The scenery shifts as the road climbs and dips, so you’re not stuck looking at the same view.
• If you’re prone to dust in your eyes, this is the moment to prepare early. One rider tip: bring something to cover your mouth and reduce the grit you’ll inhale.

Also, you’ll get a “forget about the traffic” kind of feeling. Even if you’re staying in Puerto Vallarta, this part quickly gets you out of that pace and into a more rugged, quiet rhythm.

Los Llanitos in 15 minutes: quick-town texture and mountain views

After the longer riding segment, you’ll hit Los Llanitos for around 15 minutes. This stop is short by design, which keeps the tour moving and keeps your time on the machine meaningful.

In that small window, you’re mostly there to absorb the vibe: a town surrounded by mountains with views that feel framed by the hills. It’s the kind of stop that gives you context for where you’ve been riding, without dragging you into a full walking tour.

A reasonable expectation here: you’re not going to see a major attraction in 15 minutes. Instead, you’re getting a snapshot of the region’s mountain life, and you can take photos quickly before rolling back into the ride.

La Joyita viewpoint (48275): the guide moment that makes the scenery click

Next is the 48275 / La Joyita viewpoint stop for about 30 minutes. This is a key pause because it adds meaning to the scenery.

You’ll be able to appreciate the mountain view while your guide explains what you’re looking at, then you’ll start the drive to the next mountain segment. This “stop + explanation” style is one of the best formats for a riding tour. When you understand the geography for even a few minutes, the photos look better and the views feel less random.

This segment is also where good guide pacing matters. The tour gets you there efficiently, gives you just enough time to take in the view, and gets you back on the road without turning into a long wait.

Stop 4 back at El Jorullo: the restaurant break near the mountains

Then you’ll head back toward El Jorullo for a 1-hour stop at a Mexican restaurant surrounded by nature near the mountains.

Here’s the useful bit: food and drink aren’t included. So treat this as your chance to eat and hydrate at your own pace, not as a guaranteed meal. The menu opportunity sounds like it leans into Mexican dishes and drinks, including organic options, and it’s a nice setting to cool down after dust and riding.

This stop is also good for practical recovery. If your ride has you tightening up from bumps, this is where you reset. Use the hour for:

• water and a real sit-down break
• a bathroom stop if you need one
• a chance to decide if you want to buy snacks before the final ride back

After that, it’s a short ride back to base camp to wrap up the adventure.

ATV vs RZR: choosing the right machine without guesswork

This tour runs with an ATV or RZR option, and the ride feel changes depending on what you pick.

Who can drive

• You’ll either drive your own quad/side-by-side or ride as a passenger.
• Drivers must present a current driver’s license (per the tour rules).
• If you’re 16, you may drive with a valid permit, accompanied by 1 adult.

Weight limits you should take seriously

• ATV (quad bike) weight limit: 480 LB
• RZR weight limit: 880 LB

If you’re booking for a group, check these limits early so nobody gets surprised at registration.

Ride expectations

I’d think of the ATV as the more compact, classic “dirt bike” feeling, while the RZR usually feels more stable for passengers and group riding. But regardless of which you choose, you’re still on mountain dirt roads—so plan for a rugged ride, not a smooth trail.

Price and value: what $110.28 is really buying

At $110.28 per person for about 4 hours, this isn’t a “cheap and cheerful” activity. It’s a fairly priced adventure because you’re paying for the machine use, guiding, and the safety setup.

Here’s what you do get included:

• landing and facility fees
• safety equipment: helmet, goggles, bandana
• first aid kit
• tequila tasting for adults over 18

And here’s what’s not included (so you can budget without surprises):

• food and drink at the restaurant
• photography and video
• roundtrip transportation from your hotel
• insurance payment due at registration

The insurance is an important line item: $20 USD per ATV or $30 USD per RZR, paid at registration. That means your all-in cost will be a bit higher than the base price.

Still, I think it offers good value if you want a real mountain ride for a half-day. For a short trip to Puerto Vallarta, this is the kind of activity that actually changes the scenery instead of just changing your location.

What to bring: dust protection, comfort, and smart riding basics

The tour provides key safety gear—helmet, goggles, and a bandana—which helps a lot. But you’ll still want to think about your own comfort.

Based on the kind of riding this is, I’d plan for:

• something to cover your mouth if you’re dust-sensitive
• sunglasses and/or extra eye protection if you wear glasses
• closed-toe shoes you don’t mind getting dirty
• a light layer you’ll feel comfortable in while riding

Also remember: tequila tasting is included for adults over 18, but it’s not the main point of the day. If tequila isn’t your thing, just treat it as a bonus moment and focus on the ride and views.

The real deal authenticity: sparse towns, narrow roads, and a local-feeling route

One of the most praised parts of this tour is how it stays true to the mountain environment. People who love it describe narrow, rugged dirt roads winding in and out of sparsely populated towns, with the kind of tiny settlement feel where you might only see a handful of buildings in a place.

That matters because it changes the vibe. You’re not touring a “staged” destination. You’re driving through the living geography of the Sierra Madre—mountain ridges, working roads, and small communities that sit quietly outside the main tourist zones.

So if you want views plus a sense of place, this is the right style of tour.

Who should book this ATV or RZR mountain tour

This tour fits best if you:

• want a half-day ATV/RZR experience in the Sierra Madre
• like dirt-road adventure and mountain viewpoints
• prefer a private feel (this is listed as a private tour/activity—only your group)
• can handle short driving stops instead of long guided walks

You might skip it if:

• you don’t like dust or uneven ground
• you don’t want to manage vehicle rules (license/age/weight limits)
• you expect roundtrip hotel pickup (it’s not included)

If you’re traveling as a couple or small group, a private setup also makes it easier to ride in a way that matches your pace—less waiting, more control over the experience.

Final call: should you book Dirty Monkey ATV Adventure?

I’d book this tour if you want real mountain riding for a reasonable half-day price and you’re the kind of person who enjoys getting out of the coastal bubble quickly.

It’s especially worth it when you:

• want to drive or ride through rugged Sierra Madre terrain
• like viewpoint stops with guide context
• are happy to pay extra for insurance and buy food on-site if you want it

If you’d rather have a smooth, paved ride or a fully included meal plan, this probably won’t be your best match. But for an ATV/RZR adventure with strong scenery and an authentic feel, it’s a solid choice.

FAQ

How long is the ATV or RZR tour?

It runs for about 4 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends at Felipe Angeles 680, Paso Ancho, 48373 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.

Do I get to drive the ATV or RZR?

Yes, you can drive your own ATV or RZR, or ride as a passenger.

What do I need to drive?

Drivers must present a current driver’s license. Riders age 16 may drive with a valid permit and be accompanied by 1 adult.

What vehicles are offered?

You can choose an ATV or an RZR.

Are there weight limits?

Yes. The ATV quad bike weight limit is 480 LB and the RZR weight limit is 880 LB.

What’s included in the price?

Included are landing and facility fees, safety equipment (helmet, goggles, bandana), a first aid kit, and tequila tasting for participants over 18.

What’s not included?

Food and drink, roundtrip transportation from your hotel, and photography and video are not included.

How much is the insurance payment?

The insurance payment is $20 USD per ATV or $30 USD per RZR, paid at registration.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.