Hot springs meet an ATV ride in Puerto Vallarta’s Sierra Madre. You get mountain-trail time first, then soak in thermal pools at a natural hot springs stop.

I like that the experience is built for a small group (up to 20) and guided by people praised for teaching and keeping things fun, like German, Roberto, Herman, Ivan, and Sergio. One heads-up: ATV insurance is extra ($20 per booking) and it’s non-refundable.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Thermal water pool admission included at Uma Jorullo Paradise, with time to relax in the natural pools
• ATV or RZR options so you can pick the ride style that fits your comfort level
• Small-group cap of 20 travelers, which usually means less waiting and more time moving
• Mountain views plus town energy while you travel toward Los Llanitos and back through the Sierra Madre
• Some cultural add-ons may be part of your day, since riders have reported tortilla and salsa making, tequila tasting, and even deer feeding

ATV and hot springs in the Sierra Madre: what you’re really signing up for

This isn’t a sit-on-a-bus day. It’s an afternoon that mixes adrenaline with downtime. You’ll spend serious time out in the Sierra Madre on an ATV or side-by-side, then finish with hot springs that feel like a reset button for your body.

What makes it work is the pacing. You’re not rushed through the ride, and the hot springs stop is long enough to matter. One hour and ten minutes is a decent block to soak, cool down, and actually enjoy the thermal water rather than just doing a quick dip.

The other big win is the human factor. Multiple guides get highlighted by name, and that matters on an ATV/RZR trip. When someone explains the trail and watches your comfort level, you spend less energy worrying and more time enjoying the scenery.

Price and value: is $192.96 a fair deal?

At $192.96 per person for roughly 4 hours, you’re paying for a guided ATV/RZR excursion plus hot springs. The key value pieces included are:

• An all-terrain vehicle tour (ATV or side-by-side option)
• Parking fees
• Use of a thermal water pool
• An expert guide
• A tour connected to the birth of thermal water

That’s not just “adventure transportation.” It’s guided activity time, and it includes the thermal pool component. Hot springs access alone can cost a lot on its own in many places.

Now the trade-off: a couple items are not included. ATV insurance is $20 per booking and it’s non-refundable, and food/drinks aren’t included beyond the hot springs experience itself. Photography and video are also not included.

So I’d budget this like: base price plus the insurance add-on if you’re riding. If you’re the type who likes having meals handled for you, plan to buy food separately (the Mexican meal stop is mentioned as not included). If you’re okay with that, the overall package looks like solid value for a half-day that really combines two different travel styles.

Getting there and back: the Felipe Angeles meeting point

This tour starts and ends at the same place: Felipe Angeles 680, Paso Ancho, 48373 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. That’s convenient. You don’t have to negotiate another pickup or hope you can find your ride later.

Plan to arrive 10 minutes early for registration. The day begins with check-in and a staff member waiting for you. It’s a small time window, but arriving late can throw off the rhythm of the group.

Also note the format: you’ll get a mobile ticket, and the tour is offered in English. The group size is capped at 20 travelers, so if you’re coming in from another part of town, give yourself extra time to avoid bottlenecks at the start.

Stop 1: El Jorullo check-in, then you roll

The first stop is short and practical: El Jorullo for registration. You’re looking at about 15 minutes. Admission ticket is listed as free here, so the purpose is basically getting everyone set up and ready.

This matters because ATV/RZR days are all about momentum. If check-in runs smoothly, the group gets out on the road faster, and you waste less vacation time standing around with a helmet you don’t even want yet.

If you’re a first-timer, this early moment is your chance to get your questions answered. Based on the guide feedback, good instruction is a theme of this operator, which makes a first ride feel less intimidating.

Stop 2: Los Llanitos by ATV or RZR for the mountain-town feel

Next comes the drive, about 1 hour 15 minutes to the area around Los Llanitos. Once you arrive, you hop onto an ATV or RZR (side-by-side) and start exploring.

This leg is where the “Sierra Madre” part becomes real. You’re out on trails where views open up, and you also get the sense of nearby local life and traditions. One review specifically calls out riding through towns and cultural stops as part of the overall flow, so you’re not only seeing nature. You’re moving through the region like it’s lived-in.

Time-wise, the ride segment is a big chunk of the overall experience. If you’re choosing this tour because you want more than just a quick taste of ATV fun, this is the right stop order. You’re not saving all the excitement for the very end.

Quick consideration: the tour asks for moderate physical fitness. That doesn’t mean you need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable with the bumps, getting on and off the vehicle, and holding steady through uneven terrain.

Stop 3: Uma Jorullo Paradise hot springs and the thermal-water story

This is the payoff stop. At Uma Jorullo Paradise, you spend about 1 hour 10 minutes in the natural hot springs. The tour description highlights the natural pools and their revitalizing properties, and the included part is your access to the thermal water pool.

You’ll feel the value of this stop because it’s not an afterthought. It’s timed mid-tour, which is smart. After the ride, your body wants the heat and the soak. When the hot springs come before the final return ride, you also get a clearer reset before you head back out.

What’s also interesting is the connection to thermal-water origins. The included tour mentions the birth of thermal water. That’s exactly the kind of context that turns a “pretty place” into an experience you understand a little better while you’re there.

Possible extra culture stops during the day

Some riders describe additional cultural add-ons built into their version of the experience. You might find stops like:

• tortilla and salsa making,
• tequila tasting,
• and even deer feeding.

Those are not listed as guaranteed in every written itinerary block you’ll see, so treat them as “can happen” based on past experiences. Still, it fits the overall theme: adventure plus local flavor, not just adrenaline.

And about food: the Mexican meal described at this stage is not included. So if you’re hungry after soaking, plan on paying for your own meal and drinks.

Stop 4: Dirty Monkey ATV Adventure and the mountain-view finale

After the hot springs, you return to the base camp area and wrap up with the final ATV segment. The time listed for the last stop is about 1 hour 5 minutes, framed as returning after enjoying the incredible views of the Sierra Madre Mountain.

This is a good ending structure. You’ve already had your relaxation moment, so the last ride feels like a scenic victory lap instead of a “soaked then immediately endure the bumps” situation.

Also, it’s worth knowing the tour is described as returning you to the starting meeting point. That keeps the day clean and reduces stress at the end, when you’re tired and possibly hungry.

ATV or RZR choice: which should you pick?

You’re given a real choice: ATV or side-by-side. In many places, the difference is mostly comfort and control. Here, it can also affect your confidence if you’re new to riding.

If you’re riding with someone who is more comfortable taking the lead, a side-by-side can feel more stable and approachable. If you want a more nimble feel and you’re okay with the learning curve, an ATV can be the move.

Either way, the tour includes an expert guide, and multiple guides get singled out for teaching and patience. That’s especially relevant if it’s your first time learning.

One more practical point: the tour has an age recommendation for the ATV of 6 years. That doesn’t automatically mean every child rides, since local rules and the driver/vehicle setup still matter, but it signals the operator is used to family groups meeting the minimum.

Who this tour suits best (and who might pause)

This is a great fit if you want:

• an ATV/RZR day that’s long enough to actually feel like an experience,
• hot springs time built into the middle of the schedule,
• and a guide-led route instead of a DIY ride.

It’s also a good match for families, given the age guidance and how many people highlight the friendliness and helpful nature of the staff.

I’d pause if you:

• are strict about food being included. The meal is not included, and snacks are listed as not included too.
• don’t want to pay extra for insurance. ATV insurance is $20 and non-refundable.
• want photography/video included. It’s listed as not included.

If you’re the type who likes to “do something” on vacation and then decompress, this tour fits that rhythm very well.

Practical tips that make the day easier

A few details from the rules and structure matter more than people expect:

• Arrive early. The tour says arrive 10 minutes before your registration. That one small move helps the group keep pace.
• Have the right ID for driving rules. The info states that drivers must present a valid driving licence under the age of 16. If you’re traveling with a driver in that age bracket, don’t assume anything. Bring the licence.
• Expect a moderate physical day. The tour calls for moderate physical fitness, which means you should be okay with riding on rougher terrain for stretches.
• Know what’s extra. ATV insurance is $20 per booking and non-refundable. Plan for it before you get there.
• Bring your expectations for meals. Food is not included (drinks/food are also not included).

This keeps the day smooth, and you’ll spend more time enjoying the views and the soak instead of doing a last-minute scramble.

Should you book Hot Springs and Villages in the Sierra Madre?

If your ideal Puerto Vallarta day looks like: ride first, soak after, and get some local flavor along the way, then yes, I’d book it. The included hot springs access, the guided ATV/RZR portion, and the short-group format are strong value signals for a half-day outing.

I’d only skip or swap plans if hot springs and adventure don’t match your mood. The tour is built around motion and terrain. Also, if you’re budget-sensitive, factor in the non-refundable $20 ATV insurance and the reality that food and drinks aren’t included.

For many people, this is the sweet spot: you get the Sierra Madre on an all-terrain vehicle, then end in thermal pools where you can actually relax.

FAQ

How long is the hot springs and ATV/RZR tour?

It runs for about 4 hours (approx.).

Is this tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

What’s included in the price?

Included are the ATV/side-by-side tour, parking fees, use of a thermal water pool, an expert guide, and a tour about the birth of thermal water.

What is not included?

Snacks are not included, and drinks and food are not included. ATV insurance is not included ($20 per booking). Photography and video are also not included.

Do I need a driver’s license?

Drivers must present a valid driving licence under the age of 16.

What is the minimum age recommendation for the ATV?

The age recommendation for the ATV is 6 years.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Felipe Angeles 680, Paso Ancho, 48373 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico and ends back at the same meeting point.

What is the group size limit?

The tour has a maximum of 20 travelers.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid will not be refunded.