ATVs and hot springs in the Sierra Madre. I love how the ATV/RZR trails run through real mountain villages, and I love the natural thermal pools at Uma Jorullo Paradise. One drawback to plan for, you spend time on rough ground, so bring a practical attitude (and choose this if you’re comfortable with an active ride).

This half-day starts with a quick El Jorullo check-in, then you’re on the move with an expert guide. Depending on your group, you might meet guides named German, Roberto, Herman, Ivan, Sergio, or Obi, and the common theme is clear instruction, friendly energy, and safety focus.

What seals the deal is the combo of adventure plus recovery. You’ll get access to the thermal water pool and a guided look at the birth of the thermal water, but the meal is not included, so you’ll want to budget for food once you’re hungry again.

Key things I’d circle before you go

• ATV or side-by-side option so you can match the ride to your comfort level
• Uma Jorullo Paradise natural hot springs with included pool time
• A guide-led explanation of the thermal water origin, not just a soak and leave
• Small group size (max 20), which usually means less waiting and better attention
• Real village driving toward Los Llanitos, not just a scenic detour
• Extra costs to know up front, especially the listed non-refundable ATV insurance

El Jorullo check-in: where the day gets real

Your tour begins at Felipe Angeles 680, Paso Ancho, Puerto Vallarta. Aim to arrive about 10 minutes early, since you’ll register and meet the team there.

The first stop is El Jorullo, and it’s more than a formality. You get the group organized, you confirm you’re in the right place, and the guide typically sets expectations before you head out.

If you’re doing this for the first time, this is a good moment to ask the basic questions. How do they want you to ride, what should you avoid, and where do you store essentials during the route.

Ride time to Los Llanitos: ATV or RZR through everyday mountain life

After check-in, you’ll drive for about 1 hour 15 minutes toward Los Llanitos. The experience is designed to get you onto an ATV or RZR once you arrive, so you’re not just watching the countryside from a bus window.

Once the riding starts, you’ll spend about 1 hour 30 minutes on the trails. The route is described as taking you through cultures and traditions you’ll see in the communities along the way, so it feels more like a mountain day with context than a straight-up thrill run.

Here’s the part to take seriously: this is an off-road vehicle tour. You should expect bumps, dust, and that “hold on a bit” feeling, even if the guide keeps you moving at a comfortable pace. If you’re prone to getting car-sick on winding roads, plan accordingly with your best coping habits.

Uma Jorullo Paradise hot springs: the reset button

The highlight stop is Uma Jorullo Paradise, in Pueblo el Nogal. You’ll arrive for hot springs time, roughly 1 hour 10 minutes, with the thermal water pool included.

This is where the tour earns its name. You soak in natural hot pools and get a break from engine noise and dust, and the thermal water is promoted for its revitalizing properties.

Even better, you’re not just dropped into a pool area. The tour includes a chance to understand the birth of the thermal water, which adds meaning to the stop. It turns the soak into something you remember, not just something you did.

One practical note: the meal after soaking is not included. The tour describes an authentic Mexican meal at a local setting, but you’ll pay for it yourself, so don’t plan your budget assuming you’re fully covered.

Some groups report extra add-ons on similar mountain routes, like tortilla and salsa making or tequila tasting, but those are not listed as guaranteed here. If your priority is hot springs first and everything else second, you’ll still get plenty out of the core plan.

Guides, safety, and that first-time learning curve

One reason this tour scores so high is how the guides teach and pace the ride. People specifically praised guides such as German for first-timers, Roberto for a fun and well-run day, Sergio for patience during learning, and Herman for handling a family setup well.

What I like about that pattern is simple. If you’ve never ridden an ATV or RZR, you don’t want a chaotic “figure it out” situation. You want someone who can explain how to handle turns, what your role is on the route, and how to stay safe when terrain changes.

The tour also has a moderate physical fitness expectation. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be able to handle the time on your feet for check-in and setup, plus the overall motion of the ride.

Age-wise, the tour lists an age recommendation for ATV of 6 years. It also notes a driver requirement for bringing a valid driving licence when the driver is under 16, so if you’re planning to let a younger person drive, double-check what you need to show when you arrive.

What the meal stop changes for your budget

The soaking stop is followed by an authentic Mexican meal in a local setting. The key detail for your planning is that the meal is not included.

So, while the tour price covers the adventure and the hot springs experience itself, you’ll still want cash or a card ready for food and any drinks you want. Also, snacks are listed as not included, and that matters because you’re out long enough to get hungry once you’re done riding and soaking.

If you’re picky about meal timing, this is the part to mentally bracket. You’ll likely want water on hand during the ride, and you’ll feel grateful once the meal option comes after the hot springs.

Price and value: does $192.96 make sense?

The price is $192.96 per person for the 4-hour experience window. On paper, it’s not a bargain, but the value comes from what’s wrapped in.

You’re paying for:

• an ATV or side-by-side tour
• use of the thermal water pool
• parking fees
• an expert guide
• a guided stop related to the birth of the thermal water
• a limited-size group approach (max 20)

Then there are the extras:

• ATV insurance is listed as $20 per booking and non-refundable
• drinks and food are not included
• snacks are not included
• photography and video are not included

So the real equation is not just the sticker price. If you arrive hungry and unprepared, you’ll spend more. If you plan ahead and treat it like a planned half-day activity with one paid meal, the price starts to feel reasonable for a combo tour that doesn’t skip either the ride or the soak.

I also like that the tour doesn’t hide the add-ons. The insurance cost is stated, and the uncovered parts are clear, so you can budget like an adult and enjoy the day without surprise stress.

What to bring, and what to do before you go

This tour is about comfort under motion and in water. Your goal is to show up ready for dust, sun, and hot springs.

Bring:

• swimwear (or a quick-change option)
• a small towel or you might find you need one once you soak
• water, since drinks are not included
• sunscreen and sunglasses
• sandals with a grip or easy slip-ons for moving around
• a dry bag or zip pouch for your phone and wallet

Wear:

• something you don’t mind getting dusty
• closed-toe shoes if you have them, for better footing on and off the vehicle

Before you leave Puerto Vallarta, if you’re prone to feeling off on winding roads, take your usual motion-sickness steps early. Also, hydrate in the morning. Off-road sun plus hot springs is a fun combo, but it’s still heat.

And one last practical thing: if you’re planning on using your phone for photos, remember that photography and video services are not included. That means your own camera is your friend, but keep it protected when you’re near pools and muddy tracks.

Who should book this Sierra Madre hot springs ATV tour

This is a great fit if you want a single half-day that does two things well. You want real off-road time on an ATV or RZR, and you want hot springs that give you a meaningful reset.

It also works well for families, as long as the ages line up. People mentioned the guide helping kids feel comfortable and safe, which is exactly what you want in a family outing.

You may want to skip or choose a gentler option if:

• you can’t handle bumpy rides for any length of time
• you’re not comfortable with off-road dust and sun
• you want a guaranteed full meal and drinks included in the price

This tour has a small maximum group size and includes an expert guide, which helps when you want structure, not chaos.

Should you book this ATV and hot springs tour?

If you like hands-on travel, this one is easy to recommend. The combination of ATV or RZR riding plus Uma Jorullo Paradise hot springs is exactly the kind of “do, then relax” day that makes a trip feel complete.

Book it if you’re:

• okay with an active ride and a moderate fitness pace
• ready to pay for your own meal after soaking
• interested in a thermal-water story, not just a photo op

Think twice if you’re expecting a fully all-inclusive meal-and-drinks package or if bumpy terrain is a hard no for you. As long as you’re flexible and prepared, you’ll get a memorable Sierra Madre day where the mountains give you adrenaline, then the hot pools give you calm.

FAQ

How long is the Hot Springs and Villages in the Sierra Madre tour?

The tour duration is approximately 4 hours.

What is included in the tour price?

Included are the all-terrain vehicle tour (ATV or side-by-side option), parking fees, use of a thermal water pool, an expert guide, and a tour about the birth of thermal water.

What is not included?

The tour does not include snacks, drinks, or food. ATV insurance is not included, and photography and video are not included.

Is ATV insurance required, and what does it cost?

ATV insurance is listed as non-refundable and costs $20 per booking.

Can I choose between an ATV and a side-by-side (RZR)?

Yes. The tour offers an ATV tour with an option for side-by-side.

What is the age recommendation for ATV riding?

The tour lists an age recommendation for ATV of 6 years.

Where is the meeting point, and does the tour end there too?

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

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.