Mountain trails and river crossings beat the beach.

This private ATV outing from Puerto Vallarta combines off-road Sierra Madre riding with a tequila tasting, so you get real variety in just about 2 hours. You start at Xiutla Riders, gear up fast, then follow a guide who keeps things safe with clear hand signals.

I especially like that it is truly private. It is just your group, with a personal guide who can adjust the pace and how long you want to stop and explore. Second, the ride style is built around terrain, not checklists. You rumble along off-road trails, cross rivers, and get scenery that feels different from anything right in town.

One possible drawback: this is not for total beginners. It is suitable for riders with previous experience, and you should have a moderate fitness level. Also, food and drinks are not included, so plan on spending a bit at the countryside ranch.

The Big Appeal: Private ATV + Tequila Tasting in One 2-Hour Block

This tour works because it keeps moving while still giving you control. You meet up, you get safety and riding instructions, then you head out for mountain trail time. Along the way, the route is designed for action, including river crossings, not just short scenic loops.

The tequila tasting is the other half of the magic. The timing makes sense too, because you finish the rough stuff first, then slow down. Reviews also point to a “like no other” tasting experience, and people often end up wanting bottles to take home.

And since it is private, the day does not feel rushed like bigger group tours. Your guide can slow down when you want photos, and they can push a little more when you want to ride longer.

Starting at Xiutla Riders PV: Check-In, Waivers, and Gear That Fits the Job

The tour begins at Xiutla Riders PV, at México 1260, 5 de Diciembre, in Puerto Vallarta. You are asked to arrive about 15 minutes before departure time, so you have room for waivers and setup.

You will get the key riding gear right away. That includes a helmet, goggles, and bandanas. Face masks are also listed as included. In other words, you are not hunting around for essentials once you arrive.

You’ll also get a real safety briefing. The important part is not just rules, it is communication. Your guide will teach hand signals for what to do while you ride, and how to operate the ATV. Expect the usual questions about turns, speed control, and spacing.

This is where the “private” advantage shows. If something is unclear, you are more likely to get an immediate fix instead of being told to follow along with a line of strangers.

The Sierra Madre Ride: Back Roads, Off-Road Trails, and River Crossings

Once you are geared up, the adventure shifts into motion. You ride from the shop area toward back roads and into mountain trails. The route is described as off-road, with plenty of bumps and turns, plus chances to cross rivers.

A few guides are named in the feedback, and it gives you a sense of what to expect in the seat. Some riders recall guides like Edson and Joey E. calling out what is coming and making sure everyone stays comfortable. Others mention guides who kept checking in during the ride, especially at stops.

Here’s what that means for you practically: if you have previous ATV experience, you can relax and focus on the trail. The tour is built for control and rhythm, not for first-time learning.

If you do plan to stop and chill, you can. The tour style includes breaks where you can decide how long to hang out, then how much extra time to ride on the mountains. So you get a mix of “let’s explore” and “let’s ride.”

Bring These for Comfort

The details that matter are the small ones you can prepare for:

• Bring bug spray, since you are riding into countryside and river-adjacent areas.
• Wear shoes that can handle dust and uneven ground.
• Consider a swim suit if you want the option to jump into the river, since river crossings are part of the experience.

And weather matters. The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately for rain and heat. If it is wet, the trails will be slick. If it is sunny, you will want breathable layers.

Lunch at the Countryside Ranch: Food Costs Extra, But It Sounds Like Part of the Fun

After the ride portion, you fuel up at a countryside ranch. Food and drinks are not included, so you pay on-site. That said, this is not just “a snack stop.” The ranch break is a real rhythm change after the ATV time.

One review calls out a ranch spot called Rancho Las Vegas, in the middle of jungle-like surroundings. Another describes eating outside near the river and recommends doing that if you have the option. People also mention learning to make fresh tortillas while waiting for lunch.

If you are hungry, plan on choosing something hearty. One rider described a large combo meat platter that included beef, chicken, pork, and shrimp, plus rice and beans. Your exact order will depend on what is offered that day, but the overall point is the lunch is meant to be satisfying, not token.

A Practical Tip

Because you are paying for lunch separately, decide in advance if you want a sit-down meal or something lighter. If you go heavier, you might want to pace your tequila tasting too, so you stay comfortable for the ride back.

Tequila Tasting: Not Just a Sip, a Proper Pause

Tequila tasting is a central feature of this tour. Riders describe it as a standout part of the day, with one calling it the best they have tried and even noting that their daughter liked it even though she is not a tequila drinker.

The tasting happens after the lunch break, which is a smart order. You are not doing it immediately after dust-heavy ATV riding while your body is still revved up.

In terms of value, I think this is one of the reasons the package works. You are not just buying time on a machine. You are also buying a short cultural stop that makes the day feel like more than “spin the ATV, get photos, done.”

Bottle Buying Note

One practical note from feedback: the tequila tasted during the tour is reportedly available for purchase there, and people say they regret not buying more. So if you know you want a bottle, consider grabbing one while you are there.

The Return to Town: More Sight Stops and a “Done Right” Finish

After lunch and tasting, the ride heads back toward Puerto Vallarta. Some riders mention being taken by Elizabeth Taylor’s house on the way back, adding a little celebrity-curiosity twist without turning it into a long driving detour.

When you return to the meeting point, you are not sent off with just a thumbs up. Riders mention receiving cold towels, which is a surprisingly good way to reset after dust and sun.

You may also have the option to buy videos and pictures taken during the tour. Those items are not included in the base price, but action shots are mentioned as something you can purchase separately.

Price and Value: What $82.44 Gets You, and Where the Extras Show Up

At $82.44 per person for a private ATV experience around 2 hours, this is priced like an active excursion that includes guiding and core equipment. The included items list covers the big-ticket basics:

• Fuel surcharge
• Private guide
• Helmet and ATV use
• Goggles
• Face masks

That is where value comes from. You are paying for a guided off-road experience, not just ATV rental with no context.

What you should budget for:

• Food and drinks at the ranch are not included.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
• Videos and pictures are not included.

If you are traveling without a car, plan on getting to the shop yourself. One helpful detail: you can take an Uber to the meeting point, and it is described as cheaper, faster, and easier.

How to Think About the Cost

If you have ever done an ATV tour where you sit around waiting, this one likely feels better. The private format plus the ability to ride longer or stop longer helps you feel like you got your money’s worth in time on the trail, not just time in transition.

Morning vs Afternoon: How to Choose the Departure That Fits Your Energy

The tour offers morning or afternoon departures, though one start time listed is 9:00 am. If you have flexibility, here is how I’d choose based on what you are doing all day:

• If you want cooler riding conditions, pick a morning departure. That is when the sun is less intense.
• If you want a more relaxed pace for lunch and tequila, choose afternoon, especially if you plan to do other activities earlier in the day.

Because the ride includes river crossings, the weather you get matters. If you are sensitive to heat or heavy sun, morning is usually the easier bet.

Also remember: you operate in all weather conditions. So your clothing choice is really about comfort and traction, not about expecting perfect conditions.

Who This Tour Is Best For (and Who Should Skip It)

This tour is suitable for riders with previous experience. If you already know how to handle an ATV at trail speed and you understand basic control, you’ll likely enjoy the time on mountain routes and rivers.

You should also have moderate physical fitness. You are moving on off-road terrain, and there will be some getting-on and getting-off at stops.

Minimum ages

• Driver minimum age is 16, with a driver’s permit.
• Passenger minimum age is 6.

So it can work for families if older teens can drive, but you still need to match the riding style to your group’s comfort.

If you are brand new to ATVs, you might find this setup more demanding than you expected. In that case, you may want to look for a beginner-focused option first.

Small Details That Make the Difference

A few extra notes can save you hassle:

• Minimum of 2 ATVs per booking is required. That affects how you plan the group.
• You should consider bringing bug spray and possibly a swim suit.
• There is an optional community support donation listed as 3 USD per ATV for families in EJIDO EL JORULLO, and they ask for exact change if you want to help.
• The meeting point is near public transportation, but Uber is the easy move.

These are the things that turn a stressful trip into a smooth one.

Should You Book This Private ATV-and-Tequila Tour?

Book it if you want a real off-road experience from Puerto Vallarta, with time on the Sierra Madre trails and river crossings, and you also want a fun finish with tequila tasting. The private format is a big quality boost, especially if you like your guide to manage pacing and safety in real time.

I would hesitate if you are a total beginner on ATVs, or if you hate paying extra for food at the stop. This tour expects you to handle a bit of extra spending for lunch and drinks at the ranch, and the riding style is better suited to people who already know how to work an ATV on rough terrain.

If your group matches that profile, this looks like a strong value: guided, private, action-heavy, and wrapped up with a cultural tasting that makes the whole day feel more complete.

FAQ

Is this tour private or shared?

This is a private tour/activity, so only your group participates. You also get a private guide.

Where do we meet, and what time does it start?

You meet at Xiutla Riders PV, México 1260, 5 de Diciembre, 48350 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. One listed start time is 9:00 am, and you should arrive about 15 minutes early.

What is included in the price?

Included items are a private guide, use of the ATV and helmet, goggles, face masks, and a fuel surcharge. You also receive a mobile ticket.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so you’ll pay for lunch at the countryside ranch.

What are the age requirements?

The minimum age for drivers is 16 with a driver’s permit. Passengers must be at least 6 years old.

Can I get a full refund if I cancel?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, it is not refundable.