About this tour
Twenty-five minutes inland from Puerto Vallarta the coast road gives way to the Sierra Madre, and the pavement runs out. This is where Rancho Capomo sits — a working ranch in the hills above Las Palmas de Arriba, surrounded by the dirt tracks, river crossings and jungle trails that make up the ATV circuit.
You get your own machine after a short practice loop at the ranch. From there the route climbs through mango and palm groves, drops into the riverbed and crosses the water more than once, then opens onto ridgelines with the whole valley spread out below. The trail is dusty in winter and green and splashy in summer; both are good, just pack accordingly.
What makes this tour different from a plain ATV rental is the second half of the day. The circuit ends at a jungle waterfall where you can swim, and back at the ranch there is a Mexican cooking class — guacamole, salsas, tortillas made on the spot — followed by lunch with open bar under the palapa. You leave having driven the mountains and eaten properly, which is not the norm on a Vallarta adventure tour.
Quick specs
- Duration
- Full day · 9 AM – 3 PM
- Departures
- 9:00 AM · Daily
- Difficulty
- Easy — no experience needed
- Group size
- Small groups
- Minimum age
- Drivers 16+ · passengers from 6
- Maximum weight
- Confirmed at booking
- Languages
- English & Spanish guides
- Meeting point
- Puerto Vallarta hotel zone
Tour highlights
- 🏍️Your own ATVOne machine per driver, with a practice loop at the ranch before the trail starts.
- 🌊River crossingsThe route drops into the riverbed and crosses the water several times — the best part of the ride.
- 💦Waterfall swimThe circuit reaches a jungle waterfall where the group stops to cool off.
- 🌮Mexican cooking classGuacamole, salsas and fresh tortillas made with the ranch cooks before lunch.
- 🍹Lunch & open barA full meal under the palapa with open bar, included in the price.
- 🚐Transport sortedRound-trip from Puerto Vallarta included — you do not need a rental car.
Photo gallery
Photos: Rancho Capomo, Sierra Madre — Puerto Vallarta.
How the day works
- Pickup in VallartaYou are collected at 9:00 AM from the agreed meeting point and driven up into the Sierra Madre — about 45 minutes, most of it climbing.
- Briefing and practiceHelmets and goggles are fitted at the ranch. Guides explain the controls and you run a short practice loop before leaving.
- The trailJungle track, mango groves, river crossings and ridgelines, with guides riding front and back of the group.
- Waterfall stopThe circuit reaches the waterfall — swim, cool off and take photos before the run back.
- Cooking classAt the ranch you make guacamole, salsas and tortillas with the kitchen team.
- Lunch and open barEveryone eats together under the palapa, open bar included, before the drive back to the city around 3 PM.
What's included
Included
- ATV for the full circuit (one per driver)
- Helmet and goggles
- Waterfall swim stop
- Round-trip transport from Puerto Vallarta
- Bilingual (English / Spanish) guides
- All safety equipment
- Mexican cooking class at the ranch
- Lunch with open bar
- Bottled water during the tour
Not included
- Photos and video from the course
- Gratuities for the guides and ranch staff
- Souvenirs and extra purchases at the ranch
- Hotel pickup outside the agreed meeting points
What to bring
Wear clothes you do not mind getting dusty or wet — a t-shirt, shorts and closed sneakers are ideal, and a bandana or buff helps with the trail dust. Bring a swimsuit and a towel for the waterfall, plus sunscreen, insect repellent and a little cash for tips or souvenirs. Skip sandals and flip-flops: the ATV pedals and the river rocks need closed shoes. Sunglasses are useful, but leave anything you would be upset to lose at the hotel.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience to drive an ATV?
No. The machines are automatic — throttle, brake and steering, nothing else. Guides run a briefing and a practice loop at the ranch before the trail, and they ride at the front and back of the group the whole way.
Can two people share one ATV?
Yes. ATVs can be shared by a driver and a passenger, which is the usual arrangement for couples, or for an adult riding with a child. Tell us how many drivers and passengers you need when you book.
Is the waterfall swim included?
Yes. The circuit stops at the waterfall and swimming there is part of the tour — bring a swimsuit and a towel.
What is the cooking class like?
Relaxed and hands-on. The ranch cooks walk the group through guacamole, a couple of salsas and fresh tortillas, and what you make is served with lunch.
Is transport from my hotel included?
Round-trip transport from the agreed meeting points in Puerto Vallarta is included. If you are staying outside the usual zones, tell us where and we will confirm the closest pickup.
What happens if it rains?
Light rain is not a problem — the jungle is at its best in the wet season and the river crossings are more fun. Departures are only held or rescheduled for storms, and we let you know as early as possible on the day.
How far is the ranch from Puerto Vallarta?
Rancho Capomo is above Las Palmas de Arriba, roughly 45 minutes inland by road. The transfer is part of the day and the drive up the mountain is scenic in itself.