All Terrain Safari – UTV Tour Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta’s All Terrain Safari is a proper mountain outing, not a gentle spin around a purpose-built track. You drive a Polaris RZR UTV along rough jungle paths, through streams, and toward a waterfall and swimming spot. I like the mix of driving and walking, and I like that guides such as Tommy, Emiliano, and Omar bring local knowledge, jokes, and a clear focus on safety.

I also like the chance to see a less polished side of the region, including a working ranch setting, animals, and mountain communities. The main drawback is time: the full outing takes about six and a half hours, and the transfer from Nuevo Vallarta can take more than 90 minutes each way. You should also expect mud, water, and a $50 insurance fee at check-in.

Key points to know before you book

• Real mountain driving: Expect rough ground, streams, hills, mud, and remote jungle paths rather than a smooth sightseeing route.
• A UTV, not a motorcycle: The Polaris RZR gives you a steering wheel, side-by-side seating, and room for up to four people in the booked group.
• A waterfall and swim-hole: The outing adds a relaxed jungle walk and time at a remote swimming spot, so it is more than a motorized excursion.
• Strong guide team: Tommy is often at the center of the experience, with Emiliano and Omar also noted for safety and guest care.
• Bring clothes you can sacrifice: Sporty clothing, sturdy athletic shoes, a swimsuit, sunscreen, and sunglasses make sense.
• Good family age range: Children can join from age 8, but only drivers 18 and older with a valid license may operate the UTV.

Why this UTV safari feels different from a standard excursion

Many Puerto Vallarta adventure outings keep you close to the coast or move you through a tidy attraction built for quick visits. This one heads inland, where the roads become rougher and the setting feels more like working countryside than a resort district.

You will learn to handle the Polaris RZR from an instructor before setting off. That matters because a UTV is simple to steer, but the ground is not simple. Ruts, slopes, rocks, water, and mud all demand attention. You do not need racing experience, but you do need to follow directions and stay comfortable with a moderate level of physical activity.

I like the side-by-side design for families and couples. You can share the ride instead of splitting up onto separate motorcycles. The listed rate is $399 per group of up to four, so the value improves sharply when four people share it. For two people, the cost is less attractive, though the private-group pricing may still make sense if you want to avoid paying individual rates.

The package includes the vehicle, helmets, a professional guide, a light snack, and purified water. It does not include hotel pickup and drop-off, so you need to reach the chosen meeting point yourself. Confirm the exact location with Vallarta Adventures immediately after booking, since departures may use Marina Vallarta or Nuevo Vallarta.

Leaving Marina Vallarta or Nuevo Vallarta

One meeting point is at Vallarta Adventures in Marina Vallarta, at Mástil 13. Another is in Nuevo Vallarta. These locations are useful if you are staying in either resort area, but do not assume the activity begins at your hotel.

The journey itself can take a meaningful part of the day. From Nuevo Vallarta, the ride has been reported at more than 90 minutes each way. Some of that travel gives you a look at downtown Puerto Vallarta and the changing scenery beyond the main tourist areas, but it also means you should not treat this as a short morning ride.

You may also encounter an open-jeep transfer on the way toward the mountain base. That adds to the sense of heading away from the coast, but it can be tiring for young children or anyone who dislikes long drives on an active day. If your group wants maximum time behind the wheel, ask about the meeting arrangement and transfer time before committing.

The activity ends back at the meeting point. Since hotel transportation is not included, plan your return to your accommodation in advance, especially if you are staying outside the main resort zones.

Learning the Polaris RZR before the trail begins

The safety briefing and driving instruction are important parts of the experience, not a formality to rush through. The guide explains how to maneuver the UTV and how to handle the route. Drivers must be at least 18 and must show a valid driver’s license.

The UTV format works well for a mixed-age group. Children from age 8 can ride as passengers, while adults take turns driving if the group has more than one licensed driver. The experience is limited to a maximum of 24 people, which keeps the outing from becoming a huge convoy, although the exact feel will depend on the departure.

You should expect an active ride. The route includes rough terrain, streams, and remote paths. Some parts may be bumpy, and you may get wet or muddy. That is the point, but it is worth saying plainly: do not wear white, delicate clothes, or anything you need for dinner that evening.

The helmet is provided. Wear secure shoes with good grip, not sandals or loose footwear. Sporty pants or shorts are recommended, and a swimsuit is a smart choice even if you are not sure you will swim.

Through streams and remote jungle paths

Once the driving begins, the scenery changes from developed Puerto Vallarta to mountain forest and countryside. The fun comes from handling the route rather than simply looking out of a vehicle window.

Streams and wet sections can leave you soaked. Mud may splash into the UTV, and the rough surface can make the ride physically demanding. The guides set the pace and help you understand where to place the vehicle, but you remain responsible for paying attention and driving within your comfort level.

This is a good choice for someone who wants an active introduction to the mountains around Puerto Vallarta. It is not the right pick if you want a quiet scenic ride with little physical movement. The tour asks you to accept jolts, noise, dirt, and changing weather conditions.

I would also keep your phone protected. The tour recommends bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, and money for souvenirs, but the wet and muddy route calls for extra care with cameras and phones. A waterproof pouch is a practical addition, particularly if you want photos without risking your device.

The waterfall walk and remote swim-hole

The driving is only half the appeal. The outing includes a relaxed hike through the jungle to a waterfall and a remote swim-hole. That gives you time to slow down, stretch your legs, and see the plants and animals along the route.

Tommy has been singled out for explaining local plants and wildlife during the walk. That sort of commentary gives the hike more meaning than a simple stop for a photograph. You get context for the area while moving at a calmer pace than on the UTV.

The waterfall section also helps balance the adrenaline. After rough trails and fast stretches, a walk and swim provide a natural break. Bring a swimsuit and sunscreen, and be prepared for wet ground. The available details do not promise a specific swimming duration or water conditions, so think of the swim-hole as part of the day rather than a guaranteed long swim.

You should have a moderate fitness level. The walk is described as relaxing, but the overall activity includes a long day, uneven ground, and time in a vehicle that can be bumpy. Young children can join from age 8, yet parents should judge their child’s comfort with mud, heat, walking, and a long transfer.

Ranch time, snacks, and the less polished side of Puerto Vallarta

The mountain base has more than a parking area and a line of vehicles. The experience can include time around a ranch, animals, food, and space to look around after the ride. That part gives the day a local, rural character that you will not get from a short ride near the hotel zone.

A light snack and purified water are included. The snack is useful, but I would not plan to treat it as a full lunch unless your booking details say otherwise. Some outings may offer additional food and drinks for purchase at the ranch, so bring money if you want souvenirs or extras.

That extra time matters. It lets you come down from the drive instead of being rushed straight into a vehicle home. It also gives families something to do while everyone dries off and cleans up as much as possible.

The setting is part of the attraction, but it may feel basic compared with a polished resort facility. I see that as a benefit if you want a more direct look at rural Mexico. If you prefer air-conditioned comfort and tightly controlled conditions, this may not be your kind of excursion.

Cost, insurance, and the real value

The listed price is $399 per group of up to four. That is not a cheap add-on, but it can be fair value for a full day of vehicle use, instruction, guiding, a waterfall hike, a swimming stop, helmets, water, and a snack.

For four people, the group rate works out to about $100 per person before the insurance fee. For two people, it is roughly $200 per person before insurance. The tour makes the most financial sense for a family or group of friends that can fill the UTV capacity.

There is also a $50 insurance fee payable at check-in. It covers up to $400 in damage or collision to the UTV. Read the terms at the base so you understand exactly what the fee covers and what responsibility remains with you.

Photos may be taken during the day, and you may be offered professional images afterward. I would decide in advance how much you want to spend on photos. The route can make personal photography difficult, but you should not feel obliged to purchase images after the tour.

Who should book this adventure?

I would recommend it to active families with children aged 8 and older, couples who want more than a beach day, and small groups that can share the $399 vehicle rate. It is especially suitable if you enjoy getting dirty and want your Puerto Vallarta holiday to include mountains, jungle, and rural scenery.

You should be comfortable with a moderate fitness level, a rough ride, and changing conditions. If you have back, mobility, or balance concerns, ask the operator for current details before booking. The supplied information does not give a specific accessibility rating, so do not assume the UTV and waterfall walk will suit every physical need.

This is not a good fit for cruise ship passengers. The tour specifically says cruise ship arrivals cannot book it. It is also a poor match for anyone looking for a short activity close to the hotel, since the total outing lasts about six and a half hours and the transfer may be long.

English is offered, and confirmation arrives at booking. Public transportation is nearby, but you still need to confirm the exact pickup or meeting location with Vallarta Adventures after booking.

What to pack for a muddy mountain day

Keep your packing simple:

• Sporty pants or shorts
• Comfortable athletic shoes with a secure fit
• Swimsuit
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• A waterproof pouch for your phone
• Money for souvenirs or optional purchases
• Clothing you do not mind getting wet or muddy

Avoid white clothing and anything valuable. You may want a dry change of clothes for the return ride, though this is not listed as a required item. Bring only what you can protect from water and dirt.

The combination of sun, motion, walking, and wet conditions can wear you out. Use the provided purified water, take the hike at a sensible pace, and tell the guide if you need help.

My call: book it if you want mud, mountains, and a full day out

I would book the All Terrain Safari if I wanted a hands-on mountain adventure rather than a polished attraction. The UTV ride, waterfall walk, swim-hole, ranch setting, and strong guide presence give it more range than a simple off-road loop.

I would pause if my group disliked long transfers, rough ground, or getting soaked. Confirm the meeting location, budget the $50 insurance fee, and fill the four-person vehicle if possible. For the right group, this is a lively and memorable way to see a more rural side of Puerto Vallarta. For a quiet sightseeing day, choose something gentler.

FAQ

How long does the All Terrain Safari last?

The activity lasts approximately six hours and 30 minutes, including the driving and other parts of the outing.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $399 per group of up to four people.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Meeting locations include Marina Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta, and you should confirm your exact location with Vallarta Adventures after booking.

What is the insurance fee?

A $50 fee is payable at check-in. It covers up to $400 in damage or collision to the UTV.

What is the minimum age to participate?

The minimum age is 8 years old. To drive the UTV, you must be at least 18 and present a valid driver’s license.

What should I wear?

Wear sporty pants or shorts and comfortable athletic shoes. A swimsuit is recommended, along with sunscreen and sunglasses. Expect to get wet and muddy.

Are helmets and water provided?

Yes. The tour includes use of a UTV and helmet, plus purified water and a light snack.

Can cruise ship passengers book this activity?

No. Passengers arriving on a cruise ship cannot book this tour.