Four hours, one dusty grin. This ATV or RZR tour pushes you into the Sierra Madre with rugged dirt roads, small mountain towns, and stops built for real mountain scenery. I love the chance to drive yourself (or ride as a passenger) while the route snakes through places like Los Llanitos, where you may spot just a few buildings at a time. I also like that the day includes multiple viewpoint moments, plus a hot-springs area and a mountain restaurant break.

One possible drawback: this is not a hotel-pickup style excursion, and you’ll need to budget for the extra insurance payment collected at registration. Also, the road dust can be real, so come ready to protect your mouth and eyes.

Key things to know before you go

• You choose ATV vs RZR based on weight limits and comfort, and you drive with a valid license (see age rules in the FAQ).
• Safety gear is included up front: helmet plus goggles and a bandana, plus a first aid kit on hand.
• You’ll get multiple viewpoint stops: Los Llanitos, a La Joyita viewpoint (listed as 48275), and the second mountain journey.
• The big scenery portion lasts about 2 hours early on, when you head from base camp toward the hot-springs area.
• You stop at a Mexican restaurant in El Jorullo, but food/drinks are not included in the price.
• It ends with a quick return drive back to base camp so you’re not stuck traveling forever.

ATV or RZR in Puerto Vallarta: how to pick your ride

This tour runs with either an ATV or an RZR, and that choice affects comfort and who can drive. The ATV quad bike has a weight limit of 480 lb, while the RZR is rated up to 880 lb. If you’re near the upper end, you’ll want to think about how the machine fits and feels for your group, because there’s a difference between a lighter quad and a wider, roomier RZR.

Also think about your driving experience. If you want full control, you’ll likely prefer driving your own ATV/RZR. If you’d rather focus on the views and let someone else handle the narrow roads, the passenger option is there too.

Meeting at Felipe Ángeles 680 and getting geared up

The tour meets at Felipe Angeles 680, Paso Ancho, 48373 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico, and it ends back at the same spot. Roundtrip transportation from your hotel is not included, so plan your own way to the meeting point (the meeting area is listed as near public transportation, which helps).

Once you arrive, you’ll get the gear that makes this kind of ride tolerable. Expect helmet, goggles, and a bandana, plus a first aid kit available. There’s also an insurance payment you handle at registration (more on that in the value section and FAQ).

A small but important detail: drivers must show a current driver’s license. If you’re there with someone who’s 16 and wants to drive, the rules are different—see the FAQ for the exact age/permit setup.

El Jorullo start: leaving the foothills and heading toward the hot springs

The day’s pace starts strong: you’ll ride from base camp in the foothills of the Sierra Madre. This is where the “escape” feeling kicks in. You head away from traffic and into a route that’s clearly meant for getting onto rugged dirt roads, not just cruising near town.

This first big segment is about 2 hours, and it’s the heart of the tour. Along the way you pass through the area near Los Llanitos, along with viewpoints and stretches where the scenery opens up enough to feel the height and scale of the mountains. If you’re driving, it’s also the time you’ll understand how the machine handles—slow turns on uneven ground, the feel of throttle control, and how the track changes from smoother patches to rougher sections.

If you’re the passenger, you’ll still feel the bumps, but you can relax your focus and take in the small mountain settings. One of the best parts here is how sparse the area can feel; you’re not touring a developed strip. You’re moving through mountain country where only a handful of buildings may show up in a place.

Los Llanitos: why a 15-minute town stop works

You get a short 15-minute stop at Los Llanitos. It’s brief on purpose, and that’s actually a good thing on an ATV/RZR day. If you took too long here, you’d lose more riding time, and the tour is built around motion and viewpoints.

In that short window, you’re meant to get your bearings in a mountain town surrounded by steep terrain and far views. You’ll likely notice how the road threads through small settlements rather than cutting through a major tourist zone. This is the part of the experience that makes it feel less like a checklist and more like a real route.

Practical note: keep your hat/gear secure. Even in short stops, you’re still moving in and out of the vehicle, and wind and dust show up fast once you’re off the trail.

The 48275 segment and the La Joyita viewpoint moment

Next up is the La Joyita viewpoint stop, listed as 48275, with about 30 minutes on the ground. This is where the guide’s explanation becomes useful, because you’re not just snapping pictures. You’re getting context for what you’re seeing and why that point matters.

The viewpoint timing is also well chosen. You’re fresh enough after the earlier driving, but the tour is long enough already that the mountains feel like they’re in your face. Then you start the journey toward the second mountain.

This is also the stop where I’d take dust seriously. One review comment that stuck with me: wear something that helps cover your mouth. On dirt roads, fine dust can get into everything—so a bandana that you can adjust is more than “cute travel gear.” It can make the ride feel much more comfortable.

El Jorullo restaurant break: Mexican food in mountain air

The final stop is back at El Jorullo, where you spend about 1 hour at a Mexican restaurant surrounded by nature near the mountains. This is your chance to slow down, use a bathroom if you need one, and reset for the return ride.

You’ll have an opportunity to try Mexican dishes and organic drinks, but here’s the key point for planning: food and drink are not included in the tour price. In other words, treat the restaurant stop like a paid break during the tour, not a meal that’s already covered.

There’s also the tequila moment. Tequila tasting is included only for those over 18, and it’s part of this stop. If tequila isn’t your thing, you still have time to enjoy the food and mountain setting.

The return drive: quick wrap so you don’t lose the day

After the restaurant stop, you drive back non-stop for about 15 minutes to base camp to end the adventure. That short return leg is a good tradeoff. You’re not getting trapped in a long ride just to end the tour—you finish while the day still feels active.

Because the tour is about 4 hours total (approx.), you’ll want to treat timing as part of the experience. Plan your other day plans with the assumption that you’ll be done after the return drive, not after an open-ended schedule.

Price and value: what $110.28 really includes (and what doesn’t)

At $110.28 per person, this tour can feel like a solid deal for what you’re doing: multiple hours on a machine, safety gear, fees, and several free admission components tied to the stops. The experience includes landing and facility fees, plus safety equipment (helmet, goggles, bandana), and a first aid kit. It also includes the tequila tasting for adults, and it lists admission tickets as free for the stops.

But don’t miss the extra costs that change your true total:

• Insurance payment is $20 USD per ATV or $30 USD per RZR, paid at registration.
• Food and drink are not included.
• Roundtrip transportation from your hotel is not included.
• Photography/video is not included.

So the value calculation is mostly about logistics. If you can easily get to the meeting point and you’re fine paying for your own meal/snacks, the price makes sense for a real mountain ATV/RZR excursion. If you’re counting on hotel pickup and included meals, it won’t feel like a package deal.

One more practical detail: this activity is often booked about 20 days in advance on average, so waiting too long can squeeze your options.

Who this ATV/RZR tour fits best

This is a strong fit if you want a hands-on mountain experience rather than a sit-and-look kind of tour. You’ll like it if you enjoy:

• driving a vehicle through rugged dirt roads (or riding along and soaking up the scenery)
• short, purposeful stops like Los Llanitos and the La Joyita viewpoint
• a day that feels like you’re moving through real mountain settings

It’s also a good match for groups because the tour is listed as private, meaning only your group participates.

A few limits matter:

• Drivers need a current license.
• From 16 years old, you can drive with a valid permit and be accompanied by 1 adult.
• Weight limits differ by vehicle: 480 lb for ATV and 880 lb for RZR.

If you’re sensitive to dust, plan for it. Come with a bandana you trust, sunglasses, and something to cover your mouth.

Should you book Dirty Monkey ATV Adventure?

I think you should book if you want an ATV/RZR day that feels like getting out into the Sierra Madre and not just ticking off a viewpoint. The mix of a long first ride, short town/viewpoint stops, and a mountain restaurant break is a practical recipe for a 4-hour adventure.

Skip it (or at least adjust expectations) if you need hotel pickup, a meal that’s included, or a dust-free experience. Also budget for the insurance payment at registration so there are no surprises.

If you like driving or riding through narrow rugged roads and you’re okay taking the day as an active outdoor outing, this one is worth your time.

FAQ

How long is the ATV or RZR tour?

It’s listed as approximately 4 hours.

What does the tour cost, and is anything extra due at registration?

The price is $110.28 per person, but there is an additional insurance payment due at registration: $20 USD per ATV or $30 USD per RZR.

Is the tour private?

Yes. It’s listed as a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

Can I drive the ATV or RZR, and what documents do I need?

Drivers must present a current driver’s license. There is also a rule for 16-year-olds with a valid permit and accompaniment by 1 adult.

Are there weight limits for the vehicles?

Yes. The weight limit for the ATV is 480 lb, and the weight limit for the RZR is 880 lb.

What safety equipment is included?

Safety equipment is included, including a helmet, goggles, and a bandana, plus a first aid kit.

Is food included in the tour price?

No. Food and drink are listed as not included, even though there is a restaurant stop during the tour.

Is roundtrip transportation from my hotel included?

No. Roundtrip transportation is not included.

What is the meeting point, and how long does it take to return?

The meeting point is Felipe Angeles 680, Paso Ancho, 48373 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico, and the tour ends back there. The return drive is about 15 minutes.

Is cancellation free?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.