ATV and RZR Jorullo Bridge Experience in Puerto Vallarta

Get ready to trade city streets for jungle roads. This half-day outing takes you from Puerto Vallarta’s Las Glorias area into the Sierra Madre Occidental, where you ride an ATV or RZR through dusty tracks, splash at El Salto waterfall, and cross the long Jorullo suspension bridge.

I especially like the scenic mountain route and the chance to cool off in the waterfall. The bridge crossing is the clear star, with wide views from high above the trees. The main drawback is time: about 1.5 hours is spent on transportation, and another hour can be used at the restaurant and park after the ride.

This is a good fit if you want active fun without committing to a full-day expedition. Expect bumps, steep sections, dust, water, and a fair bit of noise. If you want a clean, polished sightseeing trip, choose another outing. If you want to get dirty and laugh about it later, this one makes sense.

Key Points Before You Book

• The Jorullo Bridge is the main thrill: You cross the suspension bridge with your guide in front and stop midway for photos above the Sierra Madre.
• El Salto is a short but welcome break: You can cool off in the water, though the swimming time is limited and the stairs back up can be tiring.
• ATVs offer the most hands-on ride: RZRs provide a wider, shared vehicle option for two or four people.
• Dust is part of the deal: Outside the June to October rainy season, the dirt course can be extremely dusty.
• Safety support is strong: Several guides help keep the group together, and helmets, goggles, and bandanas are provided.
• Plan for extras: Food, drinks, collision insurance, photos, and post-tour pool access cost extra.

From Las Glorias to the Sierra Madre

Your day starts at the Canopy River office in Plaza Villas Vallarta, in the Zona Hotelera Norte area near Las Glorias. Round-trip transportation is included, so you do not need to arrange a taxi to the jungle facilities.

The ride out takes you through parts of Puerto Vallarta that you will not see from the resort strip. The city gives way to countryside and thick tropical vegetation as the road heads toward the mountains. The transfer usually takes about 45 minutes each way, though traffic can change that.

Some vehicles used for the transfer are open vans without air conditioning. That is worth knowing if you are sensitive to heat or want a quiet ride. The road can also be bumpy. I would treat the transfer as part of the outing rather than dead time, since it gives you a look at the rural side of the area.

At the jungle facilities, you check in, use the restrooms, and get ready for the ride. This is the best moment to apply sunscreen, secure your belongings, and make sure your shoes are suitable for shifting ATV gears. Closed sports shoes are required. Sandals are a poor choice.

You will be issued a helmet, goggles, and a bandana. The goggles help with dust, while the bandana gives your mouth and nose some protection on dry sections. Bring your own bandana if you prefer a better fit, and consider eye protection if you already have suitable sports goggles.

Choosing Between an ATV and a RZR

The vehicle you choose changes the feel of the whole experience. An individual ATV gives you direct control and a more active ride. You handle the shifting and steering yourself, so it demands more attention and physical effort.

You can ride an ATV alone or with a passenger. Individual ATVs must be booked separately, one vehicle at a time. If you book for two, three, or four people together, the individual ATV option may not appear, so plan your reservation carefully.

A RZR is a side-by-side vehicle. It can carry two people or four people, depending on the vehicle selected. This is a useful choice for families, mixed-age groups, or anyone who does not want to operate an ATV. It also lets you share the ride with a friend.

The course is not flat. You should expect steep climbs, descents, sharp turns, uneven dirt roads, and sections through running water or creeks. The ride is manageable for beginners who are comfortable with basic instruction, but it is still a physical activity. One person described the route as an excellent workout, which is a fair warning.

The minimum driving age is 18, and every driver must show a valid driver license at check-in. A credit card, Visa or Mastercard, is also requested for each driver. Passengers can be as young as six, and the permitted age range for the overall activity is six to 75.

Weight limits matter when choosing your vehicle:

• One person on an ATV: maximum 160 kilograms, or 352 pounds
• Two people on an ATV: maximum combined weight of 220 kilograms, or 484 pounds
• Two people in a RZR: maximum combined weight of 226 kilograms, or 500 pounds
• Four people in a RZR: maximum combined weight of 362 kilograms, or 800 pounds

The Jungle Ride to El Salto Waterfall

After a safety briefing and vehicle orientation, you follow your guide onto the dirt roads. The route takes you into thick tropical vegetation, with mountain views opening up in places between the trees.

Several guides help manage the group. One guide leads, others stay near the middle or back, and the group is kept moving at a controlled pace. This setup is especially useful for first-time ATV drivers, since you are not left to find your way through unfamiliar turns.

The road is rough and dusty in dry weather. You will probably get dirt on your clothes, shoes, and exposed skin. In the rainy season, the same course can become wet and muddy, so the experience changes with the weather. It operates rain or shine.

The ride includes water crossings and steep sections. That is where the fun comes from, but it also means you should not wear anything you want to keep clean. Pack a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, and spare clothes. Bug spray is also a useful addition.

El Salto waterfall is the first major stop. You walk down stairs to reach the water, and the return climb can be surprisingly strenuous. The stop is fairly short, around 15 minutes according to the detailed timing, so think of it as a quick refresh rather than a long swim session.

The waterfall’s appeal depends on your expectations. It offers a cold splash and a chance to cool down after the dusty ride. It may not be the dramatic centerpiece you imagine, and the water time is limited. I would still use the stop, especially on a hot day, but I would not book this excursion mainly for the waterfall.

If you do not want to swim, you can use the stop for photos and a rest. Wear shoes with a secure grip because wet paths and stairs are less forgiving than the ATV track.

Crossing Puente Colgante El Jorullo

The Jorullo Bridge is the best part of the outing. The suspension bridge stretches high above the wooded valley, with the Sierra Madre rising around you. Your guide crosses first, and the group follows at a steady pace.

You stop in the middle for photos. This pause gives you time to look beyond the cables and boards, with a broad view over the mountain country. The bridge can feel intimidating if you dislike heights. The movement underfoot and the open views are part of the experience, not a flaw to be hidden.

If heights make you nervous, keep your eyes on the bridge and the person ahead rather than looking straight down. The crossing is not a race. Take your time, follow the guide, and use the photo stop to settle your nerves.

There may also be another hanging bridge along the route, with the final bridge being the longest and most memorable. The bridge section gives the ride a clear purpose. Without it, this would be a pleasant off-road outing. With it, you get a distinct Puerto Vallarta memory that is hard to duplicate from the coast.

The staff also take photos at the waterfall and bridge. You can use your own phone when conditions allow, which may be enough for most people. Professional photo packages are an extra purchase, with pricing reported at about $24 for one photo or $50 for a complete set. Keep your phone protected from water and dust if you carry it.

A Mountain Bar, Tequila, and Extra Time

After crossing the bridge, the group heads to a mountain bar. This is a rest stop with wide views, where you can buy a drink or snack. Food and drinks are not included, but the bar accepts US dollars and can return change in the same currency, according to the practical details provided by a past participant.

The stop gives your body a break after the rough road and bridge crossing. It can also feel longer than expected if you are eager to keep riding. The total schedule includes about an hour of free time at the restaurant and park after the main ride, and that is one reason some people find the excursion slower than the advertised driving time suggests.

Back at the facilities, you can eat at the restaurant, order drinks, and take part in the tequila tasting. The tasting is included but optional. I would treat it as a light cultural finish, not the reason to book the tour. You can skip it if you are driving, do not drink, or simply want to spend the time on food and the pool.

Food and drinks are extra. Pool access after the tour costs 200 Mexican pesos, listed as about $10.50 per person. That pool can be a nice add-on if you want to clean up, cool down, and enjoy the mountain views before returning to the city.

The restaurant has received strong praise for its food, including positive comments about the meals and margaritas. Still, bring extra cash for anything you want to buy, plus photos and gratuities.

What the $169 Price Really Covers

The listed price is $169 per group, up to one person, but vehicle and passenger choices affect how you should interpret it. Since the booking system requires separate reservations for individual ATVs, read the vehicle selection carefully before paying.

The price includes transportation from the Las Glorias office, the ATV or RZR activity, the waterfall stop, the Jorullo Bridge crossing, and the optional tequila tasting. For a half-day mountain outing with transport and equipment, the price can be reasonable, especially if you value convenience and do not want to arrange a jungle transfer yourself.

It is not an all-inclusive price. Add-ons may include:

• Collision insurance: $10 per ATV or $20 per RZR
• Food and drinks
• Professional photos
• Pool access: 200 Mexican pesos, or about $10.50 per person
• Tips

The value is strongest for people who want the riding itself. If you mainly want a waterfall, a drink, or mountain photos, the amount of driving and waiting may feel less satisfying. If you want a guided off-road route with a major bridge crossing, the package has more substance.

The maximum group size is 25 people. That is large enough for a lively outing, but the guide system helps keep the ride organized. A smaller group may feel more personal, while a full departure may create more waiting at stops.

Dust, Water, and What to Pack

Dress for a day that can change from dry and dusty to wet and muddy. Shorts and quick-drying clothes are sensible, but bring a full change of clothes for the ride back to Puerto Vallarta.

Pack:

• Closed sports shoes
• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen and hat
• Spare clothes
• Bug spray
• Extra cash
• A bandana if you prefer your own
• A secure case for your phone

Do not bring anything delicate or difficult to clean. Dry-season dust can be heavy, and the vehicle ride sends dirt into the air. During rainy months, you might get soaked from puddles and creek crossings.

You should also be comfortable with moderate physical activity. The ATV controls, rough roads, stairs to the waterfall, and bridge crossing all require balance and energy. The activity is family-friendly in age range, but that does not mean it is effortless.

The tour does not accept anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Drivers must be 18 or older, with no exceptions.

Who Will Enjoy This Most

I would recommend this outing to couples, families with older children, friends, and first-time riders who want a guided introduction to off-road driving. The four-seat RZR is practical for families, while individual ATVs suit people who want to control every turn.

It also works well for cruise passengers, but pay close attention to local time. Puerto Vallarta can be one hour ahead of ship time, and that has caused confusion for cruise visitors. Contact the operator before the day of the tour if your ship schedule is tight. The office has shown flexibility with time changes when contacted in advance, but you should not count on a last-minute adjustment.

You should think twice if you dislike dust, heights, rough roads, stairs, or long transfers. The waterfall stop is brief, and the post-ride restaurant time may feel like waiting if you do not plan to eat, drink, use the pool, or buy photos.

The staff’s attitude is one of the tour’s strongest points. Guides have been described as friendly, patient, and attentive, with several people helping keep the group safe. One guide named Polo received special praise, and the team has also helped a family member using a wheelchair. That does not guarantee full accessibility across the route, but it does suggest a helpful approach at the office and facilities.

Should You Book the Jorullo Bridge Ride?

Book it if you want active mountain fun, a memorable suspension bridge, and a chance to get wet and dusty in the Puerto Vallarta countryside. Choose an individual ATV for the most hands-on experience, or a RZR if you want to share the ride or avoid driving.

Skip it if your idea of a good day means clean clothes, quiet roads, a long waterfall swim, or a tightly packed sightseeing schedule. The bridge is excellent, the scenery is beautiful, and the guides provide solid support, but transportation and extra leisure time take up a meaningful part of the five-hour outing.

For the right mood, this is a lively and good-value escape from the resort zone. Bring shoes you can abuse, keep your expectations realistic about the waterfall, and save your energy for the bridge.

FAQ

How long does the ATV and RZR Jorullo Bridge experience last?

The full outing takes approximately five to five and a half hours from the Las Glorias meeting point and back. The timing includes about 1.5 hours of round-trip transportation, 1.5 hours of driving, 30 minutes for tequila tasting, and about one hour for food or leisure time at the park.

Where does the tour start and finish?

The tour starts and ends at the Canopy River office in Plaza Villas Vallarta, José Clemente Orozco Local H2A, Zona Hotelera Norte, Puerto Vallarta. Round transportation from the office is included.

What is the minimum age to drive an ATV or RZR?

Drivers must be at least 18 years old and must show a driver license at check-in. The minimum passenger age is six.

Is swimming included at El Salto waterfall?

You can swim or cool off at El Salto waterfall during the stop. The swimming time is limited, and you should bring a swimsuit and towel.

Is collision insurance included?

No. Collision insurance costs $10 per ATV or $20 per RZR. Food, drinks, photos, and pool access are also extra.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted and are not refundable.