ATV and RZR Jorullo Bridge Experience in Puerto Vallarta

The Jorullo Bridge is the payoff here: a long suspension bridge high above the Sierra Madre, with open views and enough sway to make the crossing memorable. Getting there means a rough, dusty ATV or RZR ride through mountain roads, not a gentle sightseeing drive. I like the cold swim at El Salto and the way the guides keep several staff members spread through the group. The main drawback is simple: you will spend a fair amount of time in transport, waiting, and getting dirty.

I also like that the tour works for mixed groups. A solo driver can take an ATV, a couple can share a RZR, and families can use a four-seat RZR. The waterfall, bridge, mountain bar, and tequila tasting give the outing more variety than a basic off-road ride. Just know that the waterfall stop is brief, the road is very bumpy, and the included tasting does not cover food or drinks afterward.

Key points to know before you book

• The ride is rough and dusty: Expect steep hills, sharp turns, dirt, splashes, and plenty of vibration.
• El Salto is a quick refreshment stop: You can walk down to the waterfall and swim, but the time in the water is limited.
• Jorullo Bridge is the main event: You cross with the guide, pause in the middle for photographs, and look out over the Sierra Madre.
• ATV and RZR choices suit different groups: Individual ATVs offer more direct control, while RZRs make sense for couples and families.
• The day lasts about five to five and a half hours: Roughly 1.5 hours is transport, 1.5 hours is riding, and the rest covers stops, tasting, food, and free time.
• Bring clothes for dust and water: Closed shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and extra cash will make the day easier.

Leaving Puerto Vallarta for the mountain roads

The tour begins at the Canopy River office in Plaza Villas Vallarta in the Las Glorias area of Puerto Vallarta. Round-trip transport takes you away from the hotel zone and into the countryside, where the city gives way to thick tropical vegetation and mountain roads.

The exact drive time depends on traffic, but the full round-trip transfer is listed at about 1.5 hours. Some departures reach the riding area in roughly 30 minutes, while others may take longer. This matters if you are planning the tour around a cruise ship, dinner reservation, or another activity. Allow the full half-day rather than counting only the time on the vehicle.

The transport is part of the change in scenery, but it is not the star of the tour. You may find the ride worthwhile for the countryside views, though it can feel long if you are eager to get on the ATV. At the office, staff check your documents, provide safety equipment, and organize the vehicles before you head into the jungle area.

The maximum group size is 25 people. Several guides may be placed at the front, middle, and rear of the line. That arrangement helps keep the group together and gives you someone nearby if you need help with the vehicle or the road.

Choosing between an ATV and a RZR

You can book an ATV for one or two people, or choose a RZR for two or four people. If you want each person to drive an individual ATV, you need to make separate reservations, one vehicle at a time. Booking for two, three, or four people does not show the individual ATV option in the same way.

An ATV gives you the more active experience. You control the vehicle, shift gears with your feet, and take the bumps directly. If you enjoy being involved in every turn, I would choose the ATV. The tour provider specifically recommends sports shoes or other closed shoes so you can shift properly.

A RZR is a practical choice for a couple, a family, or anyone who prefers not to operate a single ATV. Four-seat RZRs allow a larger group to share one vehicle, though the person driving still handles the rough road and steep sections. One useful tip from the experience is to choose one driver per vehicle when possible. You get more control, and the ride feels less crowded.

The vehicles are built for rough terrain, but do not expect a polished road tour. Parts of the course are steep, bumpy, and dusty. In the dry season, dust can be heavy enough to cover your clothes and face. Helmets, goggles, and a bandana are provided, and you should use them. Bringing your own bandana or eye protection can add comfort, but the supplied equipment is part of the standard setup.

Drivers must be at least 18 and show a valid driver license. A Visa or Mastercard credit card is requested for each driver at check-in. Passengers can be as young as six, and the stated age range for the experience is six to 75. Weight limits also apply, so check them carefully before booking:

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

El Salto waterfall: a cool break from the dust

Once you reach the activity area, you receive instructions before setting off along the dirt roads. The route takes you through tropical mountain scenery, with climbs, descents, running water, and rough turns. This is where the tour earns its adventure label.

El Salto waterfall provides the first major stop. You can walk down to the water, take photographs, and swim if conditions allow. The water is a welcome change after the hot, dusty ride, and it gives you a chance to cool off before the bridge crossing.

Do not plan on a long swim. The stop is often around 15 minutes, and the stairs back up can be tiring. I would treat El Salto as a quick natural break rather than the main destination. Some people will find it beautiful and refreshing, while others may wish they had more time in the water.

Wear a swimsuit under your clothes and bring a towel. Water shoes are useful if you have them, though closed sports shoes are still important for driving. You may get wet at the waterfall, splashed on the route, or both. Keep your phone protected unless you are using it only for photographs at safe stops.

Crossing Jorullo Bridge above the Sierra Madre

After the waterfall, the group continues toward Puente Colgante El Jorullo. The bridge is the tour’s defining sight. Your guide leads the way, and the group stops in the middle so you can take photographs and look across the Sierra Madre Occidental.

The bridge is high enough to unsettle anyone who dislikes heights. It sways, and the open view below makes the crossing feel more serious than a simple footbridge. If you are nervous, keep your eyes on the route ahead and take the crossing at your own pace. The guide’s position at the front, along with staff placed through the group, helps keep things orderly.

The stop in the middle is especially useful. You can take pictures without rushing through the entire crossing, and the mountain views make a strong contrast with the close, muddy road below. Ask the guides to take photographs if you want both people in your group in the frame. Photos may also be available for purchase later, but your own phone can work well when handled safely.

There may be more than one hanging bridge on the route, with Jorullo being the longest and most dramatic. The bridge crossing is not a passive viewpoint. You reach it by driving through the hills, so the final view feels earned.

A mountain bar and tequila tasting

After crossing the bridge, the group stops at a mountain bar with broad views. Drinks and snacks cost extra. This is a useful pause after the rough ride, and you can sit, take in the scenery, and recover before returning to the activity base.

The bar accepts extra spending money, and some visitors find the prices reasonable. Still, food and drinks are not included in the tour price. Bring pesos or extra cash for refreshments, photographs, gratuities, and any food you want after the ride.

Back at the activity area, the tour finishes with a tequila tasting. The tasting is optional, so you can skip it if you prefer. It adds a distinctly Mexican finish to the day, but it is not a substitute for lunch. The schedule allows about half an hour for the tasting and around an hour of general free time, which may include eating at the on-site restaurant and using other facilities.

Pool access is not included. If you want to use the pool afterward, the stated cost is 200 Mexican pesos, or about 10.50 US dollars per person. That can be appealing if you want to clean up, relax, and enjoy the mountain setting, but add it to your budget before you arrive.

What the $169 price really covers

The listed price is $169 per group of up to one person, so confirm the vehicle and passenger setup carefully before paying. The value depends heavily on how many people share a vehicle and how much you enjoy the riding itself.

The price includes round-trip transportation from the office, the ATV or RZR activity, the El Salto visit, the Jorullo Bridge crossing, and the tequila tasting. It does not include collision insurance, food, drinks, photographs, gratuities, or pool access.

Collision insurance costs $10 per ATV and $20 per RZR. That is an important extra, especially on a course with steep climbs, sharp turns, and uneven surfaces. Ask about the coverage at check-in so you understand what you are accepting before you drive.

I consider the tour a fair value for someone who wants several activities in one half-day: off-road driving, a waterfall, a suspension bridge, mountain views, and tequila tasting. It is less compelling if you mainly want a long ATV ride. About 1.5 hours of driving time is listed, while transport and leisure time take up the rest of the schedule.

Who will enjoy this ride most

This tour suits families with older children, couples, friends, and first-time ATV drivers who want guides nearby. The staff can explain the vehicles and help keep the group moving. The route has enough action for experienced riders, but it is also structured enough for beginners who are comfortable with rough roads.

It is not a good match for anyone who dislikes dust, water, heights, or bumpy travel. The ride is not flat, smooth, or quiet. You should have a moderate level of physical fitness, since you may climb stairs from the waterfall and spend time handling the vehicle over uneven ground.

The experience takes place rain or shine. During the rainy season, from June through October, mud and water may be part of the route. Outside the rainy season, dust is the bigger issue. Wear old shorts or lightweight clothes that you do not mind staining, and bring a change of clothes.

The tour has received a 4.7 rating from 528 ratings, with 91 percent recommending it. The strongest praise centers on the guides, safety setup, mountain scenery, bridge crossing, and the fun of getting wet and dirty. A smaller number of people found the older RZRs less polished, the waterfall too brief, or the waiting and restaurant time longer than expected. Those points are worth taking seriously.

Practical booking advice for cruise days and families

If you are coming from a cruise ship, check the time difference between ship time and Puerto Vallarta local time. One family arrived early because of this concern and was moved to an earlier departure, but you should not rely on a last-minute change. Contact the operator ahead of time if your ship schedule is tight.

The tour ends back at the Las Glorias meeting point. Some staff may help coordinate transport afterward, but the official end point is the original office. Plan your next activity with room for traffic and delays.

Bring:

• Closed sports shoes
• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Extra clothes
• Bandana or face covering if you prefer your own
• Cash for food, drinks, photographs, insurance, and gratuities
• Bug spray if you are sensitive to insects

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book the Jorullo Bridge ATV experience?

Book it if you want a lively half-day away from Puerto Vallarta, especially if the thought of a muddy ATV ride sounds more fun than a polished sightseeing excursion. The bridge crossing, cold waterfall, and mountain scenery give the day a clear sense of place, while the guides help first-time drivers feel supported.

Skip it if you want a quiet nature outing, a long waterfall swim, or a smooth ride with little waiting. The best choice for most active couples is an ATV per driver. Families and groups may prefer a RZR for easier seating and shared driving.

For me, the deciding detail is your attitude toward dust. If you can laugh when your clothes get dirty and your ride rattles over the hills, this is a memorable Puerto Vallarta outing. If you want comfort and predictability, choose another excursion.

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 meeting point and back. About 1.5 hours is round-trip transportation, 1.5 hours is driving, 30 minutes is tequila tasting, and around one hour is free time for food and the park.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at the Canopy River Oficina Las Glorias in Plaza Villas Vallarta, José Clemente Orozco Local H2A, in the Zona Hotelera Norte area of Puerto Vallarta.

What is included in the tour?

Round-trip transportation from the office, the ATV or RZR ride, the visit to El Salto waterfall, the Jorullo Bridge crossing, and an optional tequila tasting are included.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks cost extra. You can buy refreshments at the mountain bar and food at the restaurant after the ride.

Can I swim at El Salto waterfall?

Yes, you can swim during the waterfall stop. Bring a swimsuit and towel, but expect limited time, often around 15 minutes.

What is the minimum age to drive?

Drivers must be at least 18 years old and must show a valid driver license. Passengers can be at least six years old.

Do I need a credit card or driver license?

Each driver must provide a driver license and a Visa or Mastercard credit card at check-in.

What happens if I need to cancel?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded.