RZR(Side by Side) Tour Rio Cuale Sierra Madre Mountains & tequila

If you’re on the hunt for an adventure-packed day in Puerto Vallarta, this RZR side-by-side tour offers a perfect blend of adrenaline, scenic beauty, and local flavor. Designed for those who want to get off the beaten path and into the rugged heart of Mexico’s Sierra Madre Mountains, this experience combines high-speed fun with cultural stops — all wrapped into a three-hour package.

What really makes this tour shine are three things: the powerful, genuine off-road vehicles, the breathtaking mountain views, and the delicious tequila tasting at the end. That said, it’s worth mentioning that some visitors experienced a slight hiccup with a vehicle breakdown early on, so flexibility is key.

This adventure is well-suited for active travelers, small groups, and anyone eager to see Puerto Vallarta from a different perspective — but keep in mind, it’s best for those comfortable with outdoor activities and uneven terrain.

Good To Know

• Authentic off-road experience with high-performance RZRs and CFMoto ZForce vehicles
• Stunning panoramic views of Puerto Vallarta and the Sierra Madre Mountains
• Cultural stops include authentic Mexican cuisine and a tequila tasting
• Seasonal waterfall lagoon offers a refreshing swim, weather permitting
• Expert guides ensure safety and enhance the experience
• Group discounts and small tour size (max 12 travelers) for personalized attention

The Experience at a Glance

This tour is much more than just a ride — it’s a full sensory adventure. Starting in Puerto Vallarta’s charming streets, you’ll get behind the wheel of a true off-road machine. Unlike utility vehicles like Rangers, the high-performance RZRs and ZForce side-by-sides used here promise a more thrilling ride, with power to carve through rugged trails and riverbeds.

The tour lasts about three hours, making it a packed yet manageable experience for most. You’ll navigate the vibrant streets of Puerto Vallarta, then set off into the Sierra Madre Mountains — crossing rivers and tackling rocky trails that challenge both your skills and your sense of adventure. Throughout the journey, expect to be treated to sweeping views of Banderas Bay and the lush mountain landscape.

The Off-Road Driving: Power, Thrills, and Views

Driving your own RZR is undeniably the highlight. As one reviewer put it, having your own machine adds a layer of excitement that a utility vehicle can’t match. The guide (who, based on reviews, is friendly and knowledgeable) will give instructions and keep safety a priority.

You’ll love the way the vehicles handle the terrain — crossing riverbeds and tackling jagged trails. Some minor hiccups were reported, such as a vehicle breaking down after about five minutes, but most travelers appreciated the care taken by staff to resolve issues quickly. To mitigate setbacks, it’s advisable to be patient and flexible.

Scenic Mountain Vistas

Once you leave the city behind, the landscape transforms into a lush, mountainous playground. The views are truly breathtaking — you’ll get sweeping panoramas of Puerto Vallarta, the bay, and the towering Sierra Madre range. Multiple reviewers mentioned their surprise at how spectacular the scenery is, especially from higher elevations.

You’ll stop at viewpoints that make for perfect photo ops and give you a real sense of the landscape’s scale and beauty. Whether it’s the vibrant green jungle or the distant coastline, the vistas are a highlight that make the adrenaline worthwhile.

Waterfall Lagoon: Seasonal Refreshment

Depending on the weather and rainfall, there’s an optional stop at a waterfall lagoon for a quick swim. Reviewers described this as a refreshing break, perfect for cooling off after the dusty trails. Keep in mind that water levels and waterfalls are seasonal, so this feature might not always be available. Still, it adds a fun, relaxing element to the tour that many travelers appreciated.

Authentic Mexican Cuisine and Tequila Tasting

No trip to Mexico is complete without sampling local flavors. After the off-road adventure, you’ll relax at a mountain restaurant where authentic Mexican food is served — often described as delicious and plentiful. Most reviews praise the quality of the food, with some mentioning that it’s a great way to refuel after the action.

The tequila tasting at the end is a memorable highlight. Guides, who are both friendly and knowledgeable, lead the tasting, sharing insights about different types of tequila and Mexican spirits. Reviewers like Omar highlight how the staff made the experience even better, making the tequila tasting a fun and educational experience.

Practical Details and Considerations

Pricing is around $127.14 per person, which includes the vehicle, guides, helmets, goggles, bandanas, tequila tasting, and the food stop. Many travelers find this to be good value, considering the combination of adventure, scenery, and cultural experiences.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, as long as they are comfortable with outdoor activity and can handle uneven terrain. Children are allowed but must be accompanied by an adult, and alcohol is only served to those 18 and older. The activity is capped at 12 guests, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Meeting at Cool Rentals & Tours in Puerto Vallarta, the process is straightforward, and most travelers appreciate the proximity to public transportation. The entire experience is about three hours, making it easy to fit into a day without feeling rushed.

What We Loved About This Tour

Authentic off-road vehicles definitely add a layer of excitement that ordinary ATVs don’t quite match. The guides are praised for their friendliness and safety awareness, making even a few mechanical hiccups manageable.

The spectacular mountain vistas are genuinely breathtaking, offering a perspective of Puerto Vallarta that most travelers miss. The waterfall lagoon stop provides a refreshing countdown to relaxation, especially after the dusty trails.

And of course, the culinary stops — the authentic Mexican food and tequila tasting — bring a cultural touch that makes this more than just an adrenaline ride; it’s a taste of local life.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This adventure is best suited for active travelers who aren’t afraid of a little dirt and rugged terrain. It’s perfect for groups, couples, or solo travelers looking for a mix of adrenaline and scenery. Families with older children (minimum age 18 for alcohol) will also find it fun, especially if they love outdoor activities and cultural experiences.

If you’re after a laid-back, sightseeing-only experience, this might not be the best fit. But if you crave a combination of speed, stunning views, and authentic taste, this tour delivers.

Final Thoughts

This RZR side-by-side tour strikes a fine balance between thrill, scenery, and culture. The vehicles’ power and the mountain vistas create a sense of adventure that’s hard to match elsewhere in Puerto Vallarta. The tequila tasting and authentic Mexican meal add a genuine local flavor that rounds out the experience perfectly.

While a few reviews mentioned minor vehicle issues, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, especially regarding the guides and the stunning environment. It offers excellent value for those wanting to see Puerto Vallarta from a different angle — high up in the mountains, behind the wheel of a real off-road machine.

Ideal for adventure lovers, small groups, and those craving authentic local flavors, this tour promises a memorable day full of action and beauty.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children can participate if they are 18 or older, as alcohol is served only to adults. Minors must be accompanied by an adult who accepts responsibility.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring cash for tips and lunch, as these are not included. Wear casual outdoor clothing, and don the provided helmets, goggles, and bandanas for safety.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about three hours, including driving, stops, and tasting.

Do I need prior off-road experience?
Not necessarily. Guides will give instructions, but you should be comfortable handling a powerful vehicle on rugged terrain.

What if it rains?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to rain, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made 24 hours in advance. Less notice means you forfeit your payment.

What’s included in the price?
Helmets, goggles, bandanas, tequila tasting, and guiding services are included. You’ll need cash for tips and lunch.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Cool Rentals & Tours, Av México 1278, and ends back at the same location.

Is the group size small?
Yes, with a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring a more personalized and flexible experience.

Can I customize my experience?
The tour follows a set itinerary, with optional stops like the waterfall lagoon, depending on weather and suitability.

This adventure offers a fantastic mix of adrenaline, scenic beauty, and cultural flavor, perfect for those wanting a more active and authentic way to explore Puerto Vallarta’s surroundings.