Puerto Vallarta Best Zipline Canopy + Tequila and Speed Boat Ride

The most exciting part of this Puerto Vallarta outing is the combination of 19 rainforest ziplines and a fast ride across Banderas Bay. You move from the coast into the Los Horcones River valley, climb through thick jungle, then fly over the treetops and finish at a riverside tequila bar. It feels like several separate adventures joined into one half-day trip.

I like the strong, safety-minded guide team, with names such as Pepe, Edgar, Chica, Mane, and Fernando earning repeated praise for keeping people calm and entertained. I also like the choice after the zipline course: swim in river pools, kayak, use the waterslides, see monkeys and boas, or sit down for lunch. The main drawback is physical effort. The steep steps between platforms can be harder than the ziplines, especially in hot, muggy weather.

Key points to know before you book

• Nineteen lines over the jungle: Expect a full canopy circuit with long views, river crossings, and a final twin-cable race.
• The stairs are the real workout: You’ll walk uphill between platforms, with handrails and marked paths in many places.
• Two ways to reach the jungle: Choose the included speedboat ride or land transportation, depending on your departure point and schedule.
• A riverside finish: Swimming, kayaking, waterslides, tequila tasting, food, and an animal area extend the day beyond the zipline course.
• Bring practical gear: Wear secure walking shoes, a swimsuit, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a camera with a strap.
• Budget beyond the $120 price: Lunch, drinks, photographs, and a small port fee are extra.

From Puerto Vallarta to the Los Horcones River

The experience begins at the Los Veranos Canopy Tour main office on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio. You should arrive 15 minutes before departure, especially if you are joining from a cruise port. The exact length of the outing is about five hours, but transfer time depends on your pickup point.

The sea option is the more memorable way to start. You ride a fast, open boat across the bay, with views back toward Puerto Vallarta and the coast. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but sea turtles and even whales have been spotted during the ride. A small $2 US port fee, or about 33 pesos, is required for the boat departure and is separate from the listed price.

Land transportation is the sensible choice if you prefer to avoid a boat ride, have a tight schedule, or need a simpler transfer. The ride takes you from the city toward the mountains and rainforest. Some departures use an open-air truck for the final stretch, a bumpy climb that becomes part of the adventure rather than a polished coach transfer.

Allow extra time for group transportation. One reported schedule included a wait while another group joined the vehicle, and a few people found the return timing longer than expected. If you are on a cruise, confirm the pickup instructions, ship time, and return plan before leaving the port. Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán can fall in different time zones, and a missed boat connection or delayed transfer matters more than a late hotel dinner.

The safety briefing and first climb

At the jungle site, the guides explain the course, demonstrate the braking method, and fit your protective equipment. The staff generally keeps the mood light without losing sight of safety. Pepe, Edgar, Chica, Mane, and Fernando are among the guides singled out for friendly humor, reassurance, and clear help on the platforms.

The first few lines are not the whole challenge. You’ll walk uphill on trails and stairs to reach the higher platforms, then zip back down across the river valley. The route is maintained and marked, with steps and handrails in many sections, but you still need to climb under your own power.

I would rate the physical demand as moderate to strenuous, depending on your fitness and the heat. Several people found the first seven lines and the uphill sections especially demanding. Drink water before you start and use the water stations along the course. If your knees, heart, back, or shoulders limit you on hills or steps, this is not the right activity in its full form.

The operator lists a minimum age of five and a 40-inch height requirement. The course is not recommended for anyone over 285 pounds, or 129 kilograms, pregnant people, intoxicated people, or anyone unable to walk hills and steps. Land transportation may allow pregnant people and those with certain medical or mobility concerns to enjoy other parts of the property, but you should confirm what activities are appropriate before booking.

Nineteen ziplines through the canopy

Once you reach the first platform, the experience changes from uphill effort to flight. You clip onto the cable, push away from the platform, and cross above the forest. The views include the Los Horcones River, steep wooded slopes, and broad sections of jungle below.

The lines vary in length and feel. Some offer a quick burst of speed, while others give you more time to look around. The guides help with body position, braking, and arrival at each platform. On some lines, you may ride with a guide or receive extra help if you feel nervous.

The final line uses twin cables, allowing two people to race. This is a fun ending for couples, friends, and families who want a little competition. The course finishes directly at the tequila bar and riverside restaurant, so the transition from adrenaline to lunch is unusually quick.

You can carry a camera only if it has a secure strap and does not interfere with the equipment. The staff also offers photography and video, but these cost extra. The photo package has been described as expensive, with one person citing a price near $70 and another mentioning about $90. If you want pictures, ask about the current price before the course starts. If you bring your own phone, use a strong wrist or neck strap and follow the guides’ instructions.

Tequila, lunch, and the river

The tequila tasting is included and takes place near the end of the course. It adds a distinctly Mexican finish rather than leaving the outing as a generic zipline ride. You can also buy cocktails such as mango margaritas or mojitos, but drinks are not part of the $120 price.

Food is served at the riverside restaurant and is also extra. The sample menu includes avocado salad, chicken, flank steak, or shrimp fajitas with rice, beans, guacamole, and tortillas. Pizza and warm apple cake with vanilla ice cream are also listed.

Portions can be large, so one main dish may be enough for two lighter eaters. The quality can vary by dish. Pizza received good marks, while some people found certain tacos and quesadillas disappointing for the price. If lunch is important to you, budget for it, but do not assume the meal is included or that every menu item will suit your taste.

The setting is the real reason to linger. Tables sit beside the river, giving you a quiet place to cool down after the stairs and cables. Some people prefer to spend more time in the water than at the restaurant, so keep an eye on the departure schedule before ordering a long meal or several drinks.

Swimming, kayaking, and waterslides

After the zipline circuit, you can use the river area for a more relaxed finish. Natural pools provide a place to swim, and kayaks and water toys are available when weather permits. Waterslides add another quick burst of fun, particularly for children and adults who still have energy after the course.

Bring a swimsuit and towel. You can wear swim clothing under your zipline gear, but secure walking shoes are still important for the approach trails. Sunscreen and insect repellent are also essential. The jungle setting means mosquitoes can be an issue, and buying repellent on-site may cost more than bringing your own.

Weather affects the water activities, and rain can also lead to a cancellation or schedule change. If poor weather cancels the outing, you can choose another date or receive a full refund under the stated policy.

The small animal area

The property includes a compact animal area with creatures such as squirrel monkeys, marmosets, coatimundi, boa constrictors, toucans, and iguanas. It gives you something to do while waiting for transportation or while other people in your group finish eating.

This is not a substitute for a major wildlife park, and the animal area is only one part of the day. Still, it can be a pleasant surprise, especially for children who are more interested in monkeys and birds than tequila. The chance to see animals up close also adds variety to an outing that otherwise focuses on height, speed, and physical activity.

Price, timing, and what the $120 covers

At $120 per person, this is not the cheapest zipline option in Puerto Vallarta. The price makes more sense if you use several parts of the day: round-trip land or sea transportation, the complete 19-line course, water activities, tequila tasting, and time at the river property.

Food, drinks, photographs, and video are extra. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to reach the stated meeting point or follow the instructions for your selected pickup location. The small port fee for boat departures is also separate.

The five-hour estimate is useful, but treat it as an approximate schedule. Transfers, group size, weather, restaurant time, and the return route can change the total. The maximum group size is listed as 99 people, though your zipline group may be smaller. On a busy day, delays can affect your time in the river area.

Cruise passengers need the most care. Tell the staff clearly if you have a ship departure to meet, and ask where and when you should return to transportation after the water activities. Do not assume that the vehicle waiting at the property is taking you to the boat. One scheduling mix-up caused people to miss the speedboat portion, even though the zipline itself went well.

Who will enjoy this most

This outing suits active families, couples, friends, and cruise passengers who want a full half-day of motion and scenery rather than a quiet city tour. Children who meet the age and height requirements can take part, and the guides have helped nervous participants gain confidence after the first line.

It is especially good for people who enjoy variety. You get a boat or mountain transfer, a jungle course, water activities, wildlife, tequila, and lunch in one booking. That range can be a better value than paying separately for several short activities.

It is less suitable if you dislike heights, tire easily on stairs, have a serious medical condition, or need a tightly controlled schedule. The ziplines themselves are exciting, but the uphill walks are the part that can make or break the day. Wear shoes with grip, start hydrated, and do not arrive hungry, since the course requires real effort.

The free-cancellation policy allows a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded. The local time controls the cutoff.

Should you book the Los Veranos canopy tour?

Book it if you want more than a standard zipline ride. The combination of 19 lines, river swimming, waterslides, tequila, animals, and optional speedboat transport gives you a lively and varied day for the price.

Skip it if you want a relaxed outing, have trouble with steep stairs, or must return at a precise time. For everyone else, the best plan is simple: choose the boat only if your schedule allows it, bring sturdy shoes and insect repellent, budget for lunch and photos, and ask for clear transfer instructions at every stage. With those details handled, this is one of Puerto Vallarta’s stronger choices for an active rainforest day.

FAQ

How long does the Puerto Vallarta zipline experience last?

The activity lasts approximately five hours, depending on your selected pickup point and transportation option.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Round-trip land or sea transportation is included, but hotel pickup and drop-off are not listed as included. Follow the instructions for the departure option you select.

Is the speedboat ride included?

The experience offers a speedboat departure or land transportation. A $2 US port fee, or about 33 pesos, is required for the boat departure and is not included in the listed price.

How many ziplines are included?

The canopy course includes 19 ziplines. The final line uses twin cables for a possible race between two people.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear comfortable, secure walking shoes and bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, insect repellent, a camera with a strap, and extra cash or a debit or credit card for lunch, drinks, photos, or souvenirs.

Is lunch included?

No. Food and drinks are extra. The riverside restaurant offers items such as avocado salad, fajitas, pizza, and dessert.

What is the cancellation policy?

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 experience are not refunded. If bad weather causes the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.