Puerto Vallarta Best Zipline Canopy + Tequila and Speed Boat Ride

The big draw here is the 19-line canopy course, where you race above the Los Horcones River and finish by zipping into a tequila bar. The day also folds in a speedboat ride, rainforest views, river swimming, kayaks, waterslides, and a small animal area.

I like the guides’ warm, playful approach, especially names frequently heard on the course such as Pepe, Edgar, Chica, Mane, and Fernando. I also like the setting: this is not just a series of cables, but an outdoor day with water activities and wildlife such as squirrel monkeys, coatimundis, boas, toucans, and iguanas.

The catch is the physical effort. The ziplines are exciting, but the steep steps and uphill paths between the first lines can be harder than the flying itself. Add possible waiting time, a large group, and extra charges for lunch, photos, and port fees, and you will want to plan carefully.

Key points to know before you book

• Nineteen ziplines cross the jungle canopy, with several lines high above the river and a final twin cable for racing.
• The hardest part is usually the uphill walking, not the cable rides. Good shoes, water, and a reasonable fitness level matter.
• Choose your transport carefully: the speedboat adds an exciting bay crossing, while land transport is more practical for some schedules and physical needs.
• The riverside finish is a real part of the day, with swimming, kayaks, water slides, tequila tasting, food, and animal encounters.
• Lunch, drinks, photos, and videos cost extra, and photo packages have been considered expensive by some visitors.
• Timing can run long, so cruise passengers should confirm the return plan and keep ship time and local time straight.

Flying above the Los Horcones River

Los Veranos Canopy Tour begins in Puerto Vallarta, but the main experience takes place away from the city, in the wooded hills along the Los Horcones River. You first travel from the main office by speedboat or road, then continue toward the canopy course.

The speedboat option adds more than simple transportation. You cross the bay with city views behind you, and there is a chance to spot sea turtles or even whales, though wildlife sightings cannot be promised. The ride can take roughly 45 minutes to an hour, depending on conditions and the departure point.

At the far end, an open-air truck carries you farther into the hills. That rougher ride is part of the adventure, but it is not luxury transport. If you choose the land option, you avoid the boat crossing and still receive transportation to the site. The land route can be the better choice for anyone who is pregnant, has certain heart, back, or shoulder problems, or simply wants a simpler transfer.

The ride from Puerto Vallarta can take time. One reported schedule included an hour-long road trip, followed by a roughly 20-minute open-air truck ride. Build this into your day rather than thinking of the five-hour estimate as five hours spent only on ziplines.

What the 19-line course is really like

Before the first line, guides explain the equipment, course layout, and basic techniques. You receive a helmet and protective gear, then walk to the first platform. Guides handle the technical parts while you focus on braking, body position, and enjoying the view.

The course includes 19 cables, but the lines are separated by paths, steps, and platforms. You are not flying continuously for five hours. The walking between platforms gives you time to catch your breath, ask questions, and look into the trees.

The first section is where the physical work begins. Several uphill stretches and steep stairways take you toward the higher platforms. One person rated the physical difficulty around 7.5 out of 10, mainly because of the climbs. That is useful context: you do not need to be an athlete, but you should be able to walk uphill and climb steps in warm, humid conditions.

The paths have handrails and are clearly marked, and guides help keep the group moving. Still, the course may feel demanding if you have bad knees, limited mobility, a heart condition, chronic back pain, or shoulder trouble. The operator advises against the activity for people who cannot manage hills or steps, and it is not recommended for anyone over 285 pounds or 129 kilograms.

Once you are on the cable, the reward is immediate. Several lines cross high above the river, with thick forest below and wide views around the valley. Each line has a slightly different feel, and the final setup uses twin cables so you can race another person to the finish.

That last run ends at the riverside tequila bar and restaurant. It gives the whole course a neat finish, turning the final cable into a small contest rather than just another ride.

Guides who keep the mood light

The staff receives some of the strongest praise for this experience. Pepe, Edgar, Chica, Mane, Fernando, Ramon, and Jesus are among the guides named by people who had especially good days.

The best part of their approach is the combination of humor and safety checks. They demonstrate what to do, watch each person closely, and encourage anyone who becomes nervous. One anxious participant was eased back into the activity by riding with guides before trying the lines alone. That kind of patient help can make a major difference if you are excited but unsure about heights.

The team also works well with families. A six-year-old was reported to have managed the course with careful help, and the stated minimum age is five years with a height requirement of at least 40 inches. Children still need to be comfortable with the steps and heights, and the final decision should be based on the child’s ability rather than age alone.

The operation is bilingual, with English available. That is useful for safety instructions and for asking questions about plants, animals, or the route.

There is one serious point that should not be brushed aside. One account alleged inappropriate touching by workers. That allegation conflicts with the many positive comments about professional staff, but it is still important. If any guide makes you uncomfortable, speak up immediately and ask to stop the activity or speak with a supervisor. A company running a course like this should maintain clear boundaries and strong oversight.

The riverside restaurant and tequila stop

After the final cable, you arrive beside the river. Tequila tasting is included, and the presentation offers a chance to learn about the traditional drink rather than simply ordering a shot.

Food and drinks are not included. The sample menu lists avocado salad, chicken, flank steak, or shrimp fajitas, margarita pizza, and warm apple cake with vanilla ice cream. Portions can be very large, so two people may be able to share some main dishes. A vegan meal has also been accommodated.

Food quality appears uneven. Some diners considered the restaurant food very good, while others found certain tacos and quesadillas disappointing and thought the prices were high for what they received. Pizza received particularly favorable mention. I would treat lunch as convenient rather than a reason to book the tour.

Mango margaritas and other drinks cost extra. Bring cash, a debit card, or a credit card for the restaurant, bar, souvenirs, and optional photo products. The included tequila tasting is the better value if you are trying to keep the total price under control.

Swimming, kayaks, waterslides, and animals

The post-zipline activities make this more than a quick canopy ride. You can swim in natural river pools, use kayaks and water toys, and race down waterslides when weather permits.

This is the part of the day you may want to protect time for. The water offers a cool reset after the climb, and several people preferred spending more time by the river instead of lingering over lunch. Bring a swimsuit and towel, and wear shoes that can handle both paths and wet areas.

The on-site animal area adds another unusual touch. You may see squirrel monkeys, marmosets, coatimundis, boa constrictors, toucans, and iguanas. It is not a substitute for a wildlife trip in the forest, but it gives families and animal lovers something to do after the cables.

The main warning is scheduling. Some departures have included more waiting or extra time at the property than expected. One group felt pressured to stay until a set afternoon departure, while another group missed part of its planned speedboat connection because the instructions were not clear. Ask where to go next at every stage, especially if you selected the boat option.

Speedboat or land transport?

The transport choice affects both the mood and the schedule.

The speedboat option is the more memorable arrival. You cross the bay, see Puerto Vallarta from the water, and may spot marine life. It also adds a port charge of about $2 per person, or 33 pesos, paid separately. If you are on a cruise, confirm exactly where and when to meet the boat.

The land option avoids the extra boat fee and may be more practical for people who need a gentler transfer. The operator specifically suggests it for pregnant women, children under five, and people with heart, back, or shoulder concerns who still want to enjoy other activities. That does not mean the zipline course is suitable for them, since the course itself has its own restrictions.

Read the departure instructions closely and arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes early. The main office is at Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio 2735 in the Hotel Zone. The tour ends back at the meeting point, but hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Cruise passengers need extra care. Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan can use different times, and one account described a time-zone mix-up that nearly caused a late return to the ship. Keep your watch on ship time, confirm the return time before leaving, and tell the staff if you have a firm departure deadline.

Price, extra costs, and overall value

At $120 per person, this is not a cheap zipline ticket, but it includes more than the cable course. Round-trip land or sea transport, the 19-line course, water stations, tequila tasting, kayaks, waterslides, and river activities are included.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the full property. A person interested only in ziplines may find the price less appealing, especially after adding lunch and drinks. Someone who wants a full half-day with transport, forest scenery, water activities, and an animal area receives more for the same price.

Budget for these extras:

• Lunch and drinks
• Professional photos and videos
• A $2 port fee for the boat departure
• A $2 Puerto Vallarta admission fee
• Souvenirs

Photos are taken during the course, often at good action points, but packages have been described as expensive, including a reported price around $70 to $90. Bring a camera or phone with a secure strap if you want your own pictures. Do not carry anything loose that could fall from a platform.

The tour is highly rated overall, with 99 percent of customers recommending it and a 4.9 rating from 3,786 ratings. Those numbers point to a well-liked experience, but they do not erase the practical drawbacks: demanding stairs, occasional delays, extra costs, and the need to clarify transfers.

Who should book this Puerto Vallarta adventure?

I would choose this for an active family, a couple wanting a full day outdoors, or a group of friends who enjoy heights and a little friendly competition. It works especially well if you want several activities in one outing instead of booking a separate zipline, river, and tequila experience.

You should be comfortable with heights, heat, humidity, uphill walking, and stairs. Wear athletic shoes rather than sandals, apply sunscreen, and use insect repellent. Drink water before and during the course, and eat something light beforehand if you tend to run low on energy.

I would think twice if you have limited mobility, bad knees, significant back or shoulder problems, a heart condition, or a strict cruise departure schedule. The tour provider lists pregnancy, intoxication, and weight above 285 pounds as restrictions. Weather can also cancel the activity, in which case you can receive a different date or a full refund.

Should you book it?

Book it if you want the full Puerto Vallarta adventure package: bay views, a rough mountain transfer, 19 ziplines, a tequila tasting, a river swim, waterslides, and animals. The guides are a major strength, and the combination gives you a busy, memorable half-day.

Skip it if you want a quiet nature outing, dislike steep steps, or need a tightly controlled schedule. Before booking, decide between boat and land transport, read the pickup instructions twice, budget for food and photos, and leave enough time for possible delays.

For fit visitors who want active fun and do not mind working for the best views, this is a strong value. Just remember that the hard part is often climbing to the cables, not flying across them.

FAQ

How long does the Puerto Vallarta zipline tour last?

The experience lasts approximately five hours, depending on your selected pickup point and the day’s schedule.

How many ziplines are included?

The canopy course includes 19 ziplines, with a final twin cable where you can race another person.

Is the speedboat ride included?

Round-trip sea transportation is included when you select the sea option. A separate port fee of about $2 per person, or 33 pesos, is required for boat departures.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch and drinks are available for purchase at the riverside restaurant. The menu includes salad, fajitas, pizza, and dessert.

Is tequila tasting included?

Yes. A traditional tequila tasting is included. Additional drinks, such as margaritas, cost extra.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear comfortable shoes suitable for steep paths and steps. Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, insect repellent, a camera with a secure strap, and extra cash or a debit or credit card.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is five years, and children must be at least 40 inches tall.

Who should not take the zipline course?

The activity is not recommended for people over 285 pounds or 129 kilograms, pregnant women, intoxicated people, and anyone with a heart condition, chronic back pain, shoulder problems, or difficulty walking uphill or climbing steps.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.