Puerto Vallarta Best Zipline Canopy + Tequila and Speed Boat Ride

The biggest surprise here is that the hiking is harder than the ziplining. You ride 19 cables above the Los Horcones River, with several steep uphill paths and many steps between platforms. The payoff is wide rainforest views, a final racing zipline, and a finish at a riverside tequila bar.

I like the choice between a speedboat ride across the bay and land transport. I also like the full afternoon setup: tequila tasting, river swimming, kayaks, waterslides, lunch, and animals such as squirrel monkeys, coatimundis, boas, toucans, and iguanas. The main caution is physical effort. Heat, humidity, stairs, and waiting time can make this feel much longer than a simple zipline outing.

Key points to know before booking

• Nineteen ziplines cross the jungle above the river, with a partner race on the final twin cables.
• The stairs and uphill paths are the real workout, so bring sturdy shoes and drink water before you start.
• A speedboat option adds a scenic ride across the bay, with possible views of Puerto Vallarta and marine life.
• The riverside finish is more than a tequila stop, with swimming, kayaks, waterslides, food, and a small animal area.
• Guides such as Pepe, Edgar, Chica, Mane, and Fernando are known for keeping nervous riders comfortable and groups moving.
• Lunch, drinks, photos, port fees, and admission charges cost extra, so bring cash or a card.

What this Puerto Vallarta adventure really includes

Los Veranos Canopy Tour is not just a zipline ride. At $120 per person, you are buying a roughly five-hour outing that combines transportation, jungle cables, a tequila tasting, river activities, and time at a small animal sanctuary.

That makes the price reasonable for an active half-day, especially if you plan to use the water attractions and enjoy lunch at the riverside restaurant. It is less appealing if you only want the cables and expect to leave as soon as the last line ends. The schedule can keep you at the property longer than expected, and one reported outing ran about two hours late.

I would think of this as a full activity block, not a quick shore stop. Build in extra time, especially if you are visiting from a cruise ship or have another reservation later in the day.

Choosing the speedboat or land transfer

You can reach the rainforest by speedboat or by land transport from Puerto Vallarta or Nuevo Vallarta. The boat option begins at the shore and crosses the bay in an open boat, with the ride taking about 45 minutes to an hour according to the supplied timing. It adds salt air, city views, and the possibility of spotting sea turtles or whales.

The boat ride is part of the fun, but it also adds a small logistical risk. You need to follow the pickup directions for the correct departure option and ask questions at each stage. One person missed the boat portion after receiving unclear instructions, so do not assume that an orange bracelet or a vehicle automatically tells you where to go.

Land transport takes you through Puerto Vallarta and toward the mountains. The final approach includes an open-air truck ride up through the forest. That rougher mountain transfer is not polished sightseeing, but it gives the outing a sturdy, backcountry feel.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You meet at the Los Veranos main office on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio, and the activity ends back there. Cruise passengers should pay close attention to the meeting point, port timing, and ship clock.

The first platforms require real effort

After arriving at the property, you receive a safety briefing, sign waivers if needed, and get fitted with protective equipment. Guides explain how to use the cables and how to position your body. The staff members named in the supplied feedback include Pepe, Edgar, Chica, Fernando, Mane, Ramon, and Jesus.

The early part of the route is where you earn the views. You hike uphill on marked paths with stairs, handrails, and changes in elevation. One account rated the physical challenge around 7.5 out of 10, while another described the first seven lines as especially demanding.

You do not need to be an athlete, but you should be able to walk uphill and climb steps in warm, humid weather. Good walking or hiking shoes matter. Flip-flops are a poor choice, and comfortable shorts or light clothing will help you move easily.

The water stations on the course are useful, but drink before you begin. Bring insect repellent too. The jungle setting means mosquitoes and other insects may be part of the deal, and repellent sold on-site can cost more than bringing your own.

Nineteen cables through the Los Horcones rainforest

Once you reach the platforms, the reward arrives quickly. You clip onto each cable and travel over the trees and river, with each line offering a slightly different angle. Some lines are high above the water, so anyone uneasy with heights should think carefully before booking.

The guides keep the tone playful while handling the safety work. They check equipment, explain the movements, and encourage nervous riders without making the fear into a joke. One nervous participant was helped through the first lines and later rode with guide support before continuing alone.

That is important because ziplining is not only about speed. You need to trust the gear, follow instructions, and accept that the group may pause while someone gets comfortable. The guides are often praised for being funny and reassuring, but the group size can reach 99 people, so the pace may vary.

The final line uses twin cables for a race. Find a partner and see who reaches the end first. You may also be shown ways to ride, including going upside down if the guides determine it is suitable and safe.

The course ends at a tequila bar and riverside restaurant, which is a clever finish. You go from a high, active section straight into food, drinks, and a chance to sit down.

Tequila, lunch, and the riverfront break

Traditional tequila tasting is included. It gives you a chance to sample tequila and learn a little about what you are tasting, though some people found this portion rushed. If you want a cocktail, mango margaritas and mojitos cost extra.

Lunch is also separate. The sample menu includes avocado salad, chicken, flank steak, or shrimp fajitas with rice, beans, guacamole, and tortillas. Pizza, including a tomato, mozzarella, and basil option, is available, followed by warm apple cake with vanilla ice cream.

Portions can be large. A fajita meal may be enough for two people, so consider sharing if your group wants more time by the river. Food quality can vary by order. The restaurant setting beside the water is pleasant, but the meal is not included in the $120 price and some dishes may feel expensive for what you receive.

If your priority is swimming and kayaking, keep an eye on the clock. The restaurant can easily take up the time you hoped to spend in the water. You may prefer a quick meal and a longer river break, especially on a hot day.

Swimming, kayaks, waterslides, and animal encounters

After the cables, you can cool off in natural river pools, use provided kayaks and water toys, and race down waterslides when weather allows. This is one of the best reasons to choose this tour over a zipline-only outing.

The river area changes the mood completely. You have space to relax, wash off the heat, and let children burn off more energy. Bring a swimsuit and towel, and remember that weather can affect the water activities.

The on-site animal area adds another attraction. You may see squirrel monkeys, marmosets, coatimundis, boa constrictors, toucans, and iguanas. It is a small menagerie rather than a major zoo, but it gives you something to do while waiting for transportation or drying off.

For families, this mix is useful. A child who enjoys animals or water may appreciate the second half even after the zipline portion is finished. Just remember that the course itself still requires stairs, balance, and patience.

How safe and family-friendly is it?

The minimum age is listed as 5, with a minimum height of 40 inches. Several families used the course with young children, and the guides were praised for helping a six-year-old feel secure.

That does not mean the activity is easy for every child. Your child should be comfortable with heights, able to follow instructions, and ready for uphill walking. A parent should also expect to help with pace, water, and waiting.

The activity is not recommended for people over 285 pounds or 129 kilograms, pregnant women, people with heart conditions, chronic back pain, shoulder problems, or anyone unable to walk up hills or steps. Intoxicated people cannot participate.

The land transport option is suggested for pregnant women, children under 5, and people with certain medical concerns so they can enjoy other property activities, but you should confirm what parts of the program are appropriate before booking. If you have a health concern, this is a case where honest self-assessment matters more than enthusiasm.

Photos, phones, and practical gear

Photographers take pictures during the course, but the photo and video service is not included. The supplied information describes prices as high, with examples around $70 to $90 for the package.

You may want photographs of the final race and the jungle views, yet you should decide your budget before you go. If you carry your own phone, use a secure strap. You need both hands at times, and dropping a phone into the forest or river would be a poor souvenir.

Bring:

• Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Camera with a strap
• Extra cash or a debit or credit card
• Water and a small snack before the activity

The course has water stations, but eating a light meal beforehand is wise. You want enough energy for the stairs without feeling weighed down on the cables.

Timing, group size, and cruise port concerns

The advertised duration is about five hours, but the selected pickup point affects the total time. Transportation, loading, safety talks, group movement, lunch, tequila tasting, and water activities all use part of the day.

Large groups can move well when the guides stay organized, but delays are possible. One group waited during a transportation change, while another found the entire outing ran about two hours longer than planned. Ask when you are expected to return and repeat the question before leaving the zipline area.

Cruise passengers need extra caution. Puerto Vallarta can involve a time-zone change depending on where your ship came from, and ship time may not match local time. Confirm the return schedule in writing or with staff, and tell the guides early if you have a firm all-aboard deadline.

The company has helped people adjust their return transport when timing problems arose, but you should not depend on a last-minute rescue. I would book this only when your cruise schedule leaves a generous cushion.

Value at $120 per person

The $120 cost covers round-trip land or sea transportation, the zipline course, water stations, tequila tasting, kayaks, waterslides, and river activities when weather permits. It does not cover hotel pickup and drop-off, food, drinks, photos, or the listed port and admission charges.

For an active five-hour outing with transportation and 19 ziplines, the price is fair. The value improves if you take the boat, use the river activities, and treat the animal area as part of the day rather than a short add-on.

The price feels less attractive if you skip lunch, do not swim, avoid the waterslides, and only want a few cables. You should also allow for a meal, drinks, photo purchases if desired, and small fees. Bring a card and some cash so you are not forced into one choice.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not refundable, and poor weather may lead to a new date or a full refund.

Who should book this tour?

I would choose this for you if you want a busy, physical half-day with several different activities. It suits families with active children, couples who enjoy a little competition, cruise passengers with plenty of spare time, and anyone who wants jungle scenery rather than a resort pool.

I would be cautious if you have bad knees, limited walking ability, a heart condition, back or shoulder trouble, or a strong fear of heights. I would also skip it if you need a tightly controlled schedule.

The strongest reasons to book are the 19-line course, the friendly safety-focused guide team, the bay crossing by speedboat, and the chance to swim afterward. The biggest drawbacks are the stairs, possible delays, extra costs, unclear transition instructions, and expensive photo packages.

FAQ

How long does the Puerto Vallarta zipline tour last?

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

How many ziplines are included?

The course includes 19 ziplines through the rainforest, followed by a final race on twin cables.

Is the speedboat ride included?

You can choose a sea transfer or land transportation. A $2 port fee is required for the boat departure and is not included in the listed price.

Is food included?

No. Lunch, drinks, cocktails, and restaurant purchases are extra. A sample menu includes salad, fajitas, pizza, and warm apple cake.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear comfortable shoes and bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, insect repellent, a camera with a strap, and extra cash or a debit or credit card.

Is the tour suitable for children?

The minimum age is 5, and the listed minimum height is 40 inches. Children still need to manage stairs, uphill paths, heights, and safety instructions.

What health restrictions apply?

The activity is not recommended for people over 285 pounds or 129 kilograms, pregnant women, people with heart conditions, chronic back pain, shoulder problems, or anyone unable to walk up hills or steps.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity requires good weather. If it is canceled because of weather, you can receive a different date or a full refund.