Puerto Vallarta Best Zipline Canopy + Tequila and Speed Boat Ride

Puerto Vallarta’s first zipline circuit sends you across 19 cables high above the Los Horcones River, then drops you almost straight into a tequila bar. The day also includes an optional speedboat ride, jungle transport, river pools, waterslides, kayaks, and a small animal sanctuary.

I like the excellent guides, who mix clear safety instruction with plenty of humor. I also like the setting: you get real jungle views and river scenery, not just a series of platforms in a theme park. The main catch is the uphill walking and many steep steps between lines, especially in hot, humid weather.

Key points before you book

• Nineteen ziplines cross the jungle canopy, with cables reaching about 328 feet, or 100 meters, above the ground.
• The speedboat option adds a proper bay adventure, with views of Puerto Vallarta and possible wildlife sightings along the way.
• The hiking is harder than the ziplining, with uphill paths, steps, and handrails between platforms.
• The river stop is more than a quick finish, offering swimming, kayaking, waterslides, and water toys when weather allows.
• Tequila tasting is included, but lunch, cocktails, photos, and most drinks cost extra.
• Guide service is a major strength, with staff such as Pepe, Edgar, Chica, Mane, Jesus, Ramon, and Fernando frequently praised for keeping people safe and engaged.

Why this Puerto Vallarta zipline tour is different

Many canopy tours give you a handful of short rides and a quick ride back to town. Los Veranos gives you a full half-day built around several kinds of activity.

The main event is the 19-line course, set in the forest along the Los Horcones River. The cables stretch across the treetops and river valley, so you get both the rush of speed and broad views through the foliage. Some lines are high enough to make your stomach notice the distance.

The final run uses twin cables, letting you race another person to the finish. The course ends at a riverside restaurant and tequila bar, which is a much more cheerful place to finish than a parking lot.

I also like that the outing does not stop when the last cable ends. You can swim in natural river pools, use a kayak, ride waterslides, or visit the on-site animal area. That makes the tour useful for families and mixed groups, since not everyone needs to spend the entire day flying through the canopy.

Choosing the speedboat or land transfer

You have two basic ways to reach the forest site.

The sea option begins with a speedboat from the Puerto Vallarta area. The ride across the bay takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the exact departure point and conditions. It is not simply a transfer. You get open-water views of the city, and wildlife sightings are possible. One family saw sea turtles and even a whale during the ride.

The boat can be a lively, splashy start. If you want the outing to feel like a full adventure from the first minute, I would choose it. You need to pay a port fee of about $2 USD or 33 pesos for the boat departure, and the pickup instructions matter. Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta departures may use different meeting arrangements.

Land transport is the calmer choice. It works from designated pickup points near Puerto Vallarta or Nuevo Vallarta, and the drive into the forest offers changing views of the city and nearby countryside. The final approach may use an open-air truck on rougher roads, which some people find fun and others find bumpy.

Build in patience during transport. The advertised outing lasts about five hours, but the exact schedule depends on your pickup point, group size, road conditions, and the time spent at the river facility. One group experienced a long wait while additional passengers joined the vehicle, and another group ran well past the planned return time.

If you are on a cruise, pay close attention to ship time and local time. Puerto Vallarta can involve a time change from another Mexican port, and a late return can matter. Tell the staff early if you have a firm departure deadline.

The climb to the first lines

The first part of the course is where you need to be honest about your fitness.

After orientation, you put on your protective equipment and walk uphill toward the platforms. Several of the early lines require a substantial climb, and the path includes many stairs. The route has handrails and maintained paths, but it can feel demanding in heat and humidity.

The ziplining itself is not usually the hardest part. The repeated climbs are. If you have bad knees, limited mobility, a heart condition, chronic back pain, or shoulder problems, this may not be the right choice. People who cannot comfortably walk up hills or steps should not treat this as a gentle sightseeing outing.

Wear sturdy walking or hiking shoes. Shorts or other comfortable clothing make the harness and walking easier, and you should bring water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a towel. Water stations are provided on the course, but you will still appreciate arriving hydrated.

A moderate level of fitness is required. Children can take part from age five, with a minimum height requirement of 40 inches. The stated weight limit is 285 pounds, or 129 kilograms, and the activity is not recommended above that limit.

For pregnant participants and people with some heart, back, or shoulder concerns, the land option is suggested so they can enjoy the other activities without taking the zipline course. That does not remove every physical demand, so ask the operator before booking if you have a medical concern.

What the 19-line course feels like

The orientation covers the course layout, how to clip in, and the basic riding position. The guides handle the technical setup, but you still need to listen carefully and follow instructions at each platform.

Once you leave the first platform, the rhythm becomes clear: clip onto a cable, cross the gap, slow down at the far side, then walk to the next launch point. The lines vary in height and length, so the course does not feel like the same ride repeated 19 times.

You will spend much of the time above the forest, with the river below and thick vegetation around the platforms. Guides point out plants and animals when they appear, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. A camera with a secure strap can be useful, but never let it distract you from the safety process.

Some riders arrive nervous. That is normal. The guides have helped first-time riders manage the course, and they may offer extra support if someone freezes after an early line. The atmosphere can be playful, with cheering and encouragement from the group.

Names that come up often in connection with the course include Pepe, Edgar, Chica, Mane, Fernando, Jesus, and Ramon. The strongest part of the staff style is the balance between jokes and attention to safety. Still, humor varies by guide and group, and one person found some jokes dated and uncomfortable.

There is one serious point to keep in mind: physical contact should always be appropriate and clearly related to safety. A complaint described unacceptable behavior by workers. That is not consistent with the many positive comments about professional staff, but it is worth stating plainly. If any guide behaves inappropriately, speak to a supervisor immediately.

The twin-cable race and tequila stop

Near the end, you can pair up for a race on two parallel cables. This is one of the tour’s more social moments, and it gives couples, friends, and families a small contest after the longer individual runs.

The finish takes you toward the tequila bar and riverside restaurant. A traditional tequila tasting is included, giving you a chance to sample and learn about the spirit without paying an additional tasting fee.

Margaritas, mojitos, beer, soft drinks, and other drinks are extra. The tasting is part of the package, but cocktails can add to the bill quickly, so carry some cash and a debit or credit card.

The restaurant has a scenic setting beside the river. The sample menu includes avocado salad, chicken, flank steak, or shrimp fajitas, pizza, and warm apple cake with vanilla ice cream. Vegetarian and vegan needs can be accommodated, but tell the staff in advance or at the restaurant rather than assuming the standard menu will work.

Portions may be large. One fajita order could easily suit two people, which makes sharing a sensible way to control the cost and leave more time for the water activities. Food quality can be uneven by dish. Pizza received a better response than some of the quesadillas and tacos, while other diners found the meal very good overall.

At $120 per person, the price is reasonable if you use several parts of the package: transport, the full 19-line course, tequila tasting, and river activities. It feels less attractive if you skip the speedboat, buy a costly photo package, and spend heavily on food and drinks.

Swimming, kayaks, waterslides, and animals

The river area is a useful reason to avoid rushing away after the zipline course.

You can cool off in natural pools, ride waterslides, and use kayaks and water toys when weather conditions permit. The water stop is especially welcome after the uphill sections. Bring a swimsuit and towel, and remember that the river activities may be affected by rain or other conditions.

The on-site animal area gives you another choice. You may see squirrel monkeys, marmosets, coatimundis, boa constrictors, toucans, and iguanas. It is not a substitute for seeing wildlife in the forest, but it adds interest for children and for anyone who wants a slower finish.

Allow enough time for this part. Some schedules strongly encourage you to remain at the property for several hours after the course, while some people want to leave sooner. If you need an early return, ask clearly about the departure plan before starting the activity.

The food, river, and animal area also give nonzipliners something to do if they are accompanying the group. The course itself is not suitable for pregnant people or anyone above the weight limit, but the property offers other activities subject to the operator’s guidance.

Photos, phones, and extra costs

Photographers take pictures during the course, but the photo and video service is not included. A package can cost around $70 to $90, according to the prices reported by participants, so decide ahead of time how much the memories are worth to you.

If you bring your phone, use a secure strap or case. You should not handle it carelessly while clipped to a cable. A phone left in a bag is safer, but you may miss personal action shots.

The tour price also excludes lunch and drinks, hotel pickup and drop-off, the Puerto Vallarta admission fee of $2 per person, and the boat port fee when you choose the sea transfer. These are small or predictable charges except for food, drinks, and photos, which can change the final cost substantially.

Arrive at the assigned meeting point 15 minutes before departure. The main office is at Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio 2735 in Puerto Vallarta’s Hotel Zone, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

Who will enjoy this most

I would choose this for an active family, a couple looking for a full adventure day, or friends who want more than a single zipline ride. The guides are used to beginners, and children who meet the age and height rules can take part.

It is also a good fit for cruise passengers who want a memorable shore excursion, but only if you allow a generous time buffer. The five-hour estimate can stretch, and a missed ship departure is not a minor inconvenience.

I would not choose it for anyone seeking a quiet rainforest walk. The course involves heights, harnesses, uphill hiking, stairs, heat, and a busy activity schedule. It is also a poor fit if you have a tight evening commitment or dislike group transport delays.

The maximum group size can reach 99 people, although smaller groups may occur. A large group can slow the course and the transitions. Ask for clear instructions at every stage, especially if you booked the speedboat, so you do not accidentally board the wrong vehicle or miss a planned transfer.

Should you book Los Veranos?

Book it if you want a high-energy Puerto Vallarta day that combines 19 ziplines, river time, and tequila rather than focusing on one activity. The guides, jungle views, speedboat option, and range of add-on activities give the $120 price solid value when you use the full package.

Skip it if steep stairs, hot weather, or a strict schedule will make the day stressful. Wear proper shoes, bring insect repellent, confirm your pickup instructions, and budget extra for food, drinks, photos, and fees. With those details handled, this is a strong choice for active families, couples, and first-time zipliners who want a busy day in the forest.

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.

Are transportation and the speedboat included?

Round-trip land or sea transportation is included. The speedboat is an optional departure method, while land transportation is also available from designated locations in Puerto Vallarta or Nuevo Vallarta.

How many ziplines are included?

The course includes 19 ziplines, with cables suspended as high as about 328 feet, or 100 meters, above the ground.

Is tequila tasting included?

Yes. A traditional tequila tasting is included. Lunch, cocktails, and other food and drinks are not included.

Can I swim or kayak after ziplining?

Yes. Swimming, kayaking, waterslides, and other river activities are included when weather conditions permit.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes. Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, insect repellent, a camera with a strap, and extra cash or a debit or credit card for food, drinks, photos, and souvenirs.

What are the age, height, and weight requirements?

The minimum age is five, and the stated minimum height is 40 inches. The activity is not recommended for people over 285 pounds, or 129 kilograms.

Can I cancel for a refund?

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