MOUNTAIN BIKE TOUR: EL SALTO WATERFALL
We begin our ride right from the bike shop in downtown Vallarta. We'll warm up with a nice spin following the gorgeous Rio Cuale for 5K, where we'll pass through the small, colorful pueblos of Paso Ancho, Paso del Guayabo, and Los Almacenes. From Los Almacenes, we will begin a quick, steep, and sometimes tricky 4K climb on a mix of dirt road and double track. Once we reach the top of El Cerro de la Laja, as the locals call it, we will continue winding our way up and down through dense, tropical jungle.
While riding we can take in the sights and sounds of this beautiful area: macaws and parrots singing from high above the trees, the rustle of iguanas through the leaves, and the rush of the river far below. Our destination is one of the biggest and most awe-inspiring waterfalls in the region, El Salto. Here we can swim, cliff jump, or just simply relax by the gorgeous green waters of the Rio Cuale. But don't get too comfortable, the way back is just as challenging. Climbing back out of the beautiful river valley takes some work, but it is all worth it when we get to descend the steep and fast downhills back to civilization. Once we are back in Los Almacenes, we'll wrap it all up with a nice 5K cool down back to the bike shop.
On the way back down the mountain, you will experience the most exciting downhill riding in the Puerto Vallarta region.
- Terrain: This ride varies greatly in terrain depending on the time of year you are visiting. From October-February you can expect sometimes technical dirt road and double-track. From March-June the road is usually opened and is mainly dirt road and features more loose/sandy sections.
- Length of Ride: Approximately 4 hours. 21K. 1600 feet climbing.
- Recommended for: Advanced mountain bikers with high level of fitness.
- Tour price includes:Full suspension bike, helmet, gloves, water and a guide.
- - Electric Bikes are also available for $65 usd extra.
- Dropper sit $10 usd extra.
COMMENTS FROM OUR CLIENTS:
“Exactly what I was looking for”
We went on the advanced ride to the El Salto waterfalls. It is a fun ride through the cobblestone village and alongside the city life. Then you hit the mountains and meander your way through little properties. You hit a gate and meet some cows. The uphill is not technical. Since I went to Mexico in January, my legs and cardio was not use to much so I was happy that I could ride most of the uphill. We rode during the morning which was a good choice as it was not too hot out yet. After some good climbing there is a nice viewpoint of the rolling mountains and then there is some more rolling trails to get the waterfall. The waterfalls are a great destination to feel like you made it somewhere. It was just the right amount of riding for me. I thought we would be coming back down through a more technical trail that was off the beaten path but actually after the uphill I was happy to just coast and have fun on the downhill. You ride the same trail back as you went up so you know what to expect. Brittany was the perfect tour guide for me.
Kgirl , Montreal
“So much fun! Great challenge!”
I went on the El Salto bike ride with 2 other guys and the guide. We were all fairly proficient bikers. I was happy with the dual suspension Giant bike I was given to ride. The ride up was a good push on a double wide track, and very scenic. The swim at the top was well needed. Our guide wanted to take us back down the road, but we insisted we take the single track, which was pretty washed out by the previous wet season... but it was well worth it. A little sketchy in parts, but we were all after the challenge. I've never hiked my bike through a waist deep river before! The downhill single track definitely made the trip. I'm pretty sure we all had so much fun, I'd go back and ride with them again for sure!
Nicole from Revelstoke, Canada