 |
| |  |
|
What is the Canopy Tour?
Where is the Tour located?
What is the Tour schedule?
How do I make reservations?
What should I wear?
What should I bring?
How should I prepare for the Canopy Tour?
Does the Tour run in the rain?
Will I see wildlife?
How does the Canopy Tour impact the environment?
Do I have to be very strong to participate in the Tour?
What if I'm afraid of heights?
Can I take this tour if I am pregnant?
Is the Canopy Tour safe?
| |  |
Daily, from our office in Marina Vallarta at 8:30 am, 10:30 am and 1:30 pm, or from the Vallarta Adventure Center in Nuevo Vallarta at 8 am, 11 am
and 1 pm.
Length of Tour: 4 1/2 hours
Price: Adults $79 USD
Children under 12 $69 USD
What's Included: Roundtrip ground transportation from our offices, bottled water, fruit and cookies.
Please wear shorts or long pants, tennis shoes and insect repellent
Minimum height 4 ft, Minimum age 8 years, Maximum weight 250 lbs. |
|  | | |
Q: What is the Canopy Tour?
A: The Canopy Tour consists of a series of platforms mounted in the trees of the tropical semi-desert forest. Guides help participants use high-angle equipment and techniques to move over the Tour. There are 14 observation platforms, 11 horizontal traverses, a "Tarzan" swing, two hanging bridges and a vertical descent (rappel). The Tour elements are situated between 30 and 70 feet above the ground.
Q: Where is the Canopy Tour located?
A: The Canopy Tour is located on Vallarta Adventure's private reserve in the Sierra Madre mountains near the community of Las Palmas. The Tour site is about 45 minutes by car from Puerto Vallarta. Round trip transportation is provided.
Q: What is the Canopy Tour schedule?
A: Tours depart several times daily. If you are staying in Puerto Vallarta, our Marina Office has daily departures at 8:30 am, 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. If you are staying in Nuevo Vallarta, the Vallarta Adventure Center has daily departures at 8:00 am, 11:00 am and 1:00 pm.
Q: How do I make reservations?
A: You can make your reservation - and save 10% - by using our secure online reservation form. Vallarta Adventure will process your reservation and send a confirmation notice to the email address you provided. Be sure to bring it with you when you come to check in at Vallarta Adventure. Book Online Now and Save!
Q: What should I wear?
A: Wear comfortable clothing you don't mind getting a little dirty. Most of our clients take the Canopy Tour in shorts, T-shirt and running shoes. Long pants are fine, but skirts or dresses are not. Shoes are required. Closed-toe shoes are recommended however strap-on sandals are acceptable. During the rainy season lightweight rain gear is recommended.
Q: What should I bring?
A: It's best to travel as light as possible. Insect repellent is highly recommended and is available for sale at the check-in point. Bottled water and lights snacks are included in the tour. For safety reasons cameras (video or still) are not permitted on the Tour elements. Photos and souvenirs are available for sale at the site. There are lockers for storage of personal items. Please keep in mind however anything you take on the Tour must be carried by you throughout the entire Tour in a way that leaves both hands free. We are not responsible for loss or damage to personal property and we cannot recover items that are dropped from the Tour elements.
Q: How should I prepare for the Canopy Tour?
A: Dress appropriately and arrive at the check-in point 30 minutes prior to your reserved departure time. There we will complete the paperwork, brief you on the Tour procedures and board the van for the trip to the Tour site. Please do not partake of any alcoholic beverages within 8 hours prior to the Tour; intoxicated persons may not participate.
Q: Does the Tour run in the rain?
A: Yes, the Canopy Tour operates in all weather conditions except when there is lightning overhead.
Q: Will I see wildlife?
A: That, of course, depends on the wildlife. The sharp-eyed observer may spot countless species of flora and fauna from the Tour elements.
Q: How does the Canopy Tour impact the environment?
A: Naturally an activity such as this has an impact on the ecosystem in which it is located; however we take great care to minimize that impact:
Tour systems are limited to small portions of the forest.
Ground activities are minimized to reduce erosion.
Use of environmentally friendly construction techniques. We never put nails in trees!
Vegetation that disrupts operations is tied back rather than cut or pulled up.
Handling or harming wildlife in Tour areas is prohibited.
Q: Do I have to be very strong to participate in the Tour?
A: Minimum Physical Requirements to Participate in the Tour:
Ability to walk 15 minutes uphill and up steps.
Sufficient mobility and strength to climb a 15-foot ladder straight up.
Must fit in the harness and helmet in a safe manner as determined by the Senior Guide.
This is a function of body shape and size, not weight. If you have concerns around this issue contact the office prior to booking the Tour. The maximum weight limit is 120 kilos (250 pounds).
Q: What if I'm afraid of heights?
A: Fear of heights is normal and most participants have some anxiety at the beginning of the Canopy Tour. Some people find the whole Tour a bit scary, but everyone finds it rewarding and is glad to have experienced it. Our guides are specially trained to help you both physically and emotionally. We never push, but if you have the desire and courage to take the first step, we'll support you all the way.
Minimum "Mental" Requirements to Participate in the Tour:
Desire to experience the wonders of the forest.
Courage and faith to trust the equipment and guides.
Ability to stand on a platform (about 3'x 3' square,) 5 stories up, without hyper ventilating, vomiting or fainting.
Ability to understand directions and follow safety rules.
Q: Can I take this tour if I am pregnant?
A: No, unfortunately we do not allow pregnant women to participate in this tour for safety reasons. All guests are asked to sign an acknowledgement of risk form before starting the tour.
Q: Is the Canopy Tour safe?
A: Definitely! Our safety policy consists of three parts:
1. Equipment and Materials
We use top-quality equipment and materials made by reputable, well-established manufacturers.
Use all appropriate safety equipment.
Maintain a rigorous and documented inspection and maintenance program.
Follow all manufacturers' recommendations for the use and care.
Only qualified personnel handle equipment.
2. Techniques
We use internationally recognized high-angle safety rules and techniques.
Participants are connected to the fall-arrest system at all times when 2 meters or more above the ground.
Participants are under the care and control of qualified personal at all times.
3. Personnel
Canopy Tour guides receive 200 hours of formal training in safety and Canopy Tour operations plus a basic first aid course. Guides are prohibited from performing their duties at height if unfit due but not limited to, exhaustion, illness or injury, alcohol or drug use. Bilingual personnel or translators are used to explain safety rules and procedures.
In spite of all that we do to ensure your safety, in an activity such as this we cannot predict nor completely eliminate all of the potential risks. During normal Canopy Tour operations, participants may receive minor injuries such as cuts and bruises, muscle strains, small friction burns or insect bites. Although serious accidents are highly unlikely, there is the potential for injury on tours of this nature. All guests must sign an Acknowledgement of Risk prior to participating, and we reserve the right to refuse admission to anyone for safety reasons | |
