Reviewed · VOLCANO HIKES FROM MEXICO CITY
2 Volcanos – Special 2 pax, 3 -4 hr ride. Reserve Only 1 pax
The best part of this experience is that it gets you out of Mexico City and onto real forest trails in the Ajusco area. This is not a slow parade behind a guide. Your pace and control matter, and the ride can feel like a day out with friends. Enrique leads the operation, and Ilario has helped nervous riders by serving as a designated driver.
I like the private transportation, which removes the headache of getting from central Mexico City to the forest. I also like the freedom after the safety lesson, plus the chance to ride through Cumbres del Ajusco National Park and reach the town of El Capulin. The main consideration is that personal and ATV insurance are not included, and you ride at your own risk.
Key points to know before booking

- Real off-road riding: Expect forest paths and trails rather than a gentle sightseeing loop.
- Ajusco escape: The route takes you from Mexico City toward the Ajusco forest and Cumbres del Ajusco National Park.
- Private group format: Only your party participates, with pickup and drop-off included for up to four people in Mexico City.
- Training comes first: You receive practice and safety instruction before riding farther into the forest.
- Bring clothes for dirt: Food, drinks, footwear, and clothing are not included, so dress for a messy day.
- Strong value for a small group: The listed price is $500 per person, but the special two-person booking instruction means you should confirm the exact total before paying.
Leaving Mexico City for the Ajusco forest

The ride begins with a hotel pickup, usually around 7:30 a.m. That early departure matters. The drive from the Condesa area is described as about one hour, depending on traffic, and the morning rush can stretch that considerably.
Private transport makes this much easier than arranging your own route. You do not need to find the meeting point in an unfamiliar part of the city, and you can return to the same pickup area after the ride. Pickup and drop-off are included for groups of up to four people within Mexico City.
The listed start time is 9:00 a.m., while the return is described as about 3:30 p.m. The experience itself is also described as roughly five hours, with the ride lasting about three to four hours in the special two-person version. Allow most of the day, including the drive.
That timing gives you a useful break from museums, food stops, and city traffic. You trade pavement for forest roads and open space. If you have only one day in Mexico City, this is a major commitment. If you have several days, it offers a very different view of the area.
More volcano hikes out of Mexico City:
- Nevado De Toluca: Reach the Summit with Professionals
★ 4.8 · 250 reviews - Iztaccihuatl Volcano Hike with an Alpinist
★ 4.0 · 244 reviews - Mexico City: Guided Volcano Trek with Lunch
★ 4.7 · 242 reviews
Getting ready at Cumbres del Ajusco National Park

The main stop is Cumbres del Ajusco National Park, a large forested area southwest of the city. The appeal here is simple: you get a chance to ride through the great forest that surrounds Mexico City rather than only seeing the city from street level.
ATVForestal supplies the ATV, helmet, goggles, and gloves. Practice and training are included before the main ride. That is important because the experience depends on your driving skills. You are not simply sitting on a vehicle while someone else does all the work.
The available accounts describe a short safety lesson followed by more freedom on the ATVs. That arrangement will suit confident riders who want to control their own machine. It also gives beginners a chance to get comfortable before tackling the trails.
Still, do not confuse a safety briefing with a full driving course. The operator describes this as real ATV riding. You need to stay in control, follow the guide’s directions, and judge your own ability honestly. One account praises the freedom while also making clear that safe riding remains the rule.
The supplied equipment covers your head and eyes, but not your clothing or shoes. Wear clothes you do not mind getting dirty. Bring sturdy footwear if you have it, since tennis shoes, boots, and clothing are not included. Food and beverages are also excluded, so bring something to drink.
What the forest ride is really like
This outing is aimed at the ride itself, not at a long list of sightseeing stops. The route uses paths and trails through the Ajusco forest, with the forest providing the setting and El Capulin serving as a notable destination along the way.
The ride can be thrilling because you have to manage the ATV yourself. You may encounter uneven ground, turns, changing surfaces, and the simple challenge of keeping your machine under control. The operator’s description makes clear that your experience will depend partly on how well you drive.
That makes the tour more rewarding for people who already enjoy motorized outdoor activities. If you want a calm ride with constant narration and little physical involvement, this may feel too loose. If you want to steer, react, and improve as you go, it should be a better match.
The setting also gives the outing its sense of place. Ajusco is close enough to Mexico City for a practical day trip, yet it feels far removed from the city. You are riding through a forest area that many first-time visitors never see.
The route is not presented as a polished theme-park attraction. The appeal is the rougher, more personal nature of the outing. You ride under the guidance of the operator, but the goal is to give you a genuine off-road experience.
Reaching El Capulin by ATV

El Capulin is one of the distinctive points connected with this ride. The supplied information does not promise a long village visit or a formal sightseeing program there, so you should think of it as part of the ride route rather than a separate town tour.
One particularly strong account describes reaching El Capulin in 42 minutes, though that was tied to an unusually skilled rider and a good day for ATV riding. Do not use that time as a schedule guarantee. It does show that the route can be fast and demanding for a confident driver.
For you, the value of El Capulin is the sense of progress. You are not just circling a small practice area. You are moving through the Ajusco region, with the forest and local surroundings changing as the ride continues.
The guide’s approach appears to favor freedom within safe limits. Enrique gives basic instructions, then allows riders to make the most of the machines as long as they remain controlled. That style can feel wonderfully relaxed, but it also means you should speak up if you need more instruction or a slower pace.
A completely different kind of day in Mexico City:
- Teotihuacan, Guadalupe Shrine & Tlatelolco Day Tour with Lunch
★ 5.0 · 11,603 reviews - Xochimilco, Coyoacan and Frida Kahlo with Optional Lunch
★ 4.5 · 7,320 reviews - Balloon flight + Breakfast in cave + Pyramids + Pick up CDMX.
★ 5.0 · 6,335 reviews - Teotihuacan pyramids morning or afternoon without tourist traps
★ 5.0 · 6,186 reviews
Enrique, Ilario, and the private format

Enrique is the named guide associated with ATVForestal. His role appears to include the safety briefing, route guidance, and keeping the ride calm and organized. The private setup means you are not placed in a large mixed group with strangers moving at different speeds.
That matters more than it may sound. A private group can make it easier to ask questions, slow down, or adjust the experience to the abilities of the people in your party. It also keeps the day more personal.
Ilario has served as a designated driver for a rider who became nervous. That is a useful detail for mixed groups, especially when one person wants to come along but is less comfortable operating an ATV. You should still confirm this option when booking rather than assume it is always available.
The ride is recommended for people aged 14 and older. Teens who are ready to follow instructions and handle the machine may enjoy the sense of freedom. Parents should consider each child’s judgment and comfort level rather than relying only on the minimum age.
The private format can also help couples, families, or a small group of friends. The maximum included transport capacity is four people. If your group is larger, ask before booking because the supplied information does not explain how extra riders are handled.
Safety, insurance, and the real drawback

The strongest caution is the insurance policy. Personal insurance and ATV insurance are not included, and the activity states that you ride at your own risk.
That does not automatically make the experience a poor choice, but it does change how you should approach it. Read the booking conditions carefully, ask what happens if there is damage, and decide whether you are comfortable with the responsibility before confirming.
The operator provides a helmet, goggles, and gloves, which cover basic riding equipment. You remain responsible for choosing sensible clothes and footwear. Bring something that can handle mud and dust, and do not wear clothing you want to keep spotless.
The activity is not designed for everyone. Riders who dislike uneven trails, motorized adventure, or independent control may have a better day elsewhere. On the other hand, you should not book this expecting a ride where the guide does everything for you. The point is to drive.
The safety lesson and practice session help, especially for first-time riders. They do not remove the need for good judgment. Stay within your ability, take instructions seriously, and say so if you feel uncomfortable.
Is $500 per person fair value?

The listed price is $500 per person, which is a serious cost for a half-day outdoor activity. The value depends heavily on your group size and on whether you want a private, active experience rather than a standard city tour.
Several useful elements are included: the ATV, helmet, goggles, gloves, private transportation, hotel pickup, and hotel drop-off in Mexico City for up to four people. Those inclusions save you from arranging transport and renting protective equipment separately.
The booking line also says Special 2 pax, 3 to 4 hr ride, reserve only 1 pax. That wording is not fully clear beside the $500 per-person price. Before paying, confirm whether the special is priced for two people while only one person needs to be reserved, or whether the amount shown is still per rider.
For two people, the private vehicle and direct transfer may make the cost easier to justify, especially if you value convenience. For four people, the included transport becomes more useful, but you still need to confirm the exact pricing structure.
Food, drinks, clothing, footwear, and insurance are not included. Add those practical costs when comparing this with other outdoor activities. I would also avoid comparing it only with a basic ATV loop, since this experience includes private transport from Mexico City and a longer forest outing.
Who will enjoy this most

You are a good match if you want an active day outside the city and like the idea of controlling your own ATV. The experience should work well for friends, couples, and families with teens aged 14 or older who can follow instructions.
It also suits confident drivers who want more freedom than a tightly managed group ride usually allows. The forest setting and route toward El Capulin give the day more character than a short track session.
Beginners can take part because training and practice are included. Still, beginners should be honest about their comfort level. The guide’s relaxed approach may be ideal for some people, while others may prefer more step-by-step support.
I would be cautious about booking if you need guaranteed insurance coverage, dislike getting dirty, or want a quiet sightseeing day. I would also think twice if your schedule is tight, since traffic, pickup, and the long return window make this a full-day commitment.
Practical details that affect your day
Confirmation is provided at booking, and the activity is private for your group. Mobile tickets are accepted, and the tour is offered in English.
The best pickup time is listed as 7:30 a.m. to avoid the worst morning traffic. You should be ready at your hotel before then, even though the formal start time is 9:00 a.m.
Bring water because beverages are not included. Wear clothes and shoes suitable for dirt and outdoor riding. A helmet, goggles, and gloves are supplied, but the operator does not provide your full riding outfit.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the experience are not accepted for a refund. Cutoff times follow local Mexico City time.
Should you book this Ajusco ATV ride?
Book it if you want real forest riding, private transfers, and the freedom to operate your own ATV near Mexico City. The combination of Ajusco forest trails, a small private group, included practice, and the route toward El Capulin gives the day a clear sense of purpose.
I would book with three checks first: confirm the two-person pricing, ask any insurance questions that matter to you, and make sure every rider is comfortable with an activity where skill and control are part of the fun.
If those points suit you, this is a strong choice for an adventurous break from the city. If you want soft adventure, extensive guiding, or full protection included in the price, choose a different outing.
FAQ
Where does the ATV experience take place?
The ride takes place in the Ajusco forest area near Mexico City, with Cumbres del Ajusco National Park listed as the main stop.
How long does the experience last?
The tour is listed as approximately five hours. The special two-person version describes a three to four-hour ride, with pickup and return transportation included.
What time should I expect hotel pickup?
The recommended hotel pickup time is 7:30 a.m. to help avoid morning rush-hour traffic. The listed activity start time is 9:00 a.m.
What time will I return to Mexico City?
Return is listed at about 3:30 p.m., although traffic and the day’s timing can affect the exact arrival.
Is transportation included?
Yes. Private pickup and drop-off are included for up to four people in Mexico City.
What equipment is provided?
The operator provides an ATV, helmet, goggles, and gloves.
Are food and drinks included?
No. Food and beverages are not included, so you should bring something to drink and plan for your own food.
What should I wear?
Clothes, boots, and tennis shoes are not provided. Wear clothing and footwear suitable for getting dirty during an outdoor ATV ride.
Is insurance included?
No. Personal insurance and ATV insurance are not included. The activity states that you ride at your own risk.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.
Just added around Mexico City
- Mexico City: Las Estacas Natural Park Private Tour★ 3.5 · 5 reviews
- Discover Xochimilco and Coyoacán: Tradition, Music, Culture★ 3.7 · 40 reviews
- From CDMX: Hot air balloon ride, guided visits to Teotihuacan and Guadalupe★ 4.7 · 12 reviews
- Celebration of the Passion of Christ in Taxco★ 4.3 · 5 reviews
- Cultural Ride: Historic center & Highlights of Mexico City★ 4.8 · 4 reviews
- Discover the iconic Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City.★ 4.7 · 3 reviews
- Coyocán: Market Tour and Cooking Class★ 5.0 · 23 reviews
- CMDX: Luis Barragan Legacy Exclusive Tour at Casa Pedregal★ 4.6 · 17 reviews
Volcano Hikes from Mexico City, compared.

Nevado De Toluca: Reach the Summit with Professionals
Read our review →
Mountaineering to the Nevado de Toluca (altitude 4680m)
Read our review →
3 Hour Private Hike: Mountain Nevado Toluca from Mexico City
Read our review →Browse the lists this tour appears in





