Puerto Vallarta It is famous for its beautiful beaches and its fun nightlife, but little is known about the incredible hiking trails that this beautiful port has.
Hiking is an economical and environmentally friendly activity as well as magical due to its impressive landscapes, enchanting waterfalls and beautiful surroundings. When you are surrounded by incredible views of the bay and the mountains you will be able to take some of the best photos of your vacation.
There are trails suitable for everyone, from beginners to advanced hikers, meaning everyone can join in on the fun.
Here are some of our favorite waterfall hikes and jungle trails.
Hike to Palo María Waterfall
Tucked away in the lush jungle of the Sierra Madre Mountains is Palo María, a beautiful spot that features not one, but twelve impressive waterfalls!
During your walk along the river, you will observe impressive landscapes and rock formations, as well as exotic birds and wildlife. There are many natural pools along the way, some with rope swings, if you feel like cooling off and taking a break.
Most hikers only go up to the first waterfall, as the others are at a much higher elevation and require rock climbing; however, if you are an experienced hiker or up for a challenge, the thrill is beyond!
Hike to the Quimixto Waterfall
Quimixto is a small town with an idyllic and small beach area, located in the south of Puerto Vallarta.
The waterfall Quimixto it is one of the largest in the area and attracts avid hikers every day. It features a towering rock formation and a natural pool lined with vines and wild flora, perfect for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing.
Walk to Colomitos Beach
Colomitos Beach is a beautiful and isolated beach that has golden sands and emerald green water, surrounded by palm trees and exotic vegetation. You can access the beach by walking along the trails that wind through the rainforest, crossing rustic bridges, or taking a water taxi.
It is the ideal place to take memorable photos of your vacation, hang out and sunbathe.
Hike to the Yelapa Waterfall
Yelapa is a small and isolated beach town located south of the Bay of Banderas. Yelapa is not accessible by land, so a water taxi must be taken to reach the starting point of this trek.
It's also a great beach to hang out on a day trip from Puerto Vallarta. It is a paradise area that feels like an island, with emerald waters and golden sands alongside lush green jungle.
The exciting hiking trail leads to an enchanting waterfall that has a large swimming pool and is surrounded by wonderful rock formations and wildlife.
Walk through the Botanical Garden
Visit Vallarta Botanical Garden It is a priority for many travelers interested in what to do in Puerto Vallarta and if you are visiting for the first time, taking this hiking tour in Puerto Vallarta will show you endless natural wonders.
This tour shows you the immaculate gardens filled with exotic plants native to Mexico, before taking you into the jungle along its paths. The difficulty of the paths varies, but many of them lead to the river, an oasis to cool off on a hot day.
El Jorullo Bridge and El Salto Waterfall
Walk through the jungle, cross the Jorullo Bridge (the world's longest suspension bridge for vehicles), jump into the Cuale River and admire the El Salto Waterfall… This hiking trail has it all!
It is a wonderful way to explore the Sierra Madre mountains and enjoy the extensive flora and fauna, such as the local parrots and macaws in their natural habitat. You can do it with an expert guide who will show you the way and share his knowledge of the area.
To make the experience as pleasant and safe as possible, remember to bring sunscreen, a bottle of water, mosquito repellent, and the right shoes! Happy hiking in Puerto Vallarta!