With its lush tropical forest, green mountains with rivers and waterfalls, and lovely coastline, hiking in Puerto Vallarta is a fantastic experience. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a beginner, this Mexican coastal town is a nature lover’s paradise and has trails for everyone, offering a refreshing reward at the end. The mountains of Puerto Vallarta offer some of the best waterfalls in Mexico and are home to an incredible array of wildlife and stunning scenery. Pack your hiking shoes and get ready to explore on foot for an amazing time in the wilderness.
Cuale Waterfall
This 6-mile trail leads visitors from Boca de Tomatlan along the coast to a waterfall near Quimixto. The trail is easy to follow, and the main highlights of this walk are the amazing ocean views you will enjoy, and the beaches you will discover along the way, some secluded and some busy, where you can grab a bite or a drink. Since this is a long hike, on the way back you have the option of taking a water taxi in Quimixto to get back to Boca. We recommend packing light, wearing sunscreen, and bringing cash.
Palo Maria
This short but challenging trail is an exciting one, be prepared to get wet while crossing the river at a few different points and to climb some rocks. The effort is well worth it as you can make your way to two different waterfalls that Puerto Vallarta locals love, with refreshing pools and ultra-clean water. The starting point for this hiking adventure is near the Garza Blanca Hotel and even though the river might seem dry, the waterfall and pools up in the mountain always have water. This hike is best during the dry season when it is safe to cross the river, we recommend bringing bug spray, water, and snacks.
Yelapa
This fascinating fishing village at the southern end of the Bay has a beautiful nearby waterfall easy to hike to in only 20 minutes, and a second waterfall about a one-hour walk from the beach. The trail is easy to follow, and you will get a glimpse of what life is like in this isolated beach town where time always seems to move slower.
Mismaloya
This nearby beach village to the south of Puerto Vallarta is notorious for being the set for the movie The Night of the Iguana in the 60´s. A lush small town with a river you can follow on foot to visit the waterfalls up in the mountain. This hike is quite challenging and about 2-3 hours each way, we recommend finding a local guide in the town for a guided tour as the trail can get confusing at times. Bring mosquito repellent, drinking water, and snacks.
El Nogalito
El Nogalito River hike is a favorite of locals and visitors to find a refreshing oasis in the mountain, with impressive vegetation and wildlife, this activity is quite literally a breath of fresh air. The trail is one of the easiest to follow and it takes about 2 hours to find the waterfall. On the way back you can stop for lunch at one of the restaurants along the river.
These powerful hikes to Puerto Vallarta’s hidden waterfalls are the way to experience natural beauty at its best and a wonderful opportunity to fill your lungs with fresh air, making it the ultimate destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
