Top 10 Puerto Vallarta Hiking Trail Options for beginners to Experts
Hiking in Puerto Vallarta is becoming increasingly popular among tourists and locals alike because of the many advantages offered by this activity.
From getting fit to enjoying beautiful views and exploring natural environments, you should consider adding some hiking trips to your bucket list.
We’ll show you precisely what you need to know before heading on your first trek.
Get ready to explore some of Mexico’s best natural wonders!
Here are the best trails in Puerto Vallarta that we recommend you check out.
Hike the Quimixto waterfalls.
Quimixto is a tiny village on the southern coast of Mexico in Jalisco.
It’s a beautiful place where nature reigns supreme, and there are many things to see and do here.
One of those attractions is the mysterious and breathtakingly large waterfalls known locally.
This is a very popular destination among travelers and tourists because it’s relatively easy to access, and you don’t need to hire a guide to enjoy it.
There are two different ways to get there:
- By boat: You can take a water taxi from Puerto Vallarta, Los Muertos beach pier.
- By bus: From Puerto Vallarta, you can take one of the local busses heading south until you reach Boca de Tomatlan. From here, you will need to catch a panga (boat ride) to Quimixto, costing you approximately 200 Mexican pesos.
The hike is pretty straightforward; you start by following the trail that leads to La Fortuna, and once you arrive, you’re greeted by a vast and stunning waterfall.
There are plenty of places to take pictures and soak up the fantastic views, and there are even opportunities to swim in the crystal clear waters.
You can spend hours enjoying yourself like this, and it’s something that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.
Don’t forget to bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
Hike to Cerro del Mono
Monkey Mountain is a 5.6-mile round-trip hike up a hillside covered in thick tropical rainforest.
You’ll find yourself scrambling over rocks and roots, jumping down steep ravines, and climbing tree trunks.
At the top, you’re rewarded with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding mountains.
But while the views are great, I’m here to tell you that the climb up Monkey Mountain makes this hike unique.
If you’re looking for a challenging hike where you feel like you’re working hard but getting rewarded along the way – this is the hike for you.
This is a good hike for beginners as long as you are comfortable walking uphill.
There are plenty of places to rest along the way. Bring water, bug spray, and sunscreen because the sun gets intense during summer.
The temperature averages between 80°F and 90°F year round, and the humidity can be high.
Wear light clothing and sturdy shoes.
It’s a bit off the beaten path because you must drive past Punta Mita and then get to Litibu Beach before starting the hike.
You can go hiking alone or join a guided tour; either way works fine.
Either way, the trail takes about 2 hours round trip.
To begin the trek, head to the main square of Higuera Blanca, then follow Juan Escutia Street until you see a sign indicating the rest of the trail.
It takes about an hour in each direction. Although beginners and families can attempt this hike, we recommend doing it with children five years old or older.
It may be more challenging and slippery during the summer and rainy seasons. it will depend on each person’s physical condition.
Palo Maria Waterfall Hike
Hiking in Puerto Vallarta doesn’t have to mean long hours spent trudging up steep trails.
There are plenty of short hikes around town that offer incredible views, gorgeous landscapes, and even swimming holes.
One such trail is Palo Maria, a beautiful hike that takes you through the Sierra Madre Mountains’ lush forest.
Along the way, you’ll find 12 stunning waterfalls.
The hike begins near the city center from Basilio Badillo street, where you’ll find Orange buses that will take you to the Palo Maria location.
Playa de Los Muertos, it’s about 5km away from the start of the trail.
Once you reach Palo Maria, you’ll see signs pointing you towards the trailhead.
This is where you’ll begin hiking along the river bed. Many plants, trees, flowers, birds, and iguanas will pass you. It’s a delightful hike.
After approximately 2km, you’ll reach the first waterfall.
Here, you’ll find a natural pool surrounded by rocks, making it perfect for soaking up the sun.
After enjoying your dip, continue walking along the river, and you’ll eventually come across another waterfall.
Here, you’ll be able to take advantage of a rope swing; simply tie yourself off and enjoy swinging back and forth over the rushing waters.
Access to the rest of the waterfalls may be dangerous since the hike to get to them requires a certain level of rock climbing expertise, which is not recommended.
Unless you know what you’re doing or hiking with a certified local guide who will take care of you.
Ensure adequate supplies, especially water, sunscreen, and insect repellant.
Hike to Colomitos Beach
Colomitos beach is a beautiful and serene tropical paradise located south of Puerto Vallarta.
With its pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, lush greenery, and abundant wildlife, Colomitos is an idyllic getaway for nature lovers and families.
Access to the beaches is easy via footpaths or boat rides.
The area also offers plenty of activities such as snorkeling, diving, kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, and zip lining.
For those who enjoy exploring the outdoors, Colomitos offers a variety of hikes and tours, including visits to the waterfalls.
It takes approximately 2 miles to get to the falls. There are several signs and map posts along the route.
Similarly to the Quimixto hike, you must first get to Boca de Tomatlán.
Once you’re there, follow the trail along the beach from Boca de Tomatlán or hop on a panga or boat, which will take approximately five minutes and will cost you around 5 to 10 per person roundtrip.
Hike to the Yelapa Waterfall
Yelapa is one of Mexico’s most popular destinations.
Located just south of Bahia de Banderas, this quaint little village offers a unique experience unlike anywhere else.
With its pristine beaches, lush jungles, and picturesque waterfalls, Yelapa is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
This hike takes you to a beautiful waterfall where you’ll find a swimming hole perfect for cooling off during those hot summer months.
You’ll have to use your feet to navigate the rocks and boulders, but the trail is very well kept.
You’ll see some fantastic views along the way, too!
You’ll start near the ocean and follow the path alongside the river.
Once you reach the falls, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and jungle.
This is a great place to bring kids and take photos because many animals are nearby.
Afterward, head back to the beach and relax in the warm sun.
If you’re up for it, you can continue walking to explore even more of Yelapa’s natural beauty.
To reach Yelapa, you must first take a boat from either Playa Los Muertes or Boca de Tomatlán.
Once you’ve arrived at Yelapa, you’ll be able to follow the trail leading you to the waterfall’s beginning.
Unlike others, the Yelapa trail is well-maintained and completely flat, so you won’t need any hiking experience to complete the trek.
Lookout Post @ Mirador Cerro de La Cruz
The Mirador de la Cruz del Cerro (La Cruz del Cerro Viewpoint) is located at the top of the mountain overlooking the bay of Banderas and the city of Puerto Vallarta.
It offers an unobstructed view of the surrounding landscape.
You can see the Mexican Sea on the South Side, the Center of Puerto Vallarta, and On Clear Days to Punta Mita, making it an excellent spot for photographers, people who enjoy majestic sunsets, and nature lovers.
It takes some physical strength to climb up to the Mirador de la Cruz, but it’s well worth it.
There are several ways to get there, including Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez Street, which has an increasing slope as it gets closer to the viewpoint.
For many people, the best way to get there is by taking Abasolo street, which is slightly longer but goes straight uphill. You’ll be able to spot the communications tower in the distance so you won’t miss it.
Crossing Calle Guadalupe Sánchez and arriving at the corner with Calle Miramar, you start to climb the rustic stairs that end at the intersection with Calle Emilio Carranza.
From there, you continue along the Abasolo path, going up between the houses and land of the place, an area already on the hill where there are no cars.
It is an exclusive path for pedestrians, bicycles, or donkeys (seen passing from time to time).
Upon reaching the top, you will find yourself with a truly incredible view of all of Puerto Vallarta and its coastline, as well as other areas of the bay.
The distance from the boardwalk to the viewpoint in both route options is 500 meters, although the route through Abasolo is more direct, with a more gradual slope, and a more varied walk, with better views and some nature along the way. what makes it more enjoyable is that’s the one I recommend.
From there, you can see and appreciate some of Puerto Vallarta’s famous sunrises splashing the beautiful scenery with warm colors. the climb lasts 15 to 30 minutes, depending on your physical condition.
Is it necessary to Hire A Guide?
If you’re looking for a fun way to explore the beautiful beaches and natural wonders of Puerto Vallarta, consider hiring a guide.
These experts know where to find the best spots, offer insider tips and answer questions about anything related to the outdoors.
They’ll even show you around town while you hike along the beach. although it is unnecessary, you may want to go at it on your own if you have an adventurous spirit.
There are many different types of tours offered throughout the city, including walking, but hiring a guide may be better suited if you’re looking to do a specific activity tour, bike riding, kayaking, paddle boarding, and horseback riding.
