Viator Rating : 5 (11 reviews)
Puerto Vallarta
Beach in Puerto Vallarta: Jungle Hike & Hidden Coves!
Overview
You’re part of the jungle now, the beach of Puerto Vallarta has decreed it. This guided Puerto Vallarta hike lets explorers connect with nature where the warm bay waters meet the jungle.
Swim at gorgeous beaches like Playa Colomitos (known as the most beautiful beach in Puerto Vallarta with its emerald green waters!), Playa Caballo, and Playa Madagascar, where everyone loves swimming! The grand finale is Playa Las Animas, where you'll have 2 to 3 hours to enjoy lunch at one of the many beachfront restaurants. The boat ride back to Boca is very scenic, and you’ll then catch the bus back to Puerto Vallarta. As a special bonus, this trip includes a fun Tequila Tasting Experience and a Mexican Opal Experience. For the adventurous, hiking back to Boca is also an option.
Enjoy a scenic bus ride (about 30 minutes each way) to Boca. Cross a footbridge and start your 1.5-hour trek, making stops at some of the most beautiful spots in the area. 
Highlights
Hike to Hidden Beaches: Discover secluded beaches along Puerto Vallarta's south shore.
Swim in Clear Waters: Enjoy swimming at Playa Colomitas, Playa Caballo, and Playa Madagascar.
Tequila Tasting: Experience a tequila tasting and learn about Mexican opals.
Expert Local Guides: Benefit from knowledgeable guides who lead the way.
Sentiment Analysis
The tour guides are friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable.
-
The beaches are beautiful and offer great opportunities for swimming.
-
The tequila tasting and Mexican opal experience are enjoyable bonuses.
-
The small group setting allows for a more personalized experience.
Some customers found the hike challenging.
-
The additional costs for the bus and boat ride were unexpected for some.
The Journey
Puerto Vallarta's South Shore
Journey along the scenic two-lane highway of Puerto Vallarta's south shore, where opulent beachfront villas and exclusive resorts nestle amidst the lush jungle canopy. This upscale neighborhood offers a glimpse into a world of luxury and tranquility, where the azure waters of Banderas Bay meet the vibrant greenery of the Sierra Madre mountains. It's a visual feast that epitomizes the charm and allure of Puerto Vallarta's coastal paradise.
Mismaloya
Step back in time in Mismaloya, a charming village immortalized as the filming location for John Huston's iconic 1964 film, 'The Night of the Iguana,' starring Richard Burton and Ava Gardner. Once a sleepy fishing village, Mismaloya now offers visitors a captivating blend of history and natural beauty. Glimpse the picturesque bay, framed by dramatic bluffs and dotted with inviting hotels, as you pass through this cinematic haven.
Los Arcos National Marine Park
Marvel at the majestic granite islands of Los Arcos National Marine Park, a protected sanctuary teeming with life both above and below the waves. These dramatic rock formations provide a haven for millions of seabirds, while the surrounding waters teem with vibrant marine life. Snorkel or dive in this underwater paradise and witness the beauty of the Pacific Ocean's diverse ecosystem.
Boca de Tomatlan
Begin your adventure in Boca de Tomatlan, a quaint village where the river meets the sea. After disembarking the bus, wander through the charming streets and cross the footbridge over the river, marking the start of a scenic hike along the bay. This coastal trail leads to hidden coves and stunning vistas, offering a unique perspective on Puerto Vallarta's natural beauty.
Las Animas Beach
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Las Animas Beach, often hailed as the most stunning beach in the region. Immerse yourself in the emerald-green waters of the sheltered cove, perfect for swimming and relaxation. Bask in the sun, breathe in the fresh ocean air, and let the tranquility of this coastal paradise wash over you.
Las Animas Beachfront
Indulge in the vibrant atmosphere of Las Animas Beach, where you'll have at least two hours to savor a delicious lunch and soak up the warm waters. Choose from ten inviting restaurants lining the shore, each offering a tantalizing taste of authentic Mexican cuisine. For the adventurous, a variety of activities are available, including boogie boarding, sailing, banana boat rides, and exhilarating parasailing adventures.
Know Before You Go
This experience includes a Mexican Opal Experience, where one can learn the connection between Tequila and Opals and view the Gem displays, and alcoholic beverages. Food and beverages are not included. Also not included are the bus ride (10 pesos each way) and the return boat ride (approx. 200 pesos).
Hot Tip
Some reviews recommend bringing extra cash for the bus and boat rides, as these are not included in the initial tour price. Also, wear comfortable shoes suitable for hiking on uneven terrain.
Review Summary
Customers find this tour to be an incredible and memorable experience featuring gorgeous hidden beaches, especially Colomitos, with knowledgeable and friendly guides who prioritize safety and provide excellent navigation through challenging terrain. Most travelers praise the combination of jungle hiking, pristine coastal scenery, and the leisurely lunch at Playa Las Animas, noting that guides like Juan and Pablo enhance the experience significantly. Common positive mentions include stunning photo opportunities, encounters with native wildlife and plants, and the authentic local experience of traveling like a resident. However, visitors consistently emphasize the importance of bringing substantial water, snacks, high-SPF sunscreen, proper hiking shoes, and pesos for meals and local fruit stands, as facilities are basic. The main challenges cited include the demanding physical difficulty of steep and rocky terrain, intense heat and sun exposure, and the need for fair swimming ability for some beach transitions, making it unsuitable for those with limited mobility or low fitness levels.
Written By
Haya Tariq
Frequently Asked Questions
This page is synthesized and developed by Dyvarcity Team
More like this
Bucerias
$100
Bucerias Cultural Tour: Artisans & Authentic Mexican Lunch
5.0
(275 reviews)
Duration: 300
minutes
The Bucerias Cultural Day Tour offers a special chance to see the real Bucerias. It takes you into neighborhoods where local artists live and work. You'll get to visit their homes and workshops and talk to them about their lives and art. See the bright and lively culture of Bucerias firsthand!
Get ready to try your hand at local crafts like painting or weaving. After that, enjoy a delicious, home-cooked Mexican lunch with a local family. This isn't just a tour, it's a deep dive into Mexican culture and traditions in the Bucerías Artisan Neighborhoods.
This tour includes transportation during the tour, a full Mexican meal, visits to three local families (with fair payments to them), and a guide who speaks both Spanish and English. Gratuities and hotel pickup/drop-off are not included.
Puerto Vallarta
$79
Vallarta Food Tour: Road Trip to Hidden Gems & Local Eats
5.0
(159 reviews)
Duration: 270
minutes
Vallarta By Road Food Tour takes food lovers on a delicious adventure through Puerto Vallarta's best-kept culinary secrets. This tour uses a comfortable 20-seat Mercedes Sprinter to whisk people away to neighborhoods like Pitillal, Versalles, 5th of December, and downtown. Travelers can taste the real flavors of the region.
Get ready for a satisfying lunch, with generous portions of authentic dishes included in the ticket price. Sample barbacoa tacos, tortas ahogadas, tamales, atole, aguas frescas, coffee, seafood tostadas, birria tacos, and flan. The tour includes stops at iconic places such as Puerto Vallarta neighborhoods, an iconic ceviche restaurant, a beachfront flan restaurant, the 5 de Diciembre neighborhood, and a famous tortas ahogadas stand.
Along the way, friendly guides share stories and insights. This tour includes bottled water, seven food tastings, a knowledgeable guide, and transportation. Alcoholic drinks and gratuities are not included. Explore the hidden foodie gems around Vallarta and discover why Vallarta Food Tours has earned such high praise, with many excellent reviews.
Puerto Vallarta
$340
Sayulita & San Pancho: Private Coastal Towns Tour
5.0
(152 reviews)
Duration: 360
minutes
Private Tour: Sayulita & San Pancho whisks visitors away to two charming coastal towns north of Puerto Vallarta. This private experience is perfect for small groups of up to three people, meaning one ticket covers everyone. Imagine exploring colorful streets and relaxing on beautiful beaches – all with your own private transport.
The adventure begins with a convenient pickup from your accommodation in a private vehicle. The first stop is San Pancho, a friendly town known for its delicious breakfasts. Visitors will have time to enjoy a meal at a local cafe, wander through the main streets, and visit the beach. Next, the tour heads to Sayulita, a magical town famous for its lively, hippie, and surfer vibe. The streets are adorned with colorful banners and murals, making it a perfect spot for photos. Walk through the main square, see the church, and soak in the atmosphere of the bars and surf-filled beach.
Don't miss the chance to visit the Beach of the Dead, accessible through the municipal cemetery. Here, visitors can sunbathe, enjoy a snack or drink, and cool off in the clear water. A photo with the Sayulita letters is a must. Included are drinks during transport and private transport for a comfortable and personalized experience. This tour excludes tips, allowing visitors to show their appreciation directly. At the end of the day, everyone will be safely returned to their accommodation.
Puerto Vallarta
$45
Puerto Vallarta's Coastal Jungle Trek: Hike, Snorkel & Seafood Feast!
5.0
(75 reviews)
Duration: 330
minutes
Coastal and Jungle Hiking Tour: Explore hidden beaches near Puerto Vallarta. Hike jungle paths to Colomitos and Playa las Animas for snorkeling. Enjoy diverse wildlife, stunning views, and a seafood meal at Playa las Animas. Optional boat ride back to Boca de Tomatlan.
Puerto Vallarta
$350
Discover Puerto Vallarta: Private City Tour Adventure
4.9
(171 reviews)
Duration: 300
minutes
Experience Puerto Vallarta like a local with a private tour in an air-conditioned van. Enjoy hotel pick-up/drop-off, optional tequila tasting, and personalized attention from your driver/guide. Explore the city's hidden gems and surrounding areas in comfort and style. A truly intimate and memorable experience.
Puerto Vallarta
$1500
Palo María Waterfalls Hike: Hidden Jungle Adventure
5.0
(87 reviews)
Duration: 240
minutes
Palo María Waterfalls Hike Half-Day Tour, located in the Sierra Madre (CurielXperience Hiking Tour), offers a unique opportunity to discover the natural beauty hidden just beyond Puerto Vallarta's lively scene. With CurielXperience, nature lovers, hikers, birdwatchers, and photographers will create lasting memories exploring the mountains and jungles with a knowledgeable and passionate guide. This is a walking and hiking tour perfect for those seeking adventure and cultural experiences.
Expect to be immersed in the lush landscapes of the Sierra Madre, where the Palo María River has carved stunning waterfalls. The tour provides shared transportation from the meeting point to the river, ensuring a convenient start to the adventure. Participants can enjoy bottled water and snacks during the hike. The experience does not include other food or drinks, or personal expenses.
This half-day tour allows for a small group setting, ensuring a personalized and high-quality experience. It's a chance to escape the typical tourist attractions and delve into the heart of nature with an expert guide. This tour includes bottled water, snacks, and transportation from the meeting point to the river. It excludes other food, drinks, and personal expenses.
Best Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta: A Complete Guide
Explore the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta. Whether it’s a thrilling Puerto Vallarta ATV tour or relaxing day at the hot springs, Dyvarcity has the perfect experience for you. Dive into adventure with whale watching tours, surfing, or a turtle release, and savor local food with a Puerto Vallarta food tour, taco tour, or tequila tour.
View Puerto Vallarta Activities