Las Ánimas to Quimixto Waterfall Hike: Puerto Vallarta

Hike the jungle coast to a hidden waterfall, then swim in the pool below

This half-day hiking tour from Puerto Vallarta takes you by private water taxi to Las Ánimas beach, then follows the Bahía de Banderas coastline through jungle for roughly six hours. You hike to Quimixto fishing village and continue another 25 minutes to Cascada de Quimixto, where you swim and rest at the waterfall. A local guide leads a small group; private transportation, snacks, water and fruit are included. Children from age 6 are welcome.

The Experience

Private transportation picks you up from Puerto Vallarta and drives to Boca de Tomatlán, where a water taxi takes the group across to Las Ánimas beach. From there the hike begins along the bay, moving through jungle and past the coastline toward Quimixto. The route is steady rather than steep, and the guide knows the path and the villages along it.

Quimixto is a small fishing village where you stop briefly before heading inland for another 25 minutes to reach Cascada de Quimixto. The waterfall drops into a natural pool where you can swim and cool off. This is the heart of the day—time to float, rest and take photographs while the guide shares knowledge of the area. Snacks, water, granola bars and fruit keep you fueled through the afternoon.

The group stays small and personalized, which means the pace can adjust and the guide can answer questions as you walk. The whole outing runs about six hours from pickup to return, so you're back in Puerto Vallarta with time left in the day. The tour operates with a local guide who speaks English and Spanish, and has 20 years of experience in these mountains and jungles.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Puerto Vallarta to Boca de Tomatlán and return.
• private water taxi to Las Ánimas.
• local guide in English or Spanish.
• one 500ml bottle of water.
• soda or pop.
• granola or protein bars and fresh fruit.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Curiel Xperience

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a private vehicle picking you up from your hotel and a local guide leading a small group into the mountains and jungles beyond the resort zone to swim at waterfalls and find photo-worthy spots.

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Top questions

What is the hike from Las Ánimas to Quimixto actually like?

The hike follows the Bahía de Banderas coastline through jungle, moving from Las Ánimas beach toward Quimixto fishing village and then inland to the waterfall. The route is moderate in difficulty and takes roughly six hours total, including stops and swimming time at the cascade.

Can I bring my children on this tour?

Children are welcome from age 6 and up. The moderate pace and the swimming stop at the waterfall make it suitable for kids with a reasonable level of fitness.

What happens at Cascada de Quimixto?

Cascada de Quimixto is a natural waterfall with a pool below it where you can swim and relax. You'll have time to float, rest and take photographs while refreshments are available.

How do I get to Las Ánimas to start the hike?

Private transportation picks you up from your Puerto Vallarta location and drives to Boca de Tomatlán, where you board a private water taxi across to Las Ánimas beach to begin the hike.

What food and water are included?

The tour includes one 500ml bottle of water, soda or pop, granola or protein bars, and fruit. You'll have access to refreshments at the waterfall as well.

Does the guide speak English?

Yes, the local guide speaks both English and Spanish and has 20 years of experience leading hikes in the Puerto Vallarta mountains and jungles.