Jungle Hike and Waterfall Swim in Puerto Vallarta: 4-Hour Tour
The river crosses the path multiple times on the way up, and you swim between the rocks at the first waterfall.
A 4-hour guided jungle hike from Puerto Vallarta that follows a river through tropical forest, crosses it several times, and reaches a waterfall where you swim in a small lake. A nature expert teaches you about local fauna and flora along the way. The tour ends at a mountain lookout with views over the bay. Bus fare and fresh fruit are included. Minimum age is 9, maximum 60, and moderate fitness is required.
What’s included
- Bus fare from Puerto Vallarta's city center.
- fresh fruit and water during the hike.
- a live nature guide in English or Spanish who teaches you about local plants and animals.
Times
- Every day 10:00 10:30
Before you book
Operated by Vallartanaturetrips
Prices and times updated yesterday
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The experience
You meet in the old center of Puerto Vallarta and take local public transport south out of the city: the same route residents use. After a 15-minute ride, you step off and enter the tropical forest on foot. The path is rough and changes depending on rainfall. You'll cross the river multiple times as you climb. A nature guide walks with you, pointing out plants, animals and details about the river ecosystem. After about an hour of hiking and some steep sections, you reach the first waterfall.
At the waterfall, there's time to rest, take pictures and drink water and eat fruit. The real draw is the small lake between the rocks. You swim here with fish, cooling off after the climb. If you want more, the guide takes a second path higher up to another set of waterfalls. The hike ends at a lookout perched high above the jungle, where you stand and look out over the bay.
The route shifts with the seasons. From April through June, when the dry season drops the water level, the tour visits the Quimixto waterfall instead and includes boat transport that the operator covers. A live guide speaks English or Spanish. Wear closed shoes or sandals and bring a bathing suit, sunblock and water in a small backpack.
Is this one for you?This is a shared group tour with a guide leading the hike and teaching about the forest as you walk, which suits anyone who wants to learn the landscape rather than just move through it. The fixed 4-hour schedule and included transport mean you don't arrange logistics yourself. You show up and the day unfolds. Book this if you're comfortable with a rough path, river crossings and a moderate climb, and you want to swim at the waterfall rather than just photograph it.
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Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Spanish.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What's the hike actually like, how steep and how long is it?
The hike takes about an hour to reach the first waterfall and follows a rough path that crosses the river multiple times. The terrain is steep enough that you need at least moderate fitness, and the path changes depending on how much rain has fallen recently. Closed shoes or sandals are required.
Can I swim at the waterfall, or is it just for looking at?
You swim in the small lake between the rocks at the first waterfall. The water is refreshing and there are fish in it. If you want more time in the water, the guide can take you up to a second set of waterfalls on another path.
What happens if I'm visiting on a cruise ship? Does the tour time work with my ship's schedule?
The tour is 4 hours total. If you're a cruise passenger, keep in mind there may be a difference between local time and ship time when you plan your return to the port.
What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?
Bus fare from the city center and fresh fruit during the hike are included. Bring a small backpack with sunblock and water. Wear closed shoes or sandals and a bathing suit under comfortable clothing.
Are there age limits for this hike?
The minimum age is 9 years and the maximum is 60 years. The hike requires moderate physical fitness.
What happens during the dry season? Is the tour different?
From April through June, the lower water level means the tour visits the Quimixto waterfall instead of the usual route. Boat transport to that waterfall is included and paid by the operator.
Jungle Hike and Waterfall Swim in Puerto Vallarta: 4-Hour Tour
4h · EN · ES
from US$ 35 per person
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