Mismaloya Waterfalls Hike: 3 Falls in Puerto Vallarta

Three waterfalls and a river swim in one morning, with transport and breakfast handled

A full-day hiking tour from Puerto Vallarta to three waterfalls in the Sierra Madre, with private transportation, breakfast, guide and all entry fees included. The route follows one of the range's most dramatic trails, crosses the river, and ends with swimming in natural ponds. Minimum age is 18. A high level of physical fitness is required.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hiking and waterfall exploration

• Meet at zona romántica park
• Private transport to town
• Enjoy provided breakfast
• Drive to Sierra Madre dirt road
• Hike spectacular Sierra Madre trail
• Explore river and visit waterfalls
• Bird watching and plant recognition
• Swim in natural ponds
• Take photos and have fun

The experience

Eight hours, starting in Zona Romántica and ending back where you began. Private transportation takes you 40 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta, then a few more minutes on a dirt road into the Sierra Madre foothills. Breakfast is provided before the hike begins, so you start the trail fed and ready. The guide speaks English or Spanish and knows the mountain and jungle well enough to point out plants and birds as you walk, which turns a long hike into something you actually remember.

The trail itself follows one of the Sierra Madre's most dramatic stretches. You'll cross the river, explore around three separate waterfalls, and swim in natural ponds where the water pools deep enough to matter. The pace is steady but not rushed. There's time to take photographs, catch your breath, and actually look at what you're standing in front of. Bring a towel, water, a light snack, sunscreen and insect repellent. Wear proper hiking boots, not sandals. The guide includes interpretive commentary on the trail, so you're not just walking through the jungle. You're learning what you're seeing.

The whole day is arranged: transportation picks you up and drops you back, water and snacks are provided along the way, and the entrance fee is covered. What you bring is your own energy and a camera if you want one. This is not a casual walk: the operator recommends a high level of physical fitness, and the terrain and river crossings mean you need to be comfortable on uneven ground and in water.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Zona Romántica and back.
• breakfast before the hike begins.
• bottled water and snacks during the day.
• entrance fee to the trail.
• a guide fluent in English or Spanish who interprets the plants, birds and landscape as you walk.
• photographs taken along the route.

Before you book

Days and timesMondayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 10.99

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Physically demandingPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Curiel Xperience

Is this one for you?This tour works best for hikers comfortable with eight hours of steady walking, river crossings and uneven terrain: the guide and small group size mean you move at a pace that lets you actually see the waterfalls and swim, rather than rushing through them.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

36 verified traveler reviews

5 ★36

4 ★0

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

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.

How many waterfalls do we visit on this hike from Puerto Vallarta?

The Mismaloya tour visits three separate waterfalls along the Sierra Madre trail, with time to swim and explore at each one.

What's included in the price for this full-day hike?

Private transportation from Zona Romántica, breakfast before the hike, bottled water, snacks, entrance fees, and a guide who interprets the trail in English or Spanish are all included.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the trailhead?

No, private transportation picks you up in the heart of Zona Romántica and takes you 40 minutes south to the starting point, then returns you at the end of the day.

What fitness level do I need for this hike?

The operator recommends a high level of physical fitness. The trail is one of the Sierra Madre's most dramatic stretches, with river crossings and uneven terrain throughout the eight hours.

Can I swim during this hike?

Yes, the route includes swimming in natural ponds where the river pools, so bring a towel and be prepared to get in the water.

What should I bring on the hike?

Bring water and a light snack (fruit, nuts, energy bars), a towel, insect repellent, sunscreen, appropriate hiking clothing, and comfortable footwear with good grip, no sandals. A camera is recommended for the waterfalls and river views.