Puerto Vallarta: Palo María Waterfalls Hike & River Swimming
Hike Beyond Puerto Vallarta's Beach Scene to Hidden Waterfalls
You hike into the Sierra Madre foothills with a local guide, swim in river pools beneath Palo María waterfalls, and watch for birds and wildlife along the way. Transport, water and snacks are included, and the moderate pace suits hikers with solid fitness but no technical climbing skills. The half-day format gets you back by early afternoon.
Step-by-step itinerary
Hiking and nature exploration
- Meet local guide
- Guided hiking in Sierra Madre
- Explore flora and fauna
- Bird watching
- Swim in river
- Climb near waterfalls
What’s included
Your half-day includes shared transport from the meeting point to Palo María River and back, a guided hike through the Sierra Madre foothills, river swimming at the waterfalls, bottled water and snacks throughout, and bird watching and plant identification with your local guide.
Times
- Tuesday and Saturday 10:00
Before you book
Operated by Curiel Xperience
Prices and times updated 2 days ago
Traveler reviews
The experience
There's something that pulls you away from the resort strip in Puerto Vallarta: a curiosity about what's actually inland, past the bars and the packed sand. Palo María waterfalls sit in the Sierra Madre foothills, and getting there means a half-day hike with a local guide who knows the terrain and the rhythm of the jungle. You'll move through forest thick enough that the ocean noise disappears, climb over rocks worn smooth by water, and swim in pools that don't have a single person in them except the group you came with.
The hike itself is moderate. You need decent fitness and steady legs, but it's not a scramble for climbers. Your guide handles the navigation and points out birds, plants, and the small details that make the difference between a walk and an actual experience in the mountains. The Palo María River runs year-round, so the waterfalls are real, not seasonal trickles. You'll get time to wade in, cool off, and just sit with the sound of water falling. Shared transport picks you up from the meeting point and brings you back, so you're not arranging your own way up the mountain.
Bottled water and snacks come with it: enough to keep you steady for the few hours you're out there. The whole thing runs half a day, which means you're back with time to grab lunch or rest before evening. It's the kind of outing that makes you remember why you came to Puerto Vallarta in the first place, even if you didn't plan to leave the beach.
Is this one for you?Pick this if you want to see the mountains and jungle around Puerto Vallarta without renting a car or hiring a private guide: the shared transport and local expertise are what make a half-day in the Sierra Madre feel both accessible and real.
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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.
How long is the hike to Palo María waterfalls?
It's a half-day tour, typically 3–4 hours of hiking and swimming combined, with shared transport to and from the meeting point.
Do I need hiking experience?
No, but you should have moderate fitness and be comfortable on uneven terrain. It's not technical climbing, just steady walking and some rock scrambling.
Can I swim in the waterfall pools?
Yes, river swimming is included. Bring a change of clothes or wear something you don't mind getting wet.
What's included in the tour?
Guided hike, shared transport from the meeting point, bottled water, snacks, and access to the waterfalls and river.
Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?
No, it's not recommended for pregnant travelers due to the physical demands of hiking and climbing.
What should I bring?
Comfortable hiking shoes, a change of clothes, sunscreen, and a camera if you want photos. Water and snacks are provided.
Is bird watching part of the tour?
Yes, bird watching and flora and fauna recognition are included as the guide points out wildlife along the hike.
Puerto Vallarta: Palo María Waterfalls Hike & River Swimming
4h · EN · ES
from US$ 82 per person
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