Quimixto Waterfall Hike from Puerto Vallarta: Swim at the falls

The waterfall sits inside a river canyon, not at the end of a paved path.

A guided hiking tour from Puerto Vallarta to a waterfall in Quimixto combines a city bus ride to the trailhead, a walk along the river (3 km in total), swimming at the falls, and the return journey. The hike is rated easy but calls for a moderate level of fitness, and the bus ride and photos are included.

The experience

The day starts in Puerto Vallarta, where you board a city bus heading toward the river. At the trailhead, the guide gives a short introduction to the area and a few pointers before the group sets out. The trail runs alongside the river, the hike adds up to 3 km in total, and the walk calls for a moderate level of fitness. Trees and plants line the path, and the guide tells you about them as you go. You can also watch for birds, butterflies, and fish at the waterfall, and the river itself is always in earshot.

Then you reach the waterfall. The freshwater pools below it are cold and clear, and this is where the hike becomes a swim. You can spend time in the water, take photos, and rest before heading back along the same trail. After the walk back, the group boards the city bus again.

A live guide leads the group throughout, explaining the local environment and culture of Quimixto, a town of fewer than 600 people. The bus fare and photos are included. Bring water, wear shoes with grip, and plan for a moderate day of walking and swimming in a river canyon rather than a manicured waterfall park.

What’s included

• City bus ride to the trailhead and back to Puerto Vallarta.
• a live guide in English or Spanish throughout the hike.
• photos taken during the tour.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:30

Book up to18h before

AgesAdult (12 to 50 years) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Discovering Puerto Vallarta

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want a guide handling logistics and navigation while you focus on the scenery, instead of finding the way on your own.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

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 water like at the waterfall?

The waterfall pools are freshwater from the river, cold and clear. You'll swim in the pools below the falls, so bring a swimsuit and a towel.

What wildlife might I see on the trail?

You may spot birds and butterflies along the trail, fish at the waterfall, and more species if you're lucky. The river canyon is surrounded by plants and trees, and the guide shares knowledge of the local species and environment.

Is this hike suitable if I have knee or back problems?

The tour is not recommended for travelers with knee, back, or hip problems. The trail is rated easy but calls for moderate fitness and involves walking on uneven ground alongside a river, and swimming requires getting in and out of the water.