puerto vallarta waterfall tour

Explore Yelapa Falls, White Sand Beaches and Go Snorkeling

Mega yacht all-inclusive yelapa waterfall & snorkeling adventure.

The #1 Rated Tour in Puerto Vallarta on Tripadvisor!

Come experience the most luxurious way to see the beautiful Puerto Vallarta coastline and explore the charming village of Yelapa and Yelapa Falls.

  8:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Meeting Points: Paradise Village Public Pier in Nuevo Vallarta – View Map Or Sayulita Chica Locca Office – View Map

Click Here for Meeting Point details

Regular Price  Adult MX$2,000 | Child MX$1,200  | Toddlers 3 and under Free

Check Availability & Book

Everything Is All-Inclusive

What does that mean? Enjoy our Premium Open Bar that includes an enormous selection of drinks: water, soda, coffee, juice, smoothies, Beer (Pacifico & Corona Light), Wine, Tequila, Cocktails, Piña Coladas, Margaritas; whatever you can think of, whatever you choose to drink. Chica Locca only serves premium brands: Compadre, Bacardi, Captain Morgan, Malibu, Baileys, Smirnoff, Jack Daniel’s, Champagne, and every mix you could want. Only the best for our customers!

Your tour starts with a continental breakfast of fresh fruit, muffins and cinnamon rolls. Then we offer all day snacks which include our famous guacamole, chips and potato chips.

For lunch we provide a traditional Mexican fajitas lunch that includes chicken, beef, rice, beans, tortillas and salsa. If anyone has any dietary restrictions, we can help with alternative options.

All Water Activities and Water Toys Are Included Too!

Have fun in the water and enjoy unlimited access to all our water activities and toys including: paddle boards, kayaks, snorkeling, whale watching (when in season), water mattress and endless fun!

Mega Yacht Yelapa Waterfall & Snorkeling Adventure

Photo gallery.

All-Inclusive Tour of Yelapa & Yelapa Falls

Find out why Chica Locca Tours offers the most popular Yelapa Tour!

Yelapa is a charming coastal village south of Puerto Vallarta only accessible by boat. Yelapa Beach is famous for its white sand beach and sapphire water, ideal for snorkeling and playing.

On this tour you’ll explore the charming village of Yalapa, swimming in the waterfalls, play on the white sand beaches, go snorkeling and enjoy the open bar and food onboard.

Join us for an unforgettable experience and an amazing day out on the water.

Meeting Point: This tour has 2 different meeting points, which is most convenient for you?

Paradise Village Public Pier in Nuevo Vallarta  (Recommended Meeting Point)

Meeting Time 8:00 am Click Here to See The Map

If you are staying in the Hotel Zone Puerto Vallarta, Marina Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta or surrounding areas, choose this meeting point.

Staying in Sayulita? Click Here to See The Map for Chica Locca Tours Sayulita Office

If you are staying in Sayulita or North of Sayulita (San Pancho), transportation is provided from Sayulita to Paradise Village.

Meeting Time 7:15 am

• All Inclusive!
• Explore beautiful Yelapa Beach
• Visit the scenic Yelapa Waterfalls
• Complementary Masseuse onboard
• Time for Snorkeling and Playing in water
• Paddle boards, Kayaks, Water Tubing
• Whale watching (when in season)
• Continental Breakfast
• Lunch and all day snacks
• Premium Open Bar

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour recommended for families and children.

Yes, our tours are fun for all ages!

We are also offering adult-only booze cruises .

Are there bathrooms on the boat?

Yes, the Chica Limousine is equipped with 3 bathrooms for your comfort.

How big is the boat? How many people fit?

The Chica Limousine is a 100 foot Catamaran Mega Yacht . Maximum capacity is 185 guests, but we only allow up to 105 guests on tours to ensure there is plenty of space and everyone is comfortable.

Do you have Private Tour Options available?

Yes! We have many different private tour options available for any size group. 

Learn more about private boat tour options from Puerto Vallarta or Sayulita , and book your group experience with us today!

Are pictures included?

No, pictures are not included. Be sure to add one of our professional photographer photo packages when booking your tour to receive a discount and our lowest price.

Is transportation included on Public Tours?

Public Tours

For guests that are staying in Sayulita, we have a complimentary shuttle that leaves from our Sayulita Office Location for Public Tours. This is only ment for those staying in Sayultia.

If you are staying in a different location, you will need to arrange transportation to meet the boat at the marina.

Need help with affordable Luxury Transportation ?

Please ask for a quote. We can assistance with any of your transportation requirements.

Private Tours Transportation is not included with Private Tours.

What Marina does the boat leave from?

Our Yelapa Tours leaves from Paradise Village Public Pier in Nuevo Vallarta. Click Here to See The Map

Join Our Mega Yacht Yelapa Waterfall & Snorkeling Adventure

Contact us with questions.

Please talk to me, call me, let’s make it personal. I’m here to help plan the perfect tour specifically for you. It is my pleasure and passion to make sure I maximize your experience and minimize your cost. I’m here to help, give me a call!

Gil Drory Owner/Founder

Don’t Just Take Our Word For It

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Vallarta Nature Trips

Discover our tours, 4-hour jungle hike and waterfall swim, boat and snorkel tour to 5 islands of los arcos, full-day trail to 6 hidden beaches, colomitos and snorkel.

Our mission at VallartaNatureTrips is to share and preserve Puerto Vallarta's natural gems. Join one of our local guides in a small personal group and cordial atmosfere!

Reviews from Tripadvisor

+52 3222918058, [email protected], contact info, calle constitución 363, puerto vallarta, 48380, mx, useful links.

10 Waterfalls and Hot Springs to Visit Near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

By: Author Aly Smalls

Posted on Published: October 9, 2022  - Last updated: October 9, 2023

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If you’re planning a trip to Mexico’s pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta will likely be your hub.

Whether you’ve never been to the area or visit every year, there are a multitude of things to do and geological attractions that you can visit besides hanging out on the beach.

There are plenty of things to check out that will get you off the beaten path and satisfy your appetite for adventure.

Puerto Vallarta has no shortage of incredible waterfalls and hot springs nearby.

When you need a break from the beach and want to splash around in some waterfalls or bathe in the healing warm mineral waters, I got you!

In this guide you’ll find information about waterfalls and hot springs to visit in the states of Nayarit and Jalisco, and which tours you can book or directions for finding them on your own.

This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase I may make a small commission. I only share information about things I know, love and trust!

Best Waterfalls and Hot Springs to Visit Near Puerto Vallarta:

Aguas termales nuevo ixtlan hot springs.

In under 2 hours you can reach these incredible natural hot springs.

You can reach by booking a private hot springs tour , which also includes a stop at a local market to buy fresh ingredients for a traditional Mexican lunch that will be prepared for your as part of your trip!

In the heart of the jungle you’ll find a rustic yet quaint setting of about a dozen small stone tubs.

Each tub varies in size and can usually fit anywhere between 2-6 people.

You’ll be assigned a pool upon arrival and can adjust the temperature of the water for your preference.

But they are kept around 25°C so that you can enjoy the water all year round.

The pools are drained and cleaned quite often and each has its own pipe to fill it with the thermal waters from the earth.

I highly recommend taking this tour , as you’ll pass through beautiful small villages along the way, a full BBQ lunch, and end with a massage on the beach!

I can’t think of a more perfect way to spend a day outside of Puerto Vallarta.

Watch the video for a full tour of this amazing oasis!

Tip: These hot springs are also a great day trip to take if you’re staying in Sayulita, Mexico (click for full destination guide)

>> Staying at an All-Inclusive Resort? Use this Packing List (20 things you should always bring)

Jamurrca Auga Termales (Hot Sprrings)

Jamurrca is a little oasis with 4 pools, all of which range in size and temperature.

It will take about 90 minutes to get there from Puerto Vallarta, but the scenery along the way is breathtaking.

There is no restaurant on site, so pack a lunch, snacks and drinks and head out for a full day adventure.

The cost is 70 pesos (about $3.50) per person to enter.

Address: 63713 Nayarit, Mexico

Bosque de la Primavera and Rio Caliente

Located about 5 hours east of Puerto Vallarta is Bosque la Primavera, translated to forest of the spring. Inside the forest you’ll find a hot river!

The source of hot water comes from the underground volcanic activity. According to John Pint:

The “hot river” is born deep inside a narrow canyon where it literally boils out of the walls, sputtering and steaming, a testimony to the continuing presence of magma deep beneath the surface.  John Pint, Mexico News Daily

If you can get yourself to Guadalajara, take this night hot spring tour , where your guide takes you to the springs in the dark, under the stars, complete with wine and cheese.

Palo Maria Waterfall

If you’re staying in Puerto Vallarta and are looking for something outdoorsy to burn a couple hours, this is a great pick.

Located about 20 minutes from the Malecon is a beautifully lush river that leads to multiple waterfalls.

The easiest way to get to this waterfall is to book a tour with Discovering Puerto Vallarta .

They will meet you in the Romantic Zone, ride the bus with you and lead the hike into the jungle to find a series of waterfalls, caves and natural pools to swim around in.

Plus these guys know all the best spots for photos along the way!

To get to these waterfalls, you do need to wear water hiking shoes or grippy sneakers you don’t mind getting wet – you will be crossing rivers and climbing over boulders to get there.

This waterfall hike cannot be done in sandals/flip flops!

If you want to find it on your own, you can take a bus, taxi or uber to get to the trail head.

Whichever mode of transport you choose, you’ll want to get off at the Garza Blanca Hotel.

Cross the street and follow the fence line along the small river until you reach the first of the falls.

It will take about 45 minutes to one hour depending on your pace.

You’ll be rewarded with refreshing clear water to splash around in!

After your adventure, choose one of these best beaches around Puerto Vallarta to grab a margarita and relax!

El Eden Waterfall

The El Eden Waterfall and river is a site where many movies have been filmed, including Predator .

The whole area is more of a natural eco-toursim water-park in the middle of a jungle setting.

There is a cost to enter, but this helps maintain this pristine area.

Besides swimming in the water, you can go for a ride on the natural rock slide, hike to several ziplines, ride ATVs and enjoy cold drinks and a meal at the restaurant.

To get there, head south to Mismaloya (you can take the public bus from Puerto Vallarta).

Then, take the road towards the Puerto Vallarta Zoo.

You’ll pass the Mister Tequila shop if you want to stop in for a tasting on the way! Keep going passed the Zoo until you reach EdenVa.

Better yes, I recommend booking this tour , where you will ride horseback through the jungle to arrive at the waterfall!

Your tour guide will share the history of the 300 year old village along the way, as well as point out all the butterflies, orchids and wildlife along the way.

>> Read Next: 14 Best Day Trips from Puerto Vallarta (+itineraries and hidden gems)

Cascada de Yelapa (Yelapa Waterfall)

The beach in Yelapa is one of the best in the entire bay area and can only be reach by boat or water taxi.

If you find yourself in Yelapa on your trip, be sure to make the easy trek from the beach to this stunning waterfall.

It’s only about a 10-minute jaunt from the beach with a well-marked trail; just watch for the signs that read ‘la cascada.’

Along the way, many of the locals have small booths where they sell handcrafted items.

It’s a fun market-atmosphere on the way up to the Yelapa waterfall.

There’s a small restaurant on site with a nice patio when you can have a bite to eat or a refreshing drink.

You can also take a beach tour where local guides bring you to the beach and show you the waterfall and some other hidden gems that only locals know about.

El Manto Hot Spring

El Manto is located about 4 hours east of Puerto Vallarta and could be described as a natural water park.

Complete with waterfalls, canyons and hot springs, there are also change rooms and a restaurant on site.

El Molote Hot Spring

It will take you a little over 2 hours to get to these hot springs from Puerto Vallarta.

Spend some time exploring the area to find the hot thermal source of the water; then, follow the creek to discover a few swimming and enjoy a soothing soak.

Visit this article by John & Doreen Berg on ExploreNayarit.com for full directions on how to get here!

EDENVA El Eden de Vallarta Ecotourism Park

EDENVA Ecotourism park offers various immersive jungle adventures.

In addition to a gorgeous waterfall with a natural waterslide and swimming hole, visitors can also zipline, tour gardens and jungle trails, chill in the overwater hammocks and dine at the open air restaurant.

It’s located south of Puerto Vallarta, just outside of Mismaloya, so you’ll have to book a tour to get there.

Book your tour in advance as spots fill up fast!

Tip – if you’re staying at the Barcelo Resort, this excursion is very close to your hotel.

>> Read Next: 26 Practical Travel Tips for Mexico That You Are Guaranteed to Use

You might also like: Fuel Your Wanderlust With These Stunning Views from Pools Around the World

Cuale Waterfall at Quimixto

Between Boca de Tomatlan and Yelapa, is the small village and beach known as Quimixto.

From the beach you can either hike or travel via horseback tour to get to the Cuale/Quimixto Waterfall.

It’s less than 2 miles from the village to the falls. Find Los Cocos restaurant and you’ll see the trailhead from there.

All you have to do is follow the river and then you get to cross a suspension bridge.

Or, you can book a tour with a guide who will take you to Quimixto and other spots.

If you start out hiking and change your mind, there are locals at several points along the way who will rent you horses.

Whether you get there on horseback or hiking, the trail gets a bit dusty, but you can swim in the clear water at the base of the waterfall to cool off!

There’s also a restaurant on site.

El Salto Waterfall

The El Sato waterfall in Puerto Vallarta is a unique phenomenon. It only shows up during the rainy season and disappears as the season dries up.

This is the closest waterfall to the city of Puerto Vallarta, but is a little difficult to access, so experienced hikers and scramblers should be the only ones attempting this trail.

You can also find it by joining this ATV tour , where you’ll ride the trails to the waterfall, and then cross the Jorullo suspension bridge.

Chico’s Paradise

At Chico’s Paradise, you’ll not only find a stunning waterfall, but small pools to swim in and a fantastic restaurant surrounded by a lush jungle setting.

To get here, take a bus to Boca de Tomatlan, and then catch a taxi to get to Chico’s Paradise.

Bring your swimsuit and towel and plan to spend the afternoon here.

Sunbath on the large flat rocks, take a dip in the falls to cool down, and then have drinks and lunch at the restaurant, Chico’s Paradise.

Inside tip : you’ll visit Chico’s Paradise and a nearby coffee shop on this day tour to the botanical gardens and tequila tasting!

Tip – I find it very useful to know some conversational Spanish when going off the beaten path in Mexico.

Rocket Languages is the program I’ve been using, and it’s been very quick to learn! You can read more about it and get a free 7-day trial here .

More Puerto Vallarta-area & Mexico posts:

• Highest Rated Puerto Vallarta Snorkeling Tours to Book 
• 49 Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta (the complete list) in 2023
• Best Areas to Stay in Puerto Vallarta: a Quick and Easy Breakdown
• 7 Puerto Vallarta Scams: How to Avoid Them and Stay Safe
• Which is Better: Bucerias or Sayulita? Let’s Compare…
• Playa de los Muertos: how to get to this hidden beach in Mexico
• Best Puerto Vallarta Beaches: travel planning guide!
• Heal Your Soul With These Natural Mud Baths Around the World

Before you go…

If you want to stay up to date, get behind the scenes content, or connect with me directly – you can follow my YouTube channel , Facebook Page , Instagram or Twitch channel !

New photos, videos and live streams!

9 Waterfalls in Puerto Vallarta | map + coordinates + packing list

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Waterfalls in Puerto Vallarta offer great freshwater swimming to escape the heat. Most of the waterfalls in Puerto Vallarta are a short bus ride out of the city followed by a small hike to the waterfall.

Luckily, the majority of the hikes are really rather short and follow the water. Oftentimes, offering a refreshing breeze as you hike.

Things To Know About Waterfalls In Puerto Vallarta

• The water isn’t always very clean, but it’s still safe to swim in.
• Sometimes the river or creeks are dried up, making the waterfall non-existent. Always check recent reviews or ask the locals if there’s water streaming.
• Fresh water in Puerto Vallarta means mosquitos, definitely pack the bug spray!
• You need cash for the buses and boats.
• Pack more water than you think you’ll need. Hiking in Puerto Vallarta is hot, you’ll drink a lot!

Puerto Vallarta Waterfalls Map

Bus + Hike Waterfalls in Puerto Vallarta

Palo maria waterfall.

Location: 20.54957, -105.25306

Bus Ride:  Yes, 10 pesos each way

PV Bus Stop Coordinates: 20.60239, -105.23462

Bus Stop Coordinates (get off): 20.55542, -105.26167

Hiking Distance: 40-60 minutes one way

Difficulty:  moderate, some creek crossings and not well marked

Swimmable: Yes

Palo Maria Waterfall is the closest waterfall to the city of Puerto Vallarta and is one of the most popular ones to visit. While you’ll hear over and over again that you should not do this hike without a guide, if you have a good sense of direction and some common hiking sense, you’ll be able to find this Puerto Vallarta waterfall on your own.

The hike to the waterfall crosses a creek a couple of times via a little rock scramble and goes between being well-traversed and not. I think that’s due to people making their own paths in certain areas!

The first waterfall has a great swimming hole at it. You’ll find people jumping off rocks into the clear water below. It’s believed there are up to twelve waterfalls at Palo Maria, all of which increase in difficulty to reach.

Being a short bus ride out of the Zona Romantica in Puerto Vallarta, this is the best of all the waterfall hikes for a quick half-day adventure from PV.

{ Travel Tips … Pack lunch and snacks for this hike. You’ll definitely want to hang out by the swimming hole for a bit!}

El Nogalito Waterfall

Location:  hike up the road to start at 20.56208, -105.23951

Bus Ride:  Yes, 10 pesos one way

Bus Stop Coordinates (get off): 20.56266, -105.25433

Hiking Distance:  Yes, 1.5 to 2 hours one way

Difficulty:  difficult due to rock scrambles, river crossings, and unmarked trail

Swimmable:  Yes

We did not hike to El Nogalito Waterfall, as we chose to do Palo Maria this time around instead. However, we’ve read that it is a really nice and secluded hike through the jungle near El Nogalito Ecopark.

This trail can be done without a guide, but it’s not marked, so if you’re not prepared to get lost, we recommend finding a guide for this trail. We’ve read there is a couple in El Nogalito offering guided hikes to the waterfall. Read more about the trail here .

Chico’s Paradise Waterfall

Location: 20.48197, -105.29526

Bus Ride: Yes, 40 pesos one way from Puerto Vallarta

PV Bus Stop Coordinates: 20.6034, -105.234

Bus Stop Coordinates (get off): 20.48288, -105.29523

Hiking Distance:  Short walk to the left of the restaurant (bus stop)

Difficulty:  Easy. A rather flat terrain, then climbing on large rocks.

This is really not much of a hike, but more of an adventure climbing over and across large boulders and rocky ground. Chico’s Paradise Waterfall is right at the Chico’s Paradise restaurant, and it’s a fantastic place to spend a day away from the beach in PV.

There are big waterfalls to swim in and around and small ones to lounge in, which was our preferred method of enjoying these waterfalls.

We visited during the rainy season, so the water was super brown… not the most inviting to jump into! However, again the smaller pools were great!

When you arrive at Chico’s Paradise, go to the left of the building. You’ll have about a two minute walk to the water from there. The path will take you right to the water, where you then can climb around on bridges, rocks, and brick trails too.

Los Colomitos Waterfall

Location: 20.51198, -105.32569

Bus Ride: Yes, 10 pesos to Boca one way

Bus Stop Coordinates (get off): 20.51287, -105.31412

Hiking Distance:  1 hour one way

Difficulty:  Difficult with up and down climbing

Swimmable: No

Playa Colomitos is a beautiful beach you should visit even if the waterfall isn’t running. The waterfall here is very seasonal and is a bush-whacking hike up a semi-made trail to reach.

I attempted to find the waterfall without shoes on, quickly learning this was not a good idea with the broken glass and clay scattered everywhere.

This waterfall is meant to have a tiny swimming hole at it, however, it seems to be non-existent unless visiting during or right after the rainy season in Puerto Vallarta.

The hike to Colomitos Beach and waterfall is beautiful. yet difficult. Instead of hiking, you can grab a water taxi, two ways or just one way, and spend more time relaxing at the beach.

READ MORE | Trail Guide to Colomitos Beach with pictures, duration, and packing list

Cascadas de Mismaloya

Location: 20.48086, -105.29359

Bus Ride:  Yes, 40 pesos one way

Bus Stop Coordinates to Get Off: 20.48086, -105.29359

Hiking Distance:  11 miles out and back

Difficulty:  difficult terrain with a rope section

We did not hike to Cascadas de Mismaloya, however, we met a couple who was from Mexico and very excited to do this hike. They recommended the hike to only be done via guided tour or with someone who has gone before, as it’s actually quite challenging following the path.

This is another waterfall hike in Puerto Vallarta that we’ll likely do when we return to PV. However, with the heat and the distance of this waterfall hike, we opted to not do it the last time we were in Puerto Vallarta.

Read more about the trail and other people’s reviews of the hike here .

Check out guided tours to Mismaloya Waterfall here.

El Eden Waterfall

Bus Stop Coordinates: 20.48086, -105.29359

Hiking Distance:  1 hour from the bus stop, or hitchhike up!

Difficulty: easy

We did not hike to El Eden Waterfall, however, it seems very similar to Chico’s Paradise, but with an extra hike from the bus stop. It seems this Puerto Vallarta waterfall isn’t anything to write home about, but the eco-park and making an entire day of visiting this area would be.

The El Eden Waterfall sits in the middle of an eco-park with lush jungle hiking trails, multiple swimming holes, mini-waterfalls, ziplining, and more. There is a restaurant (said to be pricey) overlooking the water, and what seems like loads of fun to be had here.

Check out the El Eden Ecopark website to learn more.

Bus, Boat, Then Hike Waterfalls Near Puerto Vallarta

Cascada de yelapa.

Location: 20.48462, -105.44863

Bus Ride: Yes, 10 pesos to Boca one way + 120 peso water taxi ride one way

Bus Stop Coordinates: 20.51287, -105.31412

Water Taxi Coordinates:  20.51318, -105.31556

Difficulty: Easy, mostly flat

READ MORE | Yelapa Travel Guide

We have a love-hate relationship with Yelapa, you can read all about why here . Don’t get us wrong. The beach and the turquoise water are inviting, especially if you stay away from the crowds. However, there is a very scammy scene in Yelapa, and it makes the area not as enjoyable as it could be.

Getting off the boat in Yelapa, you’ll have to cross over the beach, and wade through the river. If it’s not quite the rainy season, this isn’t a problem, as you can walk in knee-deep water. However, in the peak of the rainy season, you may have to get a boat to get you around the water unless you want to swim.

The waterfall itself is an adventure to find. You’ll walk through the carless village of Yelapa, through tiny “streets” and up a path to the waterfall. Finding the waterfall is half the adventure. And while you can find it pinned on the geotag above, wandering the streets until you start seeing “cascada” signs with arrows is half the fun!

Yelapa Waterfall

Location: 20.47569, -105.41409

Hiking Distance: 3 miles one way

Difficulty: multiple river crossings,

Even though “Yelapa Waterfall” is translated to “Cascada de Yelapa” in Spanish, this is actually a completely different waterfall than the one listed above.

We chose not to do this waterfall hike, as we wanted to snorkel and enjoy the Yelapa beach instead of hiking into the jungle. It’s believed this hike has multiple river crossings to get to the waterfall and can be difficult to follow and find the trail. Check out more info on the Yelapa Waterfall trail here . Or, check out tours to this waterfall from Puerto Vallarta here .

READ MORE | How to Get To Yelapa

Get a better look at what to expect in Yelapa in this video below!

Quimixto Waterfall

Location: 20.49304, -105.36698

Hiking Distance:  less than two miles

Difficulty:  easy, relatively flat

We did not hike to Quimixto Waterfall in Puerto Vallarta. We chose to do a day trip to Yelapa instead. However, when we return to Puerto Vallarta, we’ll certainly be visiting Quimixto and hiking to the waterfall.

In the meantime, this post is the best we found online for really laying out exactly how to get to the Quimixto Waterfall.

The Best Waterfall Hikes in Puerto Vallarta

In our opinion, the palo maria waterfall hike in puerto vallarta takes the cake for the best waterfall hike..

Here’s Why…

• Short and easy hike, suitable for kids and adults alike
• Cheap and short 50-cent bus ride making it not kill the budget or take much time
• The swimming hole and cliff jumping are great!
• You’ll get a taste of the jungle on this hike
• Easily can be stretched into a longer day if you want to try and find other waterfalls upstream

Runner up for best waterfall hike in Puerto Vallarta is Los Colomitos

• You’ll get to experience the quaint fishing village of Boca
• The beach at the waterfall is absolutely beautiful
• There’s a new beach bar at the base of the final waterfall trail, great for a pick-me-up.
• The hour hike along the coast is full of wildlife.
• The views the entire hike are fantastic!

Best Time To See Waterfalls in Puerto Vallarta

As we mentioned above, the waterfalls in Puerto Vallarta are hit or miss when it comes to actually flowing or not. We visited in July/August and found that there wasn’t much water flow in most of the waterfalls. However, in January/February there was absolutely no water flow at all, even after a major rain!

On top of the limited water flow, a few of the waterfalls were  extremely brown and murky making them not that inviting to get in. I believe this is from a massive rainstorm that occurred due to a hurricane offshore.

With that said, it seems like the better time to see waterfalls in Puerto Vallarta is just after the rainy season. That way, there will most likely be water flowing, but it won’t be as dirty as it tends to be in the rainy season.

More On Puerto Vallarta

LEARN MORE | Animals of Puerto Vallarta | a nature escape right in the city SEE MORE | Grocery Stores in Puerto Vallarta + Actual Food Costs READ MORE | the BEST tacos in Puerto Vallarta (with geotagged locations) READ MORE | A Day Trip to San Pancho (less touristy than Sayulita) LEARN MORE | Scams to Avoid in Puerto Vallarta

General Travel Resouces

READ MORE | A Toiletry Travel Kit (for carry-on travel) LEARN MORE | Our Tried and True Travel Accessories  SAVE MORE | How to Start Saving Hundreds Today

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Heather is the co-founder of Arbours Abroad, and a full time travel writer with over ten years of travel experience across 39 countries. She’s lived in five different countries, and traveled by van in the United Kingdom and Europe for two and a half years.

Heather and her husband currently live in a van with their cat, Georgie, traveling and finding nature escapes all over the western United States while sneaking in trips abroad when they can.

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How to Visit Palo Maria Waterfall in Puerto Vallarta

By: Author Lora Pope

Posted on July 11, 2023

This post may contain affiliate links. By clicking and making a purchase through the links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my disclaimer for more information. This allows me to keep the site up to date and expand on resources.

Puerto Vallarta isn’t just about the beach – look behind to the mountains, and you’ll find lush jungles with waterfalls to explore.

Palo Maria waterfall is one of the easiest to access, and this guide has everything you need to know about how to hike Palo Maria from Puerto Vallarta.

EASIEST WAY TO REACH PALO MARIA

Don’t have time to read this? The easiest way to reach Palo Maria waterfall is on this guided hiking excursion which includes transportation there and a knowledgeable guide to take you on the trail!

Table of Contents

How to get to Palo Maria from Puerto Vallarta

Palo maría waterfalls hike half-day tour.

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   4 hours | ✅  Book it!

If you’re visiting Puerto Vallarta, the easiest and safest way to reach Palo Maria waterfall is with a local guide on this guided hike to Palo Maria !

You’ll meet your guide at Zona Romantica, with transportation included to the entrance of the waterfall trailhead.

“Tour guide was beyond great. Very helpful, super energy! Beautiful waterfalls, enough time to enjoy them.” – TripAdvisor (read more reviews here)

The tour includes hiking, river swimming, and bird watching in the lush and beautiful Palo María area. Having a local guide there is ideal because he can tell you all about the unique flora and fauna of Puerto Vallarta!

Plus, you’ll be with other travelers, which is a great way to meet other people on your vacation.

What’s included on this tour?

• Bottled water
• Transportation from the meeting point to Palo María River.

By Car, Uber, and Bus

Cascada Palo Maria is located south of the city, between Conchas Chinas and Mismaloya , near Garza Blanca Resort and Spa – one of the most beautiful luxury hotels in PV.

There’s no road to the waterfall, so the closest you can drive is off Highway 200 across from Hacienda Palo Maria.

The easiest way to get to the waterfall from the city is a taxi or Uber. You can put in Hacienda Palo Maria or Cascada Palo Maria, and the driver should know where to drop you off.

The entrance to the trail is across the street from Hacienda Palo Maria, on the left side of the highway if you’re coming from the city.

I got an Uber from Versalles in June 2022 (about a half-hour drive), and it was 235 pesos (just over 10 USD). Taxis will probably try to charge you more.

You can also get a public bus here from Zona Romanica . They leave in front of this Oxxo and go along the highway towards Boca De Tomatlan.

I haven’t taken the bus to Palo Maria before, but it frequently stops on highway 200, so it shouldn’t be more than a few minutes walk.

You can always tell the driver that you’re going to Palo Maria when you get on, and he will tell you where to get off. It’s about a 15-minute bus ride from Zona Romantica.

Palo Maria Hike

The hike to the first waterfall at Palo Maria is relatively straightforward and is one of the more accessible waterfalls in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. It’s a 2.7km out-and-back trail and takes less than an hour.

You’ll see a small sign pointing Cascada down to the right, where you’ll find the trail. You follow the river (Rio Arriba) until you reach the waterfall.

During the dry season, there won’t be much water in the river, so you can walk over the rocks easily. But during the wet season, this is more challenging. I’ve hiked in both, and having a good pair of water shoes helped me greatly.

There are also paths to the left and right of the river you can walk along that are dry. It’s a little confusing as some go further into the jungle, but you can’t get too lost because there are fences on either side.

The right side is easier to navigate, and if you get confused, you can always walk straight up the river.

You can find directions on AllTrails here .

BEST HIKING APP

If you’re going hiking in Puerto Vallarta without a guide, be sure to download the trail map on AllTrails before heading out!

There isn’t service on most hiking trails in Puerto Vallarta, but you can download the maps beforehand on AllTrails, which will work regardless of service. It’s saved me more than once!

I also found this YouTube video below by Tourist to Loca helpful, which I watched before going for the first time.

There are more waterfalls higher than the first one, but I’ve never hiked to them. I know many friends who have, though, and they all rave about them.

In total, there are 12 waterfalls you can see on this hike, but the higher ones require a greater level of fitness as you will be climbing up rocks.

Swimming at Cascada Palo Maria

Of course, one of the best reasons to visit Palo Maria is to go swimming and cool off from the Puerto Vallarta heat! There are fish there, but they are harmless (just very curious).

During the dry season, it’s more of a swimming hole than a waterfall but is a wonderful place to cool off from the city’s heat and spend an afternoon with friends.

It’s also one of the easier waterfalls hikes in Puerto Vallarta to reach, as many of the others you need to take a boat.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can jump off the cliffs above into the water. I’ve seen plenty of locals doing impressive flips into the water, so it’s deep enough.

And if you feel like exploring, continue from the first waterfall and hike up to the higher ones.

There isn’t anywhere to buy food or drinks at Palo Maria, so if you’re planning to come for the day, come prepared with enough water, snacks, and cervezas.

Best time to visit Palo Maria Puerto Vallarta

The first time I visited Palo Maria was in May during the peak dry season, and to be honest, it was a little disappointing because there was barely a waterfall to see. Still, it was an awesome place to hang out and go swimming with friends for the afternoon.

I visited again recently in June 2023 before we had much rain, and again there was barely a waterfall, but a refreshing pool to swim in.

When I went in late June after the rain had started, the waterfall was so much more impressive to see!

It was also much less crowded, and I still felt safe swimming in the pool below. On top of that, the Puerto Vallarta forest was much more green and lush to walk through.

That said, we did get caught in a rainshower on the hike back, which is always a risk during the rainy season. But I loved it! It’s such an incredible feeling to be in the middle of the jungle, even if you’re soaking wet – making this one of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta in August.

What to bring to Palo Maria Waterfall Puerto Vallarta

• Sun protection including hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
• Insect repellant
• Full water bottle
• Comfortable hiking shoes or water shoes
• Snorkel gear if you want to snorkel
• Swimsuit and small beach towel to dry off

For a complete list of what to pack for your trip to Puerto Vallarta, check out this packing guide!

Planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta? Check out these other waterfalls!

• Guide to the Yelapa Waterfalls
• Quixmito waterfall day trip guide
• Top day trips you can take from Puerto Vallarta

Lora Pope is a travel content creator who’s been wandering solo for over a decade. In 2021, she moved to Puerto Vallarta and fell in love at first sight. After visiting 70+ countries, she decided to make it her base and now helps travelers like you make the most of your time in PV.

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