11 Best Hikes in Puerto Vallarta for All Levels

If you’re looking for what to do in Puerto Vallarta, hiking should be at the top of your list. It’s budget and environmentally friendly, and when you’re surrounded by incredible views of the bay and mountains, you’ll be able to take some of the best photos of your vacation. Spending the day hiking in Puerto Vallarta with the fresh air and natural scenery will make your trip truly unique and memorable.

Below are all our favorite waterfall hikes, jungle trails, and guided hiking tours in Puerto Vallarta.

Should You Hire A Guide?

To do any of the Puerto Vallarta hikes, you can take a guided tour or figure it out on your own. If this is your first visit to the area, you have a time constraint, or are simply afraid of getting lost, we strongly advise going with a local guide. Below are some of the Puerto Vallarta hiking tours and guides that we highly recommend:

Best Puerto Vallarta Hiking Trails

In recent years, hiking in Puerto Vallarta has become more and more popular since it offers excellent health benefits and presents an opportunity to explore the city and its surrounding areas (such as the Riviera Nayarit). Below are the best hikes in Puerto Vallarta that you shouldn’t miss!

URBAN HIKE & LOOKOUT: Mirador La Cruz

• Hiking Route: Malecon to Mirador La Cruz del Cerro
• Difficulty: Easy/Intermediate [2/5]
• Duration: 40 minutes

Since it starts right on the Malecon, it makes it one of the easiest and best hikes in Puerto Vallarta to get to. Begin at the intersection of the Malecon and Abasolo Street, and head up that street. As the road gets steeper, turn left on Calle Emilio Carranza, and then take the first right onto Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez. It is very easy to find, so don’t worry about getting lost.

Follow the signs and you’ll eventually reach the white stairs to the best view in Puerto Vallarta. As you start hiking up, you will get amazing views of Banderas Bay, the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains, and the rustic rooftops of downtown. The 360-degree panoramic view makes this Puerto Vallarta hiking trail one of our favorites.

GARDEN HIKE: Vallarta Botanical Gardens

• Vallarta Hiking Route: Multiple trails inside the Vallarta Botanical Garden (see map below)
• Difficulty: Easy [1.5/5]
• Duration: 2 hrs

A must for nature lovers, the Vallarta Botanical Gardens is a 30-minute drive south of Downtown Puerto Vallarta, but well worth the visit. It was the winner of the American Public Garden Association excellence award in 2022. Tucked into the Sierra Madre hills, this stunning ecological park has multiple trails and winding mountain walkways that showcase orchids, butterflies, and hummingbirds across its 79 acres. All visitors are provided a hiking trail map upon purchasing the entrance fee (see map below). We walked all the trails in one afternoon, and they are all great, but if you only have time for one, our favorite was the Jaguar Trail which leads to a small beach and river swimming spot.

• Closed on Mondays (April – November) and Open Daily (December – March)
• 9am – 6pm
• Wheelchair accessible & pet-friendly

Bring mosquito repellent and water. After hiking, grab a bit of authentic Mexican food at the on-site restaurant, Hacienda del Oro. Here, you’ll be surrounded by hummingbirds and have wide views of the surrounding mountains as you sink your teeth into fresh fish tacos or sizzling fajitas. Buy tickets here to skip the line, or book a guided tour:

BEACH HIKE: Las Animas Beach

• Hiking Route: Boca de Tomatlan to Las Animas
• Difficulty: Intermediate [2.5/5]
• Duration: 4 hours

One of the most popular spots for hiking near Puerto Vallarta is from Boca de Tomatlan to Las Animas Beach, and while there are guided Puerto Vallarta hiking tours here, you can easily hop on a bus from downtown and head south to the fishing village of Boca de Tomatlan where the hiking adventure begins. 

This trail is my personal favorite of all of the best hikes in Puerto Vallarta. It is a half-day-long hiking adventure that takes you along the coast with various stops at stunning beaches of the south shore of Bahia de Banderas. You’ll wind your way south along the coast, at times through lush jungles and secluded beaches. Stop at these enchanting spots for a quick dip to cool off before continuing to hike. When you reach Las Animas, stop at any of the local beachfront restaurants for a cold beer and fresh seafood before taking a water taxi back.

If you go through the entire hike without stopping, it will take you about 2 hours, but I can assure you that you will want to stop along the way.

JUNGLE HIKE: Monkey Mountain

• Vallarta Hiking Route: Higuera Blanca to Monkey Mountain
• Difficulty: Intermediate [3.5/5]
• Duration: 3 hours

This trail is also known as the Monkey Mountain hike. It is a bit off-the-beaten-path since you must drive past Punta Mita and head towards Litibu Beach to get here. You can take a guided tour or go on your own to the top of Monkey Mountain with an amazing 360° view of coastline and jungles! The hike takes about 1.5 hrs each way, so make sure to take some water and sunscreen.

To start the hike, go to the main square of Higuera Blanca, walk along Juan Escutia street until you reach a marked gap in the jungle that indicates the rest of the way. The hike takes about 1.5 hrs each way.

RIVER HIKE: Jorullo Bridge & El Salto Waterfall

Hike through the jungle, cross over the Jorullo Bridge (the longest vehicle suspension bridge in the world), jump into the Cuale river, and admire the El Salto Waterfall… this hiking trail has it all! It is a wonderful way to explore the Sierra Madre mountains and enjoy the extensive flora and fauna such as the local parrots and macaws in their natural habitat. Do this with an expert guide to show you the way and share their knowledge of the area.

LOOKOUT HIKE: Mirador El Toro

• Hiking Route: Los Ayala to El Toro
• Difficulty: Intermediate [3.5/5]
• Duration: 3 hours

This hike starts at the western end of the beach in Los Ayala, and it ends at Mirador del Toro, a cliffside overlook with one of the best views along the Riviera Nayarit. Towards the end of the hike, you’ll reach a fork in the road with a sign indicating the way to the lookout spot or to the beach (Playa del Toro). We recommend heading to the viewpoint first and then going down to the beach.

WATERFALL HIKE: Yelapa

• Vallarta Hiking Route: Yelapa Beach to the local waterfall
• Difficulty: Easy [2/5]
• Duration: 40 min

Yelapa is not accessible by land, so you have to take a water taxi to reach the starting point of this hike. It is also a great beach to hang out at for a day trip from Puerto Vallarta.

This secluded beach town has two waterfalls to hike to: one in town and one further out in the jungle. Both of these options for hiking near Puerto Vallarta are easily accessible for everyone in the family. The one in town can be reached by most hikers in under twenty minutes, but for the larger waterfall, you’ll hike inland along the Tuito river for about 40 minutes. 

The Quimixto hike is also a great option. The hike is slightly more difficult and the beach less busy. The hike to the Quimixto waterfall takes about 30 minutes on a well-maintained trail through the jungle. At the end, reward yourself with a cold beer and a snack at the waterfall’s restaurant, and you can jump into the water to cool off!

Other local hiking trails include:

• PALO MARIA: This hiking trail takes around 4 hours, it’s in the middle of the tropical jungle, following the River. Go to an overlook point then to 2 waterfalls. It is an intermediate difficulty.
• EL SALTO: This hike is about the same amount of time (4 hours) but the road is a bit easier than Palo Maria.
• MISMALOYA: This hike takes about 8 hours and it covers over 10 miles in the jungle and mountains of the south coast of Banderas Bay.

WATERFALL HIKE 2: Mismaloya

Embark on a mesmerizing journey through the lush wilderness near Puerto Vallarta with the Mismaloya Waterfall Hike, offering two distinct routes for exploration. The six-hour trek from Eden unveils a captivating panorama of diverse flora and fauna, culminating in the majestic sight of Mismaloya Waterfall. For a shorter yet equally rewarding adventure, opt for the three-hour trail from Juntas y Veranos, promising serene moments amidst verdant landscapes. Whichever path you choose, immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature and let the beauty of Mismaloya Waterfall leave an indelible mark on your Puerto Vallarta adventure.

RIVER HIKE 2: Salto de Vallejo

Explore the natural wonders of Puerto Vallarta further with the captivating Salto de Vallejo hiking route. Located along the scenic Río Cuale, this enchanting trail promises a leisurely trek spanning approximately an hour and a half. As you meander along the path, you’ll be greeted by the soothing melodies of the river and enveloped by the verdant beauty of the surrounding landscape. The Salto de Vallejo hike offers a perfect opportunity to unwind amidst nature’s embrace, with picturesque vistas and tranquil moments awaiting at every turn. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual adventurer, this charming route promises an unforgettable exploration of Puerto Vallarta’s breathtaking landscapes.

RIVER HIKE 3: Horcones

Venture south of Puerto Vallarta into the municipality of Cabo Corrientes, and discover the Horcones hiking route, a scenic trek lasting approximately one hour. Starting in close proximity to the Botanical Garden, this trail offers a perfect blend of accessibility and natural splendor. As you embark on this journey, you’ll find yourself immersed in the captivating sights and sounds of the surrounding wilderness. From lush foliage to panoramic vistas, every step along the Horcones trail unveils a new facet of Mexico’s stunning landscapes. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful escape or an opportunity to connect with nature, this enchanting route promises an unforgettable experience for hikers of all levels.

WATERFALL HIKE 3: Palo Maria

Embark on an adventure to Palo Maria, one of Puerto Vallarta’s most renowned hiking routes. Offering a refreshing escape amidst the region’s natural beauty, this trail beckons with the promise of serene moments and captivating vistas. As you traverse the path, be sure to indulge in the rejuvenating allure of its beautiful waterfalls, providing a welcome respite from the sun-dappled jungle canopy. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a first-time hiker, Palo Maria invites you to immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature and discover the unparalleled charm of Puerto Vallarta’s breathtaking landscapes.

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