Boca de Tomatlán to Quimixto: A Stunning Coastal Hike in Puerto Vallarta

Difficulty: moderate
Distance: 7.5 kilometers (4.7 miles) one way
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours each way (not including stops)
Elevation Gain: 150 meters (490 feet)

The coastal hike from Boca de Tomatlán to Quimixto is a quintessential Puerto Vallarta adventure, offering an perfect blend of jungle trails, pristine beaches, and cultural experiences. This 7.5-kilometer (4.7-mile) journey takes you through some of the most stunning coastline in Bahía de Banderas, culminating at the magnificent Quimixto waterfall. It’s one of our favorite ways to spend a day, and we love bringing our dog, Luna, along for the adventure. While she may not be the biggest fan of swimming, she absolutely adores exploring the trail’s varied terrain and meeting friendly locals along the way.

Whether you’re up for the full hike to Quimixto or prefer to stop at one of the incredible beaches like Playa Caballo or Las Animas, this versatile trail caters to adventurers of all levels. With multiple exit points and water taxi options, you can easily customize your journey to match your energy level and interests.

Getting to Boca de Tomatlán

The adventure begins in Boca de Tomatlán, a charming fishing village that serves as the gateway to Puerto Vallarta’s southern beaches. This authentic Mexican pueblo offers your first glimpse of local life along the coast, with fishing boats dotting the shoreline and pelicans perched in weathered trees.

Transportation Options

The most economical and authentic way to reach Boca is by local bus from Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romántica. Look for buses marked “Boca de Tomatlán” or “Mismaloya” at the corner of Calle Constitución and Basilio Badillo. Buses run every 10-15 minutes from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and the journey takes 45-60 minutes depending on traffic. At just 10 MXN per person (about $0.60 USD), it’s a bargain. Pro tip: sit on the right side of the bus for spectacular ocean views.

For those seeking more comfort or flexibility, Uber or taxi services cost between 350-500 MXN ($20-30 USD) and take about 30 minutes. The air-conditioned ride allows you to stop for photos, and drivers often share local insights. You could also hire a private driver who can arrange a return pickup, though this is the priciest option.

While renting a car gives you the most independence, parking in Boca is limited. If you choose this option, arrive before 9:00 AM for the best parking spots, and consider where you’ll end your hike.

Starting Your Day in Boca

Early mornings in Boca offer a special charm as the village comes to life. Watch local fishermen prepare for their day while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. The iconic rope swing near the beach provides the perfect spot for sunrise photos, and several small restaurants serve fresh breakfast and coffee to fuel your upcoming adventure.

Take time to wander the village streets and soak in the authentic coastal atmosphere before beginning your hike. The morning light creates beautiful photo opportunities, and the cooler temperatures make it the ideal time to start your journey.

The Coastal Trail Adventure

Finding and Starting the Trailhead

The trailhead location can be slightly tricky for first-time visitors, but these step-by-step directions will get you there:

1. From the bus stop, walk down the road towards the town
2. When you get to the end of the road, turn left and follow the river inland
3. You will eventually get to a pedestrian bridge - cross it
4. Turn right after the bridge
5. Follow the path past local homes
6. Look for stone steps ascending into the jungle

Local Tip: If you’re unsure, simply ask any local for “el camino a Las Ánimas.” Most residents are familiar with hikers and happy to point you in the right direction. You might even make a new friend - Puerto Vallarta locals are known for their warmth and hospitality!

Beach Hopping Along the Coast

The trail connects a string of stunning beaches, each with its own distinct character and charm. What makes this hike special is the ability to take breaks at these beautiful spots, combining hiking with beach relaxation.

Playa Colomitos

Your first beach encounter comes about 30 minutes into the hike. Often called Mexico’s smallest beach, this tiny paradise packs a lot of beauty into a small space. The crystal-clear turquoise waters are perfect for swimming, and the steep cliffs provide natural shade, making it an ideal spot for a morning visit when it’s usually quiet. It’s also a great place for snorkeling, and there’s a small beach bar serving cold drinks, open seasonally.

Playa Caballo

About 45 minutes from Boca, Playa Caballo offers a more expansive beach experience. Named for the horses that occasionally visit, this wider beach is perfect for sunbathing. The moderate waves make it good for bodysurfing, and there are natural rock formations to explore. Recently, a beach club has opened at the northern end, adding convenient amenities but also changing the previously serene atmosphere with music and increased activity.

Playa Las Ánimas

The most developed of the beaches along the trail, Las Ánimas serves as a popular midway point. Here, you’ll find multiple restaurants serving fresh seafood, and the beach is bustling with water sport rentals like kayaks and paddleboards. Regular water taxi service makes it a convenient stop, and you can rent umbrellas and chairs for a relaxing break. The family-friendly swimming areas make it a great spot for those traveling with children.

The Trail Experience

The path between these beaches offers an incredible variety of terrain and views, making every section of the hike unique and engaging. Here’s what you’ll encounter:

Coastal Sections

The trail frequently hugs the coastline, offering breathtaking views of Bahía de Banderas. As you ascend the stone steps artfully carved into cliff faces, you’ll find yourself gaining elevation that rewards you with stunning vistas. Looking down from these heights, the emerald green waters of the bay sparkle in the sunlight, creating a mesmerizing contrast against the golden sandy beaches that curve along the shoreline.

Natural stone pathways wind their way along the shore, sometimes mere feet from steep dropoffs that plunge dramatically to the ocean below. These elevated sections provide some of the most spectacular photo opportunities, where you can capture both the rugged coastline and the pristine beaches in a single frame. The height also offers a unique perspective on the surrounding landscape, letting you spot hidden coves and inlets that aren’t visible from sea level.

During the winter months (December-March), this elevated vantage point becomes an ideal whale-watching platform. From here, you might spot humpback whales breaching in the distance, their massive forms breaking the surface of the bay in magnificent displays. Throughout your journey, cool ocean breezes sweep up the cliff faces, providing welcome relief from the tropical heat and carrying with them the refreshing scent of salt air.

Jungle Passages

Between coastal sections, the trail winds through lush tropical forest, offering a completely different but equally enchanting experience. A dense canopy of tropical trees creates a natural umbrella overhead, providing welcome shade from the intense Mexican sun. The air here is noticeably cooler and more humid, filled with the gentle sounds of rustling leaves and distant bird calls.

The path meanders through this verdant landscape, crossing seasonal streams via rustic wooden bridges that add character to the journey. These bridges, while simple in construction, are well-maintained and sturdy, offering safe passage over the occasional waterways that cut through the jungle floor. During the rainy season, these streams come alive with rushing water, creating a symphony of natural sounds.

Natural stone steps, worn smooth by countless footsteps, guide you through elevation changes in the jungle. These steps, along with carefully maintained dirt paths, make the jungle sections accessible while preserving their wild character. The rich diversity of tropical vegetation surrounds you at every turn - from towering palm trees to delicate ferns and vibrant flowering plants that add splashes of color to the predominantly green landscape.

Wildlife Encounters

The trail provides rich opportunities to observe the diverse wildlife that calls this area home. Looking up into the canopy, you’ll spot massive termite nests constructed high in the trees, architectural marvels of the insect world. Impressive orb-weaver spiders can be seen tending to their intricate webs between branches, while various tropical birds flit through the foliage, filling the air with their calls.

Along the sunnier sections of the trail, you might encounter iguanas basking on warm rocks, perfectly still as they soak up the tropical heat. The flowering plants that dot the landscape attract a constant dance of butterflies and hummingbirds, adding splashes of movement and color to the already vibrant scenery.

Quimixto and the Waterfall Adventure

After 2-3 hours of hiking along the coastal trail (depending on your pace and beach stops), you’ll arrive at the village of Quimixto. This charming coastal community is only accessible by boat or hiking, as there are no roads connecting it to other towns. The absence of cars creates a peaceful atmosphere where the main sounds are the ocean waves, birds chirping, and the occasional clip-clop of horses’ hooves.

The village’s golden sand beach is a highlight, stretching along a picturesque bay framed by dramatic rock formations. Surfers often gather here to catch waves, especially during the winter months when swells are more consistent. The beach’s natural beauty and relative seclusion make it an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, or simply watching the surfers tackle the waves.

Transportation within Quimixto relies entirely on horses, ATVs, and foot traffic. Local residents expertly navigate the village’s paths on horseback, transporting everything from building materials to groceries. Visitors can often see supply boats arriving at the beach, where their cargo is transferred to horses or ATVs for distribution throughout the community.

The village maintains a authentic charm that’s increasingly rare along Mexico’s Pacific coast. Traditional Mexican architecture dominates the landscape, with colorful buildings housing local families, small restaurants, and tiendas (small stores). While the dining and shopping options are limited, they offer authentic local cuisine and basic necessities.

The slower pace of life and absence of modern urban infrastructure offers visitors a glimpse into a more traditional way of coastal Mexican living. The friendly locals, many of whom have lived here for generations, contribute to the welcoming atmosphere that makes Quimixto special.

The Hike to the Waterfall

The journey to Quimixto’s waterfall begins at the village beach, where you’ll find a well-marked path heading inland. As you follow the main trail through the village, you’ll encounter two stream crossings that add to the adventure. The first crossing features a sturdy hanging bridge, offering scenic views of the stream below. Further along, you’ll need to wade through a second shallow stream - while usually just ankle-deep, exercise caution after heavy rains when water levels can rise.

The trail to the waterfall takes about 30 minutes on foot, winding through lush tropical vegetation. For those preferring an easier journey, local guides offer horseback rides. The path is generally well-maintained but can become muddy during the rainy season, so proper footwear is recommended. Whether on foot or horseback, the journey offers beautiful views of the surrounding jungle and occasional glimpses of local wildlife.

The Waterfall Restaurant Experience

The waterfall’s best views and pool access are at the small cliffside restaurant, perched perfectly to take in the cascading water and surrounding jungle scenery. While you’re required to purchase food or drinks for a table, it’s absolutely worth it for the prime waterfall viewing spot and comfortable seating. The restaurant offers a perfect base for spending several hours enjoying the falls, whether you’re swimming or just relaxing.

The restaurant offers basic Mexican fare like chips with guacamole and quesadillas, though they don’t always have food available. While the prices are higher than in town, we typically order their fresh coconut water, served in the coconut itself, which is perfect for rehydrating after the hike. As a bonus, once you finish the refreshing water, the staff can cut up the coconut so you can enjoy the sweet meat inside. The friendly staff create a welcoming atmosphere for both locals and tourists alike.

For those visiting with four-legged friends, the restaurant is wonderfully dog-friendly. Our Luna, who’s not particularly fond of water, contentedly spends her time lounging in the shade under our table while we swim and play in the waterfall.

A few important things to keep in mind when visiting:

• Cash Only: The restaurant does not accept cards, so bring enough pesos for your meal and drinks.
• Menu: While prices are higher than in town, the convenience and views justify the cost. Basic Mexican dishes include quesadillas, chips with guacamole, and tacos. Drinks include fresh coconut water, sodas, bottled water, Mexican beer, and some cocktails.
• Dog-Friendly: Dogs are welcome in all areas of the restaurant, with plenty of shaded spots for them to rest.

Swimming and Adventure Options

The waterfall creates a crystal-clear pool that’s perfect for swimming and cooling off from the tropical heat. For the adventurous, there are several exciting options to get your adrenaline pumping. A natural waterslide forms partway up the cascade, where the rushing water has smoothed the rock into a thrilling descent. However, you should only attempt the waterslide when local guides are present with safety ropes, as the climb up can be challenging and slippery.

For those seeking even more excitement, there are several cliff jumping spots at various heights around the waterfall. The most popular jumping points range from around 15 to 25 feet high, offering different levels of thrill. Getting to these spots requires some careful climbing up the rocky cliff faces alongside the waterfall. Thankfully, local guides usually maintain rope lines to help climbers safely reach the jumping points. These ropes are essential, as the rocks can be quite slippery from the waterfall’s spray. Even with the ropes, you’ll want to ensure you’re comfortable with both heights and climbing before attempting to reach the jumping spots.

For those preferring a more relaxed experience, the main pool at the base of the waterfall offers a safer, more serene option. Here, you can float peacefully in the refreshing water while watching more adventurous visitors tackle the waterslide and cliff jumps above. The pool is deep enough for comfortable swimming but also has some shallower areas where you can stand and simply enjoy the cooling mist from the falls.

Return Journey Options

After spending time exploring the waterfall and enjoying Quimixto’s charm, it’s time to think about your return journey. While hiking back along the same trail offers a different perspective of the stunning coastline, many visitors opt for a more relaxing return via water taxi.

Water Taxi Service

The most popular way to return is by water taxi, with boats departing regularly from Quimixto’s beach until around 5:00 PM. These colorful local boats, known as “pangas,” offer both direct routes to Boca de Tomatlán and extended trips to Puerto Vallarta’s Los Muertos Pier. A ride to Boca typically costs between 200-300 pesos per person, and the experience itself becomes part of the adventure. As you cruise along the coastline, you’ll spot the beaches you visited and the cliff-side trails you traversed, giving you a new appreciation for the distance covered and terrain conquered. It’s a peaceful way to end the day, feeling the ocean breeze while watching pelicans dive for fish and perhaps even catching glimpses of dolphins, whales, or sea turtles surfacing nearby. The boat ride also provides a perfect opportunity to reflect on your adventure – from the morning’s excitement at starting the trail to the refreshing dip in the waterfall, all while the sun paints the sky in brilliant oranges and pinks over Bahía de Banderas.

Before boarding, take a moment to clearly negotiate your price and destination with the boat captain. Don’t hesitate to ask about potential stops at other beaches along the way – some captains are happy to accommodate these requests, especially if you’re traveling with a group. Keep in mind that sea conditions can affect the journey, so on particularly windy afternoons, the ride might be a bit bumpy.

Alternative Return Options

If you’re not quite ready to end your adventure, consider some creative combinations for your return journey. Many hikers choose to take a water taxi just as far as Las Ánimas, then hike the remaining distance back to Boca. This option lets you experience more of the trail while reducing the total hiking distance. If you’re planning to hike the entire way back, be sure to start no later than 2:00 PM to ensure you reach Boca before sunset.

For groups or those seeking more flexibility, arranging a private boat hire can be worth the extra cost. This option allows you to customize your departure time and potentially include sunset viewing or stops at additional beaches along the way. Your hotel or local tour operators in Puerto Vallarta can often help arrange these private services in advance.

Weather and Timing Considerations

Best Time to Visit

• Peak Season: November to April (dry season)
  • Clearer skies and lower humidity
  • More predictable weather
  • Busier trails and beaches
• Off Season: May to October
  • Higher chance of rain
  • More challenging trail conditions
  • Fewer crowds
  • Lush, green vegetation

Time of Day

• Early Morning (Recommended)
  • Start before 9:00 AM
  • Cooler temperatures
  • Better lighting for photos
  • More wildlife activity
• Mid-Day
  • Hottest part of day
  • Beaches more crowded
  • Good for swimming
• Afternoon
  • Risk of afternoon showers (rainy season)
  • Better for return water taxi
  • Beautiful sunset possibilities

Essential Preparation

For a detailed guide on packing for different types of weather and hiking conditions, check out our Ultimate Hiking Packing List .

What to Bring

• Minimum 2 liters of water per person
• High-energy snacks
• Lunch or money for restaurants
• High SPF sunscreen
• Hat or cap
• Sunglasses
• Light, long-sleeve shirt
• Sturdy walking shoes
• Swimming gear
• Small backpack
• Camera
• Basic first aid kit
• Cash for water taxis and food
• Phone with offline maps
• Light rain jacket (rainy season)

For Dog Owners

If bringing your four-legged friend like Luna:

• Bring extra water for your dog
• Pack collapsible water bowl
• Bring treats and poop bags
• Watch for signs of fatigue

Local Etiquette and Conservation

Respecting Local Communities

• Greet locals with “Buenos días/tardes”
• Ask permission before taking photos
• Support local businesses
• Respect private property
• Keep noise levels reasonable

Environmental Responsibility

• Pack out all trash
• Stay on marked trails
• Don’t remove plants or shells
• Avoid disturbing wildlife
• Use biodegradable sunscreen

Final Thoughts

The Boca de Tomatlán to Quimixto hike offers a perfect blend of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural experience. While challenging at times, the trail rewards hikers with stunning coastal views, secluded beaches, and the refreshing Quimixto waterfall. Whether you’re a serious hiker or casual explorer, this journey provides an unforgettable glimpse into the natural wonders of Mexico’s Pacific coast.

Remember to respect the trail, support local communities, and take only photographs, leaving these beautiful places pristine for future visitors. With proper preparation and an adventurous spirit, this hike will likely become one of your favorite Puerto Vallarta memories.