Most visitors know Puerto Vallarta for its beaches and waves, but step a few minutes inland and you'll find one of Mexico's most rewarding hiking landscapes. The Sierra Madre mountains drop dramatically into Banderas Bay, threading jungle trails past waterfalls, hidden coves and panoramic ridgelines. Trails here range from gentle coastal strolls suitable for anyone to demanding mountain treks that climb high above the Pacific.
This complete guide covers the ten best hiking trails in and around Puerto Vallarta — distances, difficulty, what you'll see, and how to reach each trailhead — so you can match a hike to your fitness and your mood.
The 10 Best Hiking Trails in Puerto Vallarta
1. Boca de Tomatlán to Colomitos
🥾 Easy–moderate · ~2.5 km one way. The most popular coastal hike in PV.
🌊 A cliffside path from the fishing village of Boca to the tiny jewel-box cove of Colomitos.
🏖️ Continue on to Las Ánimas for a longer day; swim and snorkel along the way.
2. Yelapa Waterfall Trail
💦 Easy–moderate · ~1.5 km from town. A jungle walk to a tall, swimmable waterfall.
🏞️ Reach car-free Yelapa by boat, then follow the river path through the village.
🌿 A second, larger upper waterfall rewards those who hike farther.
3. Las Ánimas to Quimixto
🌴 Moderate · ~5 km. A scenic coastal continuation past Colomitos and Las Ánimas.
💧 Ends at Quimixto, home to its own waterfall and swimming hole.
🚤 Take a water taxi back to save your legs.
4. Río Cuale & Cuale River Trail
🌳 Easy · in-town. A shaded path along the river that splits downtown PV.
🦎 Spot iguanas, birds and the leafy island in the river's middle.
🏙️ Perfect for a relaxed morning walk without leaving the city.
5. El Salto Waterfall (El Nogalito)
💦 Moderate · jungle trek. A river-and-rock scramble to a series of falls and pools.
🪨 Expect boulder hopping and river crossings.
🌿 Lush, green and refreshingly cool on a hot day.
6. Mismaloya to Los Arcos Viewpoint
🌅 Easy–moderate · short. A trail above Mismaloya with sweeping views of the Los Arcos islands.
🎬 Pass the old Night of the Iguana film set on the way.
📸 Best at golden hour for photos over the marine park.
7. Vallarta Botanical Gardens Trails
🌺 Easy–moderate · network of trails. Forest paths through orchids, palms and native trees.
🏊 A river trail leads to natural swimming holes.
🦋 Great for birding and a shady, cultivated kind of jungle walk.
8. Sierra Madre Jungle Treks
⛰️ Hard · half- to full-day. Guided treks deep into the mountains behind the bay.
🌄 Reach high ridgelines with panoramic Pacific views.
🧭 A guide is recommended for navigation and safety.
9. Sayulita to Playa de los Muertos
🏄 Easy · short. A jungle-and-cemetery trail from surf town Sayulita to a quiet beach.
🐠 Snorkel the calm cove at the end.
🌴 Combine with a surf session in Sayulita's famous waves.
10. Monkey Mountain (Cerro del Mono)
🐒 Hard · steep climb. A demanding summit hike near Litibú on the north shore.
🌊 360-degree views over Banderas Bay and the Sierra at the top.
💧 Start early, bring plenty of water and sturdy shoes.
Trails by Difficulty
- Easy: Río Cuale walk, Botanical Gardens, Mismaloya viewpoint, Sayulita to Los Muertos.
- Moderate: Boca to Colomitos, Yelapa waterfall, Las Ánimas to Quimixto, El Salto.
- Hard: Sierra Madre treks, Monkey Mountain summit.
What to Bring on a PV Hike
- Plenty of water — the tropical heat and humidity are no joke.
- Sturdy shoes with grip for rocky, sometimes muddy trails.
- Reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent.
- A swimsuit and quick-dry towel — most trails end at a beach or waterfall.
- A light rain layer in summer, when afternoon storms roll in.
Best Time to Hike in Puerto Vallarta
The dry season from November to May brings firm trails, clear skies and comfortable temperatures — the best window for hiking. Always start early to beat the midday heat. The summer rainy season makes the jungle spectacularly green and the waterfalls roar, but trails get muddy and afternoon storms are common, so hike in the morning. After a coastal hike, you're never far from a wave — many trails connect to great surf beaches.
Combining Hiking with the Surf Life
Some of PV's best trails end right at a surf beach — Sayulita, Boca de Tomatlán and the south-shore coves all mix jungle paths with great water. A morning hike is the perfect warm-up or recovery day around your surf sessions. Want more ways to fill out an active itinerary? See our top 10 adventure activities guide, or start planning a session on the Vallarta Surf home page.