Puerto Vallarta Waterfalls

Puerto Vallarta Waterfalls are one of the highlights this town has to offer. So many visitors come to the Bay of Banderas to escape the cold north winters but many do not realize that we have a spectacular summer season that offers a magical experience offering some great weather.  If you get overheated, you can always return to your air-conditioned suite at Hacienda San Angel! But you won’t because rainwater is refreshing! 

From the end of June through October, you will experience heat, but then you are blessed with the rolling in of the clouds from the south, and when it rains, it pours magic!  Worried about getting a suntan? Most days are sunny, so you will get a gorgeous glow at one of our pools or beaches when you explore. If you love sunsets, some of the best sunsets are enjoyed during the summer season. The clouds offer a spectacular, colorful show once the sun sets, and most sunsets are exquisite.  

If you truly believe that the best things in life are free, Puerto Vallarta waterfalls in the Bay of Banderas are one of them. There are so many waterfalls to explore! Here are a few of the favorites, including swimming holes. Many tour operators offer guided tours if you don’t want to do the hikes solo.  

 

South Shore Highway

Driving South on the highway to Barra de Navidad, you will find waterfalls along the base of the road. As you pass Boca de Tomatlan and head south, watch for waterfalls on your left. You can park your car and carefully cross the road. Cool off in the refreshing water. It will leave your skin and hair soft and silky

Mismaloya

A 20-minute ride from downtown Puerto Vallarta Vallarta, the Mismaloya River flows year-round, and you can enjoy small swimming areas as you hike upwards inland. A favorite play area for kids and those wanting to cool off is at the base where Mismaloya River meets the beach, offering people and pelican watching, unlike any spot in the Bay of Banderas. For those more adventurous, follow a footpath upward to find tiny waterfalls, small dwellings, and plenty of donkeys. 

 

Boca de Tomatlan

Just a 35-minute drive from downtown Vallarta, the Boca de Tomatlan River flows year-round, and the beach (where the mouth of the river is located) offers charming rustic restaurants to enjoy fresh fish and margaritas. For those daring to explore, take a path on the South Side of the Boca de Tomatlan River, traveling inland, passing small populations, and finding swimming holes as you travel inland. Get ready to see many dogs, horses, donkeys, and happy barefoot children.  

 

Palo Maria River at Punta Negra

Just a 15-minute ride from Downtown Vallarta, the Palo Maria River flows year-round, and for those who like a good hike, this is paradise. Park your car or get off the bus at Punta Negra Beach, just a few meters south, where you will encounter a bridge. You can hike and trek upwards to find a few spectacular waterfalls and swimming holes. Note swimming holes diminish during the non-rainy season. 

 

Las Animas

This beach cannot be accessed by vehicle, so one must take a water taxi from Los Muertos, Mismaloya, or Boca de Tomatlan for a small fee. Las Animas is located 20 minutes along the coast South of Boca de Tomatlan. Upon arrival at Las Animas, choose from a dozen beachfront restaurants and walk along the beach traveling south. At the far end, you will encounter a horse path leading inland. The hike takes approximately 20 minutes, and you will discover a lovely jewel of a small waterfall and a refreshing swimming hole. 

 

Yelapa

This beach is located on the south coast by boat or water taxi from Los Muertos, Boca de Tomatlan, or Mismaloya Beach. The adventure begins once you arrive at Yelapa, and there is so much to see! Once you arrive at the beach, ask one of the restaurant owners where the path begins. The sites to be seen along the river are quite spectacular. You can find the waterfall hiking  1.5 hours inland along the El Tuito River.  

 

Nogalito

The Neighborhood of Nogalito is a forgotten jewel 12 minutes from downtown Vallarta. The bus will leave you on the highway, and the waterfalls are quite a jaunt inland, so it is best for those who have their own vehicle or rent a car. During the rainy season, this riverside destination is a site to be seen with endless bird and iguana watching. The waterfall is approximately 3 kilometers (2 miles) inland from El Nogalito.

 

Quimixto

This beach is located by taking a water taxi (or boat) from Los Muertos, Mismaloya, or Boca de Tomatlan on the South Coast. Upon arrival at this sleepy beach that is most popular for the hikes inland to its waterfalls, you can hire a horse or hike to the beautiful waterfall and swimming hole 20 to 30 minutes inland.

 

Rio Cuale

Paso Ancho El Rio Cuale flows into the Pacific on the South of Puerto Vallarta´s bustling boardwalk. At the mouth of the river, kids play in the brackish water. Meanwhile, pelicans dive nearby while men fish. Furthermore, surfers catch small waves, and vendors sell oysters. Additionally, you can stroll to Isla Rio Cuale. There, you’ll find a cultural center and shops. If you’re fit, you can walk along the river for hours. However, with a vehicle, you can skip part of the river by going inland to Paso Ancho. To discover swimming holes, follow a dirt road alongside the river. On Sundays, Paso Ancho-Rio Cuale becomes a popular picnic spot for families. Consequently, you can expect to see Chesterfields and living room furniture set up by the riverside.

 

The Bay of Banderas has so many hidden surprises. Order a box lunch from our concierge and jump on the bus, rent a car, and explore the South Shore. Be sure to bring your bathing suit, bird guide, insect repellent, binoculars, and plenty of water and a snack. Puerto Vallarta waterfalls never disappoint!

*Note for all of the Puerto Vallarta waterfalls mentioned above: water levels increase drastically during the rainy season (June through October), so be careful with the currents if this is when you visit.

Contact us to book a stay or for help booking a tour. 

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