Quimixto is reached by boat and jungle steps. This Puerto Vallarta day trip mixes a short coastal bus ride, a fun boat hop from Boca de Tomatlán, and a hike that leads to a refreshing waterfall pool. It’s built for people who like scenery, a bit of exercise, and a payoff at the end.

What I like most is how the day turns into real nature time. With guides such as Rocco (and sometimes Isaac), you get explanations while you walk—especially about the plants and the surroundings—and you can count on safety help if you want to swim or even do cliff jumping at the waterfall. One thing to plan for: you’ll need moderate fitness and the right footwear, since the route can include uneven ground and shallow wading spots.

Key things to know before you go

• Boca de Tomatlán to Quimixto is a quick, scenic boat transfer (about 20 minutes)
• The waterfall hike is the star, with tropical trails and time to cool off in the pool
• Lunch near Playa Las Ánimas is not included (budget about $25–$40 per person)
• You’ll want swim gear and shoes with grip, because water and rocks can be part of the route
• Small group size (max 12) keeps the day feeling more personal
• There’s sometimes an option to return by boat faster for an extra fee (ask your guide)

Boca de Tomatlán boat transfer: the fun start of the day

You meet at C. Constitución 363 in the Zona Romántica area of Puerto Vallarta (start time: 9:30 am). From there, the day kicks off with a public bus ride to Boca de Tomatlán. It’s only about 30 minutes, but the point is to get you out of the city and into the coast-view mood.

Then comes the payoff: you board a boat and head through the water south of Puerto Vallarta toward Quimixto. The ride is short—around 20 minutes—but it matters. Boats change your pace. You get a moving viewpoint of the shoreline, and your brain starts treating the trip like an outing instead of transportation.

This part is also where you’ll feel the tour’s “small and straightforward” approach. With a maximum of 12 people, it’s easier to hear your guide and keep things moving without the big-chaos vibe.

Quimixto waterfall hike: swim-ready trails with real footing

Quimixto is where the day becomes physical and fun. After you arrive, the schedule gives you about a 3-hour window dedicated to the hike and the waterfall area. That sounds like a lot, and it’s right: between walking, pausing for views, and enjoying the waterfall pool, time adds up.

Here’s what helps you plan your expectations:

• The trail runs through lush tropical vegetation, with plenty of shade and “nature sounds” while you walk.
• The hike is generally described as easy-to-moderate. One guide-led perspective puts it at roughly 40 minutes for the main walking portion, but you’ll spend more time overall at the waterfall and on the path.
• You might wade through shallow streams or sections that feel wet and slippery.
• On busy days, you can share parts of the route with local vehicles (atvs). That’s not constant, but it’s worth knowing.

What you should bring for this stretch is simple: shoes you trust and swim gear you’re actually willing to get wet. One of the best pieces of advice is to come ready to swim in the waterfall pool. If you’re interested in cliff jumping, some guides help with where and how to jump safely, so you’re not just guessing.

A quick note on safety mindset: at the waterfall, I’d follow the guide’s cues on where to enter, where not to, and how to move around rocks. Water makes everything more slippery than it looks.

The guides: Rocco and Isaac bring the hike to life

The guides are a big reason this trip earns such strong ratings. In particular, Rocco stands out for being engaging and informative. Isaac also gets praise for combining humor with respect for the natural environment and local life—so you’re not just walking; you’re learning what you’re passing.

You can expect explanations along the hike, especially about local flora and the general feel of the area. That turns the trail from repetitive steps into something you can actually notice: leaf shapes, plant textures, and how the jungle changes as you move closer to the water.

This is also where the tour feels good value. For $44.80, the “included” piece is not a fancy restaurant or a long lecture—it’s transport plus access, and the guide helps make the nature part meaningful.

Playa Las Ánimas lunch: budget for seafood and a beach view

After the morning hike, the schedule shifts toward a lunch break in the Playa Las Ánimas area. The tour includes the time at this stop, but lunch itself is not included in the base price.

Plan to spend about $25–$40 per person for food. That price range matters for value. The tour price is relatively low, so your budget is mostly about the hike + transport. Lunch is the trade-off: you’re getting a real sit-down meal in a coastal setting, not a snack you’ll regret later.

What does lunch tend to look like? Think seafood-forward plates—ceviches, fish tacos, and shrimp or prawns—based on what’s available locally. One highlight from the day is the ocean view vibe at the beach restaurant stop, which makes the meal feel less like an afterthought and more like part of the experience.

Practical move: bring some cash or a card that works for your meal plan. Since you’re responsible for lunch cost, you don’t want to get stuck choosing from the shortest menu options.

Return to Puerto Vallarta: boat back, bus home, and extra options

The afternoon return starts after lunch. You head back toward Boca de Tomatlán by boat, then switch to bus for the final segment to Puerto Vallarta and the same meeting point where you started.

The whole day is set up to run about 7 hours total. That’s a useful length if you want a “one-day adventure” without turning your trip into a multi-day production.

There’s also an interesting extra option that can change your feel of the return. In at least one case, for an additional 300 pesos per person, a direct return by boat to Playa de Los Muertos was mentioned as something you can request. If you like the idea of skipping the bus segment and keeping the water/shoreline vibe going, it’s worth asking your guide what’s possible on the day you go.

And yes, sometimes the path gets complicated in real life. One guide story included an angry bull blocking the route back, and locals helped get things moving safely. The lesson isn’t to panic—it’s to stay calm, listen to your guide, and know that nature and rural roads don’t run on tourist schedules.

Price and logistics: does $44.80 make sense?

At $44.80 per person, this trip is priced like an “activity day” rather than a full-service premium package. You’re paying for transportation and the key access parts of the itinerary (with ticketed elements tied to the waterfall and the stop structure). Lunch is your separate line item.

If you add lunch, the real cost becomes closer to “$44.80 plus $25–$40.” Still, you’re getting:

• A boat ride to and from the Quimixto area
• A guided nature hike through tropical trails
• Time to cool off at the waterfall
• A small group format (max 12), which improves the overall experience

That math usually favors this tour if you want more than a city-based excursion. It works best if you’re comfortable handling your own lunch spend and you’re the type who enjoys walking, views, and the “arrive somewhere cool” feeling.

What to bring (so you enjoy the waterfall part)

Based on what actually matters on this route, pack like this:

• Water-friendly footwear with grip (you may wade through shallow areas)
• A swimsuit and a towel or quick-dry layer
• Sun protection (sunscreen and a hat), since warm humid conditions can happen
• A change of clothes for the ride back
• Money or card for lunch ($25–$40 per person) and any optional upgrades

If cliff jumping is on your list, treat it as optional. Safety and conditions change, and the guide’s instructions should lead.

Should you book this Quimixto boat + waterfall tour?

Book it if you want a classic Puerto Vallarta outside-the-city day: boat ride, jungle hike, waterfall swim time, and then a seafood lunch by the water. The small group size, the guide support from people like Rocco or Isaac, and the fact that you’re not stuck doing a long, boring transfer all day make it a strong pick.

Skip it (or choose a different style of tour) if you hate slippery footing, aren’t comfortable with moderate walking, or want lunch fully included in the price. Also, if you’re expecting a totally vehicle-free hiking route, know that parts of the path can overlap with local activity.

FAQ

How long is the boat excursion and hiking walk to Quimixto?

It runs about 7 hours (approx.).

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:30 am.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at C. Constitución 363, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.

What is the cost per person?

The price is $44.80 per person.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

No. Lunch is not included. Plan for about $25 to $40 per person at the restaurant.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

How difficult is the hike to the waterfall?

The tour is listed for travelers with moderate physical fitness. The route can involve uneven ground and shallow stream wading.

Is swimming allowed at the waterfall?

You should come prepared to swim in the waterfall pool, and the guides can help with safe options around the waterfall area.

How many people are in the group?

The maximum group size is 12 travelers.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel within 24 hours, the amount paid is not refunded.