Trade malls for beach trail views. This Puerto Vallarta hike strings together three beaches with jungle walking, then sends you back by lancha. I love how the day feels like real local travel: city bus to Boca de Tomatlán, then on foot along coast and through trees. I also love the guide-led nature stops, where you’re likely to spot birds and iguanas, plus winter whale-spotting luck.

One thing to consider: the trail can be more rugged than casual hiking days, with scrambling over rocks in places, so bring shoes with grip. The good news is that the views and beach time make the effort feel worth it.

Key highlights you’ll actually care about

• Small group (max 10) means less waiting and more attention on the trail.
• Public bus to Boca de Tomatlán keeps the experience grounded in how locals move.
• Three beach stops: Colomitos, Madagascar Beach, and Las Ánimas.
• Seasonal wildlife chances: birds and iguanas often, and whales are possible in winter.
• Candies included to keep energy up while you’re walking.
• Boat return included (lancha type), so you’re not stuck hiking all the way back.

Selva-to-playa hiking in Puerto Vallarta, in plain terms

This tour is built around one idea: swap city time for jungle shade and coastal walking, then reward yourself with quiet time on Mexican beaches. You’ll start in Puerto Vallarta’s city area, ride a bus to a fishing village, and begin hiking from there.

What makes this day more than just a workout is the rhythm. You’re not only walking in one straight line—you’re moving through coast + jungle, with frequent pauses for what’s around you. That’s where the tour starts feeling like Puerto Vallarta’s nature, not just a route.

And it’s not a long-haul expedition. It’s about 6 hours 30 minutes total, with enough beach time to cool off after the climb.

Getting from the Romantic Zone to Boca de Tomatlán (without stress)

Your meeting point is in the Zona Romántica area at the Nueva Parada de Autobuses de el Tuito Aguacate, with a 9:30 am start. The tour uses a city bus first, then switches to a trail.

For you, this matters because it avoids the “tour van drops me somewhere random” feeling. You get to watch the region change as you head out toward the coast. And once you’re in Boca de Tomatlán, you’re set up to start hiking right away.

Tip: plan to arrive a few minutes early. The group is small (up to 10), and you don’t want to be the person sprinting in 2 minutes late.

The hike: coast views, jungle shade, and three beach destinations

After the bus ride, you hike along the coast and through the jungle to reach Playa Colomitos, Playa Madagascar, and Playa Las Ánimas. In other words, you’re getting variety in one outing: ocean air, rocky trail moments, then tree shade.

How the route changes by season

The trail feel depends on the month:

• July to January: the jungle tends to be lush and shaded.
• February to June: the weather is typically dry and sunny.

So if you hate heat, you’ll usually prefer the shaded months. If you love bright sun and drier footing, earlier-year months can feel easier on the skin but tougher in the sun.

Wildlife spotting: birds, iguanas, and possible whales

The tour notes that you may see birds and iguanas. In winter season, whale-spotting is possible. You can’t plan a whale sighting like a train schedule, but this is the kind of coastal hike where your eyes naturally drift upward and outward.

Practical move: bring a phone with battery saved for a few photo moments, and don’t rely on perfect visibility.

Playa Colomitos: swim time and a cool-down you’ll remember

Playa Colomitos is one of the main rewards on this route. The tour plan builds in time for you to enjoy the beach and refresh in the water. If you like swimming, this is your moment.

What to know:

• The hike to reach it can take effort, so you’ll feel the contrast when you get to the sand.
• The beach break is there for you to actually recover, not just take one quick picture.

One smart approach is to time your swim for when you’re done exploring. Don’t push the beach time into your head the way you might on a cruise port. Use it as a reset: rinse off sweat, drink water, and let your legs cool down before the next hiking stretch.

Playa Madagascar: a stop that keeps the day moving

Playa Madagascar is included as another destination along the coastal-and-jungle walk. It helps break up the route, so the day doesn’t feel like one nonstop climb.

Because the tour doesn’t promise a specific activity here beyond the hike-and-reach experience, I’d treat it as a chance to:

• catch views,
• regroup with the group,
• and enjoy the coast-jungle contrast while you’re still fresh.

If you tend to get bored on “passing stops,” this is where a good guide makes a difference. Guides often point out plants and small animals you’d otherwise miss.

Las Ánimas: the seafood option, then boat return

Las Ánimas is where the tour shifts from hiking toward payoff. You’ll have a chance to stop at a local restaurant. Seafood from the region is available, but it’s not included, so you’ll be choosing your own meal.

After that, you return by boat at no extra cost. That boat ride is included in the tour, and it’s a big part of why this tour doesn’t feel like a half-day hike that turns into a full-day slog.

If you want to maximize value:

• If you’re hungry, plan to eat here rather than waiting.
• If you’re not hungry, you can still enjoy the break and treat the boat ride as the reward.

And yes, if conditions are bumpy in the water, it can feel lively. Bring a little patience for motion if you’re sensitive.

What you get for $55: value math that makes sense

The price is $55 per person, and it’s typically booked about a month in advance. Duration is about 6 hours 30 minutes.

Here’s what’s included:

• City bus
• Lancha type boat ride
• Traditional Mexican candies
• Certificate guide

What’s not included:

• Lunch (you can buy food at Las Ánimas)

So the value isn’t just “a hike.” You’re paying for transport into the right coastal start point, a guided nature experience, and the boat return. Those pieces cost money on their own in most beach towns.

My take: if you were planning to do Boca de Tomatlán on your own, you’d still need help figuring out timing and where to hike. A small guided group, plus boat return, can make the day feel smoother than piecing it together.

Guide energy: Moisés, Alex, and Alejandro make the trail educational

A big reason this tour gets such high marks is the guide factor. Different guides have led different dates, and the names that show up include Moisés, Alex, and Alejandro.

What you should expect from the better guides here:

• frequent stops to explain what you’re seeing,
• a focus on local flora and fauna,
• and a pacing style that keeps everyone moving without turning it into a race.

The best part is that the info is tied to the trail. You’re not sitting in a lecture. You’re standing near a plant, a bird spot, or an iguana moment, and then you learn what matters.

Also: guides have been praised for making the hike feel fun, not just informative. If you care about stories and practical context, you’ll likely enjoy this format.

What to bring so you’re comfortable the whole time

Because the walk can include rougher trail moments and scrambling over rocks, your gear matters more than on an easy beach promenade.

Bring:

• Hiking shoes with grip (not flip-flops)
• Lightweight clothing (the tour crosses jungle, and heat happens)
• Sun protection (even if some months are shaded)
• Swimsuit if you want to use Colomitos time
• A small water bottle and basic snacks, even if candies are included

Also consider:

• You’ll want a towel or something to dry off with. Beach towels are not listed as included.
• If you’re sensitive to humidity, time your hydration early. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty.

If you’re coming as a couple or a small group, you’ll still benefit from packing like it’s a real hike day, not a casual walk.

Fitness level: moderate, but prepare for rugged moments

The tour states a moderate physical fitness level is recommended. That’s accurate—but don’t let the word moderate fool you.

Some hikers describe the route as more rugged than expected, with scrambling over large boulders. That means:

• you should feel comfortable using hands at times,
• and you should plan for uneven footing.

So this is a good choice if you can handle an active hike and uneven rocks. It’s less ideal if you want a smooth, stroller-friendly walk or you dislike heights and rocky footing.

Season planning: when you’ll get more shade, and when you’ll chase whales

The months change the feel of the day:

• July to January: more jungle shade, usually greener.
• February to June: drier, sunnier walking.

Winter is also when whales are possible. If you’re traveling during whale season, this is one way to mix nature viewing with a physical day.

How to use this: don’t just pick dates based on weather. Pick based on your hiking preferences too. If you hate sun, aim for shaded months. If you love bright conditions, earlier months can feel better on visibility.

Who should book Selva y Playas Exóticas (and who shouldn’t)

I think this works best for:

• couples who want a nature date instead of a typical restaurant night,
• friends and small groups who enjoy active travel,
• families with kids who can handle a tough hike (the tour says it’s fine for families, but the rugged sections still matter).

It may not be for you if:

• you want an easy stroll,
• you’re worried about boulders or scrambling,
• you don’t enjoy being out in sun or humid jungle conditions.

One more plus: the group size is limited to 10 travelers, so the day tends to feel organized and personal. Service animals are allowed, and the tour is near public transportation, which helps if you’re using local transit beyond the bus used on the tour.

Should you book this hike? My decision guide

Yes, book it if you want a Puerto Vallarta day that feels like nature first: jungle-to-coast walking, beach breaks at Colomitos and Madagascar, then Las Ánimas with a restaurant option, plus boat return.

I’d also book it if you care about guide-led spotting—plants, birds, iguanas, and the chance for whales in winter. The guide experience is a clear strength, with real people like Moisés, Alex, and Alejandro showing up in the tour’s recent history.

Skip or choose a different option if rocky scrambling sounds like your personal nightmare or if you can’t handle uneven footing.

If you do book, tell yourself the key goal: get comfortable with the hike so the beach and boat ride feel like earned rewards, not hurried stops.

FAQ

How long is the Selva y Playas Exóticas hiking tour?

It runs about 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

What beaches will we visit?

You’ll hike to Playa Colomitos, Playa Madagascar, and Playa Las Ánimas.

How do we get back after hiking?

After the stop at Playa Las Ánimas, you’ll return by boat at no extra cost.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Are public transportation and the boat ride included?

Yes. The tour includes a city bus and a lancha type boat ride.

What should I wear for this tour?

Wear comfortable clothing for warm weather and bring good hiking shoes, since parts of the hike can be rugged with scrambling over rocks.

What happens if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.