Finding a Puerto Vallarta waterfall isn’t that hard, but getting there can be an adventure. And that’s where the fun is. Waterfalls are common in the jungle, but they’re not always easy to get to. The Quimixto waterfall, however, is one of the most popular and easiest to see.
I use the term “easiest” relatively. If you’re staying in Puerto Vallarta, you must take a bus and a boat. You might also need a mule or a hike to get there. However, it could be worse. The hike only takes about 30 minutes, and that’s not so bad.
Hike to the Quimixto Falls
I met my tour group at 10 a.m. We gathered by the bus on a street corner in the old town of Puerto Vallarta. We piled on the crowded city bus and headed south along the main road. On the road, the ocean is on the right and the jungle is on the left. Hotels, their windows filled with colorful flowers streaming over the balcony sides, obscured the ocean view every few miles.
We rode about 25 minutes to the last stop on the route, Boca de Tomatlán. This small, vibrant fisherman town is surrounded by ocean and mountains and occupies only a few blocks.
Pink, yellow, orange and blue plaster storefronts with thatch roofs and open-air restaurants peppered the sidewalks. As we made our way to the docks, vendors sold coconuts and fresh fruits from carts.
Boat Ride in a Panga to a Puerto Vallarta Waterfall
We walked down a long dock where many boats fill the water. I was surprised that our boat is similar in construction to a rowboat. However, it holds 12 and has an outboard motor. Our group filled all the seats with the captain and tour guide. There are no life jackets or safety guidelines discussed.
I sat on my plank seat as the boat sped past beautiful sandstone rock formations along the coast. Big mansions sporadically peeked out of the jungle, hiding rich people from curious eyes. We sped along the coast for about 20 minutes. The wind whipped my hair. The sun turned me a golden brown. I felt the sun absorb my tightening skin as the saltwater misted my bare arms.
As we pull up the dock, the captain says something in Spanish. “Do not crush your hands at the dock,” the guide explains. He points to my hand resting on the side of the boat. I’m glad some safety requirements are followed after all.
Quimixto Town Waterfall
Quimixto is said to be one of the most beautiful and relaxing towns in the bay. Its remote colorful beaches, white sand, and seaside hammocks beckon to visitors. But it’s the waterfall that draws us in.
As we disembark, dozens of little blue crabs are scurrying about on the rocks.
We made frequent stops as we walked through the cobblestone streets and passed colorful houses full of vegetation. We chatted with the tequila vendors at their makeshift tables. I bought a plastic bag of fresh-cut pineapple and a whole coconut for the water.
I don’t see any cars in this ranchero-style town. There are plenty of donkeys and mules. They seem to be the primary source of transportation.
Hike Quimixto Trail
At the head of the trail, there is a man renting mules. The rental cost is 300 pesos. You can rent one if you don’t want to hike.
The trail started by crossing two shallow rivers and then up a steep incline. The trail was steep and sandy. We took frequent breaks. I wore sandals, and a few guys were barefoot, having taken their sneakers off at the river. The most challenging part was not stepping in donkey manure.
Quimixto, the Famous Puerto Vallarta Waterfall
We crossed another small river at the waterfall and climbed up a concrete embankment. At the top was a concrete bar with a sheet metal roof, a big covered seating area and the waterfall.
The waterfall is big and powerful, falling about 100 feet into a pool below. I ordered a pina colada and jumped into the pool. I tried to swim to the fall, but the current was strong and kept pushing me back. After trying futilely for a few minutes, I finally found a spot on a rock.
After swimming for a while, we power-hiked back, went through the town, and caught another boat.
Los Animas Beach Lunch
A great place to stop for lunch along the way is Los Animas.
Several small towns along the coast can only be accessed by boat or hiking. A popular lunch destination is right on the Los Animas beach.
We pulled up near the beach and hopped in waist-deep water. We trudged to shore like Gilligan. There was a restaurant on the beach with tables on the sand.
A fun thing about this destination is they have more than a dozen green macaw parrots.
See more stories about Mexico here.
See 10 things to do in Puerto Vallarta here.
3 Comments