A day like this is made for people who like nature and snacks. You’ll start with a bus ride to Boca de Tomatlán, switch to a short, scenic boat crossing to Quimixto, then spend the late morning on a jungle hike toward a waterfall. It’s a simple route with real variety—water, trails, and ocean views—without feeling like a full-day maze.

Two things I really like: the hike portion has a clear payoff (you’re working toward a waterfall), and the guides focus on the plants and how to move safely in a humid trail environment. Names you may hear—Rocco and Isaac—come up for a reason: they’re engaging, explain what you’re seeing, and help you turn the day into more than just walking from point A to point B.

One drawback to plan around: the day includes a moderate hike, and you may wade through shallow stream crossings, so the wrong shoes can turn the “easy hike” into a slippery problem.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group size (max 12): easier pacing and more attention on the trail.
• Boat + bus combo: you’re not stuck on one slow stretch of road.
• Waterfall time is the main event: plan for swimming and even cliff-jumping if conditions and your comfort level match.
• Lunch is extra: the restaurant meal at Playa Las Ánimas typically runs $25–$40 per person.
• Bring footwear for wet ground: expect humid trails and possible shallow stream crossings.
• The guides’ local knowledge matters: from flora and fauna to safety at the waterfall.

Boca de Tomatlán to Quimixto: how the day starts

Your tour kicks off at 9:30 am at C. Constitución 363 in Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romántica (Emiliano Zapata area). From there, you take a public bus toward Boca de Tomatlán, a coastal town with great views during the ride. The bus leg is about 30 minutes, and it helps break the day into “travel time” that still feels scenic instead of wasted.

Once you reach Boca de Tomatlán, the tour pivots to water. You’ll board a boat for roughly 20 minutes, cruising the waters south of Puerto Vallarta. This is one of those stretches that feels short while you’re on it, but long enough for photos and that first sense of getting out of the city routine.

If you’re the type who gets restless on long tours, this start is a good match. You move from road to sea quickly, then you’re back on land for the hike.

Quimixto waterfall hike: jungle trails, swimming-ready spots

Quimixto is where the day earns its reputation. After you land, you set out on trails through lush tropical vegetation, with the sound of nature taking over. The hike is part of what you’re paying for: the path winds toward the waterfall area, and the final views are the payoff.

The physical level is described as moderate, which is a polite way of saying you should be ready to walk steadily for a few hours total. In practice, the hike isn’t described as a grueling climb, but you may deal with humidity and warm conditions. One useful tip from the experiences: come prepared to swim once you reach the waterfall pool.

What to wear matters. You might wade through a shallow stream or two on the way, so sturdy, grippy footwear is smart. If you show up in flip-flops, you’ll likely regret it when the trail gets slick.

At the waterfall, some people aim for cliff-jumping. That said, safety and comfort are the real decision-makers. If you do it, do it with the guide’s cues and only when you can judge the water and footing.

The human element: guides like Rocco and Isaac make it click

This tour stands or falls on how it feels in motion—and the guide energy is the difference. Names like Rocco and Isaac show up again and again for a reason: they don’t just lead; they explain.

You can expect information on things like flora and fauna along the hike. It turns what could be a walk through green into something you understand as you go. It also helps with pacing, because you’re not just looking for the next bend—you’re learning what you’re seeing and how the environment works.

Both guides also come through in the big “moment” parts of the day: waterfall time and any action options around it. If you want a calm, well-managed experience rather than chaos at the water, this is one of the reasons people rate the tour so highly.

One fun detail I like: the day includes real “local reality,” not just tourist scripts. On one outing, an animal situation briefly blocked the path on the return route, and the local team handled it. That’s a reminder that this is a living area, not a theme park.

Playa Las Ánimas: lunch with a view (and a budget to match)

After the morning adventure, your plan shifts to lunch at Playa Las Ánimas. The timing is built for a breather: you arrive around midday after time in Quimixto. The restaurant is described as cozy and focused on local flavor.

This is also where you should manage expectations on cost. The experience notes that lunch at the restaurant is typically $25–$40 per person. So while the tour does include time at the restaurant, the meal itself is not part of the base price.

What you can look forward to is seafood-forward food—things like ceviches, fish tacos, and dishes with shrimp or prawns. If you like “what the region does well,” this is a solid moment to eat without hunting around on your own. And yes, the view gets called out: ocean scenery while you’re eating helps make the cost feel more justified.

If you’re watching your budget, eat a normal portion and decide on dessert later. This isn’t a place to over-order just because it’s pretty.

Returning by boat back to Boca de Tomatlán

After lunch, the tour loops back toward Puerto Vallarta. You head to the beach where a boat is waiting to take you back to Boca de Tomatlán. That return boat leg is shorter, but it matters. It keeps the day from turning into another long road ride and gives you that last look at the coastline before you get back to the bus.

From Boca de Tomatlán, you take the bus back to the Puerto Vallarta meeting point. When you arrive, you say goodbye to the guide and the group. The total day is about 7 hours (approx.), and that time usually feels well used: travel in scenic chunks, hike with a goal, and a proper lunch break.

Price and value: what $44.80 covers (and what it doesn’t)

At $44.80 per person, this tour is priced like an active day trip that includes the key transport pieces and the hike admission. It’s also set up for a small group, with a max of 12 travelers, which usually means less waiting around and more direct handling when conditions change on a trail.

Here’s the value lens that matters most:

• You’re getting both transportation and a structured route that pairs the boat crossings with the waterfall hike.
• You’re paying for a guide-led experience, not just a hike map and a bus schedule.
• You’re not paying for lunch. Plan for $25–$40 so the total day cost doesn’t surprise you.

If you want a day that feels like a highlight—water + jungle + a waterfall pool—this price can make sense, especially compared with booking those pieces separately.

Who should book this Quimixto boat-and-hike day

This fits best if you want:

• An outdoors day that isn’t only walking. The boat legs break up the effort.
• A guided hike with safety cues and nature talk, not just a self-guided trek.
• A chance to swim at the waterfall if conditions allow and you’re comfortable doing so.

It’s less ideal if you hate getting wet or you don’t want to deal with uneven trail surfaces and possible shallow stream crossings. Also, if you’re expecting a long, leisurely beach day, this isn’t the format. Playa Las Ánimas is a lunch stop, not a full afternoon on the sand.

If you’re traveling with mixed fitness levels, the small group size helps the guide keep things moving. Still, the hike is part of the core plan, so you’ll want everyone in your party to be able to walk steadily.

Should you book the Quimixto boat and waterfall tour?

I think you should book it if you want a well-paced day that mixes scenery, a real destination (the waterfall), and a guided approach. The guide quality—Rocco and Isaac in particular—is a major part of why this tour gets such strong scores, and the hike with swimming-ready payoff makes it feel worth the effort.

Skip it or plan carefully if you know you struggle with moderate hiking or you don’t like humid conditions and wet ground. Also budget for lunch, because that’s the main extra cost you’ll likely face.

If you’re on the fence, look at your “comfort with walking” level first. Once that’s a yes, the rest of the day usually falls into place.

FAQ

How long is the boat excursion and Quimixto hike?

The tour runs about 7 hours (approx.).

Where does the tour start?

It starts at C. Constitución 363, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.

What time does the tour depart?

The start time is 9:30 am.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Is lunch included in the price?

Lunch isn’t included. The restaurant meal at Playa Las Ánimas is typically about $25 to $40 per person.

What should I bring for the waterfall hike?

You should have footwear suitable for trails, because you may wade through shallow stream crossings. Also consider coming ready to swim, since people do swim at the waterfall pool.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?

It’s best for travelers with a moderate physical fitness level.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.