Three beaches, one tough jungle hike. It links Puerto Vallarta to Boca de Tomatlán by city bus, then sends you along coast and green jungle to Colomitos, Madagascar Beach, and Las Ánimas, with winter chances for whales, iguanas and birds. I love the small group feel (max 10) and the way guides like Moisés and Alejandro turn plant-and-animal spotting into the main event, often with beach snacks like guacamole and ceviche. The main watch-out: the route can be bouldery and steep, so wear grippy hiking shoes and be ready for some scrambling.

You meet in the Zona Romántica area at the bus stop location near Emiliano Zapata (9:30 am start), hike for about 6.5 hours total, and finish back at the meeting point. Season matters here: July to January tends to be lusher and more shaded, while February to June is drier and brighter.

Quick hits before you go

• Max 10 people means more space to ask questions and move at a human pace.
• Three beach stops: Colomitos, Madagascar Beach, and Las Ánimas.
• Winter wildlife odds include birds and iguanas, and whales in season.
• Food you’ll remember: traditional Mexican candies are included, and many days include extra beach snacks prepared by your guide.
• Public bus + boat keeps the logistics simple and the day varied.

Getting from the Romantic Zone to Boca de Tomatlán

This tour starts with a city bus ride from Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romántica area. It’s a great setup because it adds a little local texture before you even start hiking. You’re not just being shuttled in a private van; you’re doing the normal move of getting yourself into the coastal area.

Once you reach Boca de Tomatlán, the experience shifts from “getting there” to “getting on the trail.” The vibe becomes outdoorsy right away: lighter layers, water planning, and the first views of sea and jungle mixing together.

The schedule keeps it practical too. The start time is 9:30 am, and the full tour runs about 6 hours 30 minutes. That means you can pack a full morning into your trip without burning your entire day on transfers.

The trail reality: shaded jungle in some months, rough rock in all months

On paper, it’s a jungle-and-coast hike. In real life, it’s a hike with attitude. You’ll move along shoreline sections, then cut through jungle, and you’ll come across uneven terrain.

Here’s what I’d plan for:

• The trail’s feel depends on the season. July to January is usually more shaded and lush. February to June is drier and sunnier.
• Some sections can be rugged. Even if you’re fit, expect scrambling over larger boulders in places. Your feet will thank you for hiking shoes with traction.
• The walk isn’t just “pretty scenery.” It’s a workout. If your idea of easy beach time is staying on flat paths, this one may be more effort than you expect.

If you’re traveling with kids or older folks, the best strategy is to bring a flexible mindset. Some people in the group will move faster and others will slow down to enjoy the plants and animals your guide points out. The tour is set up for that kind of pacing.

Colomitos Beach: crystal-clear water and a real swim break

Colomitos Beach is your first real payoff. The water is described as crystal clear, and this is the stop where you’ll likely feel the most confident about getting in for a swim. After the hike effort, the cool water helps you reset.

Colomitos also tends to work well for photos because you arrive from the hike route with a sense of arrival. You don’t just walk up to a crowded sand strip; you earn it by earning your way there.

Two practical notes:

• Bring what you’d need for beach time. Towels aren’t listed as included, and you’ll be glad you have your own.
• The ocean can be a bit choppy on some days. Even when the beach is beautiful, swimming time depends on conditions, so stay realistic.

Madagascar Beach: the middle stop with jungle-to-sea magic

Between Colomitos and Las Ánimas, Madagascar Beach fills a useful role: it’s a calmer, scenic middle chapter. You’re still moving through a mix of jungle and coastal walking, so the momentum stays. This stop gives your legs a chance to loosen up while you enjoy another view of Puerto Vallarta’s shoreline away from the busiest crowds.

This is also where the guide’s style starts to matter a lot. With guides such as Moisés, Alex, and Alejandro, the best part isn’t only the beach. It’s the short “look closer” moments: pointing out local flora and fauna so you notice details you’d otherwise miss.

If you’re the type who likes birds, reptiles, and plant spotting, this is your sweet spot. In winter season, iguanas and birds are more likely to show up, and that adds to the fun of a stop that might otherwise feel like a simple break.

Las Ánimas: where the beach lunch choice lives (and the views land)

Las Ánimas is the tour’s anchored finale on foot. It’s the beach where you’ll have time and—according to the plan—a chance to stop at a local restaurant for seafood. Seafood at that restaurant isn’t included, so if you’re craving a full meal, budget for it.

That said, the day often comes with “beach snack energy.” In practice, several guides include extra food moments like ceviche, chips, fruit, and even guacamole prepared for the group. So even though lunch itself isn’t officially included, many days feel like more than a candy-only hike.

Las Ánimas also tends to deliver the visual reward. You’re finishing a long trail loop through jungle and coast, so the beach feels like a destination rather than a pit stop.

Boat back included: how the ride changes the tone of the day

After Las Ánimas, the tour returns by boat back toward the Boca de Tomatlán area, and the boat ride is part of the experience. This is a smart design. It prevents the day from turning into an all-out hike-back slog, especially if the trail felt rugged earlier.

The boat ride also adds one more chance to spot wildlife. During winter season, people sometimes report whale sightings in the water when conditions are right. Even without whales, the change in angle—sea level instead of trail level—gives you a fresh perspective on the coastline.

One caution: confirm how your day’s return is being handled. The experience states the boat return is included, but like any outdoor tour with flexible options, ask your guide what your exact return plan is for your date. It’s a quick question, and it keeps the day smooth.

Guides make the difference: Moisés, Alejandro, and Alex in the spotlight

For this tour, the guide isn’t a background feature. They’re half the product. The most consistent praise points at guides who:

• stop often enough to make plant and animal spotting feel personal
• share local context in a way that doesn’t slow the whole group down
• keep safety and pacing in mind, especially for uneven trail sections
• bring that beach-day warmth, with food moments that feel homemade rather than packaged

Names that came up in standout experiences include Moisés (Luna Tours & Hiking), Alejandro, and Alex. If you’re the type who likes learning while moving, this is a strong match. You’ll also appreciate it if you’re traveling with people who want both adventure and guidance rather than a solo slog.

Price and value: is $55 fair for a 6.5-hour nature hike?

$55 per person for a 6 hour 30 minute Puerto Vallarta hiking experience is a fair price when you look at what’s included.

You get:

• city bus transportation
• a lancha type boat ride
• traditional Mexican candies
• a certificate guide

What you don’t get:

• lunch (and restaurant seafood at Las Ánimas is not included)

That combo makes sense. The cost covers the hard-to-plan pieces: transport and the coastal logistics. Your extra spending is mostly optional, centered on food at the restaurant stop. If your group plans to eat seafood at Las Ánimas, that’s where you’ll spend more.

Is it “cheap”? Not really. But it’s not only a hike. You’re also paying for the route connection (bus to Boca de Tomatlán and boat back), the guide-led nature/plant spotting, and the beach snacks that often go beyond candies. For $55, that’s good value.

What to bring so the day feels easy (not exhausting)

This tour is outdoors, mixed terrain, and beach time. Pack like you’re doing a half-day workout plus a swim stop.

I’d bring:

• Hiking shoes with grip (rugged boulders and scrambling can happen)
• Lightweight, comfortable clothes, plus something for sun protection
• Water (and a little snack backup if you’re picky about food)
• A beach towel if you like drying off and staying comfy
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• A simple layer for the boat ride if you get chilly on the water

If you love wildlife spotting, add one small thing: keep your phone ready but don’t let it replace looking. The best moments tend to be the ones you notice without filming.

Who this hike fits best (and who might want a gentler option)

This is a strong pick for:

• couples who want a day beyond the beach chair routine
• families and friend groups who can handle moderate hiking
• solo travelers who want a small group experience with a guide

It’s also a good match for people who enjoy a learning-by-walking style. The route includes stops where your guide points out local plants and animals, so it doesn’t feel like a silent trail.

You should be more cautious if:

• you don’t like steep or rugged trails
• your group expects flat, easy walking all day
• you’re dealing with mobility limits that make boulder scrambling a problem

Even though the tour is friendly for different traveler types, the day still includes uphill effort and uneven ground. Plan accordingly.

Should you book Selva y Playas Exóticas, Senderismo en Puerto Vallarta?

Book it if you want a Puerto Vallarta day that feels like nature, not a checklist. The combo of jungle-to-coast hiking, multiple beach stops (including Colomitos), and the included boat return makes this a smart way to spend your time—especially if you like seeing wildlife and want a guide to help you notice what you’re looking at.

Skip or choose something easier if your ideal vacation is mostly flat paths and quick beach access. This route can be rugged, and the effort is real.

If you do book, send one message before you go asking what food you’ll receive at the beach and how the boat return is handled on your exact day. Then show up with solid shoes and a relaxed attitude. The views and the beach breaks make that effort feel worth it.

FAQ

What beaches does this hike visit?

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

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 6 hours 30 minutes.

Where is the meeting point, and when does it start?

The meeting point is in the Zona Romántica area at Nueva Parada de autobuses de el Tuito, Aguacate 341. Start time is 9:30 am.

Is a boat ride included?

Yes. A lancha type boat ride is included, and the experience returns by boat.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. At Playa Las Ánimas, you may stop at a local restaurant, and seafood there is not included.

Are snacks included?

Traditional Mexican candies are included. The tour does not list lunch as included, so plan on candies rather than a guaranteed full meal.

What should I expect in different seasons?

From July to January, the jungle is usually lush and shaded. From February to June, the weather tends to be drier and sunnier.

Can we spot whales, birds, or iguanas?

During winter season, there’s a chance to spot whales, birds, and iguanas.

How many people are in the group?

The maximum group size is 10 travelers.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the experience requires good weather (if canceled for poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund).