A waterfall day with a boat ride. This Puerto Vallarta outing pairs a jungle trail with a swim under a real 25-meter waterfall in Quimixto, plus a laid-back end-of-day beach stop.

I like that the hike is rated easy, with a manageable walking distance and lots of time for breaks and cooling off. You also get a full travel loop—local bus, a water taxi segment, then back again—so the day feels like more than just a hike.

One thing to consider: it runs on weather. If conditions are rough, the route can change for safety, and you may end up with a different waterfall plan.

Key Things You’ll Notice on This Puerto Vallarta Waterfall and Quimixto Day

• 25-meter waterfall swim with time to relax in the pool beneath it
• Bus-to-water-taxi route that makes the scenery part of the trip
• Quimixto fishing-town vibe—quiet compared to the main Puerto Vallarta areas
• Easy walking, but not totally flat (there can be inclines and a creek crossing)
• Optional horse/mule ride shows up as a practical alternative for some people
• Weather-dependent scheduling, with reroutes possible for safety

A Jungle Waterfall Day in Quimixto: Why the Setup Works

This is the kind of tour that keeps you moving without feeling rushed. You’re not just walking to a waterfall and turning around. You start with a scenic ride out of Puerto Vallarta, arrive in a smaller fishing village, then spend your best hours actually being in nature—swimming, taking photos, and lounging.

What makes it special is the balance. The morning focuses on the jungle and the waterfall. The early afternoon shifts to beach time and food options by the water. That pacing matters because waterfalls can tire you out. Here, you get the relaxing part built in.

You’ll also see that the guide quality makes a difference. People highlight guides like Isaac, Carlos, Anthony, and Rocco for keeping the timing smooth and the group comfortable. That’s not a small deal on a day like this, because the whole experience depends on coordination: transit, walking rhythm, and water safety.

Getting There the Nice Way: Bus Ride, Boca Stop, and Water Taxi Views

The day starts at 9:30am at C. Constitución 383 in the Zona Romántica area. You’ll meet up, then head out on a local bus for about 25 minutes. The schedule is built to get you out of the hotel-zone traffic and into the coastal scenery.

After that, you stop in Boca, described as a quaint fishing village. Then you shift to a water taxi to Quimixto. Even if you’re not a boat person, this segment changes the mood of the day. One of the most appreciated parts is how the boat ride gives you those quick, coastal views without requiring a full-day sea journey.

A couple practical notes for your day:

• Bring a little patience. This tour has a lot of moving pieces, so you want a calm mindset.
• Plan to have your phone ready for photos. The route is scenic, and you’re also provided photos as part of the experience.

If you’re thinking about motion comfort, the boat segment is short, but it is still water travel. If you’re sensitive to waves, keep that in mind and prepare like you would for any short speed-water taxi ride.

The Quimixto Walk to the 25-Meter Waterfall: Easy Rating, Real Trail

You arrive in Quimixto around 11:00am–11:30am, and then you walk toward the waterfall for roughly 30 minutes. Depending on pace, the walking time can stretch to 30–45 minutes. One helpful detail from the experience design: even though it’s labeled easy, it isn’t a flat stroll. Think paved-and-path sections with some moderate inclines.

In real terms, the hike is often described as:

• not rocky overall
• manageable for most people
• occasionally tricky near water

There can be a creek crossing late in the approach where you may need to take your shoes off and get your feet wet. That’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s exactly why you should pack smart footwear for the day. You’ll be happier if you arrive prepared for wet feet and slippery edges.

Also, some people mention the trail being paved with inclines, while others describe the path becoming more intense when conditions are bad. Since weather can change what’s safe, the walking experience isn’t identical every day.

Horse or mule options

You might have options to make the hike easier. One review mentions a horse ride for 200 pesos to the falls. Another notes that mules/horse rides can be available. If you’d rather reduce the uphill effort, this is worth asking about early with your guide.

Swim Time Under the Falls: When the Day Becomes the Day

This is the core of the experience. When you reach the waterfall, you get time—about 11:30am–1:00pm—to swim in the crystal-clear pool beneath it, relax, and enjoy the calm.

The waterfall itself is consistently described as impressive. It’s a 25-meter drop, and the pool gives you a real chance to cool down instead of just watching from dry ground. People also point out that the setting feels peaceful, framed by rivers and mountains with a small-town feel around it.

You may also notice small details that make the visit smoother:

• There’s usually a place to order drinks on-site while you’re there.
• Some areas include climbing points (like a rope section) for cliff-jump-style fun. If you’re not into that, you can simply stay with the swimming and viewing areas.

For safety and comfort, I’d treat this like a natural swim—watch your footing, don’t assume the rocks are stable, and keep an eye on where you step. Waterfalls can be deceptively slick.

If you love nature photos, this is also where your camera gets the workout. The waterfall pool gives you that classic “Puerto Vallarta jungle” moment without needing a full-day expedition.

Lunch and Beach Time at Las Ánimas: Plan to Pay, Then Relax

After the waterfall, the schedule shifts. From 1:00pm–3:00pm, you head to the beach area—often referenced as Las Ánimas—for sunshine and fresh seafood. The key word here is that lunch isn’t included. So you’re paying for your own meal and drinks.

That said, the beach stop is still part of why the tour feels good value. You’re not stuck in a bus after the hike. You get time to sit, eat, and reset.

What I like about this setup for you:

• You can choose what you want at the beach instead of being locked into a set meal.
• After swimming and hiking, beach time feels natural, not like an added chore.
• If you’re traveling as a family or a group of mixed energy levels, it gives everyone a comfortable option.

Bring swim clothes if you have them, and consider a lightweight cover-up. Heat and humidity are part of this area, and being able to dry off a bit makes the afternoon more pleasant.

Timing, Group Size, and Guides: What Makes It Feel Smooth

The tour is small, with a maximum of 15 travelers. That matters more than most people think. Smaller groups usually mean:

• easier coordination when moving between bus and water taxi
• fewer waiting moments at the trailhead
• a calmer, more personal feel

Timing is also repeatedly praised. People describe it as “perfectly timed,” and guides like Isaac are mentioned for being friendly and helpful, keeping the pace comfortable, and adding local insights.

If your group includes someone with older knees or mobility concerns, it’s worth paying attention to this detail. One review specifically notes that the guide adjusted the hike pace for a parent who needed a slower rhythm. So while the hike isn’t designed for wheelchair access, it can be handled with a reasonable level of care.

Price and Value: Is $47.73 Actually a Good Deal?

At $47.73 per person, you’re paying for a structured day that includes:

• bus ride
• water taxi
• photos

You’re also getting several hours of guided support around the most time-sensitive parts: getting there, reaching the waterfall safely, and returning at the right time.

Here’s how I’d frame the value for you:

• If you tried to do it on your own, you’d still pay for transport (bus to the coast + a water taxi) and spend time figuring out timing between those segments.
• You’re also paying for the practical guidance on the walk and the swim window.

The tradeoff is that lunch isn’t included, so your final spend depends on what you order at the beach. Still, having that choice often feels better than a mandatory meal.

One more value point: because it’s small-group and not a huge factory tour, you’re more likely to get a day that flows—especially when weather turns or paths need adjustment.

Weather and Safety Changes: When Plans Shift in Puerto Vallarta

This is a nature-based tour, so weather matters. It requires good weather, and cancellations or route changes can happen if conditions aren’t safe.

In one case described, a guide situation didn’t start on time due to a misunderstanding, but the core takeaway is that weather and trail safety can force changes. Another review also points to the possibility that the hiking intensity can feel different when paths are wet and messy.

What that means for you:

• If rain is in the forecast, keep expectations flexible.
• Bring a backup mindset for shoes and wet footing.
• Ask your guide early what today’s route looks like and what’s different, if anything.

This is not a “set-and-forget” excursion. It’s a real jungle outing, and the people running it are trying to manage safety.

Who This Tour Is For (and Who Should Think Twice)

This experience fits best if you:

• want a waterfall swim without a long, technical trek
• like nature, photos, and a quieter town stop like Quimixto
• are comfortable with an easy hike that includes inclines and wet sections

It may not fit as well if you:

• have serious mobility limitations and need mostly flat ground (the hike can involve inclines and a creek crossing)
• get uncomfortable with any water transport (short water taxi ride, but still water travel)
• need a fully predictable schedule in stormy weather

For most people with moderate physical fitness, it’s a good match. Guides can help with pacing, and there may be options like horse rides for parts of the route.

Should You Book This Puerto Vallarta Waterfall and Quimixto Day?

If you want one “big nature moment” during your Puerto Vallarta stay, I’d book this—especially for the combination of boat ride + waterfall swim + quiet town + beach reset. The small group size and the fact that transport is handled for you makes it feel like a practical day trip, not an all-day scramble.

Choose it with your eyes open if weather is iffy. Plan to pack for wet feet, expect some variation in trail conditions, and give yourself a flexible mindset. If you do that, you’ll likely love how refreshing the day feels—cool water, shaded time near the falls, then a relaxed beach finish.

FAQ

What time does the Puerto Vallarta waterfall tour start?

You meet at 9:30am at C. Constitución 383, Zona Romántica.

How long is the tour?

It runs about 6 hours 30 minutes (and you may return around 4:30pm, depending on the day’s timing).

Is this tour easy to do?

It’s rated easy, but you should have a moderate physical fitness level due to walking and some inclines.

What’s included in the price?

The price includes a bus ride, a water taxi, and photos.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, though there’s time at the beach for food (like fresh seafood).

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What happens if weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.