Waterfall in the jungle of Puerto Vallarta

Quimixto Waterfall gives you a full day of Puerto Vallarta’s south coast without a long, serious trek. You ride a local bus to Boca de Tomatlán, take a water taxi past beaches and fishing villages, walk through Quimixto, then cool off beneath a 25-meter waterfall.

I like the bus-and-boat route, which makes the journey part of the day rather than dead time. I also like the quiet beach stop afterward, where you can order fresh seafood and coconut water. The main caution is that easy does not mean flat: the trail has inclines, and wet weather can change the route or cancel the boat ride.

Key points to know before booking

• A bus, water taxi, village walk, and waterfall swim fill one active day.
• The hike is about 4.5 kilometers total, with roughly 30 to 45 minutes each way to the falls.
• Quimixto Waterfall is a swimming stop, not a huge national-park cascade, so set your expectations accordingly.
• Lunch is not included, but the beach restaurant stop gives you a chance to order seafood.
• Guides such as Isaac, Anthony, Carlos, and Rocco have been praised for being friendly, patient, and informative.
• Rain matters. A storm can make the regular route unsafe, so choose a flexible day if possible.

From Puerto Vallarta to Boca de Tomatlán by local bus

The tour begins at 9:30 a.m. at the meeting point on Constitución in Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romántica. The practical landmark is near an OXXO, and the exact street address is worth checking carefully before you leave your hotel. The meeting details have caused confusion for at least one person, so arrive early and have the map open on your phone.

From there, you ride south toward Boca de Tomatlán. The planned bus ride is about 25 minutes, though one detailed account put the actual ride closer to 40 minutes. That difference matters if you are planning anything later in the afternoon, so treat the schedule as an estimate rather than a stopwatch.

I like this beginning because it gets you out of the main resort zone quickly. Boca is a small fishing village and a useful contrast to central Puerto Vallarta. You are not simply being driven to an attraction. You are using the same basic transport that links the coastal communities.

The bus is local and practical, not a luxury coach. That is part of the charm, but it also means you should be ready for ordinary road travel and a less polished start. If you prefer a private vehicle, a private excursion may suit you better.

The water taxi ride to Quimixto

At Boca de Tomatlán, your guide arranges the water taxi to Quimixto. The ride takes about 15 minutes, according to the detailed timing provided for the tour, and the coast is the main attraction. You pass steep coastal hills, small beaches, and fishing settlements that are much easier to appreciate from the water.

This is one of the strongest parts of the outing. The boat makes Quimixto feel separate from Puerto Vallarta, even though it is not far away. You get a clear sense of how the southern coast is connected, by sea more than by road.

The boat is not included as a private charter for your own use. It is transportation arranged as part of the tour, and conditions can affect it. If the sea or weather is poor, the route may change. The experience requires good weather, and a cancellation because of bad conditions can result in another date or a full refund.

Bring a dry bag or another way to protect your phone. The supplied details do not promise a dry boat ride, and you will want your camera ready for the coastal views. Photos are included, but carrying your own phone or camera still makes sense.

Walking through Quimixto to the falls

Quimixto is a small coastal settlement surrounded by hills, streams, and beach. After leaving the boat, you walk through the village before taking the trail toward the waterfall. The walk to the falls is described as about 30 minutes, while some accounts put the hiking time at 30 to 45 minutes depending on pace.

The full walking distance is listed at 4.5 kilometers, or 2.8 miles. That is not a long hike for most people, but the surface and weather matter more than the mileage. You will encounter inclines, and the final section may require crossing a creek with your shoes off. During wet weather, the trail can become much more difficult.

Most of the feedback about the regular route describes it as easy, with a maintained or paved path in places. One account specifically noted moderate inclines and a creek crossing. Another described a very difficult, rocky route with wet branches and large rocks, but that excursion had been changed after a strong storm and was not the normal path to Quimixto.

That distinction is important. Under normal conditions, this is an easy-to-moderate nature walk. After heavy rain, conditions may be very different. Ask the guide what route is operating that day before you commit to the hike.

If your knees or balance are uncertain, ask about the horse option. One detailed account listed horses at 200 pesos for the ride to the falls and back, with the same price applying even if you choose a horse only for the return. An ATV or horse alternative was also suggested for people with mobility concerns. These options should be confirmed locally, since the supplied tour details do not promise them as a standard inclusion.

Swimming under the 25-meter waterfall

The waterfall is the day’s main reward. It drops about 25 meters into a clear pool where you can swim and cool off. The pool is the real pleasure here: after the warm walk, the water offers a refreshing pause in a wooded setting.

Set your expectations correctly. This is not a massive waterfall that fills an entire valley. One account called it medium-sized, while still finding the setting worth the trip. I would describe it as a pleasant natural swimming hole with a scenic cascade, not as a grand spectacle on the scale of a major national park waterfall.

You may find tables and chairs near the pool, along with a small refreshment operation run by a local family. Ordering a drink is a practical way to support the people who maintain the area, especially since flooding has damaged the site more than once. The tour includes a snack, but lunch is not included, and you should not expect a full meal at the waterfall.

The rocks around the pool can be slippery. There is also a rope along part of the rocky cliff that can be used for a jump into the water. Treat that as an optional activity, not a requirement. If you are not confident with wet rocks or jumping, stay in the pool and enjoy the falls from below.

Wear shoes that can handle both walking and water. You may need to remove them for the creek crossing, and footwear with a secure fit is more useful than sandals that slip off easily. Pack a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and dry clothing for the beach portion later in the day.

Beach time, seafood, and a slower afternoon

After time at the waterfall, you return toward the coast and continue to a beach for lunch and free time. A detailed account identifies the beach as Las Ánimas, while the general schedule simply describes a beach stop. Either way, plan on a coastal restaurant rather than a packed lunch included in the price.

This is a good balance to the hike. You have time to sit in the sun, order seafood, and watch the water instead of rushing from one activity to the next. Fresh seafood, coconut water, and dishes such as coconut shrimp with mango sauce are among the food possibilities described for this stop, but your meal is your own expense.

The beach portion also lets you decide how active you want to be. You can eat and relax, or spend time on the shore. The beach is quieter than many central Puerto Vallarta areas, which gives the afternoon a more local feel.

Do not forget that restaurant prices are separate from the tour price. If you are watching your budget, ask about menu prices before ordering. If you want the easiest possible day, this stop is also where you can slow down and recover before the boat and bus ride back.

Guides who shape the experience

The guide can make a large difference on this trip. Isaac has been especially well regarded for explaining local life, adjusting the walking pace, and helping a parent with bad knees manage the trail. Anthony has also been praised for local information, while Carlos and Rocco are named as friendly and helpful guides.

That matters because the route has several moving parts: bus, boat, village walk, trail, swimming stop, lunch, and return transport. A good guide keeps the timing clear and explains what is happening next. You are also more likely to notice the small details of Quimixto, including local homes, animals, and the way coastal communities use the water.

The group is limited to a maximum of 15 people. That is small enough for a guide to keep an eye on the group, though it is not a private tour. If you want a slower pace for an older family member or extra help with mobility, tell the operator in advance and ask what alternatives are available.

Is $47.73 good value?

At $47.73 per person, the price is reasonable for a roughly six-and-a-half-hour outing that includes ground transport, a water taxi, a guide, photos, and access to a full day of activities. You are paying for the transport chain as much as the waterfall itself.

The value is strongest if you would otherwise need to arrange separate buses, boats, and local directions. The guide also removes much of the guesswork at Boca de Tomatlán and Quimixto. You can focus on the coast and trail rather than figuring out which boat to take next.

The price does not cover lunch, drinks, or possible horse transportation. Add those costs before comparing this with a simple beach day. If you only want to see a waterfall and do not care about the village, water taxi, and beach, the price may feel less attractive.

The tour is booked an average of 18 days ahead, so popular dates can fill. Free cancellation is available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund, except when the operator cancels because of poor weather.

Timing, fitness, and weather concerns

The advertised day runs from 9:30 a.m. to about 4 p.m., though one account returned around 4:30 p.m. Allow some flexibility if you have an evening reservation or airport transfer. Boats, local traffic, lunch timing, and trail pace can all affect the return.

The tour is rated easy, but the description also asks for moderate physical fitness. Both statements can be true. The distance is manageable, yet inclines, wet surfaces, creek crossings, and heat can make the day tiring.

I would not choose this tour immediately after a knee injury or if you have trouble walking on uneven ground. You can ask about a horse or other alternative, but those options should not be treated as guaranteed. If heavy rain has fallen, contact the operator and ask whether the standard Quimixto route is running.

The operator has handled weather problems by offering a refund or a different waterfall route. That replacement route may be much harder, with rocky and wet sections, so listen carefully to the safety briefing before accepting a substitute.

Should you book the Quimixto Waterfall tour?

Book it if you want a varied Puerto Vallarta day that combines local transport, a coastal boat ride, a village, a short nature hike, swimming, and beach food. It is especially suitable for couples, friends, and families with active older children or adults who can manage inclines.

I would also choose it if you value time in a quieter coastal community more than a polished resort excursion. The waterfall is attractive but modest, and the real appeal is the complete route from city to village to jungle pool to beach.

Skip it, or ask detailed questions first, if you need a flat path, guaranteed boat service, included meals, or a tightly fixed return time. With normal weather and a patient guide such as Isaac, Anthony, Carlos, or Rocco, this offers good value and a refreshing change from Puerto Vallarta’s city beaches.

FAQ

How long does the Quimixto Waterfall tour last?

The planned duration is about 6 hours and 30 minutes. The schedule begins at 9:30 a.m. and returns around 4 p.m., though the actual return can be closer to 4:30 p.m.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at C. Constitución 383 in Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romántica, near an OXXO. Check the map and meeting instructions carefully before leaving, and arrive early.

What transportation is included?

The tour includes the bus ride from Puerto Vallarta to Boca de Tomatlán and a water taxi from Boca to Quimixto. The return uses a water taxi and bus.

How long is the walk to Quimixto Waterfall?

The walk from Quimixto to the waterfall takes about 30 minutes according to the schedule. Depending on pace and conditions, it can take about 30 to 45 minutes.

Can I swim at the waterfall?

Yes. You can swim in the pool beneath the waterfall. The water and rocks may be slippery, so use care around the pool and cliff area.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. You have time to buy fresh seafood and other food at the beach restaurant stop.

Is the hike difficult?

The tour is described as easy, but you should have moderate physical fitness. The trail includes inclines, and one creek crossing may require you to remove your shoes. Heavy rain can make the route much harder.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can receive a full refund or choose another date. A different waterfall route may also be offered, but ask about its terrain before agreeing.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the tour are not refunded under the stated policy.