The 15 Best Waterfall Hikes in Puerto Vallarta

1.Mega Yacht ALL INCLUSIVE Yelapa Waterfall & Snorkeling Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,515 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $117Our pick

Cruise Banderas Bay aboard Chica Locca’s spacious catamaran with hosts such as Ricky Ricardo and DJ David. You’ll get breakfast, fajitas, snacks, an open bar, snorkeling, kayaks, paddleboards, a Yelapa waterfall walk, and optional onboard massage time.

“This was the highlight of our whole trip. An absolutely blast and everyone working on the boat was awesome. Special shoutout to Ricky the host!”

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2.Outdoor Ziplining, Waterfalls & Speed boat in Puerto Vallarta

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,796 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $129

Race from Puerto Vallarta to Boca de Tomatlan by speedboat, then ride a 4WD and mule into the Sierra Madre for ziplines, waterfall rappels, bridges, rivers, and slides. English-speaking guides such as Cesar, Tania, May, and Loza keep the pace lively and safety-focused.

“Do not book with VIATOR. Their customer service will not work with you for bookings changes due to airline delays or bad weather. The tour operator was willing to change the reservation but Viator would not. When I called the tour operator they offered for a new date with no extra charge!”

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3.Private ATV tour with waterfall and Tequila tasting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 892 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $95

You ride from Paso Ancho into the Sierra Madre with guides such as Uriel, Roberto, Chema, or Sergio. Expect mountain roads, creek crossings, a viewpoint, a cool river stop, tortilla making, lunch, and a tequila tasting. Bring swimwear, a bandana, and money for extras.

“Chalo was an amazing guide, we had a ton of fun viewing the mountains and tasting tequila. The ride was excellent and we highly recommend!”

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4.Yelapa Waterfall, BBQ at Exclusive Majahuitas Beach & Open bar

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 760 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $99

Spend about seven hours sailing from Puerto Vallarta to Yelapa and Majahuitas with guides such as Danny, Dani, or Poncho. Walk to a waterfall, snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, eat a BBQ lunch, and enjoy drinks aboard the boat. Expect a lively group outing, not a quiet beach escape.

“This was the best excursion I have ever been on. It was so beautiful and fun. The entire staff was extremely friendly, helpful and entertaining. Food was phenomenal too. Absolutely recommend this tour!”

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5.4-Hour Jungle Hike and Waterfall Swim

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 197 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $35

Meet in Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romántica, ride a local bus south, then hike rocky jungle trails and shallow river crossings to Palo María waterfall. Guides such as Juan Carlos, Alex, Diego, and Víctor explain local plants and wildlife. Bring water shoes, mosquito repellent, and steady footing.

“Juan was super helpful, made us feel safe and comfortable, and taught us a lot about the jungle. We went during our honeymoon. I slipped during one of the river crossings on the way up and my leg was inflamed. However, Juan took extra patience and guided me safely to the waterfall and back down safely. I highly recommend!!”

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6.4-Hour Jungle Hike and Waterfall Swim

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 163 reviews · 4 hours · from $30Best value

Meet your English or Spanish-speaking guide near the OXXO in Puerto Vallarta, ride a local bus south, then hike a rocky river trail to waterfalls, caves, swimming pools, and a bay lookout. Guides such as Juan, Alex, Diego, and Rocco add nature facts and hands-on help.

“Well worth the money. Rocco was a very informative guide, with a wide knowledge of the area, plants, and wildlife. The hike wasn’t difficult for anybody able bodied. A bit rocky and stepping across stones to get across the river. We had elder aged people and younger and everyone made it through just fine. The water was refreshing, the cliff jumping was fun and the waterfall was lovely. Highly recommend for a nice morning into early afternoon.”

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7.Palo María Waterfalls Hike Half-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 90 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $89

Meet guide Curiel at Parque Lázaro Cárdenas at 10:00 am for a four-hour hike through the Sierra Madre to Palo María waterfalls. Expect river swimming, rock climbing, optional rappelling, Pacific views, bird watching, and lessons about local plants and animals in a small group of up to 10.

“Great time, great guide, beautiful sights. I would highly recommend the adventure! It was the highlight of our trip!”

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8.Puerto Vallarta Waterfall Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 76 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $39

Meet at 9:30 am in Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone, ride a city bus south, and hike about 3 kilometers beside a river. Guides such as Isaac, Diego, Juan, Rocco, and Alex point out plants and wildlife before you swim beneath a waterfall. Wear shoes that can get wet.

“Alex was so friendly and accomodating. He always made sure everyone in the group was having a good time and no one got left behind. It was our first time on a hike this intense, but we felt perfectly safe traveling in the jungle with him guiding us! Swimming at the waterfall was a refreshing treat after all the hiking, and really rejuvinating to make the trek back out easy. Note that some parts of the hike are pretty high up and some parts with not much guards/protections if you fall. Just be aware you should be pretty good on your feet and not afraid of heights.”

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9.Yelapa Waterfall & Majahuitas Snorkel Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 74 reviews · 7 hours · from $99

Spend seven hours cruising from Puerto Vallarta to road-free Yelapa and secluded Majahuitas. You can snorkel, kayak, hike to Cola de Caballo waterfall, eat lunch, and enjoy an open bar and onboard show. The friendly crew, including guides such as Chi, Omar, and Alejandro, keeps the day moving.

“My daughter and I were on our first mother daughter trip to Puerto Vallarta. The crew and staff, and everyone on this adventure was top-tier. The staff were all very attentive to every passenger on board. We spent the whole day together, and all of the staff was kind, friendly, funny, and very entertaining. You got the sense that, even though it is their job, and that they do it every day, they really care. I would definitely recommend this adventure, and I would absolutely do it again.”

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10.ATV Tour in Puerto Vallarta, waterfall and tequila tasting.

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 57 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $103

Drive an ATV from Puerto Vallarta through city streets, rural villages, and mountain trails to freshwater pools and a waterfall. Stop for food with a river view, then sample several tequila flavors. Helmets, goggles, fuel, and a guide are included. Bring a license, swimwear, and protection from dust.

“The best experience ever. I have to say the staff was top notch. They have to be on there came navigating everything. Would recommend this above all others. Definitely coming again”

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11.Las Ánimas to Quimixto Waterfall Half-Day Hiking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 28 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $171

Start in Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone with private transport to Boca de Tomatlán, then take a private water taxi to Las Ánimas. Hike the Bahía de Banderas coast to Quimixto and continue 25 minutes to its waterfall for swimming, refreshments, lunch, and a relaxed jungle stop.

“Was an absolute AWESOME experience. The guide was so personable, educational and we had a wonderful time. Not a negative comment at all. Would highly recommend this”

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12.Mismaloya Waterfalls and Mountain Hike. Full-Day tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 28 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $145

Join guide Curiel for an eight-hour outing from Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romántica to Mismaloya and the Sierra Madre. Expect breakfast, a mountain hike, river exploration, three waterfalls, natural swimming ponds, bird watching, plant recognition, and a small group capped at six people.

“This was an incredible experience from start to finish! We learned so much and connected with nature in life changing ways! Recommend whole heartedly!”

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13.Waterfall in the jungle of Puerto Vallarta

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 28 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $47

Travel from Puerto Vallarta to Boca de Tomatlán and Quimixto by local bus and water taxi. Walk about 30 minutes to a 25-meter waterfall, swim in its pool, then enjoy free time and optional seafood at the beach. Guides include Isaac, Carlos, Anthony, and Rocco.

“Isaac our guide was great! Easy hike and beautiful waterfall with a nice ending at a wonderful restaurant!”

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14.Combina 3 actividades snorkel , todoterreno y cascada!!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 27 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $167

Ride an ATV through Puerto Vallarta’s southern mountains, visit El Eden waterfall, then take a boat from Mismaloya to snorkel near Los Arcos. An English-speaking guide leads the small group, with equipment, helmets, bandanas, tequila tasting, and the boat ride included.

“My mom, aunt and myself had such a great time!! The guides were amazing and just hilarious! Atv was a blast, snorkeling saw some cool fish, The waterfall paradise place was beautiful and of course the tequila was good lol”

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15.Jorullo Bridge ATV, Waterfall, Tequila Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 25 reviews · 5 hours

You’ll ride an automatic or semiautomatic ATV through the Sierra Madre Occidental, stop at El Salto waterfall, and cross the 470-meter Jorullo Bridge above the Cuale River. English and Spanish guides lead the route, with safety gear, a snack, welcome drink, and tequila tasting included.

“Bring some of your own snacks just for the ride it was amazing I would do it again! Our crew was great we had someone fall and they were extremely attentive and helpful to the girls. Great experience I’ll be back with a group! 🇲🇽🔥”

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