Coastal and Jungle Hiking Tour along 6 Beaches of Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta’s south coast is best seen on foot, one small beach at a time. This half-day trip leaves the city behind for the fishing village of Boca de Tomatlán, then follows a rugged coastal trail through jungle, over uneven paths, and past beaches that are difficult to reach by road.

I like the mix of real local transport and outdoor adventure. You begin on a public bus with your guide, rather than in a sealed tour van, and finish with a boat ride from Las Ánimas. I also like the chance to swim and snorkel at Playa Colomitos, then sit down to fresh seafood at the end.

The main caution is the trail. It can include steep steps, elevation gain, rocky sections, wooden bridges, and hot sun. Most people who complete the full route call it moderate to strenuous, but the exact amount of hiking can vary with the group and guide.

Key points to know before booking

• Six beaches south of Puerto Vallarta: See Playa Colomitos, Playa Madagascar, Playa Los Caballos, Las Ánimas, and additional coves along the coast.
• A real hike, not a beach shuttle: Expect roughly 5.5 kilometers in some versions of the route, with steep and uneven sections.
• Swimming and snorkeling included: Snorkel gear and a life jacket are provided at Playa Colomitos.
• Local food at the finish: Lunch and drinks cost extra, but Las Ánimas has seafood restaurants and beach vendors.
• Bus out, boat back: The public bus ride is included, and the boat from Las Ánimas to Boca de Tomatlán is included.
• Best for fit adults: The tour is not suitable for children under 10, adults over 70, pregnant women, or people with mobility, joint, heart, or recent-surgery concerns.

From the Romantic Zone to Boca de Tomatlán

Your morning begins at 9:30 a.m. near the Romantic Zone, at C. Constitución 363. Meet your guide at the bus stop and wait there. Do not board the bus alone, since the guide joins you for the ride south.

That detail matters. The public bus is not as polished as private transport, but it gives the outing a more ordinary Puerto Vallarta feel. You pass from the city toward Boca de Tomatlán, a small fishing village that serves as the trailhead. The bus ride is included in the $45 price.

You can also pay extra for pickup and drop-off at your accommodation. I would consider this option if you are staying far from the Romantic Zone, have a family group, or simply do not want to manage the morning bus connection. It costs more, but it saves time and makes the start simpler.

The total outing lasts about five and a half hours. Some of that time goes to transport, beach stops, lunch, and the return boat, so do not expect five and a half hours of continuous hiking.

Boca de Tomatlán marks the real start

Boca de Tomatlán is more than a transport stop. It is a working coastal village, and the change from city streets to fishing boats and jungle paths gives the day its character.

From here, you begin walking along the coast. The trail can feel gentle in places, then suddenly ask for careful footwork. Expect elevation gain, steep stairs, rocks, uneven ground, and sections that may require you to use your hands for balance. One account described the full walk as roughly 5.5 kilometers, while other outings have been shorter when the guide adjusted the route.

That variation is worth understanding before you book. The guides often set the pace around the group, which is helpful if people have different hiking abilities. It also means you should confirm at the start whether the full coastal route is planned. One disappointing outing was cut short, leaving the group with much less hiking than expected. That does not appear to be the normal pattern, but it is a fair question to ask your guide.

Wear proper hiking shoes or sturdy athletic shoes. Flip-flops are a poor choice for rocky stairs, slick ground, and wooden footbridges. Bring a small backpack so both hands stay free on the trickier sections.

Playa Colomitos and the first swim

Playa Colomitos is one of the main rewards of the early hike. It is described as the smallest beach in the bay, with white sand and clear water tucked between forested slopes.

This is where you can swim, relax, or try snorkeling. Snorkel equipment and a life jacket are provided, which keeps you from having to pack bulky gear. Still, bring a swimsuit and towel. Several people found that the best way to enjoy this outing was to swim at more than one beach.

There is also an optional walk to a secret waterfall near Colomitos. The wording makes clear that this is not guaranteed as a full stop for every group, so ask your guide about trail and water conditions. You may prefer to use the time for a swim instead.

Colomitos can be busy compared with the more remote coves later in the route. Its small size is part of the charm, but it also means the beach may feel crowded when boats arrive. The reward is the setting: clear water, pale sand, and a quick escape from the city.

Madagascar and Los Caballos add variety

After Colomitos, the route continues toward Playa Madagascar and Playa Los Caballos. The appeal here is not a long stay at every beach. It is the changing rhythm of the coast: a narrow cove, a stretch of sand, jungle overhead, then another section of trail.

Playa Madagascar is known for its white sand and quiet setting. You may stop for photos or a short rest before continuing. The path between beaches is part of the point, since you see the coast from above and at water level rather than simply arriving at one beach by boat.

At Los Caballos, a small beach food stand offers simple refreshments such as fresh fruit, coconut treats, or a cold beer. These purchases are personal expenses, as are all drinks and food during the tour. Carry cash if you want to buy something, since no payment details are provided.

These stops also show why this trip suits active people who want more than a standard beach day. You are not planted in a resort chair for five hours. You are moving, sweating, stopping, swimming, and then moving again.

Jungle trails, wildlife, and the views

The guide adds much of the value between the beaches. Guides named Emilian, Gerardo, Jerry, Diego, Isai, Juan, Fabian, Hector, and others have been praised for explaining local plants, wildlife, villages, and coastal history. You may be assigned a different guide, but English is offered and the guiding style appears to be a major part of the day.

The route can reveal flora, reptiles, birds, and marine life. Do not treat this as a dedicated wildlife survey, though. Sightings are incidental and depend on weather, season, noise, and luck. The main attraction is the combination of coastal views and jungle walking.

The scenery changes constantly. You may look down over a small cove, pass through shade, cross an uneven bridge, and then reach a viewpoint over the Pacific. The most difficult sections tend to come early, according to several accounts, especially in hot weather. December outings have been described as very hot, while November conditions included comfortable water and pleasant weather.

Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and a hat. The tour provides pictures, and guides have often taken helpful action shots for the group. That is a small but useful perk, especially if you usually spend the day behind the camera.

Las Ánimas is the finish line

The hike ends at Playa Las Ánimas, a larger and more developed beach than the smaller coves along the way. Here you can sit down at a seafood restaurant for lunch, order a margarita or another drink, and let your legs recover.

Food and drinks are not included in the $45 price. That keeps the base cost low, but your final bill depends on what you order. Fresh fish, including fried snapper, has been a popular choice. The restaurant setting is casual and directly by the beach, so this is a pleasant finish rather than a rushed snack.

Las Ánimas also offers extra activities such as parasailing, banana boat rides, snorkeling, and beach time. These are not presented as included parts of the hiking package. If you want to add an activity, ask about the price and timing before committing, since the boat departure back to Boca de Tomatlán is part of the planned return.

Families with older children and adult groups may enjoy the social feel here. For someone hoping for a quiet, untouched beach at the end, Las Ánimas may feel more commercial than Colomitos or Los Caballos. That contrast is useful: the route gives you both secluded coves and a beach with restaurants and water activities.

The boat ride back completes the loop

After lunch and beach time, you take a boat from Las Ánimas back to Boca de Tomatlán. The ride is included, and it gives you a second view of the coast after seeing it from the trail.

This is more than a simple transfer. From the water, you can see the beaches, cliffs, and jungle slopes in one sweep. Some outings have included whale sightings during the boat ride, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. The boat also feels like a welcome break after several miles of walking.

From Boca de Tomatlán, you return to Puerto Vallarta and finish at the original meeting point. The stated end point is back at that meeting location. If you choose the paid pickup option, confirm the drop-off arrangement in advance.

What the $45 price really covers

At $45 per person, this is an appealing price for a guided coastal outing that includes the public bus, boat ride, snorkeling equipment, life jacket, and photos. You are paying for access and organization as much as for transport. A guide helps you follow the coastal paths, manage the timing, explain the area, and deal with the practical details of moving between land and water.

The price does not include lunch, drinks, optional beach snacks, or the extra pickup and drop-off service. Those costs can add up, especially if you order a full seafood meal and drinks at Las Ánimas.

For me, the value is strongest if you want a full morning of activity and do not want to plan the route yourself. If you only want to see the beaches, a boat trip may be more comfortable. If you want exercise, local scenery, and several chances to swim, this package gives you more variety for the money.

The group size is capped at 12 people. That is small enough for personal attention, but not private. Your pace and route may be shaped by the abilities of the entire group.

Who should book this coastal hike

This outing fits you best if you:

• Enjoy walking on uneven trails and handling some steep sections
• Want to see the coast south of Puerto Vallarta on foot
• Like swimming, snorkeling, and beach stops
• Prefer a local bus and boat ride to an all-inclusive coach tour
• Want a guide to explain plants, wildlife, villages, and local history
• Are happy to pay separately for lunch and drinks

You should choose another activity if you have joint or mobility problems, are recovering from surgery, are pregnant, have a heart condition, or are not comfortable with strenuous walking. The operator also sets an age limit of 10 and older, with no adults over 70 accepted.

This is not a good match for someone seeking a fully relaxed beach day. Even when the trail feels manageable, heat and elevation can make it tiring. Good footwear and water are basic requirements, not optional extras.

Practical preparation for a better day

Pack light, but pack smart:

• Sturdy walking shoes
• Swimsuit and towel
• Refillable water bottle
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Small backpack
• Cash for food, drinks, and beach snacks
• Phone or camera in a waterproof pouch

Ask how much of the full route your group will cover. If you are especially interested in the waterfall, snorkeling, or a longer hike, say so early. Guides have adjusted pace and plans for different groups, and clear expectations can prevent disappointment.

The tour operates in good weather. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted, and the tour also requires a minimum number of participants.

Should you book the six-beach hike?

Book it if you want Puerto Vallarta beyond the hotel zone: a fishing village, jungle paths, quiet coves, clear water, local food, and a boat ride home. The guides, including Emilian, Jerry, Diego, Isai, and others, have earned strong praise for friendly support, clear English, local detail, and help with photos.

Go in knowing that the physical effort is real and the day is not identical for every group. Ask about the full hike, wear serious footwear, and budget extra for lunch and drinks. If you can handle the trail and want an active look at the south coast, $45 is a strong value. If you mainly want to lounge by the sea, pick a simpler beach or boat outing instead.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is at C. Constitución 363 in the Zona Romántica area of Puerto Vallarta. The start time is 9:30 a.m.

Is transportation included?

The public bus ride from Puerto Vallarta to Boca de Tomatlán is included. The boat ride from Las Ánimas to Boca de Tomatlán is also included. Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation are available for an additional fee.

How long does the tour last?

The activity lasts approximately five hours and 30 minutes, including transport, hiking, beach stops, and the boat ride.

Are lunch and drinks included?

No. Lunch, drinks, and optional snacks at beach stands are personal expenses.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkel equipment and a life jacket are provided for the stop at Playa Colomitos.

Is the tour suitable for children?

No children under 10 are accepted. The tour is also not suitable for people with mobility or joint problems, recent surgery recovery, pregnancy, or heart conditions.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the tour is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. The tour may also be canceled if the minimum number of participants is not reached, with the same options offered.