Good to know
Good to Know
- Hiking trails are best year-round; dry season (November–May) offers cooler temperatures ideal for longer treks, while rainy season (June–October) transforms waterfalls into spectacular cascades and jungle turns vibrant emerald green.
- Most water taxis operate regularly from Playa Los Muertos and Boca de Tomatlán to secluded beaches; water taxi back from Las Ánimas costs approximately 250 MXN (~$14 USD).
- For trail access without a car, use orange local buses departing from Basillo Badillo in the Romantic Zone heading south, or regional buses to towns like Boca de Tomatlán, El Nogalito, and Palo María.
- Many hiking tours include shuttle service from downtown/hotel pickup points; experienced guides handle permits and provide insider history and medicinal plant knowledge.
- Wet-season hiking (June–October) is not discouraged by locals; mornings typically sunny and clear for activities despite afternoon rain bursts arriving around 5pm.
- Water temperatures year-round: winter 24°C/75°F to summer 30°C/86°F, making water activities comfortable year-round.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent for jungle hikes; quick-drying shoes essential for river crossings and wet terrain.
- El Jorullo is documented as the world's longest suspension bridge, located in the Canopy River ecotourism complex in Sierra Madre.
- Mountain biking community is welcoming but values trail respect—stick to marked paths, yield to hikers, pack out trash, and be aware many trails cross private land.
- Organized tours strongly recommended for first-time visitors or those unfamiliar with trail networks; local guides share insights on flora, fauna, and regional history.
- Hurricane season technically runs June–November but direct hits are rare; city infrastructure is well-prepared with drainage, sea walls, and emergency protocols.
Parks
Los Arcos National Marine Park
- Type
- Marine park
- Access
- Tours depart from Los Muertos Pier and Boca de Tomatlán daily; 20-30 minutes by boat
- Entry Fee
- Included in tour packages
- Snorkeling
- Yes
- Marine Life
- coral, tropical fish, octopus, rays, sea turtles, manta rays (seasonal)
- Scuba Diving
- Yes
- Permit Required
- No
- Description
- Volcanic rock arches rising from ocean; protected marine area 12 km south of downtown
Marietas Islands (Las Islas Marietas)
- Type
- Marine protected area
- Access
- Tours depart from La Cruz de Huanacaxtle (45 minutes north of downtown). Access strictly controlled (50 people per session)
- Snorkeling
- Yes
- Scuba Diving
- Yes
- Bird Watching
- Yes
- Permit Required
- Yes
- Description
- Protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve; 45-minute boat ride north. Famous for Hidden Beach (Playa del Amor) in collapsed volcanic crater
- Permit Note
- Advance permit required; book through licensed tour operator who handles permits
- Seasonal Notes
- Blue-footed booby nesting site
Hiking
Cerro De La Cruz (Hill of the Cross) Lookout
- Difficulty
- easy
- Distance Km
- 1
- Distance Miles
- 0.6
- Travel time
- 1 hour
- Guide Required
- No
- Permit Required
- No
- Trailhead Access
- Starts from city center (Centro) Puerto Vallarta via cobblestone streets and stone steps; 20 minutes walk from Zona Romántica
- Weather Considerations
- Dry season (November–May) ideal; rainy season (June–October) means slippery stone steps.
- Seasonal Notes
- Best at sunrise or sunset for photography and cooler temperatures. No shade on final stretch. Accessible year-round.
Malecón De Puerto Vallarta
- Difficulty
- easy
- Distance Km
- 3
- Distance Miles
- 1.9
- Travel time
- 0.75 hours
- Guide Required
- No
- Permit Required
- No
- Elevation Gain M
- 0
- Trailhead Access
- Starts directly on the Malecón boardwalk in downtown Puerto Vallarta; paved urban route
- Weather Considerations
- Best in dry season; paved surface suitable for rainy season.
- Seasonal Notes
- Family-friendly, paved boardwalk. Accessible year-round.
Mirador De La Cruz (Viewpoint Del Mirador La Cruz)
- Difficulty
- easy
- Distance Km
- 2.3
- Distance Miles
- 1.5
- Travel time
- 0.33 hours
- Guide Required
- No
- Permit Required
- No
- Trailhead Access
- Walk from city center; GPS-navigable from Zona Romántica; 20 minutes walking distance
- Weather Considerations
- Accessible year-round; bring water as there is no shade on final stretch.
- Seasonal Notes
- Urban uphill walk to viewpoint. Best at golden hour (sunset).
Botanical Garden / Vallarta Botanical Gardens
- Entry Fee
- Yes
- Difficulty
- easy
- Guide Required
- No
- Permit Required
- No
- Trailhead Access
- Located 1 hour east of downtown Puerto Vallarta; taxi, bus, or organized shuttle required
- Weather Considerations
- Accessible year-round; lush vegetation year-round but more vibrant during rainy season.
- Entry Fee Note
- Entrance fee applies; fee supports jaguar habitat expansion
- Seasonal Notes
- Multiple loops through curated gardens, vanilla plantation, and jungle trails. Jaguar Trail leads to small beach and river swimming hole.
Boca De Tomatlán to Playa Las ÁNimas Coastal Trail
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Distance Km
- 8.2
- Distance Miles
- 5.1
- Travel time
- 2.3 hours
- Guide Required
- No
- Permit Required
- No
- Trailhead Access
- Trailhead at fishing village of Boca de Tomatlán, 1 hour south of downtown by local bus (orange buses from Basillo Badillo in Zona Romántica). From city center, take southern bus route to Boca de Tomatlán
- Weather Considerations
- Best in dry season (November–May). Rainy season brings slippery rocks and muddy sections. Mornings sunny even during rainy season.
- Return Note
- Water taxis run regularly from Las Ánimas back to Boca de Tomatlán (approximately 250 MXN / $14 USD return)
- Seasonal Notes
- Passes through jungle and along coast to multiple secluded beaches (Colomitos, Casitas Maraika). Rocky coastal switchbacks, stream crossings.
Palo María Waterfall
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Distance Km
- 2.4
- Distance Miles
- 1.5
- Travel time
- 0.5 hours
- Guide Required
- No
- Permit Required
- No
- Trailhead Access
- Highway 200 between Conchas Chinas and Mismaloya, 15 minutes south of Zona Romántica. Take orange buses from Basillo Badillo (Romantic Zone); exit at Palo María stop and follow path uphill adjacent to river
- Weather Considerations
- Wet season (May–October) makes waterfalls spectacular and trail very slippery. Dry season (November–April) easier hiking but reduced waterfall flow. Best visited during rainy season (August–September) when waterfalls are most abundant and jungle lush.
- Duration Full Hike Hours
- 4
- Seasonal Notes
- Multiple waterfalls (twelve cascades documented). Path becomes wet and rocky after main waterfall; features rope climbs and natural pools. Most hikers reach first waterfall only; experienced hikers continue.
El Salto Waterfall Route
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Distance Km
- 7.2
- Distance Miles
- 4.5
- Travel time
- 4 hours
- Guide Required
- No
- Permit Required
- No
- Trailhead Access
- Sierra Madre interior, accessible by organized tour shuttle or vehicle. Contact local tour operators for pickup points (typically from downtown or hotel zones)
- Weather Considerations
- Rainy season (May–October) features invigorating cold waters and full waterfall flow. Dry season (November–April) waterfall may be dry; scenery is primary attraction. Easier hiking than Palo María.
- Seasonal Notes
- Follows serene Cuale River with water crossings. Trail winds through lush Jalisco jungle. Ice-cold waterfall plunge available in rainy season.
Yelapa Waterfall Trail
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Guide Required
- No
- Permit Required
- No
- Trailhead Access
- Yelapa village accessible only by water taxi from Playa Los Muertos or Boca de Tomatlán (1 hour boat ride south). Once at Yelapa, follow signed paths to waterfall trailhead
- Weather Considerations
- Accessible year-round. Wet season brings abundant water and lush jungle; dry season still offers pleasant hiking.
- Seasonal Notes
- Well-maintained, paved path with signposts. Trail leads to enchanting waterfall with large swimmable pool and rock formations surrounded by fauna.
Quimixto Waterfall Trail
- Difficulty
- easy
- Travel time
- 0.5 hours
- Guide Required
- No
- Permit Required
- No
- Trailhead Access
- Small beach town of Quimixto, 2 hours south of Puerto Vallarta. Accessible only by water taxi from Playa Los Muertos or Boca de Tomatlán, or by hiking from Las Ánimas. From Quimixto village, follow well-maintained jungle trails uphill
- Weather Considerations
- Accessible year-round; best in rainy season (May–October) when water abundant.
- Seasonal Notes
- Well-maintained trails through jungle. One of the largest waterfalls in the area with towering rock formations and natural pool for swimming. Local restaurants and beer service available at waterfall.
El Nogalito Eco-park Trail
- Entry Fee
- Yes
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Distance Km
- 4
- Distance Miles
- 2.5
- Travel time
- 1.5 hours
- Guide Required
- No
- Permit Required
- No
- Trailhead Access
- Small town of El Nogalito (Nogalito), 15-minute bus ride from downtown Puerto Vallarta. Local buses depart regularly; easy access via short bus ride from city center
- Weather Considerations
- Wet season (June–October) brings abundant water. Dry season still passable. Rocky river bed navigation year-round.
- Entry Fee Note
- Eco-park entry fee applies
- Seasonal Notes
- Most hiking done over river rocks rather than established trail; wear wet shoes. Features multiple waterfalls within eco-park. Shaded banks keep hikers cool. Off-peak season (high season) means solitude.
Monkey Mountain (Cerro Del Mono)
- Difficulty
- challenging
- Distance Km
- 9.3
- Distance Miles
- 5.8
- Travel time
- 4 hours
- Guide Required
- No
- Permit Required
- No
- Trailhead Access
- 45 minutes north of Nuevo Vallarta (1.5+ hours north of downtown Puerto Vallarta). Requires vehicle or organized tour shuttle pickup
- Weather Considerations
- Best in dry season (November–March) when cooler. Very hot and exposed; unsuitable for rainy season due to slippery conditions and poor visibility.
- Seasonal Notes
- Out-and-back hike. Rock scramble at summit. No river or beach for swimming (trail is exposed and hot). Best views of coastline from anywhere in Puerto Vallarta region.
Mismaloya Waterfall Hike
- Difficulty
- challenging
- Distance Km
- 16.1
- Distance Miles
- 10
- Travel time
- 8 hours
- Guide Required
- No
- Permit Required
- No
- Trailhead Access
- Two distinct trailheads: (1) Eden departure point (6 hours to waterfall), (2) Juntas y Veranos (3 hours shorter route). Located south of downtown; requires organized tour operator shuttle or private vehicle
- Weather Considerations
- Best in dry season (November–May). Rainy season makes terrain extremely challenging and muddy.
- Seasonal Notes
- Most demanding trail in area. Covers jungle and mountains of south coast Banderas Bay. Passes through diverse flora/fauna. Two route options allow flexibility.
Conchas Chinas Viewpoint Trail
- Difficulty
- easy
- Distance Km
- 3.9
- Distance Miles
- 2.4
- Travel time
- 1.5 hours
- Guide Required
- No
- Permit Required
- No
- Trailhead Access
- Conchas Chinas hillside community, south of downtown Puerto Vallarta (3 km); accessible by taxi (~10 minutes) or local bus. Trail winds through cobblestone streets lined with vegetation
- Weather Considerations
- Accessible year-round; cobblestones can be slippery in rainy season.
- Seasonal Notes
- Easy walk through winding cobblestone-paved streets. Ascend stone stairs to viewpoint overlooking Bay of Banderas. Scenic, tree-lined community paths.
Cuale River Trail / Cuale River Canyon
- Difficulty
- easy
- Guide Required
- No
- Permit Required
- No
- Trailhead Access
- Starts at Lázaro Cárdenas Park (downtown); follow streets eastward to river; path follows Cuale River canyon out of city. Accessible on foot from city center
- Weather Considerations
- Accessible year-round; rainy season brings higher water levels for stream crossings.
- Seasonal Notes
- Popular with locals and tourists. Path becomes cobblestone, then dirt. Water crossings usually shallow. Parts frequented by ATVs but manageable.
Salto De Vallejo (Rio Cuale)
- Difficulty
- easy
- Travel time
- 1.5 hours
- Guide Required
- No
- Permit Required
- No
- Trailhead Access
- Along scenic Río Cuale; leisurely trek with river sightings. Accessible via organized tour or self-guided from downtown area
- Weather Considerations
- Accessible year-round; especially pleasant during dry season.
- Seasonal Notes
- Leisurely walk meanders along river with soothing sounds. Surrounded by verdant landscape. Picturesque vistas throughout.
Horcones Trail (Botanical Garden Vicinity)
- Difficulty
- easy
- Distance Km
- 1
- Distance Miles
- 0.6
- Travel time
- 1 hour
- Guide Required
- No
- Permit Required
- No
- Trailhead Access
- Starting point near Botanical Garden, south of Puerto Vallarta municipality (Cabo Corrientes direction). Requires taxi or vehicle from city center (approximately 15-20 minutes drive)
- Weather Considerations
- Accessible year-round; lush foliage year-round.
- Seasonal Notes
- Scenic trek near Botanical Garden with accessibility and natural splendor. Blends jungle immersion with panoramic vistas.
Cycling
- Wet Season
- June–October (muddy, challenging terrain)
- Trail Count
- 18+ mountain biking trails documented
- E Bike Trails
- 4 trails allow e-bikes
- Tour Operators
- Eco Ride, Xiutla Riders (XRiders PV), local operators offer guided tours with levels from beginner to advanced
- Adaptive Trails
- 2 accessible/adaptive trails available
- Best Season Dry
- November–April (firm trails, cooler temperatures)
- Mountain Biking
- Yes
- Difficulty Levels
- beginner to advanced
Notable Routes
La Ruta Pitillal Rio
- Difficulty
- beginner
- Description
- Part paved/part dirt; follows Pitillal River. Popular with locals and tourists for jogging, biking, or walking
Cuale River Trail
- Difficulty
- intermediate
- Description
- From downtown/Lázaro Cárdenas Park; follows Cuale River through canyon; path becomes paved, then cobblestone, then dirt with water crossings
Mojoneras Lookout Trail
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Description
- North of Puerto Vallarta through semi-deciduous forest and lowland jungle; panoramic views of entire city, Banderas Bay, and Marietas Islands. Good birdwatching habitat.
La Pedrera River Route
- Difficulty
- beginner
- Description
- Dirt road along La Pedrera River banks (outskirts of Puerto Vallarta); relatively flat with one uphill/downhill at start. Multiple places to cool off in water.
Vallejo Mountain Bike Tour (Cuale River Route)
- Difficulty
- intermediate
- Description
- Starts downtown Puerto Vallarta; follows Cuale River through villages of Paso Ancho, Paso del Guayabo, Los Almacenes. Dense tropical jungle with macaws, coatis, wildlife.
El Escorpión
- Difficulty
- advanced
- Description
- Most popular advanced trail
Coatí Trail
- Difficulty
- advanced
- Description
- Top-tier advanced level; high-speed technically demanding terrain, jumps, chundered sections
Subida Al Coyote (Coyote Climb)
- Difficulty
- steep
- Description
- Steepest mountain biking trail in Puerto Vallarta (average grade 7.2%). Popular Strava segment (526 athletes)
Water Sports
Snorkeling
- Difficulty
- Beginner-friendly
- Year Round
- Yes
- Best Locations
- Los Arcos National Marine Park, Marietas Islands, Conchas Chinas pocket beaches
- Seasonal Window
- November–May (best visibility); June–September diving peaks with excellent visibility
- Notes
- Calm, warm waters; excellent for beginners
Water Temperature
- Season
- winter
- Celsius
- 24
- Fahrenheit
- 75
Water Temperature Summer
- Season
- summer
- Celsius
- 30
- Fahrenheit
- 86
Scuba Diving
- Year Round
- Yes
- Best Locations
- Los Arcos National Marine Park (caves, tunnels), Marietas Islands (deeper dives), El Morro, night dives at Los Arcos
- Certifications
- PADI certification available from operators
- Visibility Best
- June–September
- Seasonal Peak Months
- July–August
Jet Skiing
- Year Round
- Yes
- Child Access
- Children 6+ years old with adult
- Best Locations
- Playa Camarones, Bay of Banderas
Parasailing
- Locations
- Various beaches
- Year Round
- Yes
Whale Watching
- Season
- December–March
- Species
- Humpback whales
- Tour Locations
- Banderas Bay, Marina Vallarta, city center
- Tours Available
- Yes
Dolphin Encounters
- Locations
- Banderas Bay open waters, Aquaventuras Park
- Year Round
- Yes
- Swim With Dolphins
- Yes
Sea Lion Encounters
- Locations
- Aquaventuras Park and water parks
- Year Round
- Yes
Sea Turtle Release Programs
- Season
- Summer months (variable)
- Timing
- Sunset releases to improve survival chances
- Conservation Benefit
- Yes
Deep-sea Fishing
- Species
- marlin, tuna, mahi mahi, dorado, sailfish, rooster tail, red snapper
- Year Round
- Yes
- Vessel Types
- pangas to large trawlers with fly bridges
- Freshwater Options
- Puerto Vallarta lakes for bass
Kayaking & Paddleboarding
- Locations
- Banderas Bay, Los Arcos guided tours
- Year Round
- Yes
Surfing
- Year Round
- Yes
- Best Locations
- Yelapa, Quimixto, Mismaloya beaches, Marina Vallarta
- Beach Conditions
- good waves from Pacific
- Ideal Temperatures
- Yes
Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
- Year Round
- Yes
- Wind Season
- best in shoulder season (May)
Adventure Sports
Zip-lining / Canopy Tours
- Locations
- Sierra Madre region, Canopy complex with historic El Jorullo suspension bridge (world's longest suspension bridge)
- Best Season
- Year-round; rainy season (June–October) adds thrills with wet terrain
- Description
- Suspension bridges, multiple zip lines over jungle and water
- Weather Note
- Canceled during lightning storms due to metal cable exposure
Rappelling
- Access
- Tour operators provide proper gear and oversight
- Best Season
- Rainy season (June–October) for abundant waterfall flow
- Description
- Rappel down waterfalls in Sierra Madre forests and eco-parks
River Tubing & Rafting
- River
- Multiple Sierra Madre rivers
- Year Round
- Yes
ATV Tours
- Equipment
- Tour operators provide vehicles and safety gear
- Year Round
- Yes
- Description
- Ride through Sierra Madre mountains, jungle, and river crossings
Horseback Riding
- Terrain
- Sierra Madre mountain range, jungle trails
- Year Round
- Yes
Aerial Experiences
- Options
- Parasailing, skydiving over Banderas Bay
- Year Round
- Yes
Organized Leagues
Puerto Vallarta Sports Events
- Note
- City hosts top-level national and international sports tournaments year-round
Seasonal Highlights
Dry Season
- Months
- November–May
- Crowd Level
- high (peak season December–March)
- Activity Peaks
- whale watching (December–March), all outdoor activities
- Trail Conditions
- firm, well-drained
- Water Activities
- calm seas, good visibility, comfortable water temperatures
- Hiking Conditions
- ideal (clear skies, cooler mornings, low to mid-80s Fahrenheit highs, low to mid-60s lows)
Rainy Season
- Months
- June–October
- Mornings
- sunny, clear for activities
- Wildlife
- lush jungle, active waterfalls, abundant wildlife, hummingbirds, blue morpho butterflies
- Advantages
- fewer tourists, lower prices, dramatic sunsets, jungle most vibrant
- Scuba Diving
- peaks July–August with excellent visibility
- Temperatures
- hot and humid (August–September hottest, ~90°F), high humidity exceeds 80%
- Water Sports
- snorkeling/diving accessible; muddy river overflow at season start affects visibility
- Characteristics
- afternoon thunderstorms almost daily (July–September), humid (75%+ humidity), rain in short bursts late afternoon/evening
- Hurricane Season
- June–November officially (September peak), but direct hits rare due to Sierra Madre protection and Banderas Bay geography
- Hiking Conditions
- slippery; stick to paved or well-drained paths; trails become muddy
- Waterfall Activity
- spectacular (full flow, abundant cascades)
- Visibility Improvement
- After rain storms improve water visibility for snorkeling/diving
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this nature, parks & outdoor activities research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
- 1.vallarta.villadelpalmar.com
- 2.alltrails.com
- 3.garzablancaresort.com
- 4.beachpleasemexico.com
- 5.komoot.com
- 6.marivalarmony.com
- 7.vallartatoday.com
- 8.slightnorth.com
- 9.velasvallarta.com
- 10.alltrails.com
- 11.trailforks.com
- 12.visitpuertovallarta.com
- 13.takemetopuertovallarta.com
- 14.mexicotravelandleisure.com
- 15.vallarta-adventures.com
- 16.vallarta.villadelpalmar.com
- 17.mtfxgroup.com
More About Puerto Vallarta
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.