Full-Day Trail to 6 hidden Beaches, Colomitos & Snorkel

Few places beat this coast by foot. This full-day hike takes you from Puerto Vallarta into tropical jungle and onto quiet beaches, with snorkeling equipment included and guided stops at Colomitos and Playa Las Ánimas. I love the “skip-the-crowd” feel, and I also love the way the day blends hiking with real water time, not just lounging.

There is one big consideration: the trail is steep and rugged, and the ocean conditions decide how much snorkeling you actually get to do.

Key things to know before you go

Small group size (max 14): You move as a group, but it never feels like a cattle drive.

Snorkel gear is included: Expect it in your setup, but the sea still calls the shots.

Colomitos is the first big reward: A short hike leads to a scenic, famously small beach stop.

Las Ánimas ends with food nearby: You can grab a local meal on your own, then return by boat.

Footwear matters: Expect inclines, rock steps, and sections that can get wet.

Why this hike feels like good value at $38

At $38 for a 6.5-hour outing, you’re paying for a guide, transport, and an active day that goes beyond the usual Puerto Vallarta beach circuit. You’re also paying for access: you’ll be led to spots most people don’t stumble on by accident.

The math gets even better because you’re not just walking. You get built-in water breaks, time at beaches like Playa Colomitos and Playa Las Ánimas, and snorkeling gear on board. And the day closes with a boat ride back toward the start area, so you’re not stuck retracing every step on land.

The “value” part that surprised me is how much the day depends on your effort. If you like views, wildlife, and quiet coastlines, this tour rewards you hard for the money.

Start in Zona Romántica, then ride out like locals

You meet in the old center of Puerto Vallarta, in Zona Romántica at C. Constitución 363. From there, you take an urban-style ride along the coast (about 25 minutes) and get dropped at a fisher town area where the walking begins.

This matters because the experience isn’t just “stand at a trailhead and start.” You actually get that local rhythm: bus-like transportation, coastal scenery, and a gradual shift from town life into the Pacific edge of the jungle.

If you’re on a cruise, plan with local time in mind. Some schedules get tight once cruise ship timing enters the picture, so you’ll want to keep an eye on the boat leg and the day’s return.

Boca de Tomatlán area: the hike begins right after the fisher-town stop

After the ride, you’ll start hiking near the riverbank and then climb into tropical forest. The early push gives you quick payoff: views over the coastline show up early enough to keep you motivated.

The route is not flat. Expect a workout feel from the start, including rock steps and uneven ground. The good news is that the group stays together, and guides help with navigation through the steep parts.

Guides also tend to keep the pace reasonable for a mixed group. Small group size helps here. It’s easier for a guide to slow down, offer options, and keep everyone moving safely.

Colomitos Beach: the short hike to the small, scenic payoff

About 40 minutes into the walk, you reach Playa Colomitos. The beach is known as the smallest beach in Mexico, and you feel that instantly when you see how tucked-in it is against the cliffs.

This stop is where the day’s “water time” usually becomes real. Depending on sea conditions, you can swim, take pictures, and (if conditions cooperate) put the snorkeling gear to use. In calmer water, snorkeling can turn into the highlight, with fish activity close to shore.

Do expect crowds here more than later stops. Colomitos is also one of the easiest stops to notice and reach from the road, so it’s not always empty. Still, the setting is stunning, and getting there first gives you a better shot at enjoying it before the bigger waves of day-trippers.

Hidden beaches after Colomitos: quieter water, more “alone in paradise” moments

After the first major stop, the route leaves many tourists behind and shifts into more hidden-feeling beach territory. This is where the tour earns its name.

You’ll move along a beach/jungle trail and hit additional beach areas as short breaks rather than long stays at every stop. That means you get variety—different angles of the coast, different rock formations, different moods in the sand—without turning the day into a slow crawl.

This is also where you may get a rare feeling: swimming with fewer people around. If the sea is calm, you can be taken to a secret snorkeling spot where fish diversity can be impressive. If the water is rough, that snorkeling plan can quietly change.

Either way, the best parts here tend to be the views and the feeling of moving through a coastline that most people never see from this walking perspective.

Playa Las Ánimas: end at the seafood lunch zone, not in “tour bus silence”

Your final beach stop is Playa Las Ánimas, a well-loved ending point on the south side of Puerto Vallarta. This is where the day slows down compared to the earlier climbing sections.

You’ll have time to relax at the beach, and you’ll also be able to eat nearby. A local seafood plate is a common choice here, but lunch is not included in your tour price, so you’ll pay on your own if you want that meal.

One practical note: food speed can vary. If you hate waiting, I’d come prepared with a snack earlier in the day so you’re not hungry while the group finishes lunch orders.

Then comes the payoff for effort: you return by boat taxi toward the start area. That ride gives you a different viewpoint of the bay—one you can’t get from the walking path.

Snorkeling gear is included, but conditions decide the fish show

This tour includes snorkeling equipment, so you won’t be stuck renting gear at the last second. That’s a win.

Still, snorkeling isn’t something I’d bet your whole day on. Ocean conditions matter. When seas are choppy, visibility drops and water movement makes swimming and snorkeling uncomfortable or unsafe. In those cases, guides may keep it to swimming time and skip the snorkeling segment.

If you want the best odds:

• Pick solid footwear so you can handle wet, rocky sections confidently.
• Be flexible about snorkeling. If conditions look rough, treat the beaches as the main event and snorkeling as the bonus.

One more small tip: even when snorkeling happens, fish sightings can be spotty. You’re more likely to see marine life when the water is clearer and the guide helps you position near areas where fish gather.

The trail is intermediate: how steep is it, really?

This is not a flat stroll. You’ll deal with steep inclines and declines, rocky ground, and sections that can feel technical—especially early on. Some people describe it as moderately challenging overall, but the consistent theme is that it’s not beginner-level terrain.

The tour is rated for people with moderate physical fitness and has an age range of minimum 10, maximum 60. If you have mobility limitations, balance issues, or you struggle on uneven ground, this is one I’d skip.

Also, you should expect wet feet to be part of the story. A lot of the route mixes sand, beach rocks, and river-adjacent paths, so it’s normal to get your shoes damp and potentially take shoes on and off.

What to pack (so you don’t turn this into a muddy mess)

I’d pack like I’m doing both hiking and beach time.

Bring:

• Sturdy shoes with traction (and expect they may get wet)
• A small day pack so your hands are free during climbs
• Water (you’ll be out for about 6.5 hours)
• Sunscreen
• Pesos for drinks or meals at the beach stops

A lot of people swap between footwear and sand time. If you rely on fragile sandals with no grip, the steep, rocky sections can get sketchy.

And if you get into the water, plan for drying off later. Having what you need for comfort keeps the day enjoyable instead of annoying.

Guides make the day: Diego, Juan, Victor, Alex (and how they lead)

The best part of a guided hike is not just route knowledge. It’s pace control, confidence on steep parts, and the little moments of wildlife spotting.

In this hike, guides you might meet include Diego, Juan, Victor, and Alex. They tend to keep the group moving smoothly and adapt to different fitness levels—especially helpful when the trail gets steep or uneven.

Some guides bring extra energy and humor into the hike, which can make the hard sections feel less intense. Others focus on nature facts and spotting animals along the way, like iguanas in trees.

You’ll also notice guides help with practical choices. If snorkeling looks unlikely due to sea conditions, they adjust the plan instead of forcing it. That keeps the day safe and still fun.

Who this tour fits best (and who should skip it)

This is a strong choice if you want:

• A hiking-first day with real coastal views
• Quiet beach time away from the main road crowds
• A chance at snorkeling when conditions cooperate
• A small-group, guided feel rather than self-navigating

It’s also worth considering if you like local atmosphere. The day includes local-style transport and ends in a beach area where you can stop for food and a relaxed wrap-up.

Skip it if:

• You want a mostly flat, beginner-friendly walking tour
• You have significant mobility issues
• You’re counting on snorkeling as a guaranteed activity regardless of surf

Should you book the Hidden Beaches Trail to Colomitos and Las Ánimas?

Book it if your idea of a great day is active, scenic, and a little unpredictable in the best way. The price is low enough that you’re not taking a financial risk, and the small group size plus included snorkeling gear makes it feel like a real value.

Think twice if rough seas, steep terrain, or waiting for food would stress you out. Since snorkeling depends on conditions, go in ready to enjoy swimming and beaches first.

If you want a Puerto Vallarta day that feels more like the Pacific coast you didn’t plan perfectly—and a guide helps you get there—this one makes a lot of sense.

FAQ

How long is the full-day hike?

The tour lasts about 6 hours 30 minutes.

Where do I meet, and where does the tour end?

You meet at C. Constitución 363 in Zona Romántica. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What’s included in the price?

Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is snorkeling guaranteed?

No. Snorkeling depends on tide and surf conditions, and if the sea is rough the snorkeling portion may not happen.

Do I need to bring lunch?

Lunch is not included. You can buy food at beach stops, especially near Playa Las Ánimas.

What fitness level do I need?

The tour asks for moderate physical fitness. The hike includes inclines and declines and can be rugged.

What are the age limits?

Minimum age is 10 and maximum age is 60.

How big is the group?

The maximum group size is 14 travelers.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, English is offered.

What if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.