Quimixto is the kind of day trip you plan for months. You get a guided hike to a waterfall, a boat ride along Puerto Vallarta’s southern coast, and plenty of time to cool off by the water. I really like how this tour is small-group focused, with a guide who keeps the day moving and the experience grounded.

What I love most is the mix of effort and payoff: two hiking stretches, then the reward of swimming at the waterfall. The other thing I appreciate is the way the day includes real local eating and beach time, with regional seafood in Las Animas before you head back to town.

One consideration: this is not a gentle stroll. It’s not suitable for children under 11, wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, or anyone over 60, and it also doesn’t include meals—so you’ll want to budget for food and drinks.

Key points to know before you go

• Small group (limited to 12) means you’re not lost in a crowd on the trail
• Boat ride connections link Quimixto and Las Animas with calm-water time
• Two main walking blocks (including ~40-minute stretches) give you a real hike day
• Waterfall swim time is built in, plus a separate swimming/photo break
• Las Animas seafood + free beach time makes the day feel balanced, not rushed

Quimixto in one day: boat ride, waterfall swim, and sea-to-hike scenery

If you want Puerto Vallarta, but not the same old beach loop, this outing hits a smart sweet spot. You start with transport that takes you south—then you switch gears to boat travel where the mountains meet the sea. After that, you do the work on foot, and finish with time at the coast for a meal and a swim.

I like that the tour doesn’t try to cram in every stop under the sun. It focuses on a few places that actually work together: Quimixto for the hike and swimming, then Las Animas for regional food and beach time. That structure is what makes a 7-hour day feel full without feeling chaotic.

The waterfall part is the headline, but the day also has breathing room built in. Between walking blocks you get breaks for photos and a separate swim opportunity, so you’re not just hiking nonstop until you’re exhausted.

Meeting in Puerto Vallarta: C. Constitución 363 and the Oxxo start

The day starts at a very practical meeting point: in front of an Oxxo store near C. Constitución 363. That’s helpful because it’s easy to find and easy to orient to, especially if you’re staying somewhere central in Puerto Vallarta.

You also meet your live guide there, along with the rest of the group. The guide supports you in English and Spanish, which matters on this kind of day trip where you’ll want clear guidance for meeting points, trail pacing, and safety around the water.

From there, the tour moves fast into travel mode—so if you’re the type who likes to relax before leaving, grab any last-minute water and sunscreen before you show up.

Southbound bus and scenic ride to Boca de Tomatlán

Right after meeting, you take a public bus heading south of the city. The timing is straightforward: about 45 minutes on the bus, then a 30-minute scenic drive to Boca de Tomatlán.

This stretch is more than just transportation. It’s your transition from town to coastline, and it helps you understand the geography of the area—Puerto Vallarta’s mountains drop toward the sea, and you start seeing how that shapes everything later: the hike, the views, and where the boat can reach.

If you get motion-sickness, this is the part to watch. You’re on a bus first, then in a vehicle for the drive. If you’re fine in transit, great—just keep water handy.

Boat ride to Quimixto: calm water and coastal views

Once you reach Boca de Tomatlán, the tour shifts to the water. You board a comfortable, safe boat for a ride through the calmer southern waters of Puerto Vallarta.

This is the part I think most people underestimate. The views aren’t just a nice bonus; they change the feel of the day. On the boat, you’re moving along the coast with mountains and water in the same frame, and it sets you up mentally for the hike—like the landscape is telling you what kind of terrain you’ll meet next.

You also get boat time as part of how the tour connects stops. The included boat ride covers travel between Quimixto, Las Animas, and back toward Puerto Vallarta, which helps this day stay efficient within a 7-hour window.

Quimixto village time and the rainforest waterfall hike

Quimixto is where the day slows down in the best way. After disembarking, you step into a setting shaped by tropical vegetation, birds, and that fresh mountain-air feeling you don’t always get right in the city.

Then you start the trail. Your hike includes about 40 minutes of walking to reach the waterfall area, guided by someone local on site. The walk is described as suitable for beginners and adventurers, so it’s not a hardcore mountaineering plan—but it is still a hike, with enough time on your feet to matter.

There’s also an option that makes the day more flexible: you can rent a horse if you don’t want to do all the walking. The horse rental isn’t included, but the fact that it’s offered means the route is designed to accommodate different comfort levels with walking.

Practical reality check: you’ll want comfortable shoes. This is the part of the day where footwear choices turn into either relief or regret, especially if the trail has any damp patches.

The waterfall payoff: swimming and a separate “secret stop” break

Reaching the waterfall is the main reward, and swimming time is explicitly part of the plan. You’ll have the chance to cool off in the refreshing waters around the waterfall area, and the tour is set up so you’re not stuck asking if swimming is allowed or trying to figure out timing on your own.

After that, there’s a built-in break time / photo stop / free time with a dedicated window that includes another swimming opportunity. The schedule gives you about 1 hour here, which is key. It means you can take photos, regroup, and actually enjoy the water instead of feeling like you only paused long enough to snap one picture.

If you love water breaks, this tour is for you. If you prefer to stay dry, you might still enjoy it—but you’ll likely feel like you’re carrying around swim gear for no reason. So pack for the water even if you’re unsure. Sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel are worth it.

Las Ánimas: regional seafood and beach free time

After the hike and waterfall time, you head toward Playa Las Ánimas for the next big chunk of the day: free time plus regional food for about 1.5 hours.

This is where the tour becomes more of a genuine local experience. You’re not just “hiking and leaving.” You’re eating with the rhythm of the coast. The tour’s food focus is seafood, including items like ceviches and fish tacos, plus dishes based on shrimp and prawns.

Meals aren’t included in the tour price, so you’ll pay on your own at the restaurant. But I like this setup because it lets you choose what you want from what’s offered locally, instead of being stuck with one pre-set meal.

And the free time matters. You get a chance to sit, relax, and enjoy the beach in Playa Las Ánimas rather than rushing straight back after the hike. For me, that balance is one of the reasons this day doesn’t feel like punishment.

How hard is this Puerto Vallarta hike day, really?

This is not marketed as a wheelchair-accessible day trip, and the age limits tell you the pacing expectation: not suitable for children under 11, not for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, and not for people over 60.

On the trail, you have two walking blocks. One is around 40 minutes, and later there’s another 40 minutes of hiking. Add the earlier village/horse/walk time and you’re looking at a full day where walking is the main activity.

So here’s the honest way to plan: wear shoes you’d trust on a casual hike, bring water, and don’t treat the day like it’s mostly sightseeing. Even with breaks, you’ll feel the walking.

Good news: the guide is there, and you’re in a small group of up to 12, which usually makes it easier to keep pace and get help if someone needs it. Still, you should decide honestly if this amount of walking fits your comfort level.

What’s included for $43, and what you’ll pay separately

At $43 per person, this tour can be a solid value if you factor in what’s covered. Included are the boat ride between key stops, the public bus, the guided tour, and swimming at the waterfall.

That’s a lot for one price: guided hiking support, water time, and transportation that takes you out of the center of Puerto Vallarta and into Quimixto and Las Animas. It’s not just a hike ticket.

What’s not included is equally important:

• Meals and drinks (you’ll pay for food at Las Ánimas)
• Horse rental (if you choose it)

If you’re the kind of traveler who wants seafood anyway, the meal cost won’t feel like an extra hit. If you’re on a strict food budget, plan ahead: bring snacks if that’s your style, but expect that lunch is part of the day’s experience.

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

This works best if you want an active half-day-plus that still ends with a real meal and beach time. If you enjoy guided nature time, don’t mind hiking at least a couple segments of the day, and like swimming, you’ll likely feel happy by the end.

It’s also a good match for travelers who like small groups. With a limit of 12 participants, it’s easier to hear the guide and keep track of the group on busy or uneven terrain.

But if you fall into the tour’s restrictions, skip it. It’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, children under 11, or people over 60, based on the hike and the overall physical demands.

Tips that make this day smoother (and more fun)

You’ll have a much better time if you pack like it’s a water-and-trail day. The essentials are clearly spelled out:

• Comfortable shoes
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Water

One small habit I recommend: treat the guide’s pacing as part of your plan. When you stop for photos and breaks, use that time to reset. Don’t rush ahead trying to beat the group back to the next stop—you’ll probably just end up tired and hot at the wrong moment.

Also, take advantage of the small group vibe. The tour encourages interaction right from the meeting point. If you’re traveling solo, this is one of those days where you can meet friendly people without making it awkward.

Should you book the Puerto Vallarta Quimixto waterfall hike and boat tour?

I’d book this tour if you want more than a quick beach day. The combination is strong: boat travel, a guided waterfall hike, built-in swimming, and a local seafood meal in Las Animas. At $43, you’re paying for the work to get you there and the guide to make the day run cleanly.

I’d skip it if you don’t want to walk for a good chunk of the day, if swimming isn’t your thing, or if you fall under the age and mobility limits. Also keep in mind meals aren’t included, so budget for lunch and drinks.

If your idea of a great day in Puerto Vallarta includes hiking, water, and food with local flavor, this is a smart pick.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the tour?

You’ll meet in front of an Oxxo store on C. Constitución 363.

How long is the Quimixto waterfall hike and boat tour?

The tour lasts about 7 hours.

What does the price include?

It includes the boat ride to Quimíxto and Las Animas and back to Puerto Vallarta, the public bus, a guided tour, and swimming at the waterfall.

Are meals included?

No. Meals and drinks are not included.

Is horse rental included?

No. Horse rental for the hike is not included.

What languages are offered for the guide?

The live tour guide is available in English and Spanish.

How large is the group?

It’s a small group limited to 12 participants.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

It’s not suitable for children under 11, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or people over 60.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.