Surfboard welcome sign for Quimixto village
Welcome to Quimixto sign along the cobblestone village street
Trail sign pointing the way to the Quimixto waterfall
Guests swimming in the pool below the Quimixto waterfall

Quimixto: Hiking and Waterfall Adventure

Duration

5 hours

Season

All year

Groups

Up to 15

Offered

Eng / Spa

Private boat trip to Quimixto followed by a jungle hike to a hidden waterfall, with an optional horseback ride.

Some of the most memorable places around Puerto Vallarta can only be reached by water. Quimixto is one of them — a small coastal community on the southern coast of Banderas Bay, surrounded by tropical forest, mountains, and the Pacific Ocean. Our journey begins with a scenic private boat ride along the southern coast of Puerto Vallarta, past dramatic cliffs, jungle-covered mountains, hidden beaches, and secluded coves. Once we reach Quimixto, we leave the boat behind and follow a trail into the tropical forest, along a stream, to a hidden waterfall and natural pool where you can swim and relax before heading back to the village. The hike takes approximately one hour each way, depending on the group's pace and trail conditions. For guests who would rather not walk the full route, horseback riding is available as an optional alternative for reaching the waterfall (approximately $350 MXN / $20 USD per person, subject to local availability and conditions). Your group has the boat exclusively for yourselves, with the flexibility to take in the scenery, swim at the waterfall, or simply enjoy the ride along the coast at your own pace. Quimixto is more than a beautiful waterfall — it's a living community surrounded by a rich tropical landscape. We ask guests to stay on established trails whenever possible, avoid disturbing wildlife, and take any waste back with them.

Private Tour

1–5 passengers$450 USD
6–10 passengers$500 USD
11–15 passengers$560 USD

You are welcome to bring your own food and drinks, or we can help arrange them for an additional charge.

Highlights

  • Fully private boat experience
  • Scenic cruise along Puerto Vallarta's southern coast
  • Visit to the coastal community of Quimixto
  • Hike through tropical forest
  • Visit to a secluded waterfall and natural pool
  • Biologist or naturalist guide
  • Opportunities to observe tropical vegetation and wildlife
  • Optional horseback ride for guests who prefer not to hike the entire trail
  • A chance to experience a quieter, more natural side of Puerto Vallarta

Includes

  • Private boat for 5 hours
  • Biologist/naturalist guide
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Cooler with ice, refillable drinking water
  • Liability insurance

Not Included

  • Port fee ($5 USD per person)
  • Lunch
  • Crew gratuities
  • Optional horseback ride

Itinerary

  • 9:00 a.m.: meet your guide at our office in Marina Vallarta for a brief introduction and your snorkeling gear
  • ~40-minute private boat ride south along the coast to Quimixto
  • Leave the boat behind and hike approximately one hour each way through the tropical forest to the waterfall (optional horseback ride available)
  • Swim in the natural pool, relax, and take photos before hiking back to the village
  • Enjoy a refreshing drink in the village before returning to the boat
  • 1:00 p.m.: depart Quimixto, arriving back at Marina Vallarta by approximately 2:00 p.m.

Know Before You Book

  • Pregnant guests cannot participate
  • Not recommended for guests with back, neck, heart, or knee problems
  • The trail includes uneven and sometimes slippery terrain
  • Guests should be comfortable walking for approximately one hour each way
  • Guests must be able to board and disembark the boat using a ladder
  • Guests participating in snorkeling must be able to swim independently and be comfortable putting their face in the water
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Trail and waterfall conditions may vary depending on recent rainfall and weather
  • Maximum weight per person: 230 lbs

What to Bring

  • Comfortable hiking shoes with good traction
  • Swimsuit, towel
  • Biodegradable sunscreen, hat or cap
  • Camera
  • Extra drinking water
  • Cash for the port fee and optional horseback ride

Cancellation Policies

  • Cancellations 36 hrs in advance, 100% refund
  • Cancellations 24 hrs in advance, 50% refund
  • Same-day cancellations, no-shows, or late arrivals, no refund
  • Activities may be modified due to weather conditions, including storms, heavy rain, or high swells
  • All guests are required to sign an acknowledgement of risk before participating
  • Tours are non-refundable once the activity has been taken

Pickup Notes

All departures are from Ecotours Vallarta – Marina Vallarta, Proa S/N Local 20, Condominio Marina del Rey, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico.

Gallery

Reviews

Amanda CVerified

“I have never had such a wonderful experience, tour guides were incredibly knowledgeable and super friendly. The guides knew everybody's names and we're able to accommodate me despite being the only person who signed up for the dolphin swimming tour, and inviting me to participate in hiking and kayaking as well! despite combining tours, we were able to finish everything without feeling rushed, and even had time to visit Los arcos to watch pelicans!”

56 months ago

Jordan GrossVerified

“Rafael and Michael were amazing tour guides for our group of 12. We did snorkelling, remote lunch, and a hike to a waterfall. Michael is very knowledgeable about much more than just the fish we saw, he knew about the history of the area, all about birds and nature. They also were very kind, careful, and considerate.”

40 months ago

Mary BuscherVerified

“Small boat out with 8 of us--Francisco and Captain Martin--amazing guys and great experience! Whales,waterfall,local food & beaches.Top notch service&fantastic experience.”

7 months ago

Rebecca MendezVerified

“My family and I took an incredible Ecotour with Cynthia where we hiked on an epic cliffside to a secluded beach to snorkel. It was one of the most incredible adventures I've ever had. Cynthia was patient, hilarious, and extremely knowledgable about the surrounding wildlife. She was so incredible, it made the tour that much better. Would reccommend to anyone who is in great hiking shape to do a tour of this kind.”

30 months ago

H4617KZVerified

“Amazing day out. The guide Fransisco and captain Martin were very knowledgeable. We saw so many fish snorkelling and Fransisco was great at identifying the birds. Martin even found us the rays jumping out of the water. Highly recommend the private boat tour with a small group. On the way back we went close to downtown and Fransisco knew the history of the area”

10 months ago

marycRVerified

“This was such an awesome hike. Maggie was a fantastic guide and knew so much about the area. The path you walk along isn't terribly steep but you will want to be in decent shape. The snorkeling is beautiful and we even saw a turtle and heard whales!!!”

43 months ago

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