Waterfalls in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta’s waterfalls showcase Mexico’s most stunning natural beauty. The Nakawe 50K Ultra trail stretches 28.9 miles with an elevation gain of 7,657 feet. These cascading wonders provide refreshing escapes away from the busy beaches and resorts, where adventurous travelers can find authentic experiences.

The region’s hidden gems transform from June through October. Rivers and streams reach their full capacity during the rainy season, which creates powerful flows and deeper swimming pools – perfect spots to cool off. The magnificent Quimixto waterfall stands as one of the area’s largest attractions. Its waters plunge 100 feet into a natural pool, while towering rocks and lush vegetation create a spectacular backdrop. Most visitors can reach these waterfalls after a short bus ride and a brief hike. The path to find these natural treasures adds to the overall experience. This piece highlights Puerto Vallarta’s secret waterfalls, their accessibility, and the ideal times to visit for an unforgettable Mexican adventure.

Top Hidden Waterfalls in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta’s mountains, covered in lush jungle, hide some of Mexico’s most spectacular waterfalls. These natural wonders give travelers a refreshing break from the coastal heat. Some cascades are easy to reach, while others remain tucked away in remote spots that reward adventurous spirits.

1. Palo Maria Waterfall

You’ll find Palo Maria just 15 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone. This beautiful spot features several cascading waterfalls with crystal-clear pools perfect for swimming. The trail stretches 1.4 miles and takes about 45-60 minutes to complete. Your path follows a river through Jalisco’s jungle, and you’ll need to hop over boulders as you go. New visitors should look for the trailhead opposite Hacienda Palo Maria, where a “cascada” sign points right. More daring hikers can push past the first waterfall to find up to 12 more cascades, though you’ll need rock climbing skills.

2. El Nogalito Waterfall

El Nogalito stands as a hidden gem just 20 minutes from downtown Puerto Vallarta. This trail isn’t your typical path – you’ll wade through rivers and scramble over rocks. The 3 km (2 mile) round trip usually takes about 2 hours plus travel time. A secluded swimming hole and tiny beach await at the end, making you forget the rest of the world. Giant boulders block the natural pool, creating a secret paradise behind the cascade.

3. Quimixto Waterfall

Quimixto’s charm lies in its boat-only access. A water taxi from Boca de Tomatlán starts your adventure, followed by a 30-minute jungle trek. The path traces the La Puerta River inland for about a mile through wooden bridges and shaded areas. A stunning 100-foot cascade pours into a natural pool surrounded by massive rock walls. A rustic restaurant perches on a platform above the falls, serving cold drinks and meals with amazing jungle views – perfect after your hike.

4. El Salto Waterfall

This moderate 4.5-mile trail weaves through Jalisco’s lush jungle along the peaceful Cuale River. El Salto’s unique feature is its seasonal nature – it vanishes in dry season only to burst back to life with the rains. The path climbs steadily, rewarding hikers with breathtaking ocean and hill views. Two river crossings add excitement, so good footwear is a must.

5. Chico’s Paradise

Chico’s Paradise sits 30-45 minutes from Puerto Vallarta in Mismaloya’s mountains. This spot blends natural beauty with modern comforts. Built on granite boulders overlooking the Tuito River, it features waterfalls, swimming spots, and an open-air restaurant with amazing views. Brave divers often jump from rocks into pools below. Thrill-seekers can zip across the river and through mountains on exciting ziplines.

6. Colomitos Waterfall

Next to Puerto Vallarta’s tiniest beach (just 30 yards of sand), Colomitos waterfall awaits after a one-hour hike from Boca de Tomatlán. A short walk upstream from the beach leads to a charming waterfall and peaceful relaxation spot. Natural staircases formed by roots, stunning color contrasts, and thick jungle create an unforgettable scene.

7. Yelapa Jungle Falls

Yelapa boasts three distinct waterfalls. The town’s waterfall sits just 10 minutes from the beach. More adventurous souls can trek about an hour to reach a larger inland cascade. True explorers might tackle the challenging 12-hour round trip to the third waterfall, crossing nine rivers to find complete solitude and pristine pools.

8. Cola de Caballo Waterfall (Nuevo Vallarta)

The “Horse Tail” waterfall earned its name from its fan-shaped cascade, standing 25-meters (82 ft) tall and reached by a walking path. Travelers staying in Peninsula Nuevo Vallarta will find this an excellent day trip. The area’s location gives waterfall enthusiasts easy access to both coastal amenities and jungle adventures.

How to Reach These Hidden Gems

Getting to Puerto Vallarta’s hidden waterfalls takes a mix of local transport and hiking skills. These natural treasures aren’t as easy to reach as the popular beaches. You’ll need to plan ahead, but the experience becomes part of your adventure.

Water taxi routes and costs

Water taxis are your best bet to reach several beautiful waterfalls that roads can’t access. Boats leave from Los Muertos Pier in the Romantic Zone to Yelapa four times daily at 11:00 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 3:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m.. A round-trip ticket will get pricey at 400-500 MXN (about USD 20-25). You might prefer taking water taxis from Boca de Tomatlán. They run more often – about every hour between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. – and the ride takes just 20-25 minutes.

The Quimixto waterfall trip starts with a ride to Boca de Tomatlán. From there, catch a water taxi that costs around 200 MXN roundtrip. Make sure to watch the time – the last boat typically leaves by 5:00 p.m.. Missing it means you’ll have to hire a private boat, which can set you back around 220 USD.

Bus stops and hiking trailheads

Local busses make it cheap to reach many waterfall trailheads. Jump on the orange bus from Basilio Badillo in Zona Romantica to reach Palo Maria waterfall. You’ll want to hop off at Puente Palo Maria bridge. Look for the trailhead across from Hacienda Palo Maria on the highway’s left side as you come from the city.

El Nogalito’s path starts with a bus ride toward Boca de Tomatlán – get off at Nogalito. The walk takes 30 minutes total – 15 to town and another 15 to the Canopy Restaurant where your trail begins.

Boca de Tomatlán opens the door to Colomitos and other waterfalls. Busses leave from ‘Parada de Camiones a Mismaloya’ on Calle Constitucion every 15 minutes. The fare is just 10 MXN per person.

A bus ride on Highway 200 from Zona Romantica takes you to Chico’s Paradise for about 40 MXN one way. Your trail starts right by the restaurant at the bus stop.

When guided tours make sense

Newcomers should think over guided tours for trickier waterfalls. On top of that, some spots don’t have cell service, which makes solo navigation risky. Guides are especially helpful at remote spots like Yelapa’s jungle waterfall, where you’ll find few other hikers and no phone signal.

Peninsula Nuevo Vallarta visitors will find guided trips are a great way to avoid juggling busses and water taxis. This area serves as a perfect home base for waterfall enthusiasts, with modern rooms close to both beach amenities and jungle adventures.

Smart preparation is vital. Download offline maps, pack plenty of water and snacks, and bring small bills for entrance fees or transport back. Good shoes are a must – you’ll cross rivers and deal with slippery paths.

Best Time to Visit Waterfalls in Puerto Vallarta

Your experience at Puerto Vallarta’s waterfalls depends on perfect timing. The right season can mean the difference between seeing magnificent cascades or just a trickle. Smart seasonal planning will help you create the perfect waterfall adventure.

Rainy season vs dry season

Puerto Vallarta features two distinct seasons that alter its waterfalls completely. Rainy season runs from June through October with high humidity and daytime temperatures that are a big deal as it means that they reach 30°C (86°F). The dry season stretches from November to May with pleasant temperatures around 27°C (80°F) and little rainfall.

Monthly rainfall drops to less than 2 inches (50mm) in the dry season, which substantially reduces waterfall flow. To cite an instance, February sees just 10-12mm of rainfall over 1-2 days. The rainy season paints a different picture with about 4 inches (100mm) of monthly rainfall, creating powerful cascades and deeper swimming spots.

What to expect in each season

The rainy season delivers spectacular waterfall views. Afternoon showers between June and October breathe life into the landscape with vibrant greens. These tropical downpours usually arrive late afternoon or evening, leaving mornings clear for exploration. The jungle becomes rich and lush, making hikes more enjoyable.

The trade-off comes with murky, brown water after major storms. Trails get slippery and water levels can rise quickly.

Dry season brings reliable weather that makes planning hikes easier. February shows this stability with just one inch of rainfall compared to summer’s heavy afternoon storms. The downside? Many waterfalls are nowhere near their full flow or dry up completely during these months.

Tips for avoiding crowds

For people staying in Peninsula Nuevo Vallarta:

• Pick weekdays—especially Monday through Friday—since weekend crowds pack available spots like Palo Maria
• Start your day early before the midday heat brings tourist groups
• The shoulder season (April and May) offers warm weather with smaller crowds
• Popular destinations like Chico’s Paradise are best visited before their 10am opening time

The sweet spot lies right after rainy season ends. The waterfalls still flow strong but the water runs clear. This timing gives you impressive cascades and comfortable hiking conditions without the muddy trails you’d find in peak rainy months.

What to Pack for a Waterfall Hike in Puerto Vallarta

The right preparation can turn a waterfall trek from a miserable experience into an amazing adventure. Jungle hiking combined with water activities needs specific gear that many travelers don’t think about.

Footwear and clothing

Your choice of footwear will make or break your Puerto Vallarta waterfall experience. Regular hiking boots get soaked and uncomfortable since most trails follow rivers with water crossings. Water shoes with good grip or hiking sandals work better in wet conditions. Closed-toe options shield your feet on rocky paths, while slip-resistant soles help prevent falls on slick surfaces.

A swimsuit under your hiking clothes lets you cool off right away at the falls. Athletic wear dries faster than cotton which gets heavy with water. Microfiber towels are great companions because they dry faster and take up less space in your backpack.

Water, snacks, and cash

Puerto Vallarta’s tropical climate means you need to stay hydrated. Experts say you should bring at least one liter of water per person. Collapsible water bottles save space in your pack once empty. You can freeze your water bottles before leaving to enjoy cold drinks during hot jungle walks.

Remote falls like Nogalito or Palo Maria don’t have food vendors, so pack energy-rich snacks and lunch. Some hikers grab tamales from bus stops to create perfect jungle picnics.

Small bills in pesos are vital for bus fares, water taxis, and unexpected costs. Remote areas can’t process cards, so cash is a must.

Bug spray and waterproof bags

Bug spray is one of the most important items people forget to bring. Mosquitoes love freshwater spots, especially during rainy season from June through October. Put on repellent before you start hiking to stay protected.

Your electronics and valuables need protection from splashes and swims. Adventure-specific dry bags keep phones, cameras, and wallets safe. Waterproof phone cases with lanyards let you take underwater photos without risking damage.

Peninsula Nuevo Vallarta serves as a perfect home base for waterfall adventures. This upscale neighborhood has rental options from cozy one-bedroom condos to spacious three-bedroom units where you can relax after an exciting day at the falls.

Staying in Peninsula Nuevo Vallarta: A Smart Base

Peninsula Nuevo Vallarta sits between jungle and sea, making it an excellent home base for waterfall enthusiasts. This luxury development combines premium accommodations with easy access to Puerto Vallarta’s hidden natural treasures.

Why Peninsula Nuevo Vallarta is ideal for waterfall lovers

The property’s location puts several cascading wonders just a short drive away. Residents can explore multiple waterfalls without changing their base. In fact, the location makes day trips easy to Cola de Caballo (Horse Tail) waterfall, which features a distinctive 25-meter fan-shaped cascade. Residents come back to a development that showcases innovative architecture, exquisite design, and careful attention to detail. The beachfront location adds breathtaking ocean views that contrast beautifully with lush mountain excursions.

Average condo prices by layout (1BR, 2BR, 3BR)

Peninsula Nuevo Vallarta’s property options vary by size and amenities:

Two-bedroom units span 119 square meters (1,282 square feet) and come with two bathrooms. Three-bedroom condos offer 202 square meters (2,182 square feet) of space with three bathrooms. The four-bedroom residences stretch to 328 square meters (3,540 square feet) with five bathrooms, perfect to host guests after waterfall adventures.

Rental prices and short-term stay options

Short-term visitors have several accommodation choices at Peninsula. Luxury penthouses that fit up to 12 guests start at $1,200 USD per night. These properties come with direct beach access and sit close to Nuevo Vallarta’s finest restaurants. Groups planning multiple waterfall adventures will find these properties ideal.

Peninsula Nuevo Vallarta brings together luxurious living and perfect positioning. Waterfall enthusiasts can enjoy both jungle adventures and coastal relaxation without giving up comfort or convenience.

Puerto Vallarta beckons waterfall enthusiasts who want more than typical tourist spots. Eight hidden cascades give you a refreshing break from coastal heat and an unforgettable experience through lush jungle terrain. Each waterfall shows its own character – Palo Maria cascades in multiple tiers while Quimixto drops dramatically 100 feet between towering rocks.

The rainy season from June through October will give spectacular water flows and vibrant surroundings. The dry season offers more reliable hiking weather. You’ll find fewer crowds on weekday mornings, which lets you enjoy these natural wonders in peace.

Good preparation makes these hidden gems more enjoyable. Pack appropriate footwear, quick-drying clothes, plenty of water, and waterproof storage for a successful waterfall trip. New visitors should think about guided tours, especially for waterfalls with tricky navigation or spots without cell service.

Peninsula Nuevo Vallarta makes the perfect base for waterfall adventures. This luxury development puts you close to Cola de Caballo waterfall and gives you a comfortable place to rest after exciting hikes. You can pick from different properties based on what you need – from two-bedroom units at 119 square meters to four-bedroom homes spanning 328 square meters.

Luxury penthouses start at $1,200 USD per night for short stays and fit up to 12 guests. These properties come with direct beach access and sit near fine dining spots.

The experience of finding Puerto Vallarta’s secret waterfalls becomes part of the adventure. Local transportation, jungle paths, and crystal-clear pools create memories way beyond regular beach vacations. Peninsula Nuevo Vallarta adds to this adventure with luxury comforts before and after waterfall exploration – without doubt the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation in this Mexican paradise.

Here are some FAQs about the waterfalls in Puerto Vallarta:

Does Puerto Vallarta have waterfalls?

Yes, Puerto Vallarta has several beautiful waterfalls located in the surrounding Sierra Madre mountains. These waterfalls near puerto vallarta include popular destinations like Cola de Caballo and Palo Maria, which are accessible through tours or hiking trails.

How do I get to Palo Maria Waterfall?

You can get to Palo Maria Waterfall by taking a local bus or taxi to the trailhead located just south of Puerto Vallarta. The hike to these puerto vallarta waterfalls takes about 45 minutes through rocky terrain, so wearing proper footwear is recommended.

What is the most beautiful waterfall in Mexico?

While opinions vary, many consider Cascada de Tamul in San Luis Potosí to be one of Mexico’s most beautiful waterfalls. However, the cola de caballo waterfalls puerto vallarta are also stunning and more accessible for visitors to the Jalisco region.

What is the best excursion in Puerto Vallarta?

One of the best excursions in Puerto Vallarta is visiting the waterfalls puerto vallarta through guided tours that often include hiking, swimming, and sometimes zip-lining. These trips typically take you into the lush jungle surrounding the city to discover multiple cascades.

Is there a lot to do in Puerto Vallarta?

Yes, there is plenty to do in Puerto Vallarta including beach activities, whale watching, and exploring the waterfalls in puerto vallarta. The city offers a great mix of natural attractions, cultural experiences, and recreational opportunities for all types of travelers.

What is the best time of year to visit waterfalls?

The best time to visit waterfalls near puerto vallarta is during the rainy season from June to October when water flow is strongest. However, these months can also mean muddy trails, so many visitors prefer the drier months from November to May for easier access.

How do I get to the secret waterfall?

The “secret waterfall” near Puerto Vallarta typically requires a guided tour as it involves navigating unmarked trails and sometimes river crossings. These hidden puerto vallarta waterfalls are often discovered through local guides who know the area well.

How to access Grotto falls?

Grotto Falls is located in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park, not near Puerto Vallarta. This question about a different location is unrelated to the cola de caballo waterfalls puerto vallarta or other local cascades.

How do I get into Havasu Falls?

Havasu Falls is located within the Havasupai Indian Reservation in Arizona, requiring permits and reservations far in advance. This destination is completely separate from the waterfalls puerto vallarta in Mexico and involves a different travel planning process.