Top 10 Hiking Trails in Puerto Vallarta: Your Ultimate Guide

1. Boca de Tomatlán to Las Animas Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 3.5 miles (5.6 km)
Why Go: This coastal trail takes you from Boca de Tomatlán to Las Animas Beach, offering a blend of jungle and ocean scenery.
What to Expect: The route weaves through dense jungle and along the coastline, with some spectacular ocean views. The trail ends at Las Animas Beach, perfect for relaxing or taking a dip.
Best For: Hikers who enjoy a balanced mix of nature and beach.

2. El Salto Waterfall Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.5 miles (2.4 km)
Why Go: A short, accessible trail that leads to a beautiful waterfall, ideal for those with limited time or experience.
What to Expect: This mostly flat trail goes through a small forest to a waterfall and natural swimming pool.
Best For: Families, beginners, or anyone looking for a quick, scenic hike.

3. Mirador de la Cruz (The Cross Lookout)
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 1.8 miles (2.9 km)
Why Go: The hike to Mirador de la Cruz offers panoramic views of Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay from the top of a hill.
What to Expect: The steep stairs make the climb a bit challenging, but the rewarding views from the top are worth the effort. It’s a fantastic spot for photos, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Best For: Hikers wanting a short but rewarding climb with breathtaking vistas.

4. Monkey Mountain (Cerro del Mono)
Difficulty: Challenging
Length: 4.3 miles (7 km)
Why Go: For those after a tougher hike, Monkey Mountain offers a challenging route with stunning views of the region.
What to Expect: This steep, rocky trail requires determination, but at the top, you'll be rewarded with expansive views of the coast and surrounding towns.
Best For: Experienced hikers looking for a physical challenge and impressive views.

5. Palo Maria Waterfalls Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 3.2 miles (5 km)
Why Go: This trail takes you through dense jungle to a series of beautiful waterfalls, offering a peaceful retreat from the busier tourist areas.
What to Expect: The terrain can be rocky and uneven in places. Along the way, you’ll pass through lush jungle and reach multiple waterfalls where you can cool off.
Best For: Hikers who want to explore a quieter, more natural setting and enjoy a refreshing swim.

6. Marina Vallarta Mangrove Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.2 miles (1.9 km)
Why Go: A short and flat trail through mangrove forests, perfect for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.
What to Expect: The easy trail is shaded and offers a relaxing walk through the mangrove ecosystem, where you’ll likely see various bird species, crabs, and other wildlife.
Best For: Anyone looking for a leisurely, nature-filled walk.

7. Cerro de la Bufa
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Length: 4.1 miles (6.6 km)
Why Go: For cooler temperatures and incredible mountain views, Cerro de la Bufa offers a more demanding hike with expansive vistas.
What to Expect: The trail is steep and rocky in sections, leading up to mountain views of Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding area.
Best For: Hikers seeking a challenging ascent and different scenery.

8. Yelapa Waterfalls Hike
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.7 miles (2.7 km)
Why Go: A simple trail that leads to two lovely waterfalls in the peaceful village of Yelapa.
What to Expect: Mostly flat, the trail is an easy walk. Once you reach the waterfalls, you can explore the tranquil village of Yelapa, known for its serene vibe.
Best For: Those who want a relaxing hike with the chance to explore a charming village.

9. Los Arcos Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 2 miles (3.2 km)
Why Go: A short hike with views of the famous Los Arcos rock formations and coastal scenery.
What to Expect: The trail is moderately steep but short. The viewpoint offers stunning views of the Los Arcos rock formations, and you can take a boat tour afterward.
Best For: Hikers who want to enjoy a mix of walking and a boat tour, with ocean views along the way.

10. Mismaloya to Eden Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 3.5 miles (5.6 km)
Why Go: This trail leads you through the jungle to a natural pool, made famous by the movie Predator.
What to Expect: The rocky and uneven trail leads to a natural pool where you can swim. It combines jungle and river views.
Best For: Hikers interested in movie history and those who want to end their hike with a refreshing swim.

Choosing the Right Trail for You
Not sure which hike to choose? Here’s a quick breakdown:
For Easy, Family-Friendly Hikes: Try Marina Vallarta Mangrove Trail or El Salto Waterfall Trail for short, easy walks.
For Scenic Views and Moderate Difficulty: Check out Mirador de la Cruz or Boca de Tomatlán to Las Animas for a mix of jungle and coastal views.
For Rugged Adventures: Tackle Monkey Mountain, Palo Maria Waterfalls, or Mismaloya to Eden Trail for a more demanding experience.
For a Quiet, Scenic Experience: Yelapa Waterfalls Hike and Los Arcos Trail offer relaxed hikes with beautiful, unique landscapes.

Final Thoughts
Puerto Vallarta boasts hiking trails for adventurers of all levels. Whether you’re after an easy stroll through mangroves or a tough mountain climb, there’s a trail to suit your needs. Select one of these top 10 hikes to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Puerto Vallarta and enjoy a memorable outdoor experience.

"Want more travel tips and outdoor adventures in Puerto Vallarta? Check out our complete guide for additional hiking locations and local recommendations."