Jungle trails lead to three beaches. This hike from Puerto Vallarta to Boca de Tomatlán strings together stunning coves and real jungle walking with guide-led nature stories from Moisés, Alex, and Alejandro, and I love how the day ends with a boat ride instead of a sore-butt reroute. One heads-up: the trail can be more rugged than you expect, with scrambling over larger rocks in spots, so proper shoes matter.

What makes this outing feel worth your time is the mix of transportation (public bus + lancha type boat), guided stops, and included traditional Mexican candies along the way. If you’re the type who likes walking with a plan but still wants beach time to swim, this is a great fit, especially with a max group size of 10.

Key Things I’d Watch for on This Puerto Vallarta Hike

• Public bus start, local-style: you get out of the tourist bubble fast with a city bus to Boca de Tomatlán.
• Three beach stops in one day: Colomitos, Madagascar, and Las Ánimas each feel different.
• Seasonal trail vibe: lush shade in July–January, drier sun from February–June.
• Wildlife chances in winter: birds, iguanas, and whales may show up depending on the season.
• Boat return included: you’re not guessing how you’ll get back to the start.

Getting to Boca de Tomatlán: the local bus part is part of the fun

You start in Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romántica area at a bus terminal stop (Nueva Parada de autobuses de el Tuito, Aguacate 341). The tour’s start time is 9:30 am, and you head out by city bus toward Boca de Tomatlán, the fishing-village jump-off point for the hike.

Why I like the bus portion: it slows the day down in a good way. You’re not just transferring between “activities.” You’re seeing how people actually move around town, and you get a quick sense of the coast before your feet hit trail.

This is also one of those tours where timing is easier than you’d think, since you return back to the meeting point at the end of the day. You’re not left with the stress of figuring out last-mile logistics after a sweaty hike.

One more practical note: the tour uses a mobile ticket, and service animals are allowed. It’s also positioned near public transportation, so it tends to be manageable if you’re already comfortable with buses.

Colomitos Beach: your first payoff swim (and the vibe shift)

Once you’re moving on foot, the route takes you along the coast and into jungle sections. The first major destination is Playa Colomitos. This is the stop where you get time to cool off—think crystal-clear water and a chance to swim.

In my view, Colomitos works because it’s a reward without being the whole trip. You don’t arrive, swim once, then hurry away. Instead, it acts like a reset button: you’ve earned it with hiking, and you can actually enjoy the beach before continuing.

What to expect during this stretch:

• You’ll walk through a mix of coastal footing and jungle shade (depending on the time of year).
• Your guide will stop to point out plants and small animals you might otherwise miss.
• It’s a good place to take photos with the “mountain-to-ocean” angles the area is known for.

A small but real consideration: if your plan is to spend time in and out of the water, bring your own towel. Beach towels aren’t included (and you’ll be happier if you don’t have to scramble for one mid-day).

Madagascar Beach: more walking, more scenery, less crowds

After Colomitos, you keep going toward Playa Madagascar. This stretch is where the hike starts to feel like a proper coastal-jungle walk rather than a sequence of short beach visits.

Madagascar Beach tends to be the stop that makes the route feel “worth it” even for people who could be satisfied with just one cove. By this point, you’ve got:

• a better sense of the coastline’s curves,
• a stronger sense of height changes as you move through the bay area,
• and more of that jungle feeling as shade and light shift.

A perk here is the guide-led nature spotting. Depending on season, you might see things like birds and iguanas. If you’re going during the winter months, wildlife spotting can feel extra exciting, since that’s also when whales are mentioned as a possibility.

Real talk: the Madagascar stop is not the kind of beach where you go for big amenities. It’s more about the walk, the setting, and the moment of being somewhere you didn’t drive straight to.

Las Ánimas Beach: the finish-feeling beach and the seafood option

The final named beach stop is Playa Las Ánimas. This is where the trip slows down again and the “end-of-hike” mood takes over.

You’ll have time here, and there’s an option to stop at a local restaurant for seafood. Seafood at that restaurant is not included in the tour price, so if you want lunch or a snack like fish, you’ll be paying out of pocket.

One reason Las Ánimas is a highlight: it’s a natural capstone. After the work of walking, you’re given the best kind of downtime—real beach time, not just a quick stop.

If you’re lucky (or smart with timing), you might also catch glimpses of marine life during the return portion. In winter season, whale sightings are specifically mentioned, and people have talked about seeing whales from the water when they’re heading back.

The jungle trail: sun, shade, and the “wear actual shoes” rule

This is a hike, not a stroll. The tour is listed as moderate physical fitness, and the route can change depending on the season.

Here’s the seasonal reality:

• July to January: the jungle is lush and shaded, which can feel cooler and more comfortable underfoot.
• February to June: expect a drier, sunnier trail. Bring shade protection and plan for heat.

Also, the terrain can be rugged. One caution I’d take seriously: even if you’re a decent hiker, you may still face scrambling over larger boulders. That’s not a reason to skip the tour, but it is a reason to wear shoes with grip, and to move with the calm focus of someone who wants all their toes intact.

Lightweight, comfortable clothing helps, especially because you cross the bay’s jungle sections. If you show up dressed like you’re going to brunch, the trail will gently humble you.

The guides: why the storytelling is a big part of the value

This tour’s secret sauce is the guide. Names that come up again and again are Moisés, Alejandro, and Alex, and the common thread is how they turn a trail walk into a story walk.

They point out local flora and fauna, and they also share culture and context around Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding region. You feel safe on the route, but you also feel like you’re learning something that sticks after the hike.

In practice, many guides also add extra food-style touches during beach time—people mention things like homemade guacamole and ceviche, plus snacks such as chips and fruit. The tour does include traditional Mexican candies, and it’s reasonable to treat the beach food as part of the “lived experience,” not just an empty calorie break.

If you’re the kind of traveler who gets more excited by plants, birds, and how people live than by counting steps, you’ll get a lot more out of this than you’d expect.

Return by boat: your legs get a break, and you might see more

After your Las Ánimas time, you return by lancha type boat at no extra cost. That matters. Lots of hikes end with the “now walk back up the hill you just conquered” feeling. Here, you get a break.

Boat return is also where you can sometimes catch wildlife moments—especially if you’re traveling during the winter season, when whales may be spotted.

One thing to do (and I recommend this on any mixed transport tour): if your guide offers options for return timing or route, confirm what’s included before you commit. The standard plan is included, but it never hurts to ask in plain language, What’s the return option and is it covered?

What’s included in the $55 price (and what you should budget for)

At $55 per person, this tour is good value if you want:

• guided hiking plus nature stops,
• public bus transportation,
• and a boat return that saves your energy.

Included in the cost:

• city bus,
• lancha type boat,
• traditional Mexican candies,
• and a certificate guide.

Not included:

• lunch (though you do have beach time and can eat at the local seafood restaurant at Las Ánimas if you choose).

This pricing setup is smart for budget-minded travelers. You get the structure and the transport, and you decide how much to spend on your own food—especially helpful for groups with different appetites.

If you plan to buy seafood at Las Ánimas, keep some cash or a card ready. If you prefer to stick to included snacks and beach swimming, you can.

What to bring: small list, big difference on a hot coast hike

You’ll have a better day if you show up prepared for heat, sun, water, and uneven ground. I’d pack:

• Good hiking shoes with grip (rugged rocks happen).
• Lightweight clothing you don’t mind getting sandy.
• Sun protection (hat/sunscreen), especially in February–June.
• A swimsuit and a small towel/cover-up for beach time.
• Water (the tour includes candies/snacks, but you’ll want hydration).
• A phone or small camera for beach and jungle views.
• Any personal meds; keep them easy to grab.

Also consider this: the trail route and conditions vary by season, so treat comfort as part of your planning. If you do that, the hike feels challenging in a fun way, not like a punishment.

Who this tour is perfect for (and who may want a different plan)

This tour is designed for couples, families, and groups of friends, and it can work for solo travelers if you ask about availability. The max group size is 10, which usually means you get more attention from your guide and a smoother pace.

You’ll likely love it if you:

• want a guided day that combines nature + beaches,
• enjoy learning about local plants and animals,
• like the idea of going somewhere you can’t reach just by jumping out of a taxi.

You might want to rethink it (or at least go in prepared) if you:

• dislike uneven or rocky walking,
• hate heat and don’t plan for sun/fluids,
• only want easy beach hopping with no hiking component.

Should you book Selva y Playas Exóticas with Luna Tours & Hiking?

Yes—if your vacation goal includes real walking, beach time, and a guide who makes nature and local culture feel understandable.

I’d book it especially if you care about value. For $55, you’re not just paying for a trail. You’re getting transportation (bus and boat), a small group size, included candies, and that satisfying “different terrain to different beaches” route.

Just respect one thing: this is not a flat promenade. Wear solid shoes, plan for sun based on the season, and expect some scrambling over bigger rocks. Do that, and you’ll come away with a day that feels like Puerto Vallarta beyond the obvious beach chair routine.

FAQ

How much does the Selva y Playas Exóticas hike cost?

The price is $55.00 per person.

How long is the tour?

It lasts about 6 hours 30 minutes.

Where is the meeting point?

The start is at Nueva Parada de autobuses de el Tuito, Aguacate 341, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.

Which beaches will we visit?

You’ll hike and stop at Playa Colomitos, Playa Madagascar, and Playa Las Ánimas.

What’s included in the tour price?

City bus, a lancha type boat, traditional Mexican candies, and a certificate guide are included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, though there is a chance to stop at a local restaurant at Playa Las Ánimas for seafood (not included).

What fitness level do I need?

The tour is geared for travelers with moderate physical fitness. Comfortable hiking shoes are important due to the rugged parts of the trail.

Is there a swim time during the tour?

Yes. There’s time at Playa Colomitos to enjoy its crystal-clear water and swim.

Can I see whales or other wildlife?

Birds and iguanas are possible, and during the winter season whales may be spotted.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and weather-related cancellations may offer a different date or a full refund.