If you like waterfalls, this day is for you.

This Puerto Vallarta outing is a smooth mix of jungle walking, a 25-meter waterfall swim, and a quieter coastal town. You also get the fun in-between travel beats: a bus ride, a stop in Boca, then a water taxi to Quimixto with views you can’t get from the road.

What I love most is the chance to actually cool off in the pool under the falls, not just take photos. I also like the day pacing: an easy walk, swim time, then a proper beach break with good seafood options nearby. The one thing to consider is that conditions matter, since weather and trail wetness can change how the hike feels.

Quimixto Waterfall Day Trip at a Glance

• A 25-meter waterfall swim in a quiet town setting

• Small group (max 15) for a more controlled, personal pace

• Easy route on paper, but you’ll still deal with uneven and occasionally wet ground

• Bus + water taxi routing makes the day feel like an adventure, not a transfer

• English offered, with guides like Isaac, Anthony, Carlos, and Rocco mentioned by name

• About 6.5 hours total, returning to the start point

Why This Quimixto Waterfall Day Feels Like Real Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta has plenty of beach time, sure. But this tour is built around a different kind of payoff: a waterfall in the jungle plus the coastal calm of Quimixto. You trade the busy main drag for mountain-and-river scenery and a fishing-town vibe that feels more local than staged.

You can also tell the route was chosen to make the journey part of the fun. The day starts in the Zona Romántica area at 9:30am, then you ride a bus for about 25 minutes. From there, you go through Boca (a quaint fishing village) and then slide into Quimixto by water taxi. That water taxi moment is short, but it helps the day feel like a real mini-excursion, not just a hike with a few transport steps.

The other big reason I’d pick this one is the schedule. You get your waterfall time around late morning, which is ideal for swimming. Then you have the long block afterward for beach relaxation and food purchases (lunch isn’t included, but the beach has solid restaurant options).

Getting There: The Bus, Boca Stop, and the Water Taxi to Quimixto

The logistics are simple, and that’s a plus when you’re on vacation. You meet at C. Constitución 383, Zona Romántica and then start with a short scenic bus ride (about 25 minutes). The route includes a stop in Boca, so you’re not just sitting on a vehicle the whole time.

Then comes the water taxi to Quimixto. You’ll spend roughly 15 minutes on the boat segment, and it’s the part where you’ll notice what makes this area special: steep hills dropping toward the water, beach coves, and river mouths that look nothing like the Puerto Vallarta skyline from the promenade.

Practical tip: the meeting address matters. One person reported confusion when a street name felt vague for their driver, even though they were still able to find it using the map pin. My advice is boring but effective: double-check the exact meeting point on your phone the night before and look for a nearby landmark (some guides/meetups reference the area around an Oxxo). Arrive a few minutes early so nobody is doing vacation math at 9:30am.

The Quimixto Walk to the 25-Meter Falls: Easy on Distance, Real on Terrain

The hike component is where the tour earns its value. On paper, it’s easy, with about 4.5 km / 2.8 miles total walking distance. In practice, the path has gentle stretches and some moderate inclines. That’s why the tour fits “easy” hikers—people who can handle a trail—but it’s not a paved stroll.

After you arrive in Quimixto, you take about a 30-minute walk to reach the 25-meter waterfall. Reviews describe the trail as not wildly technical, and one guide (Isaac) was praised for keeping a slower pace when someone in the group needed it. Still, you should expect moments that are wet or muddy, especially since the jungle environment can turn slick without warning.

A few details that matter for comfort:

• Be ready to get your feet wet. One review mentioned a creek crossing late in the route where shoes come off.
• Shoes with grip help. You don’t want to test your balance on wet stones while holding your phone over your head like a safety inspector.
• There are ride options mentioned by guests. One review said there were horses available for 200 pesos. Since that wasn’t stated as a tour guarantee, treat it as a possible on-site option rather than something you plan around.

Also, don’t overthink the “easy” label. One person felt the hike was more intense than expected because the route included branches, wet sections, and larger obstacles. That’s a reminder that jungle trails can shift with rainfall and maintenance status.

Swim Time Under the Falls: What Makes It Worth the Effort

The heart of the day is the swimming window. You’ll reach the waterfall area around 11:00–11:30am, then you’ll have about an hour and a half (until roughly 1:00pm) to enjoy the pool beneath the falls.

This is the moment that most people remember, and I get why. The water isn’t just a dramatic backdrop. It’s a real swimming spot, and that changes the whole experience. Instead of watching the waterfall from the bank, you get to cool off right in the pool, with the jungle walls and river sounds around you.

What you should do before you go in:

• Bring a quick-dry layer for after.
• Keep your towel handy (even if you think you’ll manage with a shirt and hope).
• If you’re cautious with slippery rocks, choose your entry spot carefully and don’t rush.

One more practical angle: there’s also an understanding that this is a working area with people nearby. One review mentioned a family with tables and chairs and the expectation to order a drink. Even if you’re just grabbing water or something small, it’s worth budgeting a little for refreshment while you hang out.

If you’re traveling with kids or a mixed group, this swim segment can be a great equalizer. It turns the “hike” into something playful and physical rather than purely scenic.

Beach Break and Seafood at Las Ánimas: How the Day Finishes Strong

After the waterfall swim, you head back and then spend time at the beach. The schedule puts you at the beach around 1:00–3:00pm, then you return toward Puerto Vallarta after.

This part is deliberately less structured. Your tour isn’t a fancy lunch-and-sit-everywhere setup. You get time to enjoy the beach, and you’ll have seafood and drinks available at nearby restaurants. Lunch itself isn’t included, so you’re free to pick what fits your appetite and budget.

Why I like this ending: it closes the loop. A waterfall day can feel either rushed or tiring. Here, you get enough time to wash off, relax, and then enjoy a proper meal by the water. Reviews also describe this as a calm stretch compared to busier Puerto Vallarta areas, which makes the day feel like it’s finishing on a softer note.

One small planning note: if you plan to buy a meal, treat it like a budget item. The tour price covers transport and the core experience, not the beach lunch.

Guides You’ll Actually Talk With: Isaac, Anthony, Carlos, and Rocco

A good guide makes a day like this easier and more interesting. In the feedback you’ll see names repeatedly—Isaac, Anthony, Carlos, and Rocco—and the common theme is pacing and local context.

Isaac is praised in multiple notes for being friendly, on time, and good at timing the day. One person highlighted how Isaac helped with a slower hiking pace for a mom with knee issues. Another mentioned Isaac’s local knowledge and his ability to make stops feel purposeful rather than random.

Anthony also gets credit for route explanations and for making the day feel special. Rocco is mentioned as informative and helpful, with mules/horse options discussed as part of how people can adjust the day.

Carlos appears in one review as a guide who helped sort out a problem situation on the spot. That matters because the tour depends on weather and timing. When something goes sideways, the guide’s role becomes bigger than just pointing out sights.

Bottom line: this tour isn’t only about getting to the waterfall. It’s also about having someone help you interpret what you’re seeing and how to move safely through the trail and swim areas.

Price and Time: Is It Good Value at $47.73?

At $47.73 per person for about 6 hours 30 minutes, you’re paying for more than a ticket to a waterfall. You’re paying for:

• Bus + water taxi transportation that would be harder to coordinate yourself
• A guided walk to the falls (so you’re not hunting your way through village and trail access)
• Photos included (a nice small value add when you don’t want to juggle camera timing at the water)

The tour also caps at 15 travelers, which usually improves the experience. A larger group can turn a “swim and relax” day into a waiting game. With a smaller group, it’s easier for the guide to manage pace and keep everyone roughly together.

Is it the cheapest option in Puerto Vallarta? Maybe not. But the transport mix and the structured time at the waterfall make the price feel fair, especially if you want the day to run smoothly without figuring out boats and local connections on your own.

Weather and Safety: When Easy Becomes Wet

This is one of those tours where weather changes the plan. The experience needs good weather. If it rains hard enough, the route may be altered for safety.

You’ll see two useful patterns in the feedback:

• Sometimes the hike plan is adjusted when conditions make the usual route unsafe.
• Other times, intensity can differ from what you expect because wet trails can include branches, slick rocks, and uneven footing.

There was also an incident where a guide didn’t show up at the meeting point, and the situation was handled through support and messages with the provider. What I take from that, as a traveler, is simple: have a plan for communication, stay near the meeting point at start time, and verify your guide with the contact details you receive.

For your own safety and comfort:

• Wear shoes with grip.
• Bring a small waterproof bag for phone and wallet.
• If you have knee/back issues, don’t assume “easy” means “gentle everywhere.” Adjust your expectations, and ask the guide about alternatives if needed.

Who Should Book This Tour (and Who Might Want a Different Option)

This tour fits best if you want:

• A waterfall swim as part of your day, not just viewing
• A manageable walk with a guide
• A day that ends with beach time and seafood

It’s also a good match for couples and friends who want to see more than Puerto Vallarta’s main beachfront strip. The Quimixto town feel and the Boca stop make it feel like a real route through this coast.

For families: it can work well, especially if everyone can handle short walking bursts and occasional uneven footing. One review praised the guide for adjusting pace for older knees, which suggests the guide can support varying comfort levels.

For mobility-limited travelers: I’d be cautious. Even if the hike is rated easy, terrain can be wet and sometimes slippery. If you’re worried, it may be smarter to look for a more boat-focused plan, or at least plan on taking the ride options that may be available on-site (when offered).

Should You Book It? My Honest Take

I’d book this tour if you want a classic Puerto Vallarta change of pace: jungle waterfall time, a calm beach finish, and an easy-to-follow day route that doesn’t require you to do homework on boats.

Skip it or choose a different style if:

• You’re not comfortable with wet, uneven trail sections.
• You expect a fully paved hike with no surprises.
• You’re traveling with very strict mobility limits and want to avoid any uncertainty tied to jungle terrain.

For most visitors, though, the value is in the combination: transport that makes sense, guided pacing, and actual swim time at a real waterfall pool. If that’s your kind of day, this is a strong pick.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 9:30am at the meeting point.

How long is the experience?

It runs about 6 hours 30 minutes, roughly from late morning until mid-afternoon.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at C. Constitución 383, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes a water taxi, a bus ride, and photos.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, though you’ll have time at the beach where you can buy food.

How much walking is involved?

You’ll walk about 4.5 km (2.8 miles) total, including a 30-minute walk to the waterfall.

How difficult is it?

It’s rated easy, and it’s described as suitable for people with moderate physical fitness.

Is there a limit on group size?

Yes. The maximum group size is 15 travelers.

What happens if weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

If you want, tell me your dates and whether you’re traveling with kids or anyone who has knee/back issues. I can help you decide if the waterfall swim plan fits your comfort level.