One of the best benefits about vacationing in Puerto Vallarta is the ability to enjoy all the natural beauty of the region. There are tons of amazing bars, great restaurants, and endless outdoor activities in nature conveniently located in or around Puerto Vallarta. Are you planning to visit Puerto Vallarta soon, and you want to enjoy Mother Nature’s blessings? If you do, you should plan a rewarding challenge such as hiking down the spectacular coast of Banderas Bay. You will get a wonderful workout as you enjoy breathtaking ocean and jungle views during a day hike to Las Animas or Quimixto from Boca de Tomatlan. Keep reading below if you want to learn more about a magical hike near Puerto Vallarta to Las Animas & Quimixto.
Begin Your Hike at Boca de Tomatlan
To begin your hike, you will need to get to Boca de Tomatlan, which is situated only thirty minutes south of Downtown Puerto Vallarta. You can drive there yourself or take a bus, taxi or Uber on 200 highway until you reach Boca de Tomatlan, a tranquil little coastal town. Boca de Tomatlan was originally a fishing village, but in recent years tourism has made this town more popular. The beautiful beaches and the laid-back atmosphere are just a few reasons why Boca de Tomatlan has become so popular with visitors. If you have driven there, you can park your car in the free parking lot located at the bottom of the hill near the water. You should make sure you have a hat, wear sunscreen, bring a swimsuit, and bug repellent. During the summer, the climate can get a bit muggy and rainy, which brings these pesky bugs out. Also, you should bring cash with you because you can dine or enjoy a cold beer or cocktail at one of the numerous beachfront restaurants in Las Animas or Quimixto post-hike.
Hiking With Amazing Views
Now, that you are ready to start hiking, you need to walk across the river on the hanging bridge, which can be seen from the parking lot. After you have crossed the bridge, you will need to take a right and follow the path towards the water. Then, continue up the stairs where you will walk past quaint homes, trees, and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife that can be seen from the path. You are likely to see birds, iguanas, and even chickens and roosters. While you are walking along the path, make sure you pay attention, because there are steep and rocky areas that can be a little dangerous if you are not careful. You will have plenty of places to take pictures along the hiking path. If you want, you can even enjoy a trail run along the path if you don’t want to hike, just be cautious with your footing as the path narrows and slopes in various areas along the way. Continue to hike on the edge of the ocean until you see the Ocean Grill restaurant, which is a great place to eat. If you want to eat there, you need to make a reservation ahead of time. After you pass Ocean Grill, continue hiking down until you reach Playa Colomitos Beach, which is next to the restaurant. You will cross a tiny sandy beach, then step upwards onto the rocks until you see where the hiking path continues. A sign that says “Cuida Tu Madre” will be seen to help guide your way, which means “Take Care of Mother Earth” in English.
Las Animas & Quimixto in PV
Next, you will walk past a few villas, yoga retreats, and hotels, until you reach a small pier and beachfront restaurants in Las Animas. Las Animas is a perfect place to eat lunch or go swimming and if you go early enough, it won’t be very crowded. However, if you want to continue hiking, you will continue heading south for approximately another fifteen minutes until you reach Quimixto. Once you reach Quimixto, you can hike inland for another 20 minutes or so to reach a lovely waterfall and swimming area. You can choose to dine at several different restaurants in Las Animas, or in Quimixto on the beach or near the waterfall. You can go swimming in the ocean and eat lunch, then catch a water taxi back to Boca de Tomatlan which only costs 70 pesos, or around $4.00 USD. You will be dropped off in Boca de Tomatlan where you parked your car. If you took the bus, just walk up the hill to the main 200 highway to catch a bus or taxi back into town.
You don’t want to miss experiencing a magical hike to Las Animas & Quimixto in Puerto Vallarta. It will provide memories and incredible vistas that will last a lifetime. We recommend that you start your hike early, so you can avoid the midday heat and humidity, too.