Access Quimixto village by water taxi from Puerto Vallarta (30 min), then hike or ride a horse through jungle to one of Jalisco's largest accessible waterfalls. The swimming hole beneath the falls is spectacular. Horses available for hire at the beach.
The Quimixto Waterfall Hike begins in Quimixto, a small village on the Cabo Corrientes coast south of Puerto Vallarta that is accessible only by water taxi from the Los Muertos pier, a roughly 30-minute boat ride along the Bay of Banderas; there is no road access or parking, and no permit is needed to walk the trail. From the beach, the route covers about 4km round trip with roughly 150m of elevation gain, following a dirt path through jungle vegetation along a stream, with the option to hire a horse from vendors at the beach instead of walking. The trail surface is packed earth and stone, shaded almost entirely by tropical canopy, with a few muddy patches near stream crossings during the wet season. Along the way hikers pass small jungle clearings and pools before reaching the base of Quimixto's 25-meter waterfall, one of the largest easily accessible falls near Puerto Vallarta, where a wide swimming hole marks the turn-around point. There are no shelters along the route, but food and drinks are sold at informal palapas near the falls and at the beach. Because return water taxis run on a schedule, hikers should plan the round trip, including time at the waterfall, around the last boat back to Puerto Vallarta.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Quimixto, Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco (boat access from Puerto Vallarta)
- Best season
- November to April (dry season) for easier footing on the jungle trail
Highlights
- Quimixto waterfall (25m drop)
- tropical jungle hiking
- horse riding option
- swimming hole
Tips for visiting
- Check the water taxi return schedule before starting the hike, as boats do not run continuously
- Consider hiring a horse at the beach for the uphill jungle section if a shorter, easier trip is preferred
- Wear closed-toe shoes with grip, as the jungle path can be muddy and root-covered
- Bring cash for the water taxi fare, horse hire, and refreshments at the waterfall
- Visit outside of peak midday cruise-ship and tour-boat hours for a quieter experience
When to visit
Late morning after the first water taxis arrive tends to be quieter than midday, when tour groups peak.
Accessibility
The jungle path is uneven, muddy in places, and not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers; the horse-riding option may suit visitors with limited walking ability.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to the Quimixto trailhead?
Quimixto is reached only by water taxi from the Los Muertos pier in Puerto Vallarta, as there is no road access to the village.
Can I ride a horse instead of walking to the waterfall?
Yes, horses are available for hire from local vendors at the Quimixto beach for the jungle section up to the falls.
Is the Quimixto waterfall good for swimming?
Yes, the pool at the base of the falls is a popular and spacious swimming spot for visitors of all ages.