2025 Quimixto Boat Trip & Hike Review: Is It Worth It?

You know, after a few days in Puerto Vallarta, you sort of start looking for a little break from the happy commotion. I mean, I love the energy of the Zona Romántica and the Malecon, but sometimes you just need a day trip that feels like a real getaway. That, in a way, is where Quimixto comes in. This little spot is pretty special; basically, it is a village with absolutely no roads leading to it. So, you can only get there by boat, which, frankly, adds a bit of adventure right from the start. We heard a lot about the famous Quimixto waterfall and, to be honest, decided we had to see for ourselves what this boat trip and hike was all about in 2025.

Setting Sail: The Boat Ride to Quimixto

Okay, so our day started at the Boca de Tomatlán pier, which is a busy little place south of Puerto Vallarta. You can, apparently, catch water taxis from a few spots, but this is a very popular one. We hopped on a small open-air boat called a panga, which, you know, is the standard way to get around these coastal villages. The boat’s engine sputtered to life, and pretty much right away, we were moving away from the shore. The feeling of the morning sun on your skin and the salty sea spray is, honestly, just a perfect way to begin.

The boat ride itself is more or less part of the experience, not just a way to get from one point to another. The captain, of course, stayed pretty close to the coastline. This gave us some seriously incredible views of the Sierra Madre mountains, just sort of plunging right into the blue ocean. We passed these fancy villas built into the cliffs and other hidden beaches like Las Ánimas and Yelapa. For instance, the water was a very deep shade of blue-green, and you could just see straight to the bottom in some parts. We were obviously hoping to see dolphins or sea turtles, and on the way back, we actually did spot a pod of dolphins playing in the distance. The entire ride took about 20-30 minutes, you know, and it was a totally relaxing and scenic trip.

Seriously, just sitting back and watching the coastline of Banderas Bay go by is pretty much a highlight on its own. It’s a very different perspective from what you see on land, right?

Frankly, you will want to get your camera ready for this part. The pictures of the coastline are completely stunning. Read our full review: [Quimixto Boat Excursion and Hike Full Review and Details].

Arriving in a Different World: First Impressions of Quimixto Village

As the boat pulled up to the concrete pier in Quimixto, you just immediately feel a shift. The hum of the engine cuts out, and in that case, what you hear instead are birds and the gentle sound of waves on the sand. Stepping onto the pier, well, it really is like stepping into a different kind of world. There are, literally, no cars here. No paved roads. Instead, we found sandy pathways that kind of wind through the small village. Chickens and friendly dogs seem to roam freely, and the local people we passed, you know, gave us these warm and genuine smiles.

The village itself is just a collection of simple, colorful homes, a few small guesthouses, and a couple of beachside restaurants. The pace is incredibly slow and unhurried. You can actually see kids walking to the local school and fishermen mending their nets. As a matter of fact, you will almost definitely see a group of horses for hire. A lot of people choose to ride a horse up the trail to the waterfall, and that is a pretty popular option. We, on the other hand, chose to walk to get the full experience. Still, the sight of the horses sort of added to the rustic and old-fashioned feel of the whole place.

The Hike to the Waterfall: A Walk Through Nature

So, we started the walk from the beach, following a clearly marked path that leads into the trees. Honestly, you do not really need a guide for this part since the trail is quite easy to follow. The first part of the hike takes you through the village and across a small, charming bridge. Pretty soon, the sounds of the village fade, and you’re just surrounded by the sounds of the jungle. I mean, the air becomes thick and humid, smelling of damp earth and green plants. The path is a bit rocky and uneven in spots, so, wearing a good pair of walking sandals or sneakers is definitely a good idea.

The walk itself is probably about 25 to 35 minutes, depending on your pace. It’s more of a pleasant walk than a difficult hike, I’d say. The trail roughly follows the La Puerta river, and you can hear the water bubbling over rocks the whole way. At one point, you actually have to cross the river. It’s usually very shallow, maybe ankle-deep, and the rocks are fairly stable. It’s just a little adventurous and pretty refreshing on your feet. Along the way, you see these giant iguanas sunning themselves on rocks and all kinds of colorful birds and butterflies. We stopped a couple of times, you know, just to listen to the sounds and take in the green scenery.

I mean, the whole experience of walking through this tropical setting is almost magical. You feel very, very far from everything. You just need to take your time and look around. You’ll see so much interesting plant life and tiny creatures. And so on, this is what the trip is all about, right?

The Grand Prize: The Quimixto Waterfall and Pool

You sort of know you’re getting close when the sound of rushing water gets louder and louder. Then, frankly, you come around a bend, and there it is. The Quimixto waterfall is seriously impressive, cascading down a huge rock face into a large, clear pool below. The sheer power of the water is something you can really feel. The mist from the falls cools you down instantly, which, at the end of the day, is a very welcome feeling after the walk.

Now, of course, the big question is, should you swim? Absolutely. The water in the pool is incredibly refreshing and clean, if a bit chilly at first. We jumped right in. It is pretty deep in some places, so you can actually swim around. The rocks around the pool can be a little slippery, so just be careful getting in and out. There’s also a big rock you can sit on, right near the falls, to feel the spray. It’s a totally amazing spot for photos. We spent a good hour just swimming and relaxing by the water, just sort of soaking it all in.

There is also a restaurant and bar right there by the waterfall, which is pretty convenient. They have tables and chairs set up with a great view. You are, basically, expected to buy a drink or some food to use the seating area. We just got a couple of drinks, which were slightly pricey but, you know, considering the location, it felt fair. It was just nice to sit there with a cold drink and look at the beautiful waterfall for a while. To be honest, try to get there a little early in the day; it can get busy with tour groups by the afternoon.

What to Pack and Who This Trip is For

Okay, so if you are thinking about doing this day trip, being prepared is pretty much the key to a good time. Frankly, it’s not a difficult day, but having the right stuff makes it a lot more comfortable. At the end of the day, this adventure is fantastic for most people, but it might not be for everyone. I mean, it is something to consider. Here’s a quick list of what we think you should bring and who this trip is really perfect for.

• Cash (Pesos): You know, for the water taxi, for the restaurant at the waterfall, and for any little thing you might want to buy. Most places in Quimixto literally do not take cards.
• Good Walking Shoes: Really, flip-flops are not a good idea for the trail. Sneakers or sturdy water sandals are just about perfect.
• Swimsuit and Towel: Obviously, you’ll want to wear your swimsuit under your clothes to make jumping in the waterfall pool super easy. A lightweight towel is a good idea too.
• Water and Snacks: You can buy drinks there, but having your own water for the hike is pretty smart. A little snack is never a bad idea either, right?
• Sunscreen and a Hat: The sun on the boat ride and on the beach can be quite strong. Seriously, you will want protection.
• Insect Repellent: You are, after all, in a jungle environment, so having some bug spray is just a sensible thing.

So who should go? Honestly, this trip is pretty much perfect for couples, solo adventurers, and families with older kids who enjoy a bit of walking. It’s great for anyone looking for a more authentic, natural experience away from the tourist centers. On the other hand, the trail might be a challenge for people with mobility problems or very small children. While the hike is not long, it is rocky and uneven in parts. The village itself is not very stroller-friendly. So, if you’re looking for a relaxing, semi-active day in a beautiful, rustic setting, then this trip to Quimixto is absolutely for you. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now ([Quimixto Day Trip Reservations]).