Puerto Vallarta: Hiking Trail, 6 Hidden Beaches & Zipline.

If you’re thinking about adding a bit of adventure and some secret spots to your Puerto Vallarta trip, this tour might catch your eye. It promises a full day of exploring lush jungle trails, discovering hidden beaches, and testing your nerves on zipline courses. We haven’t done it ourselves, but based on detailed info and reviews, it seems like a pretty solid option for those craving a mix of nature and adrenaline.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the chance to visit Colomitos Beach, often called the smallest and most magical beach in Vallarta—perfect for photos and a quick swim. Second, the adventure park offers more than just ziplining, with hanging bridges, swings, and a giant spiderweb that gets your heart racing. On the flip side, the hike is about 1 hour and 40 minutes, which might be a bit demanding for some. Overall, it seems best suited for active travelers who want to see some lesser-known spots and enjoy a good dose of thrill.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple looking for adventure, or someone eager to explore beyond the usual tourist spots, this tour offers a well-rounded day out. Just keep in mind the physical demands and the need for good shoes and sunscreen. Now, let’s break down what you can expect from start to finish.

Key Points

• Beautiful mix of beaches and jungle trails providing diverse scenery.
• Includes a substantial zipline and adventure park with over 25 activities.
• Visit to the smallest beach in Vallarta and multiple hidden beaches with crystal-clear waters.
• A guided jungle hike that’s about 1 hour 40 minutes long, offering scenic views.
• Cost-effective at $35 per person for a full day of activity.
• Not suitable for everyone, especially those with mobility issues or certain health conditions.

This tour typically lasts around 6 to 7 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy each part of the adventure without feeling rushed. The day begins with a cheerful ride on a local bus, which itself is a small adventure and delivers you to Boca de Tomatlán, a charming fishing village south of Puerto Vallarta. From there, the real fun begins with a guided hike along stunning coastline jungle trails.

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The Jungle Hike

The hike lasts approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. It’s a chance to enjoy the lush greenery and tropical heat while getting a bit of exercise. The trail is guided, so you’ll have someone to point out interesting plants, wildlife, and perhaps share some local stories. The path includes crossing hanging bridges and climbing a giant web high above the trees, which is a quirky highlight for those who love a bit of physical activity and outdoor fun.

Discovering Colomitos Beach

After the hike, you’ll arrive at Colomitos Beach, reputed to be the smallest and most enchanting sandy spot in Vallarta. Its clear waters and secluded location make it ideal for a quick swim, photos, or just relaxing in the sun. If the conditions are right, you might even snorkel here — the waters are described as crystal-clear, perfect for observing marine life just off the shore.

Madagascar Beach and Other Hidden Spots

Next up is Madagascar Beach, a lesser-known gem featuring a giant rock that’s perfect for a daring jump into the ocean. Here, you can also enjoy fresh coconut or seasonal fruit, making it feel like a tropical retreat. The tour then takes you to four other beaches — Platanitos, Tortugas, Maraikas, and Caballo — each offering different shades of blue in the Pacific and quiet spots to relax or explore.

Lunch and Relaxation at Las Animas Beach

The tour’s highlight for many is Las Animas Beach, a lively stretch where you can sit with a tropical drink and feast on fresh seafood like ceviche or black aguachile. It’s a genuine laid-back coastal vibe, perfect for recharging after the morning’s activities. The beach is also where the adventure park is located, providing the opportunity to participate in over 25 adrenaline-pumping activities.

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The Adventure Park: A Thrill-Filled Finale

This part of the experience is where most of the excitement lies. The certified guides will lead you through a series of action-packed activities — ziplines, hanging bridges, swings, rope challenges, nets, and the famous spiderweb. The activity lasts over an hour and is physically demanding, so a fair level of fitness is advisable. Reviewers have noted the guides are knowledgeable and make the experience fun, but the activities are definitely not for the faint-hearted.

Water Taxi & Return

After the adventure park, you’ll hop onto a water taxi back to Boca de Tomatlán, finishing your day with a scenic boat ride across the calm Pacific waters. It’s a relaxing way to wind down, reflecting on a day filled with natural beauty and adrenaline.

At $35 per person, this tour is quite affordable for the amount of activity packed into it. You’re getting a combination of transportation, guided hiking, beach visits, snorkeling, and entry to a lively adventure park. The reviews highlight the value for money, especially considering the multiple locations visited and the expertise of guides.

Keep in mind that drinks and food aren’t included, so bringing cash for lunch or snacks is a good idea. Also, the tour doesn’t cover transportation to the meeting point, so plan accordingly.

One reviewer from Mexico shared, “Une première partie superbe, entre jungle, chaleur tropicale et plages secrètes accessibles après l’effort. La deuxième partie de la sortie n’a malheureusement pas pu avoir lieu… Malgré cette frustration, la découverte de la première moitié restera un beau souvenir, riche en paysages et en émotions.” This highlights that some parts might be affected by weather or other factors, but the core experience remains memorable.

Another traveler from the United States called the guides “great” and appreciated the overall experience, which underscores the importance of friendly, knowledgeable guides in making this tour enjoyable.

This experience is best suited for active travelers who don’t mind a bit of physical effort — the hike, adventure park activities, and climbing are physically demanding. It’s ideal if you love discovering lesser-known beaches and are looking for a full-day, outdoor-focused adventure. It might not be perfect if you’re pregnant, have health issues, or mobility concerns, given the nature of the activities.

If you’re after an adventure that combines stunning scenery, access to secret beaches, and thrilling activities like ziplining and rope challenges, this tour offers good value and a satisfying dose of excitement. The trip is flexible, with options to cancel up to 24 hours in advance, and the guides seem to genuinely enhance the experience with their knowledge and friendliness.

While it’s not a relaxing beach day or a luxury cruise, it’s a well-rounded, action-packed outing for those eager to explore Puerto Vallarta’s wild side. The inclusion of multiple beaches, a guided jungle hike, and a high-energy adventure park makes it worth considering for anyone looking to get off the beaten path and add some adrenaline to their trip.

Is transportation to the starting point included?
No, transportation to the meeting point (the OXXO store) is not included, so you should plan how to get there.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, sunscreen (preferably biodegradable), a camera, cash, and insect repellent.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The activities, especially those at the adventure park, are physically demanding. It’s best suited for adults or older teens who are comfortable with active pursuits.

How long is the jungle hike?
The hike lasts around 1 hour 40 minutes. It involves some climbing, crossing hanging bridges, and a bit of physical effort.

Are drinks and food included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring cash for lunch or snacks at Las Animas Beach.

What activities are at the Adventure Park?
The park offers over 25 activities, including ziplines, hanging bridges, swings, rope challenges, nets, and a giant spiderweb.

Is this experience physically demanding?
Yes, the activities, especially at the park, require a fair amount of physical effort and agility. Be prepared for some exertion.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans shift.

If you’re looking for a day that balances nature exploration with adrenaline rushes and secret beach hopping, this tour could be a fantastic choice. Just pack your sense of adventure, some sunscreen, and a camera to capture the memories.

You can check availability for your dates here: