Puerto Vallarta River Hiking Tour

If you’re considering a Puerto Vallarta River Hiking Tour, you’re likely looking for a way to combine nature, adventure, and a bit of local flavor—all in one outing. Based on what we’ve gathered, this tour offers a glimpse into the tropical forests of Jalisco while including some unforgettable highlights.

What we appreciate about this experience is the chance to see wildlife in their natural habitat, like parrots, macaws, and colorful butterflies. The adrenaline rush crossing the Jorullo Bridge is also a compelling draw, offering panoramic views high above the Cuale River. On the flip side, a notable concern is that some travelers have found that most of the hike is on dusty roads rather than deep river valleys, which could be a letdown if you’re expecting a true wilderness trek.

This tour would suit outdoor lovers eager to see scenic vistas, try a unique bridge crossing, and enjoy some cooling time at waterfalls. If you’re okay with a somewhat structured, guided adventure that doesn’t go too deep into remote wilderness, it’s a solid choice.

Key Points

• Stunning wildlife viewing in a sub-tropical forest setting
• Iconic Jorullo Bridge crossing offers an exhilarating experience
• Includes waterfalls at El Salto for a refreshing break
• The tour is priced at $75 per person, offering decent value for the highlights
• Duration of about 4 hours makes it a manageable half-day activity
• Transportation, guide, snacks, water, and tequila tasting are included

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Details of the Tour

When you first hear about the Puerto Vallarta River Hiking Tour, what stands out is the blend of natural beauty and thrill. We loved the way the itinerary combines a hike through lush forests with a high-wire act crossing the Jorullo Bridge, which is claimed to be the largest of its kind in the Pacific. The bridge spans 470 meters and hangs 170 meters above the Cuale River—definitely an adrenaline-pumping feature.

The Hike Itself

The hike covers about 8 kilometers, taking you into the Sierra Madre Occidental’s mountain terrain. While this sounds like a good adventure, some reviews hint at the route being more on dusty roads rather than pristine river valleys. One traveler mentioned, “The hike was 90% on a dusty road for ATV, one hill & dale, not much river valley,” which might disappoint those expecting more scenic, untouched wilderness.

However, the effort is rewarded with opportunities to spot wildlife—parrots and macaws flying overhead, dragonflies fluttering, and the chance to see lizards and butterflies along the trail. The flora and fauna are definitely highlights, especially if you’re interested in photography or simply want to appreciate the biodiversity.

Crossing the Jorullo Bridge

The Jorullo Bridge is the star attraction for many. The experience of walking across 470 meters of suspension bridge at a height of 170 meters above the river is both exciting and a little nerve-wracking. It’s a chance to feel the thrill of being high above the mountains with stunning views all around. The bridge is the largest of its kind in the Pacific, so if you’re into bridges or just want a memorable photo op, this is perfect.

Waterfalls of El Salto

Another major highlight is visiting the waterfalls of El Salto. These crystal-clear waterfalls provide a cool respite from the hike and are perfect for a short swim or just relaxing by the water. We liked that this part of the tour offers some downtime amid all the walking and adventure.

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Additional Experiences

The tour also includes snacks, bottled water, and a tequila tasting, which adds a fun, local touch. It’s a good way to end the day with a taste of regional flavor. The tour’s cost of $75 seems reasonable when you factor in transportation, guiding, and the diverse experiences packed into four hours.

Considerations & Possible Downsides

While the tour has some standout features, not everyone is completely sold. A review from 2020 mentioned that most of the hike was on dusty roads rather than through deep river valleys, and that the final destination, the waterfall, was beautiful but “not worth 1.5-2 hours of drudgery.” If you’re someone who prefers scenic, untouched wilderness or more challenging hikes, this might feel more like a guided stroll with adventure elements rather than an authentic jungle trek.

Another point to consider is the group size and pace, which can vary depending on the guide and the day. Given the tour’s moderate length and the included transportation, it’s suitable for most outdoor enthusiasts, but the minimum age of 12 means it’s not ideal for very young children or those with mobility issues.

What’s Included & What’s Not

The tour provides round-trip transportation from meeting points, a guide, the bridge crossing, snacks, water, and tequila tasting. These inclusions help make it a hassle-free experience, especially if you don’t want to worry about local transport or planning.

However, food at the restaurant and souvenirs are extra, and you’ll need to bring cash for those. Also, transportation to the meeting point isn’t included, so you should plan accordingly.

Practical Tips

• Wear hiking shoes, as the terrain might be uneven or dusty.
• Bring sun protection—a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent are recommended.
• Pack a camera—you’ll want to capture the views and wildlife.
• Carry a swimsuit and towel if you plan to enjoy the waterfalls.
• Make sure to confirm your pickup or meeting details ahead of time since it requires prior contact.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adventure seekers who want a taste of Puerto Vallarta’s natural environment without demanding a deep wilderness trek. It’s also great if you’re interested in local culture, as the tequila tasting and guide insights add a flavorful touch. Nature lovers who enjoy spotting wildlife and taking photos will find plenty to enjoy.

Conversely, if you’re after an off-the-beaten-path or more challenging hike, this might not meet those expectations. It’s a mid-range activity—not overly rigorous but still exciting enough for most outdoor enthusiasts.

Final Thoughts

The Puerto Vallarta River Hiking Tour offers a balanced mix of scenic views, wildlife spotting, and a touch of adventure with the bridge crossing and waterfalls. At $75, it’s a reasonable way to spend a half-day immersed in the local landscape, especially if you enjoy guided experiences that include some unique highlights.

That said, it’s worth noting that some travelers felt the hike was more on dusty roads than through pristine wilderness, so if your ideal is dense jungle or remote river valleys, you might find this tour somewhat tame. But for those wanting a manageable, enjoyable adventure that combines nature, fun, and local flavors, this could be a good fit.

All in all, this tour is best for outdoor explorers who don’t mind a guided route with some touristy touches. It’s not a hardcore trek, but it’s a solid way to get your dose of Puerto Vallarta’s lush landscape and memorable views.

FAQ

Is transportation to the meeting point included?
No, transportation to and from the meeting location is not included, so you’ll need to arrange that yourself or contact the provider ahead of time.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring a hat, camera, hiking shoes, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, insect repellent, and cash for souvenirs. A swimsuit and towel are also recommended if you plan to swim at the waterfalls.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The minimum age for participation is 12 years old, so it’s not suitable for younger children or those with mobility issues.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 4 hours, including transportation, hiking, and stops.

What’s included in the price?
The tour price includes round-trip transportation from meeting points, a guide, bridge crossing, bottled water, snacks, and a tequila tasting.

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

Is this tour physically demanding?
It’s a moderate hike, but some sections involve walking on dusty roads and uneven terrain. It’s suitable for most people in good health, but not for those with back problems, recent surgeries, or mobility impairments.

What is the main highlight of this tour?
Most travelers mention the Jorullo Bridge crossing and the opportunity to see wildlife and waterfalls as the key highlights.

By considering your interests and expectations, I hope this review helps you decide whether this Puerto Vallarta River Hiking Tour fits into your travel plans. It’s a fun, straightforward adventure that offers some great vistas and memorable moments, especially if you’re into scenic bridges and wildlife spotting.

You can check availability for your dates here: