Las Ánimas to Quimixto Waterfall Hike: A 2025 Tour Review
So, you are probably looking for a break from the usual beach lounging scene in Puerto Vallarta. I mean, that’s what I was thinking about, anyway. You kind of get this itch to see something a little different, you know, something a bit more wild and untamed. The ‘Las Ánimas to Quimixto Waterfall Half-Day Hiking Tour’ for 2025 basically popped up as a pretty cool option. At the end of the day, it promises a boat trip, a bit of a jungle walk, and a waterfall swim, all packed into a morning or afternoon. Honestly, it sounded like the perfect mini-adventure without needing to be some kind of extreme survival expert or anything like that. We decided to check it out, and frankly, it was a really interesting experience with some parts that totally took me by surprise.
I mean, the whole idea is that you get to see a part of Banderas Bay that you actually can’t reach by car, which is pretty special. It’s almost like you’re stepping into a different world just a short boat ride away from the main town. To be honest, I think it’s good to have a real idea of what to expect from these kinds of excursions. Sometimes the pictures only show the perfect waterfall shot, right? They don’t always show the boat ride there, the feeling of the trail under your feet, or the little village you walk through. That is actually the stuff I wanted to share with you, sort of a play-by-play of the whole morning, so you can decide if this particular half-day outing is right up your alley for your own trip. Seriously, let’s get into what the day actually feels like.
Setting Off: The Panga Ride to Las Ánimas
Okay, so the day usually kicks off at one of the main piers, either in the marina or sometimes from Los Muertos beach. As a matter of fact, you feel the excitement kind of building as you see all the small boats, the pangas, zipping around. Our boat was, basically, a simple, open-air water taxi, and honestly, that’s part of the fun. You really feel connected to the water, you know, with the salty spray misting your face just a little bit. Anyway, as the panga pulls away from the dock, you get this absolutely amazing view of Puerto Vallarta shrinking in the distance. The sounds of the town kind of fade away, and instead, you just hear the motor humming and the water splashing against the side of the boat. For some great Puerto Vallarta boat trips, there are quite a few options to consider for your holiday planning.
The boat ride itself is more or less like a tour before the actual hike begins. Your captain, who typically knows these waters like the back of his hand, will likely point out interesting things along the way. We, for example, motored past the famous Los Arcos, those big rock formations that jump out of the sea. Apparently, they are a national marine park and a super popular spot for snorkeling. As we continued south, you could just see these incredibly lavish houses built right into the cliffs, accessible only by water, which sort of makes you wonder about the stories they hold. The coastline is really rugged and green, completely different from the town. I mean, keep your eyes open, because sometimes you can spot dolphins or even, in the right season, a massive manta ray gliding just under the surface. It’s pretty much an awesome warm-up for the adventure ahead.
First Stop, Las Ánimas: More Than Just a Starting Point
So, after about a 30- to 40-minute boat ride, we started to slow down, and that’s when we saw Las Ánimas beach. The first thing you’ll probably notice is that the water here is this almost unbelievable shade of green-blue, and it’s very clear. The beach itself is, well, pretty lively and buzzing with a really cheerful energy. There are a bunch of little restaurants with their tables and colorful umbrellas set right out on the sand, so you’re practically eating with your toes in the ocean. People are swimming, sunbathing, and you just get this feeling of a happy, secluded beach party, in a way. The panga usually pulls right up to the sand, so you kind of just hop off into the shallow water, which is a really cool way to arrive, you know. I believe there are some incredible secluded beaches near Puerto Vallarta you should totally check out.
Alright, so Las Ánimas is the official starting point for the hike to Quimixto, but it’s actually a great spot on its own. Your tour guide might give you a few minutes here before starting the trek, and I mean, it’s a good idea to use the restrooms at one of the restaurants. You will likely walk through the sand, past the line of restaurants, to find the trailhead at the southern end of the beach. It’s not obviously marked with a giant sign or anything; it just kind of looks like a little dirt path that disappears into the palm trees and jungle. Frankly, it feels like you’re about to discover a secret path. You can often grab an extra bottle of water here if you need one, which, to be honest, is a pretty smart move before you head into the woods.
The Jungle Trail: What the Hike to Quimixto is Really Like
Now, for the main event, the hike itself. Stepping onto the trail from the bright, sunny beach is, honestly, like entering a completely different zone. Instantly, the temperature seems to drop a little, and it gets just a bit more humid under the thick canopy of trees. As a matter of fact, the sounds change completely; the beach chatter is replaced by the hum of insects, the rustling of lizards in the dry leaves, and the calls of exotic birds you probably can’t identify. The path itself is more or less a well-trodden dirt trail that hugs the coastline for a little bit before heading more inland. You get these really amazing peeks of the ocean through the trees, with the water sparkling below. It’s not a flat walk, so just be prepared for some gentle ups and downs and a few rocky sections.
I mean, the plant life in this jungle is pretty amazing. You’ll see gigantic palm trees, twisty vines, and these enormous strangler fig trees that seem to be swallowing other trees whole. Sometimes you spot huge termite nests clinging to the trunks, and there are colorful flowers here and there that add a splash of color to all the green and brown. Anyway, we were lucky enough to see a few big, green iguanas sunning themselves on the rocks, and they just sort of look at you with this ancient, unbothered expression. It’s really important to keep your ears open, as the sounds can tell you a lot about the local wildlife around you before you even see it. It makes the walk feel very, very alive.
Let’s be real about the difficulty for a second. Is it a super tough climb? Well, not really. But is it just a casual stroll? Honestly, no. I would say it’s a moderately challenging hike that takes about an hour to an hour and a half, depending on your pace. You will definitely work up a bit of a sweat, especially with the humidity. The path can be a little uneven in places, with rocks and tree roots to step over, so, like, wearing a good pair of walking shoes or sturdy sandals is basically a must. Flip-flops would be a seriously bad idea. I saw some people doing the hike on horseback, as there are locals who offer that service, which could be an option if you’re not up for the walk but still want to see the waterfall. At the end of the day, a basic level of fitness will make the experience much more enjoyable.
Reaching the Prize: The Quimixto Waterfall
Alright, you know you’re getting close when you start to hear it. First, it’s just a faint rushing sound in the distance, but it gradually gets louder and louder with every step. I mean, that sound really motivates you to push through that last little part of the hike. Then, you sort of round a corner on the path, and there it is. The Quimixto waterfall is seriously impressive, cascading down a massive rock face into a large, deep pool below. The sunlight filters through the trees and catches the mist rising from the water, often creating little rainbows. It’s a pretty stunning sight after walking through the jungle, and everyone in our group just kind of stopped for a moment to take it all in.
You can almost feel the power of the water as it hits the pool, and the air is noticeably cooler and more refreshing here. It’s pretty much the perfect reward for your efforts.
The best part, obviously, is that you can swim. The pool at the bottom of the waterfall is deep and incredibly refreshing, especially after the warm hike. The water is quite cool, so it might take your breath away for a second, but it feels absolutely amazing. You can swim right up close to where the water comes crashing down, which is a really fun experience. There’s also a small, rustic restaurant built right there by the falls. It’s a great spot to grab a cold beer or a fresh margarita and just relax on one of the plastic chairs while watching people swim. To be honest, finding this little outpost of civilization next to such a powerful natural feature is a little unexpected but very welcome. Checking out different natural swimming spots can make any trip just a little more special.
The Return Trip and Some Practical Tips
Okay, so after you have had your fill of swimming and relaxing at the waterfall, you need to get back. You basically have two choices. You could, of course, hike the same trail back to Las Ánimas beach and meet your panga there. On the other hand, the more common option is to walk down a different path from the waterfall to the small village of Quimixto. This walk is much shorter and easier, taking maybe 20 minutes, and it leads you through the actual town where local people live. It’s a really interesting glimpse into a different way of life, with kids playing soccer in the cobblestone pathways and chickens scratching in the yards. The village has a pier where your panga will come to pick you up, which is very convenient.
By the way, planning for this trip is pretty straightforward, but a few things can make it go more smoothly. I mean, here’s a quick list of what you should probably think about bringing:
- Good Footwear: Seriously, leave the flip-flops at the hotel. Wear sneakers or hiking sandals with good grip.
- Swimsuit: You will almost definitely want to jump in the water, so wear it under your clothes to make things easier.
- Cash: The little restaurant at the waterfall and the shops in Quimixto are typically cash-only. So, you will need some pesos for drinks, snacks, or maybe even a souvenir.
- Water: Bring a bottle of water for the hike. Staying hydrated is super important, you know.
- Sunscreen and Bug Spray: The boat ride can get you a lot of sun, and well, the jungle has bugs. Pretty self-explanatory, right? A look at some great ideas for packing for your trip could be really helpful.
- Small Towel and Dry Clothes: A small microfiber towel is perfect, and a dry shirt to put on for the boat ride back is honestly a really nice touch.
Finally, just think about the timing of it all. It’s called a half-day tour, and that’s a pretty accurate description. All in all, from leaving the pier in Puerto Vallarta to getting back, you are looking at about four to five hours. This includes the two boat rides, the hike, and a good amount of time to hang out at the waterfall. So, it really does leave you with the other half of your day free to relax or explore something else. It is a really efficient way to pack a whole lot of different experiences—boating, hiking, swimming, and a little bit of culture—into a relatively short amount of time, you know.
