Jungle-to-beach walking in Puerto Vallarta feels instant. I love how the certified guide team, often led by Moisés, turns a public-bus ride into a story-driven nature trek, with frequent stops to spot birds and iguanas. I also like the payoff at Colomitos, where you get real beach time and can cool off after the climb. One thing to watch: some stretches are rugged and include boulder scrambling, so bring proper shoes.

For $55, you get the city bus, a lancha-type boat return, traditional Mexican candies, and a small group cap of 10, which keeps the day from feeling like a cattle drive. During the lush months, July through January, the jungle can be shaded and cooler; February through June is drier and sunnier. Winter is the wild-card, with a chance to spot whales from the route.

This is rated moderate, but the route climbs and descends a lot, so you should be comfortable walking for hours and getting your hands a bit dirty. Wear good hiking shoes, plus lightweight clothing for the jungle cross-bay stretch, and bring a towel if you plan to swim. If you have mobility limits, ask your guide how the day’s trail condition looks that morning.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Start with a real local commute via city bus, heading to Boca de Tomatlán before the hiking begins
• Three beach stops: Colomitos, Playa Madagascar, and Las Ánimas for variety, not just one cove
• Traditional Mexican candies included, a small but smart energy boost on the trail
• Seasonal wildlife possibilities, including birds, iguanas, and winter whale sightings
• Las Ánimas has a restaurant option, but seafood there is not included
• Maximum 10 people, which makes it easier to pause for photos and direction on uneven ground

Why this Puerto Vallarta hike feels like two trips in one

This half-day hike is really a combo of geography and habitat. You start in town, then ride out to a fishing area, and you spend the bulk of the time moving between ocean views and jungle paths.

The big difference from a simple beach day is that your guide keeps you switched on. The stops are not just random photo breaks. You learn what you are walking past, and you get a better sense of why this stretch of Puerto Vallarta matters for plants and animals.

And yes, the beaches are the reward. Colomitos is the first one where swimming is part of the plan, and Las Ánimas is where the day slows down enough to feel like a real getaway.

Price and value: what $55 buys you, start to finish

At $55 per person for a 6 hours 30 minutes experience, the value is mainly in what is included. You get the city bus, the lancha-type boat back, and the traditional Mexican candies, plus a certified guide and a small group size that keeps attention focused.

What you are not paying for is lunch. You will have options at Las Ánimas where a restaurant stop is available, and seafood there is not included. So if you want a full sit-down meal, you should budget extra.

The other value piece is time. Starting at 9:30 am, this is long enough to feel like an adventure, but it still leaves you with the rest of your day for beach lounging, a market stop, or a nice dinner in the Romantic Zone.

Meeting point to Boca de Tomatlán: the public transport piece

You meet at the Nueva Parada de autobuses de el Tuito, Aguacate 341, in the Zona Romántica area of Puerto Vallarta. The tour starts at 9:30 am and ends back at the meeting point.

Then comes a big part of the charm: you take a city bus, not a private van. That ride connects you with the real rhythm of the coast and gets you to Boca de Tomatlán without making the whole day feel like logistics.

From there, the hiking begins. Think of it as a steady transition: urban views give way to fishing-village energy, then the trail starts trading street sounds for birds and wind off the water.

This is also why good timing helps. Early start means lighter heat on the trail, and it gives you a better shot at enjoying the beaches instead of rushing through them.

Colomitos Beach: the swim stop that makes the hike worth it

Colomitos Beach is your first major reward. The route brings you along the coast and through jungle, then you arrive at a spot known for clear water and a refreshing swim break.

This stop matters because it changes how the hike feels. After you have been walking and climbing, getting in the ocean gives you that instant reset. It also turns the day from exercise-only into something more balanced: hike, view, swim, repeat.

Be realistic about conditions. This area can have chop depending on the day, and you may find that swimming feels better than sunbathing when the water is a bit rough. If you care most about photos, you can still enjoy the scenery even if you do not go far into the water.

If you plan to swim, pack smart. Wear swimsuit-ready clothes under lightweight layers, and bring a towel since beach towels are not included.

Madagascar Beach: the in-between stretch across jungle

Playa Madagascar is one of the named beach stops on the route, and it gives you that middle-of-the-hike change of scenery. You are moving from the first swim zone toward more ocean views and more jungle walking, and Madagascar fits that “in-between” role well.

What I like about having a second beach stop is how it breaks up the effort. You get a chance to catch your breath, regroup as a group, and take photos without feeling like you have to endure the whole climb in one go.

The jungle portion is where the season matters. From July through January, the jungle tends to be lush and can feel shaded. From February through June, the weather is typically drier and sunnier, which means you should expect stronger sun and less natural shade.

Either way, this is not a sit-on-a-trail kind of walk. You will be on uneven ground, and the ocean air keeps the effort from feeling totally oppressive.

Las Ánimas and the boat back: beach time plus a meal choice

Las Ánimas is where the day turns into a slower finish. You reach the beach after the coastal and jungle sections, and the tour includes time to hang out there.

There is also a restaurant option at Las Ánimas. Seafood is available, but it is not included in the tour price. This is your chance to eat regional food, but you should treat it as an optional add-on depending on what you feel like spending that day.

Once your beach time wraps up, you return by boat at no extra cost. That boat ride is a real quality-of-life feature. After hiking on land, it is a nice switch to let the water do the work.

Also, keep your expectations aligned. This is not a full day of lounging. It is long enough for a workout and swimming, but it is still a guided program with set timing and a planned return.

Guides and storytelling: Moisés, Alejandro, and Alex in action

The guide makes or breaks this kind of hike, and this one has a clear strength in how the trip gets explained while you are moving.

I have seen this led by Moisés, as well as guides like Alejandro and Alex, and the consistent theme is pacing plus attention to the details around you. You get stops to talk about local flora and fauna, and you learn what to look for while you walk instead of just staring at a trail line.

That attention matters because the terrain can be rugged. When you understand where the footing is tricky, you move more confidently. And when you have an explanation for what you are seeing, you feel like you are getting a cultural experience, not just fitness.

A bonus: guides often keep the mood friendly and fun, so you are not stuck in a lecture. The day feels like a hike with a local storyteller, which is the best kind of guide relationship on a physical outing.

Rugged bits, weather, and what to pack

Even with a moderate fitness rating, this hike can feel more challenging than you expect. One important heads-up is that you may deal with steep climbs and scrambling over larger boulders. If you expect a smooth nature trail, adjust your expectations.

So pack for grip and stability. Closed-toe hiking shoes with good traction are the difference between enjoying the scramble and thinking about how your ankle feels.

Lightweight clothing is smart because you are crossing a jungle stretch and you will get warm. At the same time, bring something you are comfortable in during sun-heavy days, especially from February through June when the weather is drier and sunnier.

For swimming, keep it simple: swimsuit under clothes, towel, and something waterproof if you want to protect your phone. Water is not listed as included in your provided details, so plan to bring your own.

If you want the best day, check the weather the morning of. This experience requires good weather, and if it gets canceled due to poor conditions, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

Who should book, and who might want a different PV day

This works great for couples, families, and small groups who want an active Puerto Vallarta outing that goes beyond beach-only. The max group size of 10 people also makes it easier for slower walkers to keep pace and for the guide to give direction on tricky spots.

It is also a solid choice if you want wildlife chances. You might spot birds and iguanas along the way, and in winter you may have the chance to see whales during the journey. That is never guaranteed, but the route is set up so you have opportunities to look.

For solo travelers, you can ask about availability since it is flexible depending on your date.

Who should think twice? If boulder scrambling and uneven ground are not your thing, or if you cannot handle steep climbs, this may feel stressful instead of fun. In that case, you might prefer a gentler coastal walk or a day with less elevation change.

If you use a service animal, service animals are allowed.

My verdict: book Selva y Playas Exóticas if you want a guided jungle-to-beach payoff

I would book this if you want a real mix of nature walking plus multiple beach stops, and you care about learning while you move. The combination of a bus ride to Boca de Tomatlán, a coast-and-jungle trail, and an included boat return makes the whole day feel efficient, not exhausting in logistics.

The one reason I would pause is the rugged terrain. If you are in doubt about your footing or your comfort with scrambling, ask the operator what the trail condition looks like around your travel dates.

If you are ready for a hike workout with scenic rewards, this is a memorable way to experience Puerto Vallarta beyond the obvious postcard scenes.

FAQ

How long is the Selva y Playas Exóticas hike?

It runs for about 6 hours 30 minutes.

What time does the tour start, and where does it end?

It starts at 9:30 am and ends back at the meeting point.

What’s included in the tour price?

The tour includes the city bus, a lancha-type boat ride, traditional Mexican candies, and a certificate guide. Lunch is not included.

Which beaches are visited during the hike?

You will visit Playa Colomitos, Playa Madagascar, and Playa Las Ánimas.

Is swimming included?

There is a stop at Playa Colomitos where you can enjoy the beach and take some time to swim. Your time at beaches also includes time to hang out and enjoy the area.

How hard is the hike?

It is designed for travelers with moderate physical fitness. The hike includes climbing and can involve rugged sections and scrambling over larger boulders, so good footwear helps.

Is lunch included at Las Ánimas?

No. At Playa Las Ánimas, you can stop at a local restaurant where seafood is available, but it is not included.

When might I see whales or other wildlife?

Birds and iguanas are possible, and during the winter season you may spot whales. The jungle trail conditions also vary by season, with a lush, shaded feel from July through January and drier, sunnier conditions from February through June.

What happens if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.