Palo María Waterfalls Hike Half-Day Tour

This half-day hike takes you away from the beaches, bars and nightlife of Puerto Vallarta and into the mountains and jungle behind it, toward the Palo María River and its waterfalls. It is run by CurielXperience, whose guide is presented as someone with deep knowledge of, and real passion for, the mountains. The listed duration is 240 minutes.

The outing is built around time in nature with a local guide. The activities listed for the day are guided hiking, exploration of the Sierra Madre, swimming in the river, climbing, visiting the waterfalls, bird watching and learning to recognize the local flora and fauna. The itinerary assigns about 180 minutes to this main stretch of the day.

Transportation is included and shared with the other participants, taking the group from the meeting point to the Palo María River. The information provided does not say where the meeting point is or how long the ride takes, so confirm both when you book.

This tour suits nature lovers, hikers, birdwatchers and photographers, and it is best for people who enjoy being outdoors and getting a little wet. Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. It is not recommended for people with spinal injuries, for pregnant travelers, or for those with poor cardiovascular health. Service animals are allowed.

For the day itself, bottled water and snacks are included, along with the shared transportation. Because the route involves a river and swimming, it makes sense to wear footwear you can walk in and to bring a change of clothes, though the operator does not list a specific packing list, so ask if you are unsure what to bring.