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mydeztination · 2 years

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Quimixto Hidden Waterfall Hike

This is a hidden waterfall hike located in one of the oldest beach towns near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Activity Level - Easy

We will start at the Pier in Old Town, then take a public bus to a fishing village in the south of Puerto Vallarta.

From there we will take a boat to a village hidden in the jungle off the Pacific Coast - seasonal whale watching is AMAZING!

Before we begin the hike we will walk through the colorful village and stop at Andy´s bar where you can grab a beer to go or a shot of Raicilla (Mexican moonshine).

We will hike through the village and into the jungle to visit the hidden waterfall.

There is a small restaurant you can enjoy refreshments or delicious guacamole while you swim in the gorgeous falls - one of the only waterfalls you can enjoy year around in Banderas Bay.

We will finish the hike at a fantastic family owned restaurant where you can enjoy seafood that was caught fresh that morning or a delicious margarita, and return by boat then bus to Puerto Vallarta.

All food and drinks on this tour are available for purchase.

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mydeztination · 3 years

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Solo Female Travel Mexico - Is Puerto Vallarta Safe? + Yelapa & Los Arcos Video

Is Puerto Vallarta Safe?

Puerto Vallarta is located on the West side of Mexico and is lined by the Sierra Madre Mountains & a lush jungle coastline. Puerto Vallarta is known for its warm tropical weather, inexpensive cost of living and traditional Mexican culture. During whale season (November to March), you are guaranteed to see whales every day in the Bay of Banderas, and sting rays and dolphins year around.

So, is Puerto Vallarta safe for solo female travelers?

The answer is - YES!

As a solo traveler myself I have lived in Puerto Vallarta for almost 4 years now and have never run into any situations that I felt were dangerous or unsafe.

Is there a lot of theft or violence in Puerto Vallarta?

There is not a lot of theft, danger or violence in the tourist areas of Puerto Vallarta and any of the surrounding cities, but like with any place you choose to travel to it is smart not to wear a lot of flashy jewelry and keep a small amount of cash on your body.

The key here is: don’t come to a third world country and flash your first world luxuries and you should be just fine.

Puerto Vallarta is very safe and violent crime does not exist in here.

What is public transportation like in Puerto Vallarta?

Taxi’s, Uber, the bus and now INDriver are all available to you in PV and are all equally safe. Taxi’s are the most expensive option while the bus is still only $10 pesos (.50$ USD). Uber and INDriver are reasonably competitive.

The bus is currently the most used form of public transportation in Puerto Vallarta and personally my favorite! Can you drink a beer or a margarita on the bus in YOUR home country? Didn’t think so!

Is the ocean safe in Puerto Vallarta?

Tides, currents and jelly fish are all things to watch out for anytime you’re in the ocean, but there is no reason to be overly concerned.

In the Bay of Banderas, waters are calmer here than most other parts of Mexico because it’s crescent shape protects the beaches from currents out in the open ocean.

Sharks are not a concern in Puerto Vallarta which is one of the main reasons the humpback whales choose to breed here as well as bring their young calf’s to the warm tropical waters.

There are life guards on the beach at some beaches, but its good to pay attention to the flags on the beach:

Green Flag: Water conditions are safe for swimming.

Yellow Flag: Use caution while swimming.

Red Flag: Dangerous conditions.

Black Flag: The highest warning level. Do not swim.

Is it safe to eat the food in Puerto Vallarta?

Street food stands are located everywhere in Puerto Vallarta and are safe to eat at. Some of the best food in Mexico comes out of a little mom and pop street food stand because it is delicious and cheap.

Is it safe to drink the water in Puerto Vallarta?

That depends on where you are in the city and where you are staying. A lot of the major hotels have a filtration system and will inform their guests that the water is potable - ok for consumption.

Locals and visitors do not drink tap water in Puerto Vallarta, so we purchase a garrafon (5 gallon filtered water jug) 2-3 times per week from any OXXO or grocery store for around $35 pesos.

Is there crime in Puerto Vallarta?

Puerto Vallarta is safe, but that doesn’t mean you should always be letting your guard down. Crime still exists, but crime levels are low, especially compared with the rest of Mexico and significantly lower than the crime rates of major cities in the U.S. like Miami and Las Vegas.

Is there Cartel activity in Puerto Vallarta?

Puerto Vallarta has largely remained uninvolved in Cartel conflicts. Violent crime is rare, and in the few instances of violence that have occurred, the victims were expected to be involved with the cartel in some way.

Crimes that do occur are usually petty in nature, and mostly crimes of opportunity such as bag snatching, pick-pocketing or theft. But even these aren’t very common.

Mexico has this reputation…

Mexico has a reputation - mostly with Canadian and American travelers - that it is not a safe destination to travel to for people like retirees and solo female travers, but this couldn’t be further from the truth.

In 2018, AARP ranked Puerto Vallarta the #1 place to retire in based on safety and the cost of living against 100 other cities around the world.

10 Quick Solo Female Travel Tips for Puerto Vallarta

Double check the license plate of your Uber/InDriver.

Never leave drinks unattended.

Take your belongings to the bathroom with you.

Smile and acknowledge the people you pass, most of the time they just want to say hello.

If you need help, ask for it. Almost everyone is here to help you enjoy your time in Puerto Vallarta.

Don’t wear flashy jewelry.

Always be conscious opening your wallet in public.

Be aware of leaving your purse open and pick-pocketers.

Don’t carry too much cash. $200 USD per day is more than enough.

Avoid walking home at night if you don’t know the neighborhood.

watch the video below

Read Next:

Living Abroad in Puerto Vallarta

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mydeztination · 5 years

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Dreams really do come true with this chocolate spa & natural hotspring in Mexico

The Organic Spa

Have you been to the natural hot springs & organic Spa Termal Tlalocan at Hotel Balneario San Juan Cosalá yet?!

We freakin loved it!!

The Ambiance

This day spa offered 6 heavenly hot spring pools filled with different organic items designed to leave your skin feeling like silk!

The property was decorated with gorgeous fresh flowers, natural steam holes with essential oils for facials & aroma therapy, and caves with saunas, hot baths and eucalyptus filled steam rooms.

The Pools

We started with the apple cider vinegar pool, followed by a fresh flower bath, then continued with each of the natural hotspring filled pools of algae & minerals, oatmeal scrub, chocolate (no joke!) & finally the mud bath!!

The pools were warm and they offered showers in between each of them to avoid contamination.

The Mud

After rinsing off from each of the pools we were given soft mud filled with minerals from the natural hotsprings and instructed to rub it all over our bodies!

The mud therapy helps to detoxify the joints in your body by getting red of toxins and reduce stress and strains through its cleansing therapy. Its a fantastic way to revitalize the skin, improving how you look and feel!

The mud dried quickly while we layed in the sun next to Lake Chapala, leaving a thick casing on our skin that felt so strange! Once we rinsed off the mud our skin was so soft, pores were smaller and we both looked 10 years younger.

We freakin’ loved it!

At the end of our experience, Spa Termal Tlalocan offered a eucalyptus sauna, underground steam room & citrus steam facials before we headed to the restaurant to enjoy a bucket of guacamole.

If you are heading to Guadalajara or Chapala, Mexico, you must check it out!

Check out my Instagram for the videos!

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mydeztination · 5 years

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12 Photos to inspire you to visit centro histórico de Guadalajara, Mexico

Centro Historico, Guadalajara

At the heart of the capital of Jalisco, Mexico lies a historical center that will leave you breathless! With its gothic, castle-like ambiance, neoclassic museums & buildings dating back to 1558, the historical center of Guadalajara is a must see destination!

The Museum

The museum in Guadalajara, or Hospicio Cabañas, is a must see with amazing architecture dating back from 1791, making it one of the oldest and largest hospital complexes in the Americas.

The Guadalajara metropolitan area has a population of over 5 million inhabitants, making it the second most populous metropolitan area in Mexico, behind Mexico City.

The Guadalajara Cathedral

Thanks for stopping by!

Read Next:

Living Abroad

MEXICO

#Activities #living abroad #Mexico #Guadalajara #Inspiration #Travel Tales #Solo Travel #Couples Travel #Culture & Deztinations

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mydeztination · 5 years

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Top 6 Facebook Groups for people living in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Puerto Vallarta has the largest community of residents from the US and Canada living in the Bay of Banderas than anywhere else in Mexico! That’s why a several members of the community are doing their part to help newcomers from abroad feel comfortable, know where to go, what to do, who to meet, where to eat and even how to find a date!

Check out my list of the top 6 Facebook Groups dedicated to helping foreigners get adjusted to a life abroad in Mexico:

PV Singles

This group is for anyone living in Puerto Vallarta who is single, looking for dating & love. There are so many amazing people in PV who are looking for love & genuine connections, so I created this group to bring them all together. Good luck everyone! Rules are very strict in this group: harassment is forbidden. If you find someone you’re interested in you can send them ONE message, that’s it. So make it count! Extra points for gentleman & classy ladies. Feel free to invite your friends in the area who are qualified singles looking for genuine connections in our community ♥️

Puerto Vallarta: Everything you need to know

This community is a place where group members can interact with people who are living and loving life in beautiful Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Wisdom & Chocolate

Women in Puerto Vallarta sharing Wisdom and Chocolate. These ladies meet monthly with beautiful meet ups hosted by amazing people. Come to the share cirle, tell your story, listen, give and receive wisdom. This is a beautiful, welcoming group for all women.

Vegetarian and Vegan Puerto Vallarta

Whether you are new to the concept of becoming a vegetarian or vegan, curious about the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle, a long-time vegetarian or vegan for the sake of your health, animal rights, or the environment, etc... thank you for caring and welcome! Here you will find recipes and places to eat and enjoy plant-based foods in Vallarta and its surrounding areas. This is also a place to find out where you can source vegetarian and vegan products. We don't eat MEAT, POULTRY, PORK AND FISH/SEAFOOD... AND SOME OF US DON'T EAT DAIRY OR EGGS. Plant-based eaters have access to everything they want to eat, only their foods are made with minimal to no animal products - from ice cream, cake, cookies, pastries and gravy to mock "meats" that taste so much like the real thing. There are many tasty food options available that involve no cruelty to animals, are healthier, and the producing of them is gentle on the environment, why not choose the more healthy, kind, beneficial choice... GO VEGGIE!

Young Professionals Organization of Puerto Vallarta

Vallarta Professionals Organization- bringing together like minded professionals living in the bay to share ideas, create growth and network in the community, support each other and have fun!

Vallarta Advisor

Puerto Vallarta Information about everything you need or want to know. Some politics allowed. Join this group for news features of the area, advisories, events and information.

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mydeztination · 5 years

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Evolve Life Coaching

“If you’re the smartest person in the room, then you’re in the wrong room.” - Confucious

Working as a lifestyle influencer is rather beguiling, constantly striving to live my best life for myself and my readers, painting a picture of what the ultimate life should look like in todays modern world of eccentric consumerism and vexatious competition.

On the outside, my life is seemingly perfect.

I live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world, have a condo steps away from a stunning tropical beach, owned my own company with several sub-brands beneath it by the time I was 27, traveled the world solo, taught English in Mexico and Thailand, and have a doting boyfriend who loves me.

I feel healthy. I feel beautiful. I feel free.

My life looks perfect, right?!

In most ways, it is - because I made it this way.

I strive every day to ensure my life is going the way I want it to. To ensure I’m receiving the things I’m working for, to protect my energy from being depleted by toxic relationships, to love myself and truly value my own worth, to experience places, people and non-material things, to love freely without attachment, to be better than I was yesterday.

And most importantly, to continue to gain wisdom through life, through love, and through invaluable experiences.

But even with the over-achieving personality that I have paired with the incessent resiliency to keep moving forward, I still need guidance through life, through introspect and through heartbreak.

The Struggle is Real

I’ve lived in Mexico for almost two years now and have overcome some challenges I’d never anticipated. Moving to another country alone, 2,200 miles away from everyone I know and love was courageous but immensly intimidating.

I feared the unknown and had no idea what to expect living in a foreign country where I spoke only a few words of the complex language.

Within my first year I had experienced so many ups and downs in business, in friendships, with family and with love.

I’m drawn to people and found that they are equally drawn to me, so I opened up my heart letting anyone in without weighing the consequences of giving away my energy and light so thoughtlessly.

And I found that if I’m not careful, they’ll move right into my life and gladly take over.

I’d made friends with amazing souls only to quickly lose them to the natural attrition of the vacation-destination lifestyle.

I built my business from the ground up by teaching myself the tools I needed to be successful, only to be slighted by my competitors and taken advantage of by those who didn’t speak my language.

I pushed love away again and again.

The closer it got to me, the faster I ran from it.

I needed a lesson in self-love and self-worth, and the universe did nothing short of hand it to me on a silver platter, dressed in palm trees, sunshine, and a hell of a lot of confusion.

But one thing is for certain, I’m consistent.

Every time I’ve accomplished a big goal the anxiety starts to set in.

What’s next? What do I work towards now? How do I find the next goal? What am I passionate about and what other passions should I explore? What are my talents and how can they meet the needs of the world?

And of course: What in the hell do I do now????

So like always, I spent countless hours working on myself, listening to audiobooks, working on my body, exploring Mexico, building community and relationships, and yet still felt there was something that wasn’t quite right.

I felt like I needed guidance, but felt foolish for wanting it.

How can a lifestyle influencer need guidance from someone else??

But after two years of soul-searching solo, countless audiobooks and endless reruns of Friends & Greys Anatomy, I’d reached a point that I needed the advice from someone else.

I needed to recognize that I could only do so much on my own;

That I needed the objective opinion as I maneuvered through my relationships; the rational mind during my heartbreak; the inspiration when I’ve lost my creativity, my motivation.

My friends recommended a therapist but the fit didn’t seem quite right.

I didn’t feel like I had any past traumas that needed to be uncovered, but the need for guidance through my present conflicts and direction into my future.

The Turning Point

After much research, I’d learned there’s a major difference between a therapist and a life coach:

Therapists typically help you work through trauma & uncover past issues, while Life Coaches specialize in relationships, conflict and self-worth.

Once I was able to figure out what I needed, my sister referred me to her Life Coach, Jillian Landis, Evolve Life Coaching, raving about the progress she’d made with her and how Jillian truly helped her resolve her relationship conflicts and belief in her self-worth.

So I thought what the hell, I’ll book a consultation.

It is free, afterall.

During my first session with Jillian, I had already learned so many life tools I’d be able to use in my current and future relationships for the rest of my life.

I was very conflicted when I met Jillian, but she was able to explain to me a tool that I will use for the rest of my life.

She simplified my options, something I love in a life coach, removing the complexity & narrowing it down to directions.

The first was the courage to express to how I felt, overcoming my fears and exposing my vulnerability. This seemed like such a giant task at the time, only to feel instantly relieved after I was finished.

The second is expressing what I needed, laying out the actions and words that would heal open wounds, clarifying the boundaries that needed to be respected.

With these tools I learned to express my feelings with unapologetic vulnerability, solve the problem by communicating my needs, and mend the relationship to be one of the most important I have today.

The moral to my story is this: If you’re feeling a little lost, remember you’re at the best part of your life you can possibly be.

You’re at the fork in the road, the place with unlimited choices, unlimited destinations.

You have the opportunity to to explore anything you want at this moment in your life.

The options can be intimidating.

But the reward can be exhilirating.

Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.

To learn more about speaking to a life coah, click for more info:

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mydeztination · 5 years

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Private, Public, Party & Fishing Boat Tours - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Boat tours & rentals starting at $120 per person. Private yacht charters, public snorkel, sunset & concert cruises, party boats & fishing tours now available all over Banderas Bay in Mexico. Contact me for more details or to make a reservation.

Departing from Puerto & Nuevo Vallarta, charters range from snorkel tours to romantic sunset cruises. 4 person minimum. Email me for more info & to reserve your boat! [email protected]

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mydeztination · 5 years

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Botanical Gardens + Hidden Waterfalls

- The Puerto Vallarta Pier

- Bus to hidden Mexican town in the mountains

- Experience the Botanical Gardens

- Visit the hidden waterfalls

- Hike the jungle trails (easy hike)

- Lunch at an authentic Mexican restaurant

- Return to PV by bus

We will start the tour in Puerto Vallarta at the pier. From there we will catch the Mexican bus (truly an exiting experience of it's own) to the small off the grid town where we will visit the Botanical Gardens, hidden waterfall & jungle hike. After you will have the opportunity to purchase lunch and drinks at their restaurant. All transportation and ticket entrance fees are included. We will return by bus back to Puerto Vallarta. Your experience will include 10 HD digital photos.

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mydeztination · 5 years

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Chico's Paradise Waterfall Photo Tour - El Tuito, Mexico

Chico’s paradise is a hidden location where you can swim in waterfalls & have lunch on the south end of Puerto Vallarta. Great spot for photos. Zipline also available for additional purchase!

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mydeztination · 5 years

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Deserted Beach Town, Waterfalls & Boats - Quimixto, Mexico

This is a hidden waterfall hike located in a very rustic, Mexican cowboy beach town near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. We will start at the Pier in Old Town, then take a public bus to a small yet popular fishing town in the south end of Puerto Vallarta. From there we will take a boat to another small country town in the mountains off the Pacific Coast. We will hike through the rustic town and into the jungle to visit the hidden waterfall where there is a small restaurant you can enjoy refreshments & delicious guacamole for purchase while you swim in the gorgeous falls. We will finish the hike at the deserted beach town of Quimixto, and return by boat then bus to Puerto Vallarta.

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mydeztination · 5 years

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Palo Maria Hidden Waterfall Hike - Puerto Vallarta Mexico

Hidden in the jungle of the Sierra Madre Mountains sits Palo Maria, a cascading hike featuring almost a dozen waterfalls. Most only hike to the first, but those willing to free rock climb can continue beyond!

What we’ll do

This is a 3-4 hour tour that includes hiking to a hidden waterfall, bus fare & photography. We will start at the Pier in Puerto Vallarta at 9am and walk to the Oxxo where we will catch the Orange bus to Palo Maria (15 min). Once we arrive we will walk the hiking path & through the river to the waterfall. We will stay at the waterfall for about an hour before heading back on the bus for a short 15 min ride back to the old town Puerto Vallarta.

What I’ll provide

Bottle of water

Bus transportation

Photography (10 per group)

A snack for the hike

What to bring

Hat

Sunscreen

Sunglasses

Comfortable hiking shoes

Snorkel Gear if you want to snorkel

Water shoes/flip flops

Swim Suit

Small Beach Towel

Minimum 500 pesos for drinks, lunch & tips

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mydeztination · 5 years

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Tours of Mexico for Women

Tours specifically designed for women!

Botanical Gardens

Chico’s Paradise Waterfalls

Street Art Walk

Hidden Beach Hikes

Nogalito Waterfalls

Las Animas by Boat

Yelapa Waterfalls

Monkey Mountain

Old Town

The Malecon

Palo Maria

Snorkel Punta Negra

Sayulita

San Pancho

Fishing Villages

& tons more! PM me for more details!

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mydeztination · 5 years

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Dog Friendly Photo Tour & Explore

Bring your pet along on select activiites around Puerto Vallarta area. Spend the day exploring colorful Sayulita, the fishing villages of Boca de Tomatlan & Mismaloya, or spend the day snorkeling & sipping cervezas at Playa Punta Negra. Prices & activities vary depending on dog size. Message me for more info!

Send me an email for questions or concerns! [email protected]

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mydeztination · 5 years

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Coastal Jungle Hike to Las Animas - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

We will start at the Pier in Old Town, then take a public bus to Boca de Tomatlán, the small yet popular fishing town in the south end of Puerto Vallarta. From there we will visit the hidden waterfall & beach at Playa Colomitos, then finish the hike to the famous Las Animas. This is a moderte level hike and can be physically challenging with some stairs, rocks and beaches to climb over.

What we’ll do

This is a 6 hour tour that includes hiking to a hidden waterfall, private beach swimming and lunch. We will start at the Pier in Puerto Vallarta at 9am and walk to the Oxxo where we will catch the Orange bus to Boca de Tomatlan (25 min). Once we arrive in Boca, we will walk the hiking path following the crystal clear blue ocean to the hidden beach & waterfall at Playa Colomitos. From there we…+ More

What else you should know

This hike is weather dependant, if it is raining in the morning or after 7pm the night before it may be cancelled or rescheduled. Please be aware this is a moderate-level hike & can be rigorous.

What I’ll provide

Bottle of water 󲀃

Bus & Boat transportation 󵀁

Photography (10 per group) 󳀁

A snack for the hike 󴀁

What to bring

Hat

Sunscreen

Sunglasses

Comfortable hiking shoes

Snorkel Gear if you want to snorkel

Water shoes/flip flops

Swim Suit

Small Beach Towel

Minimum 500 pesos for drinks, lunch & tips

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mydeztination · 5 years

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Yelapa Boat & Waterfall Tour - Puero Vallarta, Mexico

Yelapa Town is a the most authentic version of old Mexico in the Bay of Banderas. There is a hidden waterfall at the top of the mountain that can be large and booming during the rainy season.

Where we’ll be

Yelapa Town is a the most authentic version of old Mexico in the Bay of Banderas. There is a hidden waterfall at the top of the mountain that can be large and booming during the rainy season.

This tour is 3-4 hours. We will start at the Pier in Puerto Vallarta at 9am and walk to the Oxxo where we will catch the Mexican bus to a small fishing town (25 min). Once we arrive, we will catch a short 10 minute water taxi to Yelapa Town, and take a trip back into old Mexico. From there we tour the town of Yelapa, up the mountain to the hidden waterfall. We will spend 40 minutes at the waterfall relaxing, before our decent to lunch (available for purchase). At lunch we will have the luxury to drink, relax and swim in the clear blue ocean until you’re ready to catch the 10 min boat ride followed the 25 min bus ride back to the old town Puerto Vallarta pier.

What I’ll provide

All Bus & Boat Transportation is included

Bug Repellant, First Aid Kit & Photograpy (10 HD Digital Photos) included

A bottle of water & small snack will be provided at the Oxxo before take off

What to bring

Hat

Sunglasses

Sunscreen

Swimsuit

Small Beach Towel

Comfortable hiking shoes

Pesos for alcohol, souvenirs & tips

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mydeztination · 5 years

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Hidden Beach & Waterfall in the Jungle - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

This hidden beach & waterfall are onlyl accessible by boat or hiking on a lesser known trail. Come experience the Sierra Madre Mountains & the jungles of Mexico.

This is a 6 hour tour that includes hiking to a hidden waterfall, private beach swimming and lunch. We will start at the Pier in Puerto Vallarta at 9am and walk to the Oxxo where we will catch the Orange bus to Boca de Tomatlan (25 min). Once we arrive in Boca, we will walk the hiking path following the crystal clear blue ocean to the hidden beach & waterfall at Playa Colomitos. From there we will relax and swim until you’re ready to move to the next beach town, Las Animas, where you can purchase lunch, cervezas, margaritas & more. After lunch we will enjoy the beaches of Las Animas until it is time to catch the 10 min boat ride back to Boca. Here we will get back on the bus for a short 25 min ride back to the old town Puerto Vallarta pier.

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