Selva y Playas Exóticas, Senderismo en Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta has beaches, sure. But this outing gives you the best kind of picture taking, the kind that happens while you’re still moving. You’ll ride out from the city, then spend the day hiking through jungle and coastal paths to multiple coves.

I especially like how the route is built around real beach stops, not just a quick look from a viewpoint. I also like the small-group feel, with a max of 10 people, so your guide can actually point things out along the way. The main drawback to plan for is that the hike can be more rugged than a casual stroll, with uneven ground and some scrambling.

Key Highlights

• Jungle-to-coast hiking route with multiple beach stops, including Colomitos, Madagascar Beach, and Las Ánimas
• Public transport + included lancha boat return, so you are not figuring out transit mid-adventure
• Seasonal trail and wildlife chances, like lush shade from July to January and possible whale sightings in winter
• Guide-led nature and culture stops, with hands-on plant and animal spotting along the way
• Traditional Mexican candies included to keep your energy up between the best photo spots

Puerto Vallarta’s Jungle-to-Beach Plan in Plain English

This is a half-day, active nature tour that mixes Puerto Vallarta’s urban energy with a more wild feel once you reach the coast. Starting from the Zona Romántica area, you’ll take a city bus to Boca de Tomatlán, then hike along the coastline and through jungle to reach several named beaches.

What makes it work is the rhythm. You get movement, shade when the season supports it, and swims when conditions are right. You also get a guided layer that helps the hike feel meaningful, not just like exercise.

As for your expectations, go in knowing you are not signing up for a flat walking tour. Some paths involve steep sections and rough ground. If you’re okay with that, the payoff is worth it.

Getting There: The City Bus Ride That Sets the Mood

Your day starts around 9:30 am at the meeting point in the Zona Romántica area, near public transportation. The plan uses a city bus to get you out to Boca de Tomatlán, which matters more than it sounds.

First, it keeps the day easy to manage. You are not hunting for a car, parking, or expensive transfers. Second, the bus ride itself helps you feel like you’ve left the tourist strip behind and are headed into the local coast.

A practical note: the meeting point is listed as Nueva Parada de autobuses de el TuitoAguacate 341, Zona Romántica, so give yourself buffer time. If you’re using rideshare, plan your route early. One helpful theme from the guides’ approach is that they coordinate pickups and wait when needed, but you should still show up on time.

Hiking the Coast and Jungle: Colomitos, Madagascar Beach, and More

The core of the experience is your hike between beaches. You’ll be walking coastal stretches and cutting through jungle sections, which is where the “Selva y Playas” part earns its name.

Season Changes You Can Actually Feel

The trail experience changes by season, and the difference is big enough to plan clothing around:

• July to January: the jungle is lush and shaded, which can make the hike feel cooler and more comfortable.
• February to June: expect dry, sunny weather, which means more direct sun and faster dehydration risk.

That seasonal shift also affects your strategy for the day. In the wetter months, you can lean into longer photo stops because shade helps. In drier months, keep your breaks short and your water plan tight.

Wildlife Chances, Including Winter Whale Spotting

You may spot birds and iguanas along the way. And during the winter season, there’s a chance of seeing whales in the ocean.

This is one of those “keep your eyes up” things. It won’t be guaranteed, but if whales are in the area, you’ll be in the right general region and your guide will likely help you look at the right moments.

Guides Like Moisés, Alex, and Alejandro

Your guide can vary, but names like Moisés, Alex, and Alejandro show up in the guide roster for this experience. Across those guide styles, one common thread is frequent stops to explain what you’re seeing, especially plants and small wildlife.

That matters because it turns the hike into a guided nature walk. Without that, the jungle can blur into “green walls.” With it, you start noticing details: which plants are doing what, what animals might be nearby, and how the local landscape works.

Colomitos Beach Stop: Swim Time and a Real Recharge

One of the best moments on this tour is the stop at Playa Colomitos. This is where you get time to enjoy the beach, including a chance to swim in refreshing water.

Colomitos is popular for good reason: the water is crystal clear, and the setting feels like you earned it. After hiking, being able to cool off is the reset button you need.

Still, treat this as a “swim if conditions feel right” stop, not a guaranteed beach party. Some beach days can be calmer than others, and your best bet is to listen to your guide’s cues when you arrive.

A tip for your comfort: plan your pace. If you go out too fast early, you’ll feel it before you reach the beach. On the flip side, if you hike at a steady pace, you can actually enjoy Colomitos instead of just surviving it.

The Rugged Reality: Shoes, Scrambling, and How Hard It Really Is

Even though the tour is described as hiking, the ground can be rugged. One key detail from the experience is that there can be scrambling over large boulders and steep, uneven sections.

That doesn’t automatically mean “danger.” It means you should dress for grip and stability.

Here’s what I’d do if you want to enjoy the hike instead of fight it:

• Wear good hiking shoes with solid traction.
• Choose clothing that lets your legs move freely when you step up and over rocks.
• Expect uphill effort, and plan to take the guide’s pauses seriously.

This tour is aimed at travelers with moderate physical fitness, but that still covers a wide range. If you’re newer to hikes, the best move is to go slowly and treat the scrambling as part of the adventure, not something you have to rush through.

On the flip side, this tour can work for families too, including groups that included kids and older adults, as long as everyone is comfortable with the uneven terrain. The guide’s job is to manage the group pace, and small-group size helps.

Las Ánimas: Seafood Country and a Boat Return That Keeps You Fresh

Your tour culminates with time at Playa Las Ánimas. This stop is special because it’s not only beach time. It’s also where you may have the chance to pause for food at a local restaurant.

Important detail: the tour description says seafood at a local restaurant is not included. So if you want ceviche or seafood, budget for it.

Now here’s the part that often wins people over: after the beach time, you return by boat at no extra cost. The included return ride is by a lancha type boat, which keeps the second half of the day from turning into a long slog back on foot.

That return is one of the smartest “value for energy” moves in this whole plan. Instead of grinding uphill again, you get a transport break and a view of the coast from the water.

Also keep your eyes open for whales again if conditions align. In whale season, people have spotted whales during the water return experience, and the ocean view from the boat is exactly the kind of perspective you want.

The Included Stuff: Why $55 Can Make Sense

At $55 per person, you’re paying for more than a route. You’re paying for organized transport, guided time, and multiple beach access points.

Here’s what’s included:

• City bus
• Lancha type boat
• Traditional Mexican candies (snacks)
• Certificate guide (you receive a certificate from the guide)

Lunch is listed as not included, so the “snack” expectation should stay honest. At the same time, guides on this hike have sometimes provided extra beach food elements such as guacamole, ceviche, chips, and fruit during the beach portion.

So how do you protect your expectations? Ask your guide on the day what food will be provided beyond candies, and treat any restaurant stop as optional and on your own budget. That way you’re never surprised.

Where this price tends to be strong is in how it removes friction. Getting to Boca de Tomatlán and timing a boat back is exactly the kind of logistics that can eat a day if you plan it alone. Here, it’s handled, and that saves you time and mental energy.

Comfort Tips You’ll Be Glad You Follow

This tour crosses jungle and moves between beach areas, so small choices matter.

What to wear

• Lightweight, comfortable layers for sun and humidity
• Hiking shoes with traction
• A hat and sunscreen for the February to June months when it’s sunnier and drier

What to bring

• A small day bag with water, since only candies are explicitly included
• Swimwear if you want to use the Colomitos and Las Ánimas time for a dip
• A towel if you prefer your own (some people mention not having towels, so plan for that)

Wildlife and whale spotting etiquette

Bring your attention to the water and the vegetation at guide stop points. The best sightings come when you pause and look instead of hiking through the moment.

Also, keep the pace friendly. Part of why the guides like Moisés, Alex, and Alejandro get consistent praise is that they slow down for the learning moments, not just the photos.

Who Should Book Selva y Playas Exóticas?

This is a strong fit if you want a beach day that starts with effort and ends with payoff. It’s also a good match for couples, families, and groups of friends because the group size is small and the guide can tailor the pace.

You should consider this tour if:

• You like hiking with actual destination rewards (three beach stops)
• You want nature spotting and local context, not just walking
• You are okay with rugged, uneven terrain and some scrambling
• You want the option to cool off by swimming along the way

You might skip it if:

• You want a totally easy, stroller-friendly walk
• You hate steep sections or large rocks on trails
• You’re expecting resort-level beach lounging with zero physical effort

Should You Book This One?

I’d book Selva y Playas Exóticas if you want a Puerto Vallarta day that feels like adventure, not just sightseeing. The included bus and boat help your day run smoothly, and the multi-beach route gives you variety instead of a single viewpoint.

But make the decision based on the hike reality. This is not just a flat coastal walk. Wear proper shoes, bring water, and expect some rough sections.

If that sounds like your kind of day, you’re likely going to love the combination of jungle-to-beach hiking, swim breaks, and a boat return that keeps you from burning out.

FAQ

How long is the Selva y Playas Exóticas hiking experience?

It’s approximately 6 hours 30 minutes.

What beaches are included on the hike?

You’ll visit Playa Colomitos, Madagascar Beach, and Playa Las Ánimas.

What time does the tour start and where do you meet?

The start time is 9:30 am. The meeting point is listed at Nueva Parada de autobuses de el TuitoAguacate 341, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.

What’s included in the price?

Included are the city bus, a lancha type boat, traditional Mexican candies, and a certificate guide. Lunch is not included.

Is there an option to swim during the tour?

Yes, there is time at the beaches, including Playa Colomitos where you can swim. You’ll also have beach time at Playa Las Ánimas.

Does the hike vary depending on the season?

Yes. From July to January, the jungle is lush and shaded. From February to June, it’s dry and sunny.

What happens if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.