Quimixto exists in a category of its own among Puerto Vallarta day trips: a boat-only fishing village of fifty residents, a crescent beach with palapa restaurants, and a jungle trail that leads to a freshwater waterfall with a natural swimming pool at its base. No roads connect it to the outside world. The only way in is by water — and that is exactly what preserves it.
Getting There
Boca de Tomatlán is the departure point — a small coastal fishing village about thirty minutes south of downtown Puerto Vallarta. From Boca's beach, small wooden motorboats called pangas depart for Quimixto throughout daylight hours, departing whenever enough passengers gather. The ride takes twenty to thirty minutes and costs approximately 150–200 pesos per person.
For a more curated experience, organized boat tours from Puerto Vallarta's marina combine Quimixto with stops at Los Arcos for snorkeling and Las Animas for lunch. These include hotel pickup, guide services, and a structured itinerary. Your concierge books the best operator and coordinates the entire day.
The Waterfall
The trail winds along the Quimixto River for approximately one kilometer, taking twenty to thirty minutes depending on pace. The path passes through lush jungle vegetation, crosses shallow river sections, and climbs modest elevation. Good hiking shoes or water shoes with ankle support are essential — the rocky river crossings are slippery and the root-laden path uneven.
The waterfall emerges from a jungle pool surrounded by rocks and vegetation — a natural swimming hole with cool, fresh water averaging four to six feet deep. Most visitors spend thirty to sixty minutes swimming and relaxing before the return hike. Vendors at the waterfall sell cold drinks and fresh fruit.
Horseback Alternative
Those unable or unwilling to hike can hire horses for the journey. Local guides maintain a small stable near the beach offering horseback rides for approximately 0–40 USD per person. The ride takes about thirty minutes, covering the same distance through a mounted perspective — a good option for guests with joint issues, limited fitness, or families with young children.
Beach, Dining & Village Life
Quimixto's crescent beach offers clear water for swimming in a protected cove with calm conditions most days. The snorkeling reveals small tropical fish, rays, and coral formations — not as dramatic as Los Arcos but pleasant for casual underwater exploration.
Several small family-run restaurants line the beach, serving fresh-caught seafood: grilled whole fish, shrimp ceviche, fish tacos, and rice. These are authentic local businesses — expect basic but fresh food cooked to order. Meals cost –15 USD. The casual atmosphere, beachfront seating, and the sound of waves create the quintessential no-road Mexican coastal dining experience.
The combination of boat ride, beach, jungle hike, waterfall swim, horseback option, and seafood lunch makes Quimixto one of the most satisfying day-trip destinations on the south coast — it touches every element of the Puerto Vallarta landscape in a single outing. For more hidden beaches south of Puerto Vallarta, the nearby coves of Las Animas, Majahuitas, and Yelapa are all accessible from the same departure point.
Wildlife & Nature
Quimixto's jungle is rich with wildlife. Coatis roam the beach and forest edges, often appearing unafraid of humans but requiring distance. Iguanas sunbathe on rocks and trees, their vibrant green coloring striking against the dark jungle floor. Tropical birds including parrots and toucans inhabit the canopy, and early morning arrivals may hear howler monkeys echoing through the trees.
During whale season (December through March), the panga ride from Boca de Tomatlán may include humpback whale sightings in Banderas Bay. Sea turtles are occasionally visible in the waters around Quimixto's cove, particularly in the turtle grass beds near the reef edges.
Planning Your Day
Best Time to Visit
November–May: Dry season. Calmest seas for the panga ride, driest trails for the waterfall hike.
June–October: Rainy season. Fuller waterfall, greener jungle, fewer visitors. Morning pangas run normally; afternoon showers are typical but brief.
Arrive early: First pangas leave Boca around 9 a.m. Arriving early means a quieter waterfall and first choice of beach chairs.
What to Bring
Footwear: Water shoes or hiking shoes with grip for the slippery river crossings.
Swimsuit + towel: You will swim at the waterfall and the beach.
Cash: Small bills for the panga fare, horseback rides, waterfall vendors, and lunch. No ATMs in Quimixto.
Sunscreen + bug spray: Reef-safe, biodegradable. The jungle humidity is intense.
For Punta Mita villa guests: Your concierge arranges transport to Boca de Tomatlán and coordinates panga timing or books a private boat that includes Quimixto as a stop alongside Los Arcos and Las Animas. The private boat option gives you complete control over departure and return times — ideal for families who want flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Best Day Trips Start from the Best Villas
Villa Experience villas include a dedicated concierge who books boats, arranges panga transfers, and builds your week around the hidden coastline south of Puerto Vallarta.