In This Guide
Quimixto exists as a secret known to those willing to venture beyond Puerto Vallarta's typical resort beaches. This fishing village nestled in a protected cove near Jalisco's coast offers a glimpse into coastal Mexico untouched by heavy development — where turquoise waters meet jungle cliffs, where local families run small restaurants, and where a refreshing waterfall awaits hikers willing to explore the surrounding rainforest.
Unlike Puerto Vallarta's urban beaches and developed attractions, Quimixto demands effort to reach, which preserves its tranquility and authentic character. Those making the journey discover a destination where time moves differently, where the rhythm of waves and jungle birds dictates the pace, and where modern distractions fade into irrelevance.
What is Quimixto?
Quimixto is a small fishing village on the Pacific coast south of Puerto Vallarta, accessible only by boat. The settlement consists of perhaps 50-100 permanent residents, mostly fishermen and their families who've lived here for generations. No roads connect to the outside world — boats are Quimixto's only transportation link, preserving the village's isolation and authentic character.
The village sits in a protected natural cove with a crescent beach, dramatic jungle cliffs rising behind, and forest trails leading inland. A permanent waterfall emerges from the rainforest, creating a natural swimming hole and the primary attraction drawing visitors. The combination of pristine beach, remote jungle setting, and waterfall swimming creates an experience of undeveloped tropical Mexico rarely accessible to tourists.
How to Get There
The Panga Boat from Boca de Tomatlán
Boca de Tomatlán, a small coastal town about 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of Puerto Vallarta, serves as Quimixto's primary access point. The journey involves driving south from Puerto Vallarta toward Sayulita, then following coastal roads to Boca de Tomatlán. Your Puerto Vallarta villa's concierge typically arranges this drive and boat coordination.
From Boca de Tomatlán's beach, small wooden motorboats called pangas depart for Quimixto. The journey takes 20-30 minutes depending on sea conditions, and costs approximately $10-15 USD per person. Pangas operate throughout daylight hours, departing whenever enough passengers gather for the trip. The ride can be rough in choppy seas, so those prone to seasickness should take preventative medicine.
Alternatively, book organized boat tours from Puerto Vallarta's marina district, which include transportation from your accommodation, guided activities, and return trips. These run $60-$100 USD per person but provide convenience and professional operation compared to local pangas.
Organized Tours from Puerto Vallarta
Many tour operators offer Quimixto day trips departing from Puerto Vallarta's cruise ship terminals or central marina. These tours typically include hotel pickup, boat transportation, guide services, and sometimes lunch. Costs range $75-$150 USD per person depending on inclusions. Tours eliminate navigation uncertainty and provide guides explaining local history and wildlife.
Your villa's concierge can vet and book reputable tour operators, ensuring professional services and reliable schedule adherence. This is particularly valuable if traveling without Spanish language skills, as independent panga operators may have limited English.
The Waterfall Hike
Trail Details & Difficulty
Upon arriving at Quimixto beach, most visitors head directly to the waterfall hike. The trail winds along the Quimixto River for approximately one kilometer (half mile), taking 20-30 minutes depending on fitness level and pace. The path passes through lush jungle vegetation, crosses shallow river sections, and climbs modest elevation changes.
The trail is moderately difficult. Good hiking shoes or water shoes with ankle support are essential — the rocky river crossings are slippery, and the root-laden jungle path can be uneven. Bring plenty of water and insect repellent. The jungle humidity is intense even in cooler months, so pace yourself and allow extra time for rest breaks.
The waterfall emerges from a jungle pool surrounded by rocks and vegetation — a natural swimming hole with cool, fresh water flowing from upstream. The pool depth averages 4-6 feet, making it suitable for swimming and cooling off. Most visitors spend 30-60 minutes swimming and relaxing before the return hike.
Horseback Alternative
Those unable or unwilling to hike can hire horses for the journey to the waterfall. Local guides maintain a small stable offering horseback rides for approximately $30-40 USD per person. This option suits those with joint issues, limited fitness, or simply different preferences for experiencing the destination. The ride takes approximately 30 minutes, covering the same distance as the hiking trail but through a mounted perspective.
Beach Activities & Village Dining
Swimming & Snorkeling
Quimixto's crescent beach offers clear water perfect for swimming. The cove's protected location means relatively calm conditions most days, though summer months can bring occasional larger swells. Snorkeling reveals small tropical fish, rays, and coral formations — not as dramatic as dedicated snorkel destinations but pleasant for casual underwater exploration.
The beach is suitable for families with moderate swimming ability. Strong swimmers might venture further out, though currents can form near the reef edges. Always observe sea conditions and consider asking locals about safe swimming areas.
Local Restaurants & Fresh Seafood
Several small restaurants line the beach, family-run establishments serving fresh caught seafood. These are authentic local businesses, not tourist-oriented chains — expect basic but fresh food: grilled fish, shrimp ceviches, fish tacos, and rice. Meals cost $8-15 USD. The casual atmosphere, local clientele, and beachfront seating create the authentic Mexican coastal dining experience most visitors seek.
Many day-trippers pack meals from Puerto Vallarta, though this isn't necessary. Notify restaurants of your arrival time in advance if possible, as they cook to order and may not always have prepared food available. Come hungry and prepared for leisurely meals — this isn't fast casual dining, but unhurried coastal eating.
Wildlife & Nature
Quimixto's jungle is rich with wildlife. Coatis (raccoon-like creatures) roam the beach and forest edges, often appearing unafraid of humans but requiring distance. Iguanas sunbathe on rocks and trees, their vibrant green coloring making them striking to observe. Tropical birds including parrots and toucans inhabit the canopy. Early morning hikes often coincide with howler monkeys' vocalizations echoing through the jungle, though seeing them requires patience and luck.
The surrounding waters support fish, eagle rays, and during winter months (December-April), whale activity. Humpback whales occasionally breach visible from shore. The ecosystem illustrates why this area warrants protection — pristine beach, functional jungle, and healthy marine environments remain intact due to Quimixto's inaccessibility to development.
Respect wildlife by observing from distance, never feeding animals, and avoiding flash photography that startles creatures. The village's existence depends on these ecosystems remaining functional, so responsible tourism practices protect what makes Quimixto special.
Nearby Beaches & Alternative Destinations
Quimixto isn't the only pristine beach in the region. The Marietas Islands near Puerto Vallarta offer similar undeveloped beaches and snorkeling, accessible via organized boat tours. Sayulita and Punta Mita provide more developed beach towns combining natural beauty with restaurants, shopping, and accommodations.
For those seeking multiple experiences in one outing, combining Quimixto with nearby beaches or the Puerto Vallarta sea turtle releases creates comprehensive day trips. Your villa concierge can coordinate multi-destination itineraries that include Quimixto plus complementary activities.
Best Time to Visit Quimixto
Weather Considerations
November through April offers ideal conditions — warm days (75-85°F), calm seas, and minimal rainfall. This period sees the most reliable boat schedules and comfortable hiking conditions. December through March is peak season when Puerto Vallarta fills with tourists — expect more crowded pangas and busier beaches, though Quimixto remains less developed than main resort areas.
May through October brings rainy season, higher humidity, occasional rough seas that prevent boat operation, and potential for strong storms. Water temperatures remain warm (80°F+), but reduced visibility and less predictable weather make this period less ideal unless storms don't interfere.
Timing Your Visit
Weekdays are quieter than weekends, with fewer day-trippers and more peaceful beach experiences. Early morning departures from Boca de Tomatlán reach Quimixto by mid-morning, maximizing time before afternoon return deadlines. Plan 4-6 hours for complete day trip experiences: 30 minutes travel, 2-3 hours exploring, 1 hour dining, 30 minutes travel return.
Avoid traveling during major storm systems, which cancel boat service and create rough sea conditions. Monitor weather forecasts and coordinate with your villa's concierge for optimal timing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to Quimixto from Puerto Vallarta?
Quimixto is accessible only by water. Drive to Boca de Tomatlán (about 45 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta), then take a panga (small motorboat) for the 20-30 minute journey costing $10-15 USD per person. Alternatively, book organized boat tours from Puerto Vallarta's marina including transportation ($75-150 USD per person).
How long is the hike to Quimixto waterfall?
The jungle trail to the waterfall takes approximately 20-30 minutes, covering about one kilometer with modest elevation changes and river crossings. Good hiking shoes and moderate fitness are recommended. Horseback riding is available for those preferring not to hike, costing $30-40 USD per person.
Can I visit Quimixto as a day trip?
Yes, Quimixto is ideal for day trips from Puerto Vallarta. Plan 4-6 hours including boat travel, waterfall hiking, swimming, and beach time. Your villa's concierge can coordinate timing, transportation, and activity bookings to maximize your Quimixto experience.
What wildlife might I see at Quimixto?
Quimixto's jungle hosts coatis, iguanas, tropical birds, howler monkeys, and occasionally crocodiles near river mouths. Waters support fish, rays, and seasonal whale activity. Observe wildlife from distance and avoid feeding animals — they're wild creatures deserving respect.
Are there restrooms and facilities at Quimixto?
Quimixto has basic facilities including simple restrooms at restaurants. There are no ATMs or medical facilities, so bring cash (Mexican pesos), sufficient water, and any medications you might need. The village is rustic, not developed with tourist amenities — this is part of its charm.
Is Quimixto safe for families with children?
Quimixto is generally safe for families with older children (8+) comfortable with hiking and boat travel. The beach is family-friendly, and locals are welcoming. The main challenge is the physical requirements of boat access and waterfall hiking — ensure children can manage the journey.
Villa Concierge Advantage: Villa Experience's Puerto Vallarta properties include expert concierge teams familiar with Quimixto logistics. They arrange reliable boat transportation, identify trustworthy operators, coordinate timing around weather and tides, and manage logistics so you focus on experiencing this remarkable destination. Skip the uncertainty of independent navigation — let specialists handle the details.
Discover Quimixto from Your Luxury Villa
Experience authentic Pacific Mexico where jungle meets ocean, where waterfalls refresh after tropical hikes, and where fishing villages preserve traditions untouched by development. Start from a comfortable luxury villa and venture into Quimixto's natural beauty.
Plan Your Quimixto Adventure