Some days call for the pool, a cold drink, and nowhere to be. That's part of vacation. But at some point, you'll feel the pull to see what's beyond the hotel zone. To find something that feels more real. That's where Puerto Vallarta's waterfalls come in.
They're tucked into the jungle at the end of trails that wind through terrain you won't find near the beach. Some require a boat ride. Others involve river crossings that soak your shoes or hikes that make you work for it. By the time you reach a cold freshwater pool beneath a cascade, you'll understand why it was worth it.
Yelapa Waterfall (Cola de Caballo)
The most famous waterfall near Puerto Vallarta sits just a 20-minute walk from the beach in Yelapa, a fishing village only accessible by boat. Once you arrive, follow the signs uphill through cobblestone streets, past murals and homes, until you reach the "Horse Tail" falls cascading into a cold swimming hole. The journey itself becomes part of the adventure—gliding across the bay with the Sierra Madre mountains rising from the coastline, arriving at a village that feels worlds away from the resort zone.
The waterfall flows year-round, which means you can swim here even in late dry season when other falls slow to nothing. The complete trail system rates as moderate difficulty with 751 feet of elevation gain, though the lower waterfall section requires far less climbing than the complete trail to the upper waterfall.
Rainy season from May through October brings the most dramatic flow, transforming the cascade into something worth photographing. Dry season means more manageable water volume but easier trail conditions without the mud.
The Yelapa Waterfall & Majahuitas Beach BBQ takes care of everything—boat transportation from Puerto Vallarta, waterfall access in Yelapa village, beach time at the secluded shores of Majahuitas, and a BBQ lunch included. It's the easiest way to experience this iconic waterfall without worrying about logistics.
Yelapa's Hidden Waterfall
Beyond the popular Cola de Caballo, a second, larger waterfall hides deeper in the jungle. This one isn't a casual add-on to your beach day. The trail follows the river inland with several river crossings and rock scrambling on the final approach. By the second river crossing, you might as well leave your hiking boots wet—water shoes with good traction become your best choice for the rest of the trek.
Far fewer visitors make it here, which explains the near-solitude at this more dramatic and secluded cascade than the famous lower waterfall. The trail begins as a cobblestone path from Yelapa village, transitions to a dirt trail along the Tuito River's southern bank, then evolves into jungle terrain with massive rocks near the waterfall.
The route requires approximately 90 minutes one-way and includes multiple river crossings, yet stays well-marked despite the technical sections, making navigation straightforward for those comfortable with moderate hiking, basic scrambling, and extended physical commitment.
This trek filters out families with young children and casual tourists, which is precisely why adventurous hikers seek it out. Budget at least 3+ hours total round trip, bring waterproof bags for valuables during river crossings, and expect that getting wet is part of the experience.
Quimixto Waterfall
Another boat-access-only village south of Puerto Vallarta, Quimixto draws hikers to its waterfall approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour inland along the La Puerta River. This waterfall sees fewer visitors than its more famous neighbor, making it ideal for travelers seeking a quieter jungle experience.
The trail covers 2 miles (3.2 km) round trip with 305 feet of elevation gain distributed gradually over the hike, making it one of the more accessible jungle waterfalls in the region. You'll start on paved village roads before transitioning to natural trail following the river drainage, with at least one shallow river crossing along the way. The pool beneath the falls runs larger than Yelapa's, and the waterfall maintains year-round flow even during dry season.
Horses wait at the trailhead near the river crossing, offering an alternative for families with young children or anyone preferring to ride rather than hike. The trail itself is mostly flat and packed down with well-marked sections, though standard hiking footwear with good traction is recommended to handle tree roots, rocks, and uneven terrain without issue.
Plan about 3 hours total, including boat transport from Boca de Tomatlan, the hike each way, and an hour at the waterfall for swimming and recovery.
El Salto Waterfall
Deep in the Sierra Madre mountains, a waterfall hides in a tropical rainforest that few have witnessed. El Salto rewards those willing to venture beyond the beach—but reaching it requires leaving civilization behind entirely.
The All-Terrain ATV Tour is the only way to access this remote cascade. The journey begins past Boca de Tomatlan, where the road veers into the mountains and city life disappears. At a base camp surrounded by untouched nature, you'll gear up and climb aboard a Polaris RZR ATV for an off-road expedition through Puerto Vallarta's only hand-carved route—rocky trails, steep hills, stream crossings, and challenging switchbacks with expert guides leading the way.
Then the engines go quiet. You'll hike through the jungle toward the waterfall, surrounded by birdsong and rushing water. The cool mist hits your skin before you see El Salto cascading into a crystal-clear pool, waiting for you to dive in.
You'll need a valid driver's license, reasonable physical capability for the hike, and comfort with rugged terrain. Essential gear includes a swimsuit, water shoes, and a waterproof bag.
Rappelling a Jungle Waterfall
For those who want to experience a waterfall vertically rather than just swimming at its base, there's an option that involves descending the cascade itself. The Outdoor Zip-Line Adventure takes you into the Sierra Madre mountains approximately 6 miles south of Puerto Vallarta, where you'll rappel down a rock face with water rushing past you into a natural pool below.
The experience combines ziplining through the jungle canopy with waterfall rappelling and river pool swimming—a full-day adventure that's earned over 6,500 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor and the Travelers' Choice "Best of the Best" badge five years running. National Geographic named it one of the "Greatest Adventures on Earth," and the Travel Channel has featured it as well.
What makes waterfall rappelling accessible here is the professional operation behind it. You don't need climbing experience—you'll clip into a harness, follow your guide's instructions, and trust the system as you descend alongside the falls. The tour is suitable for families with children as young as 8 years old, with professional safety equipment and instruction included.
When to Chase Waterfalls
Timing determines whether you see a cascade or a trickle. The rainy season from May through October delivers fuller flows and more dramatic displays as water levels increase drastically. Some falls that impress during September barely register by March, and a few seasonal cascades disappear entirely when the creeks dry up during the driest months from November through April.
The rainy season label misleads visitors who picture all-day downpours—rains typically fall at night, leaving daytime hikes unaffected while keeping jungle rivers full. The trade-off comes in trail conditions, where mud replaces dust and river crossings run deeper and faster.
Morning hikes beat both the heat and the crowds, particularly at popular spots like Yelapa's lower waterfall. Wear water shoes or sandals with good traction for river crossings and trails—you'll cross rivers, not just admire them from bridges. Wear sun-protective clothing like long-sleeve swim shirts and a wide-brimmed hat, as many waterfall hikes involve exposed trail sections before reaching the jungle canopy. Pack a waterproof bag for valuables, expect to get muddy, and plan for wet hiking boots or water shoes that won't stay pristine.
The larger waterfalls like Quimixto run year-round, making them reliable choices even during dry season. For the full experience with impressive water volume, plan your trip during rainy season between May and October, with July through September offering the strongest water flow when the Sierra Madre's jungle rivers run at their peak.
Puerto Vallarta Waterfalls are Worth the Trek
Puerto Vallarta's waterfalls aren't roadside attractions—they ask something of you. A boat ride to reach coastal villages, a hike through jungle terrain, maybe an ATV adventure through the Sierra Madre mountains with river crossings that soak your gear. But that barrier to entry creates the experience.
The best ones feel earned, and the swim at the end feels like exactly what you came to Mexico for—something real, something that required effort, something you'll remember long after the resort days blur together.
