A Beautiful Puerto Vallarta Hike: Boca de Tomatlán to Colomitos
Interested in doing a Puerto Vallarta hike?
Puerto Vallarta’s breathtaking landscapes cater to both mountain lovers and ocean enthusiasts alike. After our extended stay in Puerto Vallarta, we can confidently say that our favorite hike is the scenic route from Boca de Tomatlán to Playa Colomitos (and back).
Playa Colomitos is a stunning cove beach nestled along the coastline south of Puerto Vallarta. This trail is the perfect blend of jungle trekking and beachside relaxation. It offers just the right mix of adventure and serenity. For us, it stands out as the best Puerto Vallarta hike.
This out-and-back trek begins in Boca de Tomatlán, a charming fishing village south of Puerto Vallarta. The hike covers about two miles round trip with a total elevation gain of 370 feet. While it has some climbing, it’s all worth it when you arrive at the peaceful, emerald waters of Playa Colomitos.
Getting There
If you’re short on time or prefer a more direct option, taxis and Ubers are available, but we recommend taking the bus.
From Puerto Vallarta, head to the Romantic Zone, where buses depart south toward Boca de Tomatlán. If you’re staying in the Hotel Zone or Versalles, catch a bus along Highway 200 headed toward El Centro and the Romantic Zone.
Once in the Romantic Zone, hop off the bus and make your way by foot to the intersection of Constitución and Calle Basilio Badillo streets.
The bus stop isn’t heavily marked, but you’ll usually see others waiting. If you find the Oxxo along Constitución, you’re in the right spot. Buses leave every 15-20 minutes, but pack your patience. One thing we learned in Puerto Vallarta is that the buses come and go on their own schedule.
Once a bus arrives, tell the driver your destination is Boca de Tomatlán, get your ticket, then sit back and enjoy the scenic (and slightly bumpy) 40 minute bus ride. Boca de Tomatlán is the final stop on this route.
What to Wear
Due to the rugged terrain, proper footwear is essential. We recommend at least sturdy sneakers or secure hiking sandals. We hiked in our Altra Lone Peaks and appreciated the closed-toe protection and extra traction in rocky areas.
As for clothing, dress comfortably, and don’t forget your swimsuit!
What to Pack
- Pesos: If you’re taking the bus from Puerto Vallarta, make sure you have pesos! We kept a stash of coins during our stay, making hops on the bus easy and efficient.
- Sun protection: While much of the hiking trail is shaded, the beach is fully exposed to the sun, so pack a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
- Insect repellent: Because you’ll be hiking under a jungle canopy, taking insect repellent is also a good idea.
- Dry bag: For the beach, a dry bag is a great idea if you want to keep your valuables safe while swimming. We took turns watching our belongings, but a dry bag would have been handy.
- Towel: We packed our quick-dry towels. We always use them for day trips near the water since they fold up small and dry fast.
- Water and snacks: It’s always important to stay hydrated when active and in the sun! You’ll also want to pack some snacks in case the local food vendors haven’t set up yet.
Difficulty
While hiking difficulty is relative (what’s difficult for us may be a breeze for you!), we believe this is an easy to moderate hike. From Boca de Tomatlán, the trail climbs for the first half of the route to Playa Colomitos. Our heart rates definitely picked up, but the mostly shaded path made it more manageable.
The trail itself consists of packed dirt with occasional rocky sections. As you descend into Playa Colomitos, there’s some light rock scrambling, but nothing overly technical.
Duration
One of the best things about this hike is that it really only needs to take up part of your day. It’s a perfect day trip from Puerto Vallarta.
From Puerto Vallarta, plan for about an hour to and from Boca de Tomatlán by bus, plus another hour each way for hiking. Add in an hour or two at Playa Colomitos, and it’s about a 5-6 hour excursion from the Puerto Vallarta Romantic Zone. And remember, you’re on Puerto Vallarta time—there’s no need to rush!
The Best Puerto Vallarta Hike: Our Experience
Stepping off the bus, we descended a steep hill into Boca de Tomatlán. If you need a restroom stop, several restaurants and shops offer facilities for a small fee (again, keep some pesos with you). Liz used one at a gift shop just past the bus stop.
Once in town, cross the river to find the trailhead. Signs for Playa Colomitos and Playa Las Ánimas make navigation easy, but we also downloaded the AllTrails map to be sure.
We found that there were two river crossings—a plank type crossing closer to town, and a suspended footbridge a bit further. We opted for the former and crossed the shallow river.
The first part of the hike is more of a neighborhood walk that winds past colorful seaside homes. Keep walking—you’re heading in the right direction! After about 10 minutes, you’ll cross a bridge made of wooden boards and head into the jungle.
Entry into jungle marks the toughest part of this hike, where you’ll have a steep climb. Take your time and stop for a break or water whenever needed.
Also, we noticed some barbed wire part way through the hike, so just be alert and careful in these areas.
After about 40 minutes of hiking under the jungle canopy, we descended quickly to find the trail suddenly open up, revealing breathtaking views of Playa Colomitos.
Playa Colomitos
Playa Colomitos’ sheltered cove makes for ideal swimming conditions. Its gentle waves offer a contrast to the often-rougher waters of other beaches along the Bahía de Banderas. We took full advantage, cooling off in the refreshing waters before lounging on the beach for about an hour.
There were 10 to 20 people at Playa Colomitos while we were there on a Monday in January. That number may be higher on weekends. The count ebbs and flows because many people are just stopping quickly and then continuing on to Playa Las Ánimas.
No matter what, Playa Colomitos definitely beats the crowds of Puerto Vallarta beaches such as Playa de los Muertos.
In the afternoon, local vendors set up food and drinks at the beach. We arrived a bit too early to indulge, but just as we were packing up to head back, we saw a man preparing fresh snacks. A tempting reason to linger longer next time!
Journey Further to Las Ánimas
For those craving a longer journey, the trail continues south along the coast to Playa Las Ánimas, another picturesque beach about a mile and a half further. Many hikers make a day of it, trekking from Boca de Tomatlán to Playa Las Ánimas (roughly 2.5 miles one way), then taking a water taxi back to Boca.
We opted for the shorter out-and-back route to Playa Colomitos and found it to be the perfect balance of effort and reward. Plus, on the return hike, the trail was noticeably quieter. It was just us, the jungle, and the occasional group passing by on their way to Playa Colomitos.
Tip: If you want to explore a bit further than Playa Colomitos, a shop owner in Boca de Tomatlán recommended Playa Madagascar. It is just beyond Playa Colomitos. The shop owner told us it is often quite secluded, since most people base at Playa Colomitos and/or Las Ánimas.
Returning to Boca de Tomatlán
Maybe it was the refreshing dip, or just knowing what to expect, but the return hike felt easier. As we neared Boca de Tomatlán, we paused to take in uninterrupted ocean views with no one else around—just the sound of the waves below.
If time allows, Boca de Tomatlán is worth a post-hike stop. The small village offers a handful of restaurants and shops where you can grab a cold drink, some local seafood, or a souvenir. Once you’re ready, make your way back up the hill to catch the return bus to Puerto Vallarta.
Final Thoughts: The Best Puerto Vallarta Hike
The out-and-back hike from Boca de Tomatlán to Playa Colomitos offers an unforgettable blend of adventure and relaxation. In our view, it is the best Puerto Vallarta hike. Whether you’re an avid hiker or just looking for a unique way to explore the coastline, this trail is a must. With the right preparation—comfortable footwear, essentials like water and sunscreen, and a few pesos for the bus—this adventure is both accessible and rewarding.