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Palo Maria Waterfall 

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Embark on a delightful journey with your family on our most gentle yet captivating hiking adventure to a favorite Puerto Vallarta waterfall. Crafted especially for families with young children, this hike offers an exploration that promises unforgettable memories. The trail, cocooned in shade of the jungle canopy from start to finish, follows the meandering river, offering a constant opportunity to cool off in its soothing waters on the way to the famous Palo Maria Waterfall.  Diverse pathways await, allowing you to select your preferred river experience, whether it's clambering over river boulders or strolling along a more tranquil path. The choice is yours to make, tailored to your preferences.


Our expedition commences with a scenic 20-minute bus ride from Puerto Vallarta, transporting you just outside the bustling city. Stepping off the bus, we seamlessly transition into our riverside hike, occasionally wading through the gentle flow of the river, usually never exceeding knee depth. 

The essence of our tour is to gift the young ones in your family an adventure of river and jungle, etching indelible memories into their hearts. For them, it will feel as though they've journeyed deep into the heart of an untouched wilderness, far from modernity. Yet, rest assured, parents, for essential services remain within reach, including the presence of law enforcement and medical assistance. Should your group prefer, there are predominantly flat trail alternatives that hug the river's edge, maintaining comfort without compromising the sense of exploration that children crave – not to mention the relief of occasional river immersion.

This hike is intentionally curated to evoke the ambiance of an authentic jungle escapade – a mirage that fades when faced with the undeniable reality of the magnificent Palo Maria waterfall. Renowned as the epitome of romantic cascades within the expansive bay area, its breathtaking beauty stands as a testament to nature's artistry.

Amidst our adventure, we'll dedicate a generous 1-2 hours to bask in the refreshing embrace of the waterfall's crystalline pool. Here, nature's grandeur sets the stage, offering ample colossal boulders perfect for relishing your packed meals. Please bear in mind, there are no vendors in this pristine sanctuary of the Puerto Vallarta Palo Maria Waterfall,  so ensure your family is well-equipped with sustenance.

Upon our descent downriver, the afternoon warmth encourages us to pause at additional pools, rejuvenating spirits and bodies alike. As we rejoin civilization at the road's edge, a bus will return us to Puerto Vallarta's Romantic Zone. Anticipate arriving between 3 and 4 pm, enriched by a day that blends the tranquility of nature with the cherished bonds of family. 

 ESSENTIALS

  • Walking Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (dirt trails, wet slippery rocks, boulders to climb)

  • Meet at 10:00AM in the Romantic Zone - exact location will be in your email confirmation​.

  • We conclude the Palo Maria Waterfall adventure around 3-4 PM in the Romantic Zone nearby to where we caught the bus that morning.  

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes, and know your shoes will get wet. 

  • Bring plenty of water or other hydration, and food. 

  • Bring a rain umbrella (rainy season June to October)  We do not cancel when it rains we celebrate - It is approximately  5 degrees  cooler during a rainstorm.  We may consider a cancellation in the event of a hurricane.  

  • Our adventure hikes only to the first and largest of the Palo Maria waterfalls.  Beyond this Puerto Vallarta waterfall there are several more (smaller and less impressive) however there are extremely dangerous cliffs to climb where one is on ledges holding on to ropes.  We feel it is too dangerous.  Therefore, we do not lead groups past the first and most impressive waterfall. 

  • There are no restroom facilities on this trip.  Therefore, we keep the trip under 5 hours.  

  • Price is $45 per person ($49.50 in 20240 with prepaid reservation or $50 ($55 2024) payable to the trip leader.  Taxes are not included in price.  

  • The bus tickets are included.  Guide will pay and coordinate with the driver. 

  • Price does not include customary tip for the adventure leader.  (we recommend 20% minimum.)  

  • To reserve this Palo Maria waterfall hike, email us at info@puertovallartawalking.com 

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Puerto Vallarta Waterfall & Jungle Hike

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