Puerto Vallarta is located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico in beautiful Banderas Bay. Throughout the year, the area enjoys wonderful weather. During the summer months, it can be quite hot and humid, but in general outdoor activities can be enjoyed in Puerto Vallarta all year. The high season has arrived along with ideal temperatures that include sunny days with clear blue skies. A few popular outdoor activities you can enjoy in the Banderas Bay area are snorkeling, swimming, fishing, hiking, biking, and surfing. Hiking is an excellent outdoor activity in Puerto Vallarta. Plus, it’s always great to get in your daily exercise while immersed amongst the natural beauty of the area as well. If you are interested in where you can enjoy the best hiking, then you will want to read the list below about the best hikes in Banderas Bay.

 

 

1. Las Animas Hike

To start with, the most popular hike in Puerto Vallarta is the Las Animas hike. This hike begins in Boca de Tomatlan, which is a charming fishing village located 20 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta. From there, you will need to walk over the hanging bridge to begin the Los Animas hike. Head south and stay on the walking path, which runs along the coastline. You will be surrounded by the lush Sierra Madre Mountains greenery and stunning ocean views. Make sure you have good shoes, because some areas along the trail have tricky footing. When you reach Playa Colomitos, you will need to hike to the small beach, then step up. Continue to hike on the path where you will walk past charming hotels and a yoga retreat. You will be approaching Las Animas shortly, and there you can enjoy a delicious lunch.

 

 

2. Palo Maria Hike

Next, the Palo Maria hike is another popular hike, which you can get to very easily from the Garza Blanca Preserve. Many hikers will walk across the road from the resort to find the hiking path that runs alongside the river. The path will continue into the lush jungle, and there are plenty of trees along the way to protect hikers from the hot sun. If you get hot, then you can go for a refreshing swim when you reach the Palo Maria waterfall and freshwater swimming hole. The lovely swimming hole is an ideal spot to cool down after your hike. You can also bring a picnic lunch on your hike that you can enjoy an al fresco amongst nature at the Palo Maria waterfall.

 

 

3. Cerro del Mono Hike

The third popular hike in Puerto Vallarta is the Cerro del Mono (Monkey Mountain) hike. The Cerro del Mono hike will start in Higuera Blanca, which is a small coastal town near Punta Mita in the neighboring state of Riviera Nayarit. This is a somewhat challenging hike that will take you through the jungle. You will continue on the path until you reach the lookout point high above. From there, you will see stunning views of the Banderas Bay and Punta Mita. You will want to make sure you take plenty of pictures, because the views are truly breathtaking. You can see the Pacific Ocean, and take extra care walking on the massive rock ledges. During the months of December through April, humpback whales can often be spotted from the lookout point. Each year, the majestic creatures migrate through the area to mate and birth their young.

 

 

4. Mirador de La Cruz Hike

The last popular hike in Puerto Vallarta is the Mirador de La Cruz, which is an urban hike that offers hikers some of the best city views of PV. Hikers will need to start on the Malecon Boardwalk on the Calle Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez. Head inland and you will see signs that have been hand painted that will lead you to the Mirador de la Cruz. Once you get close, you will see a bunch of white stairs, and this means you are getting closer. Hikers will need to take the stairs up until they reach the top and see the contemporary tower. From there, you will get to see the beautiful landscape of Puerto Vallarta and the clear waters of the Banderas Bay. Many people consider the Mirador lookout to be the best spot in town to appreciate wonderful views of Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay, too.

 

 

Puerto Vallarta is an excellent place where you can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking. A wide variety of outdoor activities can be enjoyed year-round thanks to the wonderful climate. If you will be going on a hike in Puerto Vallarta, you should try to start in the morning hours, because there will be less heat and humidity. If you want a great deal on travel packages to Puerto Vallarta, call Amazing Mexico at (866) 883-0573. The reputable online travel agency works with the top resorts in the country including Garza Blanca Resorts in PV, Cabo, and Cancun. They only work with resorts that have COVID safety measures in place to keep guests safe. Don’t hesitate and contact Amazing Mexico at (866) 883-0573 today to take advantage of special all-inclusive travel packages that won’t last forever. During your visit, make sure to try our top 4 hikes and let us know which hike was your favorite.