Last Updated on March 25, 2026
I spent a week in Puerto Vallarta on my own, and by a few days in, I felt an itch to get out of the city. Puerto Vallarta is lively and convenient, but I wanted to spend a day outside of the city, so that I could experience more of the Jalisco coastline, in a quieter setting.
That is how I ended up hiking from Boca de Tomatlan to Playa Las Animas. Although I had traveled to Puerto Vallarta solo, by this time in my trip, I’d met two Canadian women and we’d all become friends. So, we decided to do the hike together!
The Boca de Tomatlan to Las Animas route starts in a working fishing village. From there, you follow the coastline on foot, moving between jungle paths, small coves, and beaches you can’t reach by road. Along the way there are many places you can stop for a rest to take in the views, and even a swim!
The hike ends at Playa Las Animas, where the trail opens up into a wide beach with restaurants, shade, and boats heading back toward Vallarta. You can spend a few hours here if you like, before heading back to Puerto Vallarta, either by hiking back, or taking a water taxi.
Ready to go on this beautiful hike? Read on for all the details you need to plan your day.
- About the Boca to Playa Las Animas Day Trip
- How do you get to Boca de Tomatlan from Puerto Vallarta?
- The Stops Along the Trail from Boca de Tomatlan to Las Animas
- How to Get Back to Puerto Vallarta
- What to Bring on the Las Animas Hiking Trail
- Hike Boca to Las Animas With a Guide
- Responsible Travel Tips For Hiking to Playa Las Animas
- How do you get to Las Animas Beach from Puerto Vallarta?
- Add This Hike to Your Puerto Vallarta Itinerary
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About the Boca to Playa Las Animas Day Trip
The Boca to Playa Las Animas hike is a fantastic day trip to take while spending as little as 4 days in Puerto Vallarta, or as much as a full week! While you could do this hike with a half-day, I recommend dedicating most of a full day, so that you don’t feel rushed.
This trail is near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and takes you from the small fishing village Boca de Tomatlan, along the coast, to a beautiful beach called Playa Las Animas. It’s one of the most beautiful long trails you can enjoy close to Puerto Vallarta, without needing a car or a guide (although you can certainly go with a guide if you prefer – I’ve included options for hiring one later in this blog).
The full route is roughly 4.5 kilometers (2.7 miles) one way, depending on small detours, and most people take between two and three hours to complete it at a relaxed pace, not counting swimming or meal stops.
The trail follows the coastline closely and alternates between paved walkways, stone steps, packed dirt paths, and short stretches of sand. There are several brief climbs and descents, especially near the beginning, but nothing technical.
You don’t need hiking boots, though shoes with good grip are helpful, particularly after rain when dirt sections can get slick. I wore a pair of good running shoes and they worked well, they had enough grip and support for the terrain.
Along the way, the scenery shifts gradually. You start near the river mouth in Boca, then move into jungle-covered hills with open views of the bay below.
The path passes small coves, rocky outcrops, and beaches that can only be reached on foot or by boat. This is what makes the hike so special! The beaches in Puerto Vallarta tend to be busy, so when I went on this hike, it was a treat to pause and go for a quick swim off of the less-trafficked beaches that I passed along the way.
How long is the hike from Boca de Tomatlan to Playa Las Animas?
The trail from Boca de Tomatlan to Playa Las Animas is about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) and takes about 2 hours to walk, each direction. There are many beautiful stops you can make along the way, so it may take closer to 4 hours to walk the trail (each direction).
How do you get to Boca de Tomatlan from Puerto Vallarta?
There’s two ways to get yourself to the starting point for the hike: By bus, or by taxi.
Most Economical: Local Bus
The most economical way to get yourself to Boca is by public bus. The bus is slower, but it only costs a drops you right in the village and runs frequently.
Catch the green “Mismaloya/Boca” bus at the corner of Basilio Badillo and Constitución in the Romantic Zone. Before you get on, just double check that the sign in the window reads “Boca,” this way you’ll know you’re getting on the right one.
The bus trip costs about $1 CAD ($0.70 USD), which you can pay (only in exact cash) at the front of the bus. Grab a seat an enjoy the 30-40 minute ride south down the coast!
You’ll hop off at the final stop, which is a pull-off that drops you just off of the main road. Here’s the Google Maps pin for the bus stop, which is also where you’ll grab the bus to go back to Puerto Vallarta.
More Expensive (But Faster!): Taxi or Uber
From downtown, a cab or app ride to Boca costs roughly MX$300-450 (US $23-29) and takes 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. This is a fast and comfortable way to get yourself to Boca, and not overly expensive, especially if you’re with a group of people.
The Stops Along the Trail from Boca de Tomatlan to Las Animas
Ready to plan your day trip to Playa Las Animas? I’m outlining for you below all the stops you can make as you hike the route to Las Animas from Boca.
These beaches and other points of interest are all places you will pass as you hike, and so it’s up to you to decide which ones you’d like to stop at. When I did this hike, I didn’t go into it with a formal plan of where I was going to stop, I decided based on what excited me, as I went.
1. Start Your Day Early in Boca de Tomatlan
Starting early matters on this hike, not because it is a hard hike, but because it gives you plenty of time, and you can take advantage of the cooler morning weather. I started the day at 8:30 AM, which felt perfect. It wasn’t obnoxiously early, and I had time to have a big breakfast before I got going!
Boca de Tomatlan is a small coastal community at the mouth of a river. It’s been a fishing village since as far back as the 1500s! Life in Boca is still very much about fishing. Fishing pangas line the shore near the pier, coming and going with the tide.
It’s not a village built around visitors, even though visitors pass through every day. People live here first, and tourism fits around that rather than the other way around.
I found that Boca feels close to Puerto Vallarta in distance, but not in pace. I really enjoyed wandering around the village a bit before starting the hike, so I recommend doing this if you’ve got time.
Before you start the hike is a good moment to use the public bathroom near the trail access, buy water if you need it, and grab snacks. There are small stands near the road that sell drinks and basics. Do not assume you will find frequent shops once you start walking.
To reach the trailhead, walk down Calle Pelicanos toward Camino a Colomitos. You will cross a shallow river on a simple wooden plank bridge. After crossing, follow the path to the right. This is where the hike officially begins. The trail passes a few small guesthouses before turning into a coastal jungle path.
2. Colomitos Beach
The first stretch of the trail is the most physically demanding. It has some short but steep ups and downs, with a mix of paved sections, stairs, dirt paths, and sand.
It is manageable for most people with basic fitness, but it does get your attention early on. Don’t worry, the trail isn’t like this the entire way to Playa Las Animas!
After about 40 to 50 minutes of walking, you will arrive at Colomitos Beach. This is a small cove surrounded by jungle. It’s probably the most popular spot to stop for a rest or a swim because it’s a gorgeous beach with calm, clear water.
However, Colomitos can be busy, especially late in the morning, since boats bring visitors directly to the beach. If it feels crowded or noisy, just know that the hike continues smoothly past this point, and quieter swimming spots are not far ahead.
3. Playa Madagascar (quiet swimming option)
Just beyond Colomitos, the trail becomes noticeably less crowded. Within 10 to 15 minutes, you will pass smaller beaches that see far fewer visitors because they are only accessible on foot.
Playa Madagascar is one of these quieter stops. When I was there there wasn’t an official sign for it, but you will recognize it as a small, open stretch of sand with easy water access.
This is a good place to swim if you want something calmer and more low key than Colomitos. It’s where my friends and I decided to go for a swim because we liked that we had more privacy on this beach.
There are no vendors here, so this is a self-sufficient stop. Bring your own water and snacks, and carry out whatever you bring in.
4. Casitas Maraika (food and rest stop)
Continuing along the trail, you will reach Casitas Maraika, an eco-focused retreat and beach club built into the hillside above the water. This is one of the most comfortable places to stop along the hike if you want a proper break, and maybe a drink and bite to eat.
Casitas Maraika usually has a restaurant and bar open during the day, offering meals, drinks, and shaded seating. Prices are higher than village eateries in Boca de Tomatlan, but reasonable given the location and logistics. This stop works well if you want lunch before finishing the hike, or simply a cold drink and some time off your feet.
5. Playa del Caballo (optional detour)
Playa del Caballo sits slightly off the main trail and requires a short detour. Not everyone chooses to include it, I personally didn’t stop at this beach, but if you have the energy and time, it is one of the quieter beaches along the route.
This beach is smaller and more secluded, with fewer boats stopping here compared to Colomitos or Las Animas. The swimming conditions vary depending on the day, so use judgment before going into the water.
6. Finish at Playa Las Animas
The final stretch of the hike opens up into Playa Las Animas, a long sandy beach with a pier, restaurants, and a steady flow of boats arriving from Puerto Vallarta. The transition is noticeable. After the jungle paths and quiet coves, Las Animas feels pretty busy and social.
Most people stop here for a late lunch, a swim, or simply to sit in the shade with a drink. There are public bathrooms and plenty of food options.
I won’t lie, after all the beautiful beaches we saw and swam at during the hike, my friends and I weren’t as impressed by the busy Playa Las Animas, so we didn’t stick around for that long. But it’s really up to you!
How to Get Back to Puerto Vallarta
From Playa Las Animas, you can return to Puerto Vallarta by water taxi, or hike back to Boca to grab the bus back. My friends and I had it in our heads that we would hike and bus back, but by the time we were ready to start the journey back, we were feeling too tired to hike.
Don’t underestimate the sun and the heat! Only hike back if you’re truly feeling up to it.
I think that most people will end up doing what we did, which was take a water taxi all the way back to Puerto Vallarta. To catch a water taxi back, just walk out onto the pier of Las Animas beach. The water taxis at the pier will mostly be headed to Puerto Vallarta. Just ask around and you’ll be sure to find a ride!
What to Bring on the Las Animas Hiking Trail
Other than of course, your camera, here are some of the essential things you should pack for hiking the Las Animas trail.
Proper footwear
While the trail isn’t particularly challenging, you won’t want to walk it in flip flops. Proper footwear is recommended to protect your feet and keep you comfortable. Basic trainers or hiking sandals (that have enough support) will work for this day trip.
Lots of water
At the start of the hike in Boca de Tomatlan you’ll have an opportunity to buy water. After that, water won’t be available until you reach Playa Las Animas. You’ll get quite hot on this trail, so be sure to pack enough water to keep you hydrated (at least 1L).
Packed lunch and snacks
You’ll be on the hike from Boca de Tomatlan to Las Animas for 2 to 4 hours. Definitely eat breakfast before you hit the trail, but I recommend packing some snacks to tide you over until you reach Playa Las Animas. You can get lunch on the beach, or eat a packed lunch.
Swimsuit and towel
There will be lots of beautiful swimming spots along the Playa Las Animas trail, so be sure to pack your swimsuit and towel.
Cash
You will need cash to pay for your bus or taxi, water taxi, and for any food or water that you buy. Be sure to bring enough for the day because there won’t be ATMs along the route.
Hike Boca to Las Animas With a Guide
If you like the idea of the Boca de Tomatlan to Playa Las Animas hike but would rather not plan the day yourself, this Full Day Hike to 6 Hidden Beaches & Snorkel Day Tour is a solid alternative. This is also a great option if you’re a solo traveler and don’t want to do the hike alone.
The Full Day Hike to 6 Hidden Beaches & Snorkel Day Tour starts in Zona Romántica, where you meet your guide and take public transportation out toward the coast.
From there, the hike follows a mix of riverbank, coastal trail, and forested paths, with time built in to stop, swim, and rest along the way. The pace is steady rather than rushed, and having a local guide means no second-guessing trail junctions or conditions.
Along the route, you visit several of the small beaches I mentioned above, including Colomitos Beach, with opportunities to swim and snorkel if the water is calm. The hike ends at Playa Las Animas, where there’s time for a relaxed seafood lunch before returning by boat, offering a different view of the bay.
The Full Day Hike to 6 Hidden Beaches & Snorkel Day Tour includes the guide, transportation, and boat ride back.
Responsible Travel Tips For Hiking to Playa Las Animas
Everyone loves a good beach day, especially when exploring Mexico! To keep Jalisco, Mexico’s coastline protected, here are some tips which will help you enjoy this beautiful region, as a responsible tourist.
1. Pack in and pack out.
Make sure you leave no garbage or food waste behind. Use disposal facilities on the beach, and if there aren’t any, bring any waste back to where you’re staying so you can dispose of it properly.
2. Bring a filtration water bottle instead of plastic.
Tap water in most parts of Mexico isn’t safe to drink, which means most visitors end up buying bottled water. Instead, I recommend bringing a water filtration bottle. This way you can filter tap and river water to drink, without generating plastic waste.
3. Don’t disturb the local wildlife.
It might be tempting to feed or interact with creatures you come across on this trail, but it’s best to leave them alone. When humans interact with wildlife, it can disrupt their natural habitat and change how those animals view humans. Don’t feed, approach, or touch any of the animals you encounter.
4. Use eco-friendly sunscreen.
Sunscreen is important to wear, but it often ends up in the ocean and other waterways after you go for a swim. This can be harmful to the environment and animals because most sunscreens contain harmful chemicals like octinoxate. Instead, choose sunscreens that contain non-nano zinc oxide, which are generally considered safe for the environment.
Bring lots of sunscreen and clothes to keep you covered, it’s a long day in the sun!
How do you get to Las Animas Beach from Puerto Vallarta?
To get to Las Animas Beach from Puerto Vallarta, head to Boca de Tomatlan first, about 30 minutes by taxi or bus. From there, you can either take a water taxi (quick and easy, about 10 to 15 minutes) or hike along the coastal trail, which takes around 1.5 to 2 hours with some ups and downs. Most people choose the boat for convenience.
Add This Hike to Your Puerto Vallarta Itinerary
Hiking from Boca de Tomatlan to Playa Las Animas is an easy way to experience a quieter side of Puerto Vallarta without going far. In one day, you can experience a working fishing village, walk through coastal forest and small coves, and enjoy a beach that connects back to the city by boat.
The trail doesn’t require technical skills, but it does require preparation. Be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, cash, and sun protection. And be realistic about timing! Getting an early start will be worth it.
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