If you’re planning a trip to Mexico’s pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta will likely be your hub.
Whether you’ve never been to the area or visit every year, there are a multitude of things to do and geological attractions that you can visit besides hanging out on the beach.
There are plenty of things to check out that will get you off the beaten path and satisfy your appetite for adventure.
Puerto Vallarta has no shortage of incredible waterfalls and hot springs nearby.
When you need a break from the beach and want to splash around in some waterfalls or bathe in the healing warm mineral waters, I got you!
In this guide you’ll find information about waterfalls and hot springs to visit in the states of Nayarit and Jalisco, and which tours you can book or directions for finding them on your own.
This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase I may make a small commission. I only share information about things I know, love and trust!
Best Waterfalls and Hot Springs to Visit Near Puerto Vallarta:
Aguas Termales Nuevo Ixtlan Hot Springs
In under 2 hours you can reach these incredible natural hot springs.
You can reach by booking a private hot springs tour, which also includes a stop at a local market to buy fresh ingredients for a traditional Mexican lunch that will be prepared for your as part of your trip!
In the heart of the jungle you’ll find a rustic yet quaint setting of about a dozen small stone tubs.
Each tub varies in size and can usually fit anywhere between 2-6 people.
You’ll be assigned a pool upon arrival and can adjust the temperature of the water for your preference.
But they are kept around 25°C so that you can enjoy the water all year round.
The pools are drained and cleaned quite often and each has its own pipe to fill it with the thermal waters from the earth.
I highly recommend taking this tour, as you’ll pass through beautiful small villages along the way, a full BBQ lunch, and end with a massage on the beach!
I can’t think of a more perfect way to spend a day outside of Puerto Vallarta.
Watch the video for a full tour of this amazing oasis!
Tip: These hot springs are also a great day trip to take if you’re staying in Sayulita, Mexico (click for full destination guide)
>> Staying at an All-Inclusive Resort? Use this Packing List (20 things you should always bring)
Jamurrca Auga Termales (Hot Sprrings)
Jamurrca is a little oasis with 4 pools, all of which range in size and temperature.
It will take about 90 minutes to get there from Puerto Vallarta, but the scenery along the way is breathtaking.
There is no restaurant on site, so pack a lunch, snacks and drinks and head out for a full day adventure.
The cost is 70 pesos (about $3.50) per person to enter.
Address: 63713 Nayarit, Mexico
Bosque de la Primavera and Rio Caliente
Located about 5 hours east of Puerto Vallarta is Bosque la Primavera, translated to forest of the spring. Inside the forest you’ll find a hot river!
The source of hot water comes from the underground volcanic activity. According to John Pint:
The “hot river” is born deep inside a narrow canyon where it literally boils out of the walls, sputtering and steaming, a testimony to the continuing presence of magma deep beneath the surface.
John Pint, Mexico News Daily
If you can get yourself to Guadalajara, take this night hot spring tour, where your guide takes you to the springs in the dark, under the stars, complete with wine and cheese.
Palo Maria Waterfall
If you’re staying in Puerto Vallarta and are looking for something outdoorsy to burn a couple hours, this is a great pick.
Located about 20 minutes from the Malecon is a beautifully lush river that leads to multiple waterfalls.
The easiest way to get to this waterfall is to book a tour with Discovering Puerto Vallarta.
They will meet you in the Romantic Zone, ride the bus with you and lead the hike into the jungle to find a series of waterfalls, caves and natural pools to swim around in.
Plus these guys know all the best spots for photos along the way!
To get to these waterfalls, you do need to wear water hiking shoes or grippy sneakers you don’t mind getting wet – you will be crossing rivers and climbing over boulders to get there.
This waterfall hike cannot be done in sandals/flip flops!
If you want to find it on your own, you can take a bus, taxi or uber to get to the trail head.
Whichever mode of transport you choose, you’ll want to get off at the Garza Blanca Hotel.
Cross the street and follow the fence line along the small river until you reach the first of the falls.
It will take about 45 minutes to one hour depending on your pace.
You’ll be rewarded with refreshing clear water to splash around in!
After your adventure, choose one of these best beaches around Puerto Vallarta to grab a margarita and relax!
El Eden Waterfall
The El Eden Waterfall and river is a site where many movies have been filmed, including Predator.
The whole area is more of a natural eco-toursim water-park in the middle of a jungle setting.
There is a cost to enter, but this helps maintain this pristine area.
Besides swimming in the water, you can go for a ride on the natural rock slide, hike to several ziplines, ride ATVs and enjoy cold drinks and a meal at the restaurant.
To get there, head south to Mismaloya (you can take the public bus from Puerto Vallarta).
Then, take the road towards the Puerto Vallarta Zoo.
You’ll pass the Mister Tequila shop if you want to stop in for a tasting on the way! Keep going passed the Zoo until you reach EdenVa.
Better yes, I recommend booking this tour, where you will ride horseback through the jungle to arrive at the waterfall!
Your tour guide will share the history of the 300 year old village along the way, as well as point out all the butterflies, orchids and wildlife along the way.
>> Read Next: 14 Best Day Trips from Puerto Vallarta (+itineraries and hidden gems)
Cascada de Yelapa (Yelapa Waterfall)
The beach in Yelapa is one of the best in the entire bay area and can only be reach by boat or water taxi.
If you find yourself in Yelapa on your trip, be sure to make the easy trek from the beach to this stunning waterfall.
It’s only about a 10-minute jaunt from the beach with a well-marked trail; just watch for the signs that read ‘la cascada.’
Along the way, many of the locals have small booths where they sell handcrafted items.
It’s a fun market-atmosphere on the way up to the Yelapa waterfall.
There’s a small restaurant on site with a nice patio when you can have a bite to eat or a refreshing drink.
You can also take a beach tour where local guides bring you to the beach and show you the waterfall and some other hidden gems that only locals know about.
El Manto Hot Spring
El Manto is located about 4 hours east of Puerto Vallarta and could be described as a natural water park.
Complete with waterfalls, canyons and hot springs, there are also change rooms and a restaurant on site.
El Molote Hot Spring
It will take you a little over 2 hours to get to these hot springs from Puerto Vallarta.
Spend some time exploring the area to find the hot thermal source of the water; then, follow the creek to discover a few swimming and enjoy a soothing soak.
Visit this article by John & Doreen Berg on ExploreNayarit.com for full directions on how to get here!
EDENVA El Eden de Vallarta Ecotourism Park
EDENVA Ecotourism park offers various immersive jungle adventures.
In addition to a gorgeous waterfall with a natural waterslide and swimming hole, visitors can also zipline, tour gardens and jungle trails, chill in the overwater hammocks and dine at the open air restaurant.
It’s located south of Puerto Vallarta, just outside of Mismaloya, so you’ll have to book a tour to get there.
Book your tour in advance as spots fill up fast!
Tip – if you’re staying at the Barcelo Resort, this excursion is very close to your hotel.
>> Read Next: 26 Practical Travel Tips for Mexico That You Are Guaranteed to Use
You might also like: Fuel Your Wanderlust With These Stunning Views from Pools Around the World
Cuale Waterfall at Quimixto
Between Boca de Tomatlan and Yelapa, is the small village and beach known as Quimixto.
From the beach you can either hike or travel via horseback tour to get to the Cuale/Quimixto Waterfall.
It’s less than 2 miles from the village to the falls. Find Los Cocos restaurant and you’ll see the trailhead from there.
All you have to do is follow the river and then you get to cross a suspension bridge.
Or, you can book a tour with a guide who will take you to Quimixto and other spots.
If you start out hiking and change your mind, there are locals at several points along the way who will rent you horses.
Whether you get there on horseback or hiking, the trail gets a bit dusty, but you can swim in the clear water at the base of the waterfall to cool off!
There’s also a restaurant on site.
El Salto Waterfall
The El Sato waterfall in Puerto Vallarta is a unique phenomenon. It only shows up during the rainy season and disappears as the season dries up.
This is the closest waterfall to the city of Puerto Vallarta, but is a little difficult to access, so experienced hikers and scramblers should be the only ones attempting this trail.
You can also find it by joining this ATV tour, where you’ll ride the trails to the waterfall, and then cross the Jorullo suspension bridge.
Chico’s Paradise
At Chico’s Paradise, you’ll not only find a stunning waterfall, but small pools to swim in and a fantastic restaurant surrounded by a lush jungle setting.
To get here, take a bus to Boca de Tomatlan, and then catch a taxi to get to Chico’s Paradise.
Bring your swimsuit and towel and plan to spend the afternoon here.
Sunbath on the large flat rocks, take a dip in the falls to cool down, and then have drinks and lunch at the restaurant, Chico’s Paradise.
Inside tip: you’ll visit Chico’s Paradise and a nearby coffee shop on this day tour to the botanical gardens and tequila tasting!
Tip – I find it very useful to know some conversational Spanish when going off the beaten path in Mexico.
Rocket Languages is the program I’ve been using, and it’s been very quick to learn! You can read more about it and get a free 7-day trial here.
More Puerto Vallarta-area & Mexico posts:
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