Located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico in Banderas Bay, Puerto Vallarta has warm weather all year long. While the summer can bring intense heat and humidity, most of the year is ideal for enjoying outdoor activities. As the idyllic high season approaches, so does perfect temperatures, sunny weather and blue clear skies every day. Some of the most popular healthy activities to enjoy in Puerto Vallarta include swimming, snorkeling, mountain biking, surfing, sportfishing and hiking. If you’re curious about which are the best hikes in the area, check out our list below of the top 4 hikes in Puerto Vallarta.
Hiking is a great way to get exercise to stay fit and healthy, while enjoying the area’s natural beauty, too. Make sure to wear good shoes and stay hydrated. Keep reading below to learn more about healthy activities you can do in PV like hiking.
1. Las Animas – Boca de Tomatlan
To start with, one of the area’s most popular hikes is the Las Animas hike that starts in Boca de Tomatlan, a charming fishing village located south of downtown Puerto Vallarta. From there, you cross a hanging bridge over a river to start the hike. Follow the path along the coastline and you will find yourself surrounded by the lush jungle of the Sierra Madre mountains. Some of the footing can be a bit tricky, so make sure to wear proper footwear and to be cautious in the steeper sections. At Playa Colomitos, you will have to cross a tiny little beach and take a big step up to continue along the path. You will then pass small boutique hotels and a yoga retreat before making your way to Las Animas. Las Animas has great restaurants where you can enjoy lunch and drinks as a reward!
2. Palo Maria Hiking Trail
South Shore PV[Salto de ajuste de texto]Another of PV’s best hikes is the Palo Maria hike which is easily accessed from the Garza Blanca Preserve just minutes south of downtown PV. Hikers will cross over the road to find the hiking path that follows alongside the river deep inland into the jungle. Thankfully, there are lots of mature shady trees that line the river that will give hikers a respite from the day’s sun and heat. If you want to cool off after your hike, keep walking until you reach the Palo Maria waterfall and swimming hole. It’s a freshwater swimming hole that is the ideal place to take a refreshing dip after your hike. Why not pack and bring along a picnic and spend some time enjoying the wonderful tranquility and views before heading back? Make sure to bring insect repellent as bugs also enjoy the lovely area, too.
3. Cerro del Mono – Higuera Blanca
Our third pick for the best hikes in PV is the Cerro del Mono, also known as Monkey Mountain in Spanish. This hike begins in the quaint coastal town of Higuera Blanca near Punta Mita in the neighboring state of Riviera Nayarit. There, hikers will love the somewhat challenging hike that climbs up through jungle scenery where you’ll see lots of massive palm trees and lush greenery. Hikers will continue until they reach the lookout point that delivers amazing views of Punta Mita and Banderas Bay. Make sure to bring your camera along as the Banderas Bay views from the rock at the top of Monkey Mountain are out of this world. Make sure to carefully walk to the other side of a large rock ledge where you can appreciate north side views of the Pacific Ocean, too. Make sure to take everything with you and leave no trash behind.
4. Mirador de La Cruz – Downtown Puerto Vallarta
Lastly, urban hikers will absolutely love the Mirador de La Cruz hike. One of the best places to enjoy scenic city and bay views, hikers will need to climb up a series of steep steps that lead to panoramic views at the top. Getting to Mirador de la Cruz is easiest if you start right on the Malecon Boardwalk on Calle Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez. On the way, look for several hand-painted signs that help indicate how to reach the Mirador de la Cruz. Once you are close, you will see a long set of white stairs. Take the stairs and once up top, you will see a contemporary tower where you can take a memorable photo of your hiking experience. Look down to appreciate the beauty of Puerto Vallarta’s charming landscape and sparkling Banderas Bay waters. Many people consider this spot to have the best view in Puerto Vallarta.
Puerto Vallarta is a great place to enjoy healthy activities such as hiking all year long. It’s so great that many people decide to invest in a vacation home in the area. Plus, beachfront real estate is still less expensive than it is in the States or Canada. Remember, it’s always best to start your hike in the early morning to avoid the midday heat. Also, make sure to drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and a hat, too. Insect repellent is also a good idea, especially during the summer and fall months when humidity is higher. We hope you enjoyed our list of the top 4 hikes in Puerto Vallarta. Now, the only question is, which one do you want to hike first?
About Lemuria Real Estate
Ideally situated on Puerto Vallarta’s exclusive South Shore, Lemuria Residences is a new luxury condominium complex that belongs to a Master planned community designed by the prestigious Gensler Global Architecture firm. The ecologically planned themed property includes more than 1700 acres of preserved Sierra Madre jungle with stunning views of the mountains and Banderas Bay. The outstanding onsite amenities include multiple pools, BBQ areas, restaurants, a 2000 square meter spa, Sports Club, gym, tennis courts, pickleball courts, organic herb garden, and yoga spaces. There are also freshwater rivers and private hiking trails located nearby so it’s the ideal place to invest if you want to be close to nature. Contact Lemuria Residences today to learn more about our luxury beachfront condominiums for sale in Puerto Vallarta.
About Lemuria Real Estate
Ideally situated on Puerto Vallarta’s exclusive South Shore, Lemuria Residences is a new luxury condominium complex that belongs to a Master planned community designed by the prestigious Gensler Global Architecture firm. The ecologically planned themed property includes more than 1700 acres of preserved Sierra Madre jungle with stunning views of the mountains and Banderas Bay. The outstanding onsite amenities include multiple pools, BBQ areas, restaurants, a 2000 square meter spa, Sports Club, gym, tennis courts, pickleball courts, organic herb garden, and yoga spaces. There are also freshwater rivers and private hiking trails located nearby so it’s the ideal place to invest if you want to be close to nature. Contact Lemuria Residences today to learn more about our luxury beachfront condominiums for sale in Puerto Vallarta.