Puerto Vallarta Waterfalls Palo María. Imagine all of us backpack slung, sandals clinking, hearts full of anticipation, jumping on a local bus at the corner of Constitución and Basilio Badillo for just 10 pesos. No tourist trap, just locals, expats, fellow wanderers, all piled on, laughing and chatting as the bus meandered 20 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta toward the jungle-hidden river of Palo María.
Puerto Vallarta Waterfalls Palo María Review by David Living Outdoors
We hopped off, crossed a small road before the little bridge (look for the “Puente Palo María” sign), and took the path on the north side of the river and began our hike. At first it was easy: dirt path, jungle canopy overhead, birds chirping, the kind of calm that makes you forget you’re even near a city. But soon the path turned wild: rocks, roots, and the soft rumble of flowing water.
We followed the river. We crossed it. Then crossed it again. Each time water lapped around our ankles, our shoes getting wetter, the jungle chorus growing louder. After roughly 1.4 km about 45 minutes, we arrived: the first waterfall.
What greeted us blew us away. Crystal-clear green water pooling below the falls. Fish darting among the rocks. Jungle all around. The water felt cool, not bite-cold, but just refreshing enough to wash off the hike’s sweat and bring a gasp + grin. We jumped in, swam, floated, splashed, soaked it all in.
We lingered. We laughed. We snorkeled with our eyes open underwater, watching fish glide past. The stones around the pool reflecting in the water, magical.
Then curious and adventurous, a few of us decided to press on. We heard there were more waterfalls upstream, at least seven, though most stick to the first one. The “official” route to the second cascade involved scaling the first falls using ropes on the left side. That looked sketchy, even for the agile among us.
So instead I took the “safer” path: a narrow trail hugging the south-side cliff edge. It starts about 100 m downstream and skirted the ravine, above the first falls, offering a dizzying walk over narrow ledges and jungle cliff-faces. New guide-ropes had been installed — but still, if you’re scared of heights or slippery edges, skip this bit.
At the end, the second waterfall. Smaller than the first, but natural and beautiful, with its own pool and serenity. The kind of spot where if you’re quiet and still, the jungle hushes, and you realize you are far from city noise or tourist clutter.
Climbing higher waterfalls? I’ve heard there are many along Palo María’s course. But fair warning: after the first two it gets serious, rock-climbing, ropes, steep scrambles, and more risk. Not for the faint of heart.
All in all: Palo María is a treasure: a short (compared to epic treks), accessible hike, especially if you take public transport, with jungle vibes, water magic, and the thrill of discovery. Perfect for a half-day adventure, a refreshing swim, and memories that stick.
If you love jungle, water, simple adventure, and a little bit of adrenaline, you gotta check this place out. For added fun we returned to the highway and grabbed a bus to the beach town of Mismaloya for lunch. Great place to hang out to complete the day before heading back to Puerto Vallarta. Like and subscribe for more fun adventures.
Bonus Tips for Anyone Going
• Best way there: local bus from Zona Romántica — Basilio Badillo + Constitución; ask for the stop “Palo María / Garza Blanca.”
• Hike to first waterfall: ~1.4 kms each way, 30–45 min each way, moderate difficulty.
• Wear good water-hiking shoes (rocks + stream crossings = slippery).
• Bring water, a towel/swimsuit, bug repellent, maybe a waterproof bag. There are no facilities at the falls.
• If you want more waterfalls upstream — be ready: ropes, rock-scrambling and slippery ledges. Not for beginners or those afraid of heights.
If you love real adventures, hidden gems, and exploring Puerto Vallarta beyond the tourist paths, make sure to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more! https://youtube.com/@DavidLivingOutdoors https://www.facebook.com/david.custers.5
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