I'm not much of a hiker, honestly. But the coastal trek from Boca de Tomatlan to Las Animas? That completely changed my mind.
This trail is PERFECT for solo travelers. You move at your own pace, stop when you want, and experience some of the most stunning coastline in Puerto Vallarta without the crowds.
Let me walk you through exactly what to expect.
Getting to the Trailhead
The adventure starts in Boca de Tomatlan, a tiny fishing village south of Puerto Vallarta. I took the local bus from Old Town, which cost me about 10 pesos and took an hour.
The bus ride itself is gorgeous. You wind along the coast with jungle on one side and ocean views on the other.
If you're staying in one of the puerto vallarta vacation rentals by owner properties in the Romantic Zone, you can also grab an Uber for around 200-250 pesos. I usually save the Uber for the way back when I'm tired and salty from the beach.
When you get off the bus, walk downhill toward the water. You'll see the village spread out below you, and trust me, it's worth taking a photo.
Starting the Journey
The trail starts after you cross a small footbridge over the river in Boca. Cross it, then turn right and keep the ocean on your right side.
This is important: stay close to the coastline. There are some residential paths that branch off into the jungle, and I got turned around once following what looked like the "main" path.
The first section is mostly through jungle canopy, which is AMAZING because you get shade for most of the hike. As someone who burns easily, this was a huge relief.
The trail is well-worn but uneven. You'll hit some steep sections and rocky parts, but nothing crazy. I'd call it moderate at most.
First Stop: Playa Colomitos
About 30 minutes in, you'll reach Playa Colomitos. This is the first beach, and it's absolutely stunning.
The water is this incredible turquoise color, and there's a little restaurant called Ocean Grill right on the sand. A lot of people stop here and never continue to Las Animas.
My advice? Keep going. The beaches only get better.
But if you need a quick swim to cool off, go for it. I usually dip my feet in and keep moving.
The Middle Beaches
Between Colomitos and Las Animas, you'll pass a couple of smaller beaches that most people skip. Playa Madagascar has these massive boulders perfect for rock jumping if you're into that.
There's also Playa de Caballo – literally "beach the horse" – which has incredible photo ops. The rock formations here are wild, and I always stop for a quick break.
This middle section is where I really appreciate hiking solo. I can stop whenever I want, take as many photos as I need, and not feel like I'm holding anyone up.
The whole trail is about 2.5 miles, but with stops, it takes me about 2-3 hours. Some people do it in 90 minutes. Others take 4 hours. That's the beauty of going alone.
Arriving at Las Animas
When you finally reach Las Animas Beach, you'll know immediately. The beach stretches out before you, and there are about ten different restaurants lining the sand.
This is where you reward yourself.
I usually pick a restaurant, order fish tacos and a cold beer, and claim one of their beach chairs for the afternoon. The deal is simple: buy food and drinks, use the chairs for free.
The water here is calm and perfect for swimming. I've spent entire afternoons just floating, reading, and soaking up the sun.
If you're into yoga, the beach is flat and peaceful enough for a practice session before or after your meal. I've seen people doing sunset yoga here, and it looks incredible.
What to Pack
Here's what I always bring:
A small backpack with water (at least 1 liter), sunscreen, a hat, and my swimsuit already on under my clothes. The jungle provides shade, but once you hit the beaches, the sun is intense.
Wear good hiking shoes or sturdy sandals. I made the mistake of wearing flip-flops once. Never again.
Bring some pesos for food and drinks at Las Animas. Most places take cards now, but cash is safer.
A small first aid kit isn't a bad idea either. The trail is generally safe, but you might get a scrape or two on the rocky sections.
The Bathroom Situation
Let's be real: there are basically no bathrooms between Boca and Las Animas. Colomitos has a bar with a restroom now, but that's about it.
The ocean works in a pinch. Or the jungle. You get used to it.
Once you reach Las Animas, all the restaurants have facilities, so you can finally relax.
Getting Back
You have two options for the return trip. You can hike back the same way, which takes about the same amount of time.
Or you can take a water taxi from Las Animas back to Boca. This is what I usually do. The boats cost around 100 pesos and take about 20 minutes. You get amazing views of the coastline from the water, and honestly, after a few hours of hiking, I'm ready to sit down.
From Boca, grab the bus or an Uber back to your rentals puerto vallarta mexico property and collapse in a happy, exhausted heap.
Why I Love This Hike
This trail has everything I look for as a solo traveler. It's challenging enough to feel like an accomplishment but not so difficult that you need a guide or a group.
The scenery is absolutely stunning – jungle, ocean, hidden beaches, and crystal-clear water.
And best of all, you can do the whole thing at your own pace. Want to spend two hours at one beach? Go for it. Want to power through in 90 minutes? That works too.
I've done this hike probably six times now, and it never gets old. Each time I notice something different – a new path, a hidden cove, or just the way the light hits the water at a certain time of day.
Final Thoughts
If you're visiting Puerto Vallarta and staying for more than a few days, this hike needs to be on your list. It's one of those experiences that reminds you why you travel in the first place.
The combination of physical activity, natural beauty, and the satisfaction of reaching Las Animas makes this trek absolutely worth it.
For solo travelers especially, it's empowering. You navigate the trail yourself, make your own decisions about when to stop and where to swim, and end the day with a serious sense of accomplishment.
Highly recommended. Like, seriously – go do this hike.
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