I have lived in Puerto Vallarta for years, and people always ask me where the most romantic spot in town is. They expect me to say a fancy restaurant or a sunset boat cruise. But honestly? My favorite romantic escape is the wild, untamed jungle path that starts just past the Amapas neighborhood. It is raw, it is beautiful, and it is the perfect way to connect with your partner while getting a little sweat on!!
If you are a couple looking for something more than just another day at a crowded beach club, you have to try the Amapas to Colomitos hike. It is my absolute top recommendation for anyone staying in our puerto vallarta rentals by owner. There is just something so magical about leaving the cobblestone streets behind and disappearing into the lush green Sierra Madre mountains.
Getting Started: From Amapas to Boca
The adventure starts right in our backyard. If you are staying in the Amapas area or the Romantic Zone, you are already in one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Puerto Vallarta. I love how close we are to nature here. You don’t even need a car!
We usually start our morning with a quick walk to the bus stop at Basilio Badillo and Constitución. Look for the orange and white buses that say "Boca de Tomatlán." It is a fun, local experience that only costs a few pesos. The ride takes about 30 minutes and winds along the coastal highway. The views of the ocean are STUNNING, so try to grab a seat on the right side of the bus!
Once you get to Boca de Tomatlán, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. It is a tiny fishing village nestled in a cove. We always stop at a local stand for a quick taco or some fresh fruit before hitting the trail. It is so important to support these local spots, it’s what makes our community so special.
Crossing the Bridge into the Wild
To find the trail, just walk down the main street in Boca toward the water. You’ll see a small pedestrian bridge crossing the river. Once you cross that bridge, you are officially on the path to paradise.
The first part of the trail follows the edge of the water, passing by beautiful private villas and local homes. I love looking at the architecture and the way the jungle just tries to swallow everything up! It is so lush and vibrant. Since we run family owned vacation rentals Puerto Vallarta, I always appreciate seeing how other locals take care of their homes in this tropical climate.
The path eventually leaves the houses behind and climbs up into the canopy. This is where the "wild" part really starts. The air gets a little cooler under the shade of the huge palm trees, and you can hear the tropical birds calling to each other. It feels like you are the only two people in the world.
The Hike: Jungle Meets Ocean
The hike to Colomitos is about a mile, but don't let the distance fool you. There are plenty of steep stairs and narrow paths. It is a moderate workout, but perfectly doable if you have decent shoes. I highly recommend wearing sneakers or sturdy hiking sandals, save the flip-flops for the beach!
What I love most about this trail is the constant peek-a-boo views of the Bay of Banderas. One minute you are deep in the jungle, and the next, the trees part to reveal a massive cliff dropping into the turquoise water. It is SOOO beautiful.
If you are a solo traveler or a digital nomad, this is also a great way to clear your head. I often come out here when I need a break from my laptop. If you want more tips on balancing work and play, check out our digital nomads guide to monthly rentals. Taking a hike like this is the best way to recharge your creative batteries!
Destination: The Emerald Cove of Colomitos
After about 45 minutes of hiking, you’ll start to descend a steep set of stairs. And then, there it is. Colomitos Beach.
It is the smallest beach in Mexico, and it is absolutely GORGEOUS. The water is a bright emerald green, and the sand is soft and golden. Because you have to hike (or take a boat) to get here, it feels much more private and intimate than the main beaches in town.
We love to bring a small picnic, maybe some nuts, fruit, and plenty of water. There isn't much shade on the sand, so find a spot under the trees at the edge of the jungle. It is the perfect place to just sit, talk, and listen to the waves hitting the rocks.
If you are feeling adventurous, you can keep hiking past Colomitos to other hidden gems like Playa Madagascar or Las Ánimas. But for a romantic afternoon, we usually just stay at Colomitos for a few hours of swimming and relaxing. The water is usually very calm, which makes it great for a cooling dip after the sweaty hike!
Heading Home the Easy Way
By the time you are ready to leave, you might not feel like hiking back up those stairs. That’s okay! One of the best things about this trip is the water taxis.
You can just flag down a small panga (boat) right from the beach at Colomitos. They will zip you back to Boca de Tomatlán in about five minutes. It is a blast! Seeing the coastline from the water gives you a totally different perspective on the trail you just conquered.
From Boca, you just hop back on the bus or grab an Uber back to your rental. When we get back to our condo rentals puerto vallarta mexico, there is nothing better than a cold drink on the balcony to celebrate a successful adventure.
Why We Love the Amapas Trails
We are so proud to offer rentals in puerto vallarta that give you easy access to these kinds of local experiences. We don’t just want to give you a place to sleep; we want you to fall in love with the Puerto Vallarta that we know and love.
The Amapas trails are a reminder that even in a popular vacation spot, you can still find wild, untouched beauty. It is a place for romance, for reflection, and for making memories that will last way longer than a tan.
If you haven't explored the south side of the bay yet, you are missing out! Put on your hiking shoes, grab your partner’s hand, and get out there. I promise you won’t regret it.
We are always here to help you plan your perfect stay. If you need more insider tips or want to see what we are up to lately, come say hi to us on Instagram!
Happy hiking, and we can't wait to host you in paradise soon!!
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