We absolutely LOVE waking up in Puerto Vallarta. There is something so special about the morning air here. It is warm but fresh. The birds in the Sierra Madre mountains start singing early. It is the perfect time for an adventure.
Since we are staying in one of our favorite zona romantica puerto vallarta rentals, we decided to do something active. We wanted a romantic escape. Just the two of us. No crowds. No noise. Just the jungle and the ocean.
We chose the hike to Colomitos. It is one of the most beautiful trails in the world. We have done it many times, but it never gets old. If you are looking for the best rentals in puerto vallarta, you want to be close to the action but also close to nature. That is why we love the Old Town area so much.
Starting Our Morning in Boca de Tomatlán
We started our day with a quick coffee on the balcony. Seeing the sun hit the mountains is the best way to wake up. We packed a small bag. We took water, sunscreen, and our snorkeling gear.
To get to the trailhead, we took a local bus from the Zona Romántica. It is a short and scenic drive south. You pass beautiful cliffs and hidden villas. We hopped off at Boca de Tomatlán. This is a tiny fishing village. It is the gateway to the southern beaches.
The vibe in Boca is so relaxed. We walked past the small panga boats bobbing in the water. We crossed the footbridge over the river and started our trek.
Into the Jungle
The trail starts right at the edge of the village. It winds along the coastline. On one side, you have the lush green jungle. On the other side, you have the sparkling blue water of Banderas Bay.
The path is narrow. It can be a bit rocky and rooted. You definitely need sturdy shoes! We saw so many beautiful tropical plants. Huge palms and bright flowers were everywhere. We even saw a few colorful lizards darting across the path.
It is a moderate hike. It takes about 30 to 40 minutes to reach Colomitos. We took our time. We stopped at the viewpoints to take photos. The contrast between the green leaves and the turquoise water is AMAZING.
Description: Tropical trail with ocean views as the path winds through the Sierra Madre jungle toward Colomitos beach.
Arriving at Colomitos: Mexico's Smallest Beach
When you first see Colomitos from above, it takes your breath away. It is a tiny, hidden cove. It looks like something out of a movie. The sand is golden and the water is crystal clear.
We descended the wooden stairs down to the beach. Since we arrived early, there were only two other people there. It felt like our own private paradise. This is exactly what we mean when we talk about a romantic escape.
The water was so inviting. We dropped our bags and jumped right in. It was so refreshing after the hike! We spent about an hour snorkeling near the rocks. We saw schools of bright yellow fish and even a small pufferfish.
If you love being this close to nature, you should check out our puerto vallarta condo rentals. We always make sure our guests know the best hidden spots like this one.
A Moments of Pure Bliss
We sat on the sand and just listened to the waves. There is no cell service here. No emails. No distractions. It is just you and your partner. We talked about how lucky we are to call this place home.
We’ve stayed in many puerto vallarta rentals by owner, and we know how important it is to find these quiet moments. Puerto Vallarta has a lot of energy, but you need these peaceful escapes to balance it out.
Colomitos is the perfect size. It is intimate. You can walk from one end to the other in about thirty seconds! It is surrounded by steep cliffs covered in jungle. It feels very secluded and safe.
Description: A secluded tiny beach called Colomitos with crystal clear turquoise water and golden sand, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.
Heading Back to the City
By mid-morning, a few more people started to arrive. We decided it was time to head back. Instead of hiking back, we decided to take a panga.
Taking a water taxi is a blast. It only takes about 5 minutes to get back to Boca de Tomatlán. You get to see the coastline from a different perspective. The wind in your hair and the salt spray on your face feels SOOO good.
Once we got back to Boca, we caught the bus back to the Zona Romántica. We were back at our condo by lunchtime. We spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing and looking at our photos.
We actually wrote about another great day we had recently. You should read about Waves and Wine: Our Perfect Sunset Picnic at Playa Los Muertos if you want more romantic ideas!
Why We Love This Life
Staying in condo rentals in puerto vallarta gives you the freedom to explore. You aren't stuck in a big hotel. You can go where the locals go. You can find these hidden gems on your own schedule.
After our hike, we felt energized. There is nothing like a little cardio and a lot of Vitamin Sea. We ended our evening with a walk through the cobblestone streets of Old Town. If you need help planning your night, check out our post on Old Town Magic: Our Perfect Romantic Evening Itinerary in PV.
We are so grateful for every day we spend here. The beauty of the Sierra Madre and the ocean never ceases to amaze us.
Our Tips for Your Hike
If you are planning to visit Colomitos, here is what we recommend:
- Go Early: Be on the trail by 8:30 AM or 9:00 AM. You will beat the heat and the crowds.
- Wear Real Shoes: Flip-flops are a bad idea on this trail. Wear sneakers or hiking sandals.
- Bring Water: There are no shops at Colomitos. Bring more water than you think you need.
- Snorkel Gear: The water is so clear you HAVE to look under the surface.
- Small Cash: Bring some pesos for the bus and the panga ride back.
We honestly think this is one of the best things you can do as a couple in PV. It is active, it is beautiful, and it is totally free (besides the bus fare!).
If you want to see more of our daily adventures, follow us on Facebook. We post lots of photos and tips for your next stay.
Final Thoughts
Puerto Vallarta is a magical place for couples. Whether you are hiking through the jungle or relaxing in your living room with a view, it is all about the experience.
We highly recommend the hike to Colomitos. It is a tropical escape you will never forget. It reminded us why we love this city so much. The mix of adventure and romance is just perfect.
We can't wait to see you here in paradise soon!
Love,
Jeff (The PVKid) & The PVGirl Team
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