Palo María Waterfall is one of my favorite places to escape to in Puerto Vallarta, and after living here for years, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve hiked this trail. Just a short drive from the city, it’s an easy way to swap the beach for a jungle adventure without going far.
The path follows the river, crossing back and forth under the trees until you reach a beautiful waterfall and natural pool that feels tucked away from everything else. It’s one of the most accessible waterfalls near Puerto Vallarta, making it a great option if you want to experience the area’s lush jungle scenery without committing to a long trek.
In this guide, I’m sharing everything you need to know to visit Palo María waterfall, along with tips I’ve learned from going there often.
The easiest way to reach Palo Maria waterfall is on this guided hiking excursion, which includes transportation and a knowledgeable guide to lead you on the trail.
How to get to Palo Maria Waterfall
Palo María Waterfall Hike Half-Day Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | ✅ Book it!
If it’s your first time in Puerto Vallarta or you prefer not to worry about transportation and trail navigation, joining a guided hike to Palo María is the easiest and most stress-free option.
On this half-day tour, you’ll meet your guide in Zona Romántica, with round-trip transportation included to the trailhead.
This Palo Maria waterfall hike takes you through the jungle, with plenty of time to swim and relax once you reach the waterfall. A local guide adds so much to the experience, pointing out the unique plants, birds, and wildlife that you might otherwise miss.
“Tour guide was beyond great. Very helpful, super energy! Beautiful waterfalls, enough time to enjoy them.” – TripAdvisor (read more reviews here)
This tour is also a fun way to meet other travelers while exploring one of Puerto Vallarta’s prettiest natural spots.
What’s included on this tour?
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Transportation from the meeting point to Palo María River.
Reaching Palo Maria by Car, Uber, and Bus
Cascada Palo Maria is situated south of the city, between Conchas Chinas and Mismaloya, near Garza Blanca Resort and Spa.
There’s no road to the waterfall, so the closest you can drive is off Highway 200 across from Hacienda Palo Maria.
The easiest way to reach the waterfall trailing from the city is by taxi or Uber. You can request to be dropped off at Hacienda Palo Maria or Cascada Palo Maria, most drivers know where the waterfall trailhead starts.
The entrance to the trail is across the street from Hacienda Palo Maria, on the left side of the highway if you’re coming from the city.
From Zona Romántica, an Uber usually takes 10-15 minutes and costs around 100-200 MXN ($5–10 USD). Taxis may charge more, so confirm the fare before getting in.
On the way back, you may need to walk out to the main road and wait a few minutes for a return ride, as Uber services can be limited in this area.
Reaching Palo Maria by Bus
You can also get a public bus here from Zona Romanica. They leave in front of this Oxxo and head along the highway towards Boca de Tomatlán.
Ask the driver to drop you at Hacienda Palo María, and you’ll be let off right by the trail entrance. The ride takes about 15 minutes and costs just a few pesos.
Palo Maria Hike
The hike to the first waterfall at Palo Maria is relatively straightforward and is one of the more accessible waterfalls in Puerto Vallarta. It’s a 2.7 km (1.6 mile) out-and-back trail that usually takes less than an hour each way.
From the road, you’ll see a small sign pointing you toward the trail. You’ll follow the river upstream, crossing back and forth several times until you reach the waterfall.
During the dry season, there won’t be much water in the river, so you can walk over the rocks easily. But during the wet season, this is more challenging. I’ve hiked in both, and having a good pair of water shoes helped me greatly.
There are also small paths on either side of the river that you can take to avoid some crossings. I find the right side trails easier to navigate. If you get turned around, just keep following the water – eventually, you’ll end up at the falls.
You can find directions on AllTrails here. I also found this YouTube video below by Tourist to Loca helpful.
Most visitors stop at the first cascade, but there are up to a dozen waterfalls further upstream. The second and third waterfalls are about 15–20 minutes past the first, but the trail gets steeper and you’ll need to climb over rocks and use ropes in some spots.
If you’re comfortable with more adventurous hiking and have good shoes, it’s worth exploring further, you’ll often have the higher pools completely to yourself.
Trail Difficulty & Fitness Level
Palo María Waterfall is one of the easier jungle hikes in Puerto Vallarta, but it’s not a paved path. The trail is short, about 2.7 km round trip, with minimal elevation gain. Most people can reach the first waterfall in under an hour, even if you’re not an experienced hiker.
That said, you’ll be walking over rocks and through the river in parts, so good balance and proper shoes make a big difference. If you want to climb to the higher waterfalls, expect steeper, more challenging terrain that requires some scrambling.
Safety
The trail to Palo María is generally safe, but it’s always smart to take precautions. The rocks can be slippery, especially after rain, and the water level rises quickly during heavy downpours. Wear shoes with good grip and watch your step when crossing the river.
If you’re hiking during the rainy season, keep in mind that fallen branches or washed-out sections are possible, particularly after big storms.
Estimated Time & Duration
Plan on about 2–3 hours in total for your visit to Palo María. The hike to the first waterfall takes 30–45 minutes each way at a relaxed pace, with plenty of time to stop for photos. Add at least an hour if you plan to swim or keep hiking to the upper waterfalls. It’s an easy half-day trip from downtown Puerto Vallarta.
Swimming at Cascada Palo Maria
The natural pool at the base of the waterfall is one of the best parts of this hike. It’s a refreshing spot to swim and hang out for a while before heading back. During the dry season, the waterfall slows to more of a stream, but there’s still a beautiful swimming hole to enjoy.
If you’re up for a thrill, locals often jump from the cliffs above into the pool below. I’ve seen plenty of impressive flips, so it’s definitely deep enough, but always check the water depth before jumping.
And if you feel like exploring, continue from the first waterfall and hike up to the higher ones.
There isn’t anywhere to buy food or drinks at Palo Maria, so if you’re planning to come for the day, come prepared with enough water, snacks, and cervezas.
Best time to visit Palo Maria Puerto Vallarta
The waterfall is most impressive during or after the rainy season, from July to October, when the river is flowing strongly, the forest is lush, and the pools are full.
The first time I visited Palo Maria was in May during the peak dry season, and to be honest, it was a little disappointing because there was barely a waterfall. Still, it was a nice place to hang out and go swimming with friends for the afternoon.
When I visited in late June, after the rain had started, the waterfall was mich more impressive to see!
It was also much less crowded, and I still felt safe swimming in the pool below. On top of that, the trail was much greener and lush to walk through.
That said, we did get caught in a rainshower on the hike back, which is always a risk during the rainy season. But I loved it! It’s such an incredible feeling to be in the middle of the jungle, even if you’re soaking wet.
I’ve hiked Palo María in every season, and while it’s fun year-round, visiting after a few good rainfalls makes the experience much more scenic.
What to bring to Palo Maria Waterfall Puerto Vallarta
- Comfortable hiking or water shoes with grip (the rocks can be slippery)
- A swimsuit underneath your clothes
- A small towel and a dry bag for your phone or camera
- Plenty of water and snacks (there are no vendors nearby)
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
- A little cash (pesos) for your bus or taxi ride back to town
For a complete list of what to pack for your trip to Puerto Vallarta, check out this packing guide!
FAQ: Palo Maria Warerfall Puerto Vallarta
How do I get to Palo María Waterfall from downtown Puerto Vallarta?
You can take a taxi, Uber, or local bus heading toward Boca de Tomatlán and ask to be dropped off at Hacienda Palo María. The trailhead is just across the highway. From there, it’s about a 30–45 minute hike to the first waterfall.
Is Palo María Waterfall free to visit?
Yes, there’s no entrance fee to access Palo María Waterfall. Just keep in mind there are no facilities or vendors nearby, so bring everything you’ll need for the hike.
Can you swim at Palo María Waterfall?
Absolutely! There’s a natural pool below the first waterfall that’s perfect for cooling off. During the dry season, it’s more of a swimming hole, while in the rainy season the waterfall flow is much stronger.
How long does it take to hike Palo María?
The hike to the first waterfall is under an hour each way. Plan for about 2–3 hours total, including time to swim and relax by the water. If you hike to the higher waterfalls, expect to spend more time and effort.
Is Palo María suitable for kids?
Yes, the first part of the hike is family-friendly for older kids and beginner hikers. However, the trail is rocky and can be slippery, so good footwear is important. The higher waterfalls are more challenging and not recommended for small children.
What’s the best time of year to visit Palo María?
The rainy season (June to October) is the best time to see the waterfall in full flow and the jungle at its greenest. In the dry season, there’s often just a trickle, but the swimming hole is still refreshing.
Final thoughts: Palo Maria Waterfall
Palo María Waterfall is one of those spots that keeps pulling me back, no matter how many times I’ve been. It’s close to town, easy to reach, and gives you a completely different perspective of Puerto Vallarta beyond the beaches.
Whether you hike it on your own or go with a local guide, it’s a beautiful place to spend a few hours surrounded by nature, cooling off in the river, and enjoying a quieter side of the city.
If you’re looking for an accessible jungle hike that still feels like a little adventure, Palo María is one of the best Puerto Vallarta waterfalls.
Planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta? Check out these other waterfalls!
- Guide to the Yelapa Waterfalls
- Quixmito waterfall day trip guide
- Top day trips you can take from Puerto Vallarta
