If you’re vacationing in Puerto Vallarta, you will never run out of fun things to do. The area is known for having miles of beautiful beaches, a happening nightlife, authentic Mexican charm, and an excellent climate. Plus, the views are amazing where the Sierra Madre mountain jungle embraces Banderas Bay, which is the 7th largest bay in the world. In addition to the amazing beaches, there are also many rivers in the area that are ideal for swimming, especially during the winter after the summer rains have ended. Need a travel package? Call My Vacation to Mexico at 1-800-607-7499. They have special discounts that you can’t find anywhere else. If you visit Puerto Vallarta, check out our top 4 picks for places to enjoy lovely waterfalls and river fun in Puerto Vallarta. Keep reading below to learn more about these unique and natural attractions in Banderas Bay.

Yelapa

To start with, If you are looking for a little adventure during your PV vacation, then visit Yelapa. To get there, take the bus to Boca de Tomatlan, then catch a water taxi as there are no roads to the town because it is only reachable by boat. The small town only has 1500 residents and is one of the safest places to visit in Mexico due to its secluded location. Inhabited by a small number of long-time residents, the locals are friendly, welcoming, and laidback. In fact, electricity and phones didn’t arrive in Yelapa until 2001 and most native Yelapians still garden farms or fish. It’s an ideal spot to spend the day swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying fresh seafood. The quaint and charming town is authentically traditional and also has a beautiful waterfall that you can hike to. Bring along bug spray as the local insects also love Yelapa.

Las Animas & Quimixto

Next, Las Animas and Quimixto are tiny and cute beach towns located next to one another half-hour south of Puerto Vallarta. To get there, you can hike from Boca de Tomatlan or grab a water taxi. Water taxis only cost around 3 to 4 dollars per person each way. Plus, the Las Animas pier is easy to get on and off from, making it a popular beach for visitors. The beautiful beaches are also lined with great restaurants serving fresh seafood and authentic Mexican dishes. Quixmito has a waterfall and swimming hole that is a wonderful spot to go swimming and soak up the sun. The sand on the beaches is fine, and the water is clear and clean. Plus, the currents are generally mild so it’s a great place for the whole family to spend the day. The surrounding jungle vegetation reminds you that you’re in paradise.

Mismaloya and El Eden

Next, another great place to visit for some off-the-beaten-path fun is Mismaloya and El Eden. In 1987, the location was the site of the filming of the Arnold Schwarzenegger action movie, Predator. The exotic and popular attraction is located in the south zone, just upriver from Mismaloya Beach. The vibrant green jungle of the Sierra Cuale makes El Edén a spectacular location that is ideal for a fun day with the family enjoying nature at its best. There, a natural pool created by the Mismaloya river is a wonderful place to swim and cool off. There is also a restaurant where you can enjoy a delicious lunch and cool beverages during your visit, too. One of the popular natural attractions in Puerto Vallarta, the location is a very lush, green, and refreshing oasis if you want to escape the heat of the PV sun for a day.

Cuale River

If you’re looking for an urban river experience in Puerto Vallarta, check out the Cuale River. The Cuale River is one of the seven rivers that originate in the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains before it flows into Banderas Bay. The Cuale River divides the city of Puerto Vallarta in two, with El Centro to the north and the Romantic Old Town location of PV to the south. The Cuale River originates approximately 2,500 meters above sea level and runs through a small mining town called El Cuale. The path of the Cuale River is very rugged and runs through deep ravines before it reaches PV. The Cuale River is 40 kilometers in length before it empties into the Pacific in Puerto Vallarta’s downtown. The river flows into the ocean underneath the iconic Malecon boardwalk where locals love to fish and swim in the shallow waters.

During your next visit to Puerto Vallarta, make sure to take advantage of getting to know the area’s best waterfalls, rivers, and swimming holes. The best time to enjoy these natural features is during the winter after the summer rains have filled the rivers and swimming holes. As the seasons’ pass, the dry months of winter and spring make the rivers more shallow and the swimming holes not as deep. However, anytime you want to visit, it’s fun to get out and enjoy nature during a hike. If you’re looking for a great deal on a travel package to stay in Puerto Vallarta, call My Vacation to Mexico at 1-800-607-7499. They are a reputable travel agency that works with the best resorts in Mexico. Right now, My Vacation to Mexico at 1-800-607-7499 has special promotions going on for low-cost travel packages to visit PV. Call and book your vacation today!