Puerto Vallarta Nogalito Jungle Zipline & Waterfall Adventure

Fly nine zip lines through a coastal jungle, hike to the El Nogalito waterfall and finish with a riverside Mexican meal. This half-day from Puerto Vallarta pairs adrenaline with a cooling swim and local flavors.

Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco•

6 hours

•By Adventure Collective•October 2025

The Experience

The van peels away from Puerto Vallarta's humid coast and the city gives up its whitewashed facades to a wall of green. The jungle leans in close as the road climbs — palms, strangler figs and vine-tangled trees that seem to whisper with the wind. At Nogalito EcoAdventure Park the air cools; guides fit you into a snug harness, and the first platform becomes a lookout where the Pacific is a glint through leaves. Then you fly.\n\nNine zip lines thread the canopy like a loose rope of adrenaline: short jolts that tease, long stretches that open into a rush where the jungle seems to push you forward and the river below dares you to look down. Between lines there are rugged trails and short hikes that lead to the El Nogalito River and a natural waterfall fed by mountain runoff — an invitation to cool off in a deep pool framed by basalt and ferns. After the swim, a simple restaurant on the water serves classic Mexican dishes: tacos with charred salsa, grilled fish, and fresh fruit that tastes like a reward.\n\nThe park sits on the seaward flank of the Sierra Madre Occidental, a landscape shaped by volcanic flows and coastal erosion. Locals have long used these ravines for small-scale agriculture and timber; today eco-parks like Nogalito balance visitor access with preserving river corridors and native cloud forest fragments. Guides often point out endemic plants and explain how seasonal rains swell the river and make the waterfall theatrically loud in summer.\n\nCulturally, the tour is a mix of modern adventure tourism and regional hospitality: safety-first briefings, certified gear, and a restaurant meal that highlights Jalisco flavors. The experience is built to be accessible — moderate fitness, and transport back to your Puerto Vallarta pickup point after about six hours — but it still feels authentic: you are spending the day where town turns into jungle.\n\nPractical notes: the total outing is roughly six hours including a 25–45 minute transfer each way depending on pickup point. Wear quick-dry clothing and closed-toe shoes with good tread; river rocks are slick. Bring a small waterproof bag for your phone, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle. The park supplies helmets, harnesses and gloves, and trained guides manage each launch and landing. If you’re visiting during the rainy season (June–October), expect muddy trails and higher river flows; in dry months the waterfall is gentler but swimming remains pleasant.\n\nThis is a half-day adventure that pairs adrenaline with a clear payoff: a jungle swim and a riverside meal. It’s ideal for travelers who want an active taste of Puerto Vallarta’s interior without an overnight trek — a day where the forest moves you, literally.

Before You Go

Hydrate before and during the tour

Bring a refillable water bottle — you’ll move and sweat in humid jungle air and refill options may be limited pre-ride.

Wear closed-toe shoes with grip

Trails and river rocks are slippery; sturdy trainers or light hiking shoes protect ankles and improve traction.

Protect electronics

Use a small dry bag or waterproof phone case for cameras and phones — splash and sweat are guaranteed near the waterfall.

Listen to your guide

Guides manage launches, landings and belays; follow instructions for braking and body position to stay safe on each line.

Local Knowledge

Hidden Gems

•Ask guides to point out local medicinal plants found along the trail.
•Sit at the riverside restaurant for a quieter stretch of the river and early-afternoon bird activity.

Wildlife

•White-tailed deer
•Tropical kingfishers and occasional iguanas

Conservation Note

Nogalito operates with limited-impact trails and educates visitors about keeping river corridors clean; avoid single-use plastics and follow pack-in/pack-out principles.

The coastal slopes south of Puerto Vallarta were historically used for small farms and timber; today ecoparks like Nogalito balance visitor access with preserving riverine habitat.

Photographer's Notes

Best times:Golden hour (late afternoon) for warm light in the canopy, Mid-morning for clearer skies during dry season, After the waterfall swim for dynamic action shots

Key viewpoints:

• Top zipline platform with sea glimpses through the canopy
• Riverbank near the waterfall pool
• Riverside restaurant terrace for wide-angle scenes

Subjects to capture:Canopy zipline action, Waterfall and river reflections, Local flora and guide-led moments

What to Bring

✓

Closed-toe trail shoesEssential

Provide traction on muddy trails and stability on river rocks.

✓

Quick-dry clothingEssential

Dries fast after the waterfall swim and is comfortable in humid conditions.

✓

Small waterproof bag or phone caseEssential

Protects electronics from water and sweat while ziplining and swimming.

✓

Refillable water bottleEssential

Keeps you hydrated during transfers and active portions of the tour.

Common Questions

How long is the tour from pickup to return?

Expect about 6 hours total, including a 25–45 minute transfer each way depending on your pickup location.

Is prior zipline experience required?

No — guides provide safety briefings and full gear; the tour is suitable for first-timers with moderate fitness.

Can children participate?

Children can join but age and height/weight restrictions apply — verify with the operator at booking and note that some sections may be unsuitable for very young kids.

Are meals included?

The tour includes a restaurant stop by the river; check your booking to confirm whether food or drinks are included or available as an upgrade.

What happens in bad weather?

The operator evaluates safety in heavy rain or storms; standard cancellation policy allows a full refund if you cancel 24 hours prior.

Is transportation provided from my hotel?

Yes — round-trip transport from designated pickup points in Puerto Vallarta is included; confirm the exact pickup time and location after booking.

Book This Experience

Check Availability

Duration

6 hours

Location

Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco

Difficulty

moderate

Fitness Level

Moderate fitness recommended: able to walk short uphill sections, handle stairs and control body weight on ziplines.

Free cancellation available

Topics

Short term availability Bus Services

Ready to Explore Puerto Vallarta?

Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.

Check Availability & Book Now