Mud, Sweat, and Tears (of Joy)

There’s something romantic, borderline cinematic, about hiking through a jungle trail while a delightful drizzle dapples the leaves and the distant roar of a waterfall dares you forward. Unless, of course, you’ve just slipped on a muddy slope for the third time and are now wondering if you’ve accidentally started training for a stunt double career.

Hi, I’m that person. I love hiking. Like, LOVE it, love it. Some people collect stamps. I collect elevation gains, bug bites, and slightly ridiculous stories from the trail.

And while the sunny, postcard-perfect days of winter in Puerto Vallarta are great for casual strolls and whale watching, it’s the rainy season that makes this lush slice of Mexico feel truly alive.

The air is thick with the scent of wet earth and wildflowers. The forest bursts into 900 shades of green. And best of all? The waterfalls!

You haven’t lived until you’ve stood, soaked to the bone, watching a once-timid stream transform into a thunderous, cascading masterpiece. It’s part nature documentary, part baptism, part slip ‘n slide.

Hiking in Puerto Vallarta’s rainy season is glorious. But it’s also…how do I put this gently? A complete mess. A muddy, slippery mess.

That’s why I’ve done what it is I do, and compiled a lovingly written, slightly silly, and genuinely useful guide to hiking Puerto Vallarta’s waterfalls during the rainy season.

Puerto Vallarta and its surrounding areas are dotted with waterfalls that come alive during the rain. There are more than most people realize, and a few of my personal favorites are:

Palo María: A short drive south of Vallarta, this one’s a stunner. It’s on multiple levels, with crystal pools and vines that look like they were designed by a highly creative animation team.

Yelapa: Accessible by boat, and then a fun little walk, it’s a jungle dream. As a bonus, grab a slice of pie from one of the beach vendors afterward. You’ll have earned it!

El Salto: Tucked into the Sierra Madre foothills, getting there is a bit more intense, but it’s worth every squishy, squidgy step.

Quimixto: Accessible by water taxi, you can follow your scenic hike with a horseback ride through the village. I wouldn’t Lady Godiva it or anything, though!!

These waterfalls range from cute forest dribbles to Niagara’s baby cousin, especially after a downpour. Which means conditions change super quickly. Trails that were dry and welcoming in the morning can turn into mud or Jello wrestling arenas by noon.

I don’t say that to scare you off, but it’s important to acknowledge the risks. So, let’s dive in, shall we?

Slippery trails would be first on that list. Even a little rain turns packed dirt into banana-peel-level slickness. In dry weather, a stick is a cute rustic accessory. In rainy weather, it’s the difference between “I gracefully descended this ravine” and “I just completely busted my you know what.” If you don’t have poles, grab a sturdy stick at the trailhead. Ma Nature provides.

Flash flooding can and does happen here, especially near river crossings. What was ankle-deep at 10 AM could be chest-high by lunchtime. If it’s rising, turn around. Your ego will heal. Fashion takes a backseat here. Wear quick-dry clothes, preferably long sleeves if bugs love you (they love me more than I love tacos), and proper hiking shoes with grip. That’s not only to prevent slipping, but also because mosquitoes, fire ants, and frogs are all going to show you the true meaning of foot fetish, so keep them covered! Waterproof boots are ideal, but if you know you’ll get wet, shoes that drain fast and don’t get heavy are just as good.

Bring a rain jacket. Or at least something that thinks it’s waterproof. Ponchos work, or even trash bags in a pinch. More importantly, waterproof your electronics. Think dry bags or Ziplocs instead of the classic “hope for the best” method.

Morning hikes are your dearest, sweetest friend. Afternoon downpours are almost daily in the rainy season, so get up, get muddy, and get back before 3 PM.

The air is going to feel like soup. You’re going to feel soaked. But drink water anyway. Dehydration sneaks up faster than a coati trying to steal your trail mix.

Bring a buddy! When trails get washed out, paths disappear. Having someone else around means you’ve got backup for directions and someone to laugh with when you both tumble into a mud puddle.

Stick to the trail, pack up your trash, and don’t mess with wildlife. And if a river looks angry, don’t cross it. Live to hike another day.

Rainy hikes are intense, so once you’re back in town, get a margarita, a dry towel, and maybe a giant molcajete. You’ve earned it!

Hiking in Puerto Vallarta’s rainy season isn’t just about exercise or pretty views. It’s about connection. To the land. To other people. And to that little primal piece of yourself that loves getting just a little wild and muddy now and then.

So go chase waterfalls and embrace the mud by planning with safety as your guide. Let the wild side of Puerto Vallarta’s rainy season awaken your adventurous spirit. Pack extra socks and remember that every splash and every slip makes for a story worth telling. You’ll be telling the story for years. Quite possibly while still cleaning mud out of your ears.

Until next time, my friends, happy trails. Stay safe, stay curious, and may your boots be just muddy enough to prove you had the time of your life!