Boca de Tomatlán

Boca de Tomatlán is Puerto Vallarta's last village on the south coast before the highway turns inland into the mountains. It sits on a small bay where the Los Horcones River meets the sea, with colorful houses on the hillside, pangas tied up in the river and a small golden-sand beach with gentle waves.

Pangas and water taxis leave from here for beaches with no road access: Las Ánimas, Quimixto and Yelapa. On the little malecón, people watch the sunset and buy nieve de garrafa, a homemade fruit sherbet.

The coastal trail also starts here, winding through the jungle above the sea to Colomitos and Las Ánimas, and on to Quimixto. First you cross the river; then it's a narrow path with climbs, rocks, steps and wooden bridges. Past Boca, the route crosses into the municipality of Cabo Corrientes.

Getting there: Along Highway 200, about a 20-minute drive south of Vallarta, past Mismaloya. City buses also run here, with stops in the village. Parking is limited.

When to go: For the trail, start early to beat the heat. In the rainy season streams rise and some sections get tricky.

Cost: Free (village, beach and trail). Pangas and water taxis are paid.

Tips: For the trail, wear shoes with good grip and bring water and sunscreen. If you plan to return by water taxi, ask when the last one runs: sometimes they go by full.

Accessibility: The village has sloping streets and stairs; the trail is narrow with steps and not wheelchair accessible.