Mismaloya

Vallarta Botanical Gardens a pleasure garden high in the glorious Sierra Madre Mountains. Located on 8 ha (20 acres) of land, these botanical collections features thousands of different species of plants. The gardens are in a unique tropical dry forest ecosystem at 400 m above sea level. Against the backdrop of soaring mountain peaks, there are Palm Gardens, Rose Garden, Tree Fern Grotto, Orchid House, Jungle Trails, Tropical Bird Watching, Agave Gardens, displays of Mexican Wildflowers and the Carnivorous Plant Collection. Bringing your swimsuit and enjoy a refreshing dip in the crystal clear Rio Los Horcones. Vallarta Botanical Gardens is a nonprofit institution opened to the public in 2005. The Hacienda de Oro Restaurant, has delicious brick oven pizzas, salads and other Mexican specialties.

A wildlife park in Mismaloya.

A river valley with rock formations and picnic/restaurant.

Adventure park with canopy zip lines in the jungle, a river and natural swimming pools.

On the main beach in Yelapa, walk to the right and cross the creek. Hike upwards a few meters to the cobblestone trail. Turn right, and then follow the trail over a ridge and up the adjacent valley. After hiking about 1½ km through a tropical deciduous forest, your persistence will be rewarded. The waterfall is about 10 m high, with a pool for bathers at the base. The falls are more impressive during the rainy season (northern summer).

This coastline trail connects Boca to a series of secluded beaches on the way to the fishing village of Quimixto. Playa Las Animas, 4 km in, is the largest such beach, with a range of beach bars and frequent ferry service back to Boca. The trail has several 25-50 m climbs, a few of which require keeping a hand on a rope.