The Nogalito Waterfall hike has become a favorite for those who are willing to be a bit more adventurous. It is not a particularly long hike (about an hour each way -- depending on how many times you stop to take pictures). However, most of the trail requires you to pick your way through the riverbed. So, why is it such a hit?
1. Scrambling over boulders through a river into the jungle makes it so it is not a boring hike. We took some teenagers on a "forced family fun" event and it turns out that they loved it.
2. There is a good chance you will have the place to yourselves. Most people go to El Nogalito EcoPark for the zip line adventure. I am sure that the zipline is fun, but very few people venture beyond the zip line to go on the hiking trail.
3. The narrow canyon portion makes you realize that this hike should be on your Puerto Vallarta bucket list.
4. The shade in jungle canyon along with the fact you are constantly traipsing through the river makes it so it stays cool anytime of year.
5. Swimming at the base of the waterfall is pretty cool too.
Getting There: Many trail maps show the start of the hike as being at the main highway. I recommend starting at El Nogalito EcoPark instead. Otherwise, you will just be hiking for a couple of miles on a road before you get to the good part. The town of El Nogalito is just a few miles from the Villa. A taxi for 3 persons or less is around 150 pesos. Once you get to El Nogalito EcoPark, you need to go to the entrance of the restaurant to pay the fee for hiking.
The Cost: There is a nominal charge of 150 pesos per person (as of January 2023) that you pay to El Nogalito EcoPark. They told us that the 150 pesos goes to the maintenance of the pipes that you will see throughout the trail that bring water to the little village. They also told us that if you save your receipt they will give that to you as a credit in their restaurant when you are done. They will also offer to provide you with a guide to help you find the routes on the trail. However, that is an extra cost.
What to Bring: You will definitely want water shoes. We have taken people in flip flops, but we kept chasing their flip flops down the river when they slipped off.... I put on bug spray because it is a jungle, but I have never really seen too many mosquitos. Of course, bring plenty of water.
Getting Back: There is no cell phone coverage in El Nogalito. So, if you are not driving your own car to El Nogalito EcoPark, your options are either to set a time for a cab to come back and get you or to walk the two miles down the dirt road to the main road. If you are setting a time for the cab driver to pick you up, I would give yourself at least two hours. If you have extra time, you can hang out at the restaurant or walk down and explore the little village.
Comments