The trail between Boca de Tomatlán and Playa Ánimas is a popular option for an adventurous hike that is not too long and has some beautiful views. The only way to access Playa Ánimas is by hiking or by water taxi. The trail is just under 3 miles each way. It is an out-and-back trail that is moderately challenging as it does require hiking up and down a few bluffs as you hop from one secluded beach to another. The inclines are steep -- though not too long (350 feet of elevation change each way). There are many rocky and steep stairs. We went in January 2022. When we were there there, one of the bridges was in disrepair because of a storm. But, it was manageable to maneuver around it. The water taxi regularly shuttles people back and forth between Boca de Tomatlán and Playa Ánimas. We took the water taxi out to Playa Ánimas and hiked back to Boca Tomatlán. We had a great time and definitely want to come back. Here are my notes of what I would do different.
Hike in sturdy shoes but bring flip-flops and a beach towel. There are some beautiful secluded beaches along the way. Next time I would like to stop for a swim. Of course, if you start at Boca de Tomatlán, you can swim at Playa Ánimas and then take the water taxi back. Plus, you can rent beach chairs in Playa Ánimas. However, it would be pretty awesome to stop and swim at a secluded beach at the edge of the jungle that you can have all to yourself. So, next time I plan at stopping to swim along the way.
Water taxi from Boca v. Water taxi to Boca. From those we have spoken to, it is more common to hike from Boca to Playa Ánimas and take the water taxi back to Boca. I can understand why people like that because there are some fun restaurants in Playa Ánimas. So, it would have been nice to hang out there and eat after hiking. We were worried about catching the water taxi back, but folks said that it is very easy. You go out to the end of the pier and flag them down when they come. Talk to the folks in Boca and they will give you a schedule and the name of the water taxis that will come by. As of January 2022, it was 100 pesos per person each way. When we arrived at Playa Ánimas, the water taxi took us up to the sand, but we hopped out into the shallow water. So, you should plan for that. There is a pier in Playa Ánimas, so you could ask your captain to drop you there, but most go directly to the beach.
Bring Snorkel Gear? The most famous beach along the way is Colomitos. Many people go there for the day and hang out. (When I came back on a boat trip, I learned that there is some good snorkeling along the southern side of the cove.) Next time I would pack my fins, because hiking and snorkeling in the same trip sounds like a unique adventure. If you do snorkel there, note that people cautioned us not to go past the rocky point in the little bay because the currents are typically strong past that point.
I would not bring small kids or people who are uncomfortable hiking on uneven ground. A couple of parts were just sketchy enough that I would not want to have very small kids doing the hike. We had a thirteen year old and it was no problem. I never felt unsafe, but there were a couple of parts where you had to pay attention to what you are doing or it could quickly become unsafe. I would not hike it in the rain. I also would not hike it with folks who are unsteady on uneven ground.
Finding the trail. I use the AllTrails app, so that helps me to know that I am on the right path. However, without that, there are certainly a few places where I would have wondered if I was on the right trail. Near Boca, we hiked right along the property line for homes. Near Play Ánimas we walked right along restaurants and a small hotel. Folks were friendly and pointed us in the right direction.
Getting to and from Boca de Tomatlán is easy from the villa. There is limited street parking, but there is a parking lot at the bottom of the hill that, as of 2022, charged 150 pesos to park. In addition, the cab ride to the villa was 350 pesos. (Anytime you take a taxi, I recommend you ask before you get in the cab how much it will cost).