JUNGLE VIBING

Just around the corner from Ono’s Smoothie Bowls, you’ll find the fun bus to Boca de Tomatlan (look for the Mismaloya/Boca sign on the windshield). No cheating now, don’t grab a cab for this one. It’s only a half-hour bus ride but the views will stay with you forever: emerald-green mountains on one side and jewel-colored ocean on the other. 

Once you get there, put away your flip flops and get out your hiking shoes (we recommend some solid sandals or running shoes), because you’re going beach-hopping without a boat. Take note: the hike from Boca de Tomatlan to Playa Las Animas is going to be a full day trip. Sure, it’s a relatively short hike of only 2.5 miles or so. But it’s guaranteed that you won’t be able to resist jumping into the ocean every time you hit a secluded beach on the trail.

This trail has it all, including some ups and downs as you hike along the mountain. The first part of the hike is the cobbled stone that Vallarta is famous for. After that,  you’ll find yourself among the vines as you climb through the jungle. You’ll finish up on large, gorgeous sections of white sand as you walk beside the ocean. 

Interspersed along the way are great places to stop and swim, starting with the startling green water of Colomitos Cove, about an hour into your journey. You can usually pick up some fresh-cut fruit from local vendors here, but don’t forget to pack plenty of water and some energy-revving snacks of your own.

The next beach after that is the secluded Playa Escondida, or “hidden beach”, and then you’ll be past the trickiest parts and onto the home stretch to Playa Las Animas, a long beach with a busy trade as a stop for many boat day trippers. This is where you’ll find your appetite peaked and you can sit and sip a margarita or two at one of the many oceanside restaurants.

Feeling tired? Take a boat taxi back to Boca and catch the bus straight back to where you started!

Don’t forget to start your adventure at Ono’s Smoothie Bowls where you can fill up that energy tank. Try our Choco Loco smoothie bowl, which will get you moving with protein-packed natural peanut butter. Of course, we have a full coffee bar for that early start!