Palo Maria waterfall

Finding the beginning of the trail was a bit challenging as there’s no sign.
The trail starts where the private road fence is on your left.
On the trail itself just follow the stream for about 40 minutes, you’ll probably need to cross it couple of times throughout the trail but as long as you follow it you’ll get there! For us it was very dry (mid March) so we didn’t need any water shoes.

Bring bug spray 🦟

A much longer/at times more difficult trek to the water. We went when it was NOT during rainy season, so I was a little worried there wouldn't be much water to swim in, but it was still plenty deep. There wasn't much of a waterfall though, I imagine it's much bigger during rainy season. It would also be much harder to get to during rainy season because there would be an actual river flowing. While we were there, it was mostly dry. There were some areas with a trail, but a lot of areas had no clear trail or path, so we just picked our way over the rocks whichever way seemed the easiest, but it was a bit difficult in some spots. It would definitely be a challenge for mobility impaired people.

The water was a bit cold, but felt great once we got used to it. We brought snorkels to explore, and there were a bunch of fish ranging from 1-2" long to maybe almost 12". They were biting at my legs, but it mostly didn't bother me. A few of them were a little too enthusiastic about it though and chomped on the back of my knee and made me jump. 😅

There's a big rock you can jump off of into the water, and there are ropes you can use to keep climbing higher to get to the higher waterfalls, but it looked way more intense than we expected and seemed like it would require expert level climbing skills to get up there without dying, so we didn't even attempt it.

We hiked up to the first waterfall this past weekend and it was a lot of fun! As other reviews have noted, the path isn't very well-marked or paved. There are small trails along both sides of the river and most of the time you're scrambling over rocks. Make sure you have decent shoes. However, the incline is pretty minimal and the hike itself to the first waterfall is quite short (less than a mile).

The pool at the base of the waterfall is very lovely. Lots of fish in the clear water, and even a place to jump off. Highly recommend!

Beautiful rugged hike to a waterfall and swimming hole. There are challenging trails that lead to further falls behind the main pool but be careful. Quite dangerous.

It was great experience. Water fall didnt have much water but we still had wonderful swim!
the Trail head is beside a hotel by the bridge. It was great a few hours river side walking and swim.

Nice 20 min hike to a little swimming hole. Keep going up the little Rock scramble, and there's a nice sandy beach

It’s so beautiful! Was there valentine week. Definitely need water shoes. The water was cold but you can still go in to swim. While hiking we catch some rain but it wasn’t to bad

We engaged a trail guide, @CurielXperience, for this hike as we’d never done it before. Curiel (the guide) was fantastic. As a PV native he knows the trails, the fauna & flora extremely well. He’s got a great sense of humor to accompany his knowledge of the area. Your safety is also a priority for him. We went further up than just the 1st waterfall, and I’m glad he showed us where and how to continue on the trail. It can get a little technical and I don’t think we would’ve gotten as far as we did without him. I highly recommend, especially if it’s your first time heading to the falls, using a guide like Curiel. Very happy/satisfied with the experience.

Beautiful hike that was relatively easy if you don't intend on climbing up the ropes to the next waterfalls. Otherwise, if you're a good climber and experienced hiker, I highly recommend grabbing your buddy and heading up to the last 4th waterfall. Be aware, you can continue climbing higher after the fourth waterfall but there'll be no more waterfalls. Takes about 45-60 min to get to the last waterfall at the average pace without breaks and if you're careful. Have fun and good luck!

One of my favourite hikes to do in Puerto Vallarta. It only takes about 40 minutes to get to the first waterfall, then if you’re brave enough to climb the ropes on the cliff to the left behind that first waterfall is like 6 more absolutely stunning ones. There’s always enough water to swim all year round. It’s also well kept.

Well worth the hike, but be sure to bring good shoes, water, and be prepared to get wet. I went alone and didn’t attempt scaling the first waterfall. On your way up, start on the right side of the river (facing inland) and walk along the fence line until you’re forced in toward the water. You still have a long way to go once that happens, and you’ll see plenty of sights on your way up.

Went before rainy season. The hike/walk was very interesting, lots of different little animals along the way. The views are amazing. Just bring good nonslip shoes. The trail is safe and mostly visible for adults and children, seen a cop up there plus had no problems with no one. It will take you about 25 minutes to get to the first waterfall. This time of year it's very low so kids can jump in no problem. Lots of Fish at the bottom of the waterfall. Very much recommended. There are other waterfalls but did not get to go.
If you go on a Uber just tell them to drop you off at the entrance of Garza Blanca. From there walk to the right hand side of the only bridge you can see And follow the trail.
If you bring your car then you are going to have to park on the side of the road. It's safe, I left mine and had no problem. . ..

Amazing waterfall! But very hard access also some dangerous cliffs areas when get close to the waterfall. I recommend it only for people with a lot of experience in trails / hike.

Add this to your off the beaten track to do list. This is an attraction that all the locals do. It's a fun hike and the scenery is breathtaking. There different levels of difficulties from hike wise so it suits all. You can reach the first waterfall easily. But will need to be more adventurous if you want to go further as you have to climb up a cliff, but apparently it's worth it.

Advice: wear water shoes or trainers with good grip you don't mind getting wet. It does get slippery as you have to zig zag across the river banks. I slipped 3 times and bruised my butt 😂

An adventurous hike that begins right at the near by bus-stop leads you to this popular destination. Our tour guide which was easily found on AirBnB’s Experiences led us to these waterfalls where we cliff jumped from 10 and 15 feet above the water! Also a third and fourth option of 20-25 feet for the more daring. For the most daring, you can climb up the side of the rocks to get to a second set of waterfalls. On the way back to the bus stop, you can find lots of calm wading pools where you can soak in the sun and maybe see some fish!

Beautiful place. A bit of obstacle course to reach to the waterfall but totally worth it. Had a great time swimming and soaking in the Sun.

A bit difficult to find and the trail is not well marked but you just start at Garza Blanca Mountain And River Hike and follow the river up. We downloaded all trails and it was helpful.

It's about an hour trek up there from the bus stop and it's worth it at the end! We went in the beginning of August in the mid morning and there was nobody else there! It was quite humid and hot (we were used to it as we are from Houston) but the cold waterfall at the end was so refreshing! We went with a tour guide from AirBnB Experiences (Jungle Waterfall Hike & Swim- def worth it, only $25 USD) and he told us all about the local plants/bugs/trees. Highlight of my trip!

Go over the first waterfall. I am 47 a woman and had surgery 2 weeks ago. It just looks scary. Water proof back pack to keep going up all 7 waterfalls

best waterfall and hike in the area easily
you will get wet on the way
1000% worth it
dont stop short
keep going until you reach the 50' falls at the 'end'