Hiking through the mountains of Puerto Vallarta and glass viewpoint

Hiking through the Mountains of Puerto Vallarta and Glass Viewpoint

If you’re looking for a day that combines nature, adventure, and panoramic views in Puerto Vallarta, this tour might be worth considering. For around $100 per person and lasting roughly five hours, you’ll get to explore the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains, hike through lush forests, and visit an impressive glass viewpoint with 360-degree vistas of the mountain range. The trip also includes a suspension bridge crossing and a tequila tasting, making it a well-rounded mix of active exploration and cultural experience.

What we love about this tour is the chance to see diverse wildlife like macaws, coatis, and birds while walking on well-maintained trails that aren’t overly strenuous. Plus, the new glass viewpoint is a real highlight, offering a breathtaking perspective on the surrounding mountains. The knowledgeable guides add a personal touch, sharing insights about local flora and fauna, which makes the experience educational as well as scenic.

A possible drawback is that the hiking segment is relatively short—less than 3.22 km (about 2 miles), despite the tour description mentioning a 12 km hike. Some travelers might find this misleading if they’re expecting a longer trek. Also, since the tour is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, it’s quite intimate, but that also means it could fill up quickly—booking about a month in advance is advised.

This experience is best suited for active travelers who enjoy moderate hikes and are comfortable walking in the mountains. It’s ideal if you appreciate birdwatching, scenic views, and cultural tastings, but perhaps less so if you’re expecting a grueling trek or a fully day-long adventure. Overall, it’s a solid choice for those wanting a taste of Puerto Vallarta’s natural beauty with some fun added attractions.

Key Points

• Balanced Adventure and Sightseeing: Combines hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic viewpoints in a manageable five-hour trip.
• Expert-Guided Experience: Guides like Chris are praised for their knowledge and friendly attitude, enhancing the overall experience.
• Unique Views: The glass viewpoint offers a 360-degree panorama of the mountains, making it a picture-perfect stop.
• Wildlife Encounters: Expect to see parrots, macaws, and other local animals, making this tour educational and fun.
• Limited Hiking Distance: The actual hike is shorter than some expect, which can be both a plus and a downside depending on your preferences.
• Cultural and Tasting Elements: End the tour with a tequila tasting and seasonal fruits, giving a taste of local flavors.

In-Depth Tour Review

The Itinerary: What’s Included and What to Expect

This tour begins with a pick-up in an open transport from the designated meeting point in Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Hotelera. From there, you travel into the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains, a lush and verdant landscape that promises cooler air and beautiful scenery. Once at the park, the real fun starts with a hiking circuit that weaves through the forests.

Though some reviews point out that the hiking portion is less than 3.22 km (about 2 miles)—a bit disappointing for those expecting a longer trek—we found that the trail is well-maintained and offers plenty of chances to spot local wildlife and flora. Guides like Chris share stories about the trees and animals, making the walk both informative and engaging.

The Suspension Bridge and Glass Viewpoint

The highlight for many is the suspension bridge, which adds an element of thrill and gives you a closer look at the canopy. After crossing, you arrive at the glass viewpoint, a striking feature with floor-to-ceiling glass panels that provide 360-degree views of the mountains. This spot is relatively new, and the vistas are truly remarkable. As one reviewer noted, “the views from the glass point of view are breathtaking,” and it’s definitely a photo opportunity not to miss.

Wildlife and Flora

Throughout the hike, your guide will point out orchids, coapinoles, and parotas—local trees and plants. The tour is a good choice for nature lovers as the area is teeming with birds like parakeets and macaws, alongside other creatures like coatis and deer. The reviews mention that guide Chris is especially knowledgeable about the trees and wildlife, which adds depth to the experience.

The Waterfall and Seasonal Fruits

The tour includes a visit to a waterfall, which can be quite refreshing after the hike, especially on warmer days. The seasonal fruits tossed in give a taste of local flavors, providing a nice break and a cultural touch.

Tequila Tasting

Finally, the tequila tasting is a delightful end to the tour. It’s a laid-back moment where you can relax, chat, and savor some good local spirits. The inclusion of bottled water and fruits ensures you stay hydrated and energized through the activity.

Pricing and Value

At $100 per person, this tour offers a blend of scenic beauty, wildlife, and cultural insights that many travelers find worthwhile. Considering the guided nature, transportation, and inclusions like the waterfall visit and tequila tasting, it provides a decent value—especially for those interested in short but scenic hikes and mountain vistas.

What the Reviews Say

Feedback from past travelers is mixed but generally positive. Anna_A noted, “If you’re booking this tour for the 12 km hike, don’t go,” highlighting the discrepancy between expectations and reality. She also mentioned the hike was shorter than expected but still had fun overall. Sophie_G appreciated the beautiful scenery and guide Chris, especially mentioning the birds and trees, though she echoed that serious hikers might find the trail a bit too short.

Practical Considerations

Since the tour involves a moderate hike, travelers should have average physical fitness. The maximum group size of 10 means a more personalized experience but also requires early booking. Be prepared for weather changes—the area can be cooler in the mountains—and remember that the tour can be canceled in poor weather.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re a nature enthusiast wanting to see wildlife and mountain vistas, this tour offers a manageable adventure with plenty of highlights. It’s perfect for families, couples, and small groups who enjoy light hikes and scenic outlooks. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a longer or more strenuous trek, you might want to look elsewhere.

This tour strikes a good balance between nature, culture, and breathtaking views—ideal for those seeking an authentic outdoor experience in Puerto Vallarta without overexertion.

FAQ

How long is the hike during this tour?
The hiking segment is less than 3.22 km (about 2 miles), with some reviews noting it’s shorter than expected. It’s a moderate walk suitable for most travelers with average fitness.

What is included in the tour?
Your package covers transportation, guided tour of the suspension bridge, visit to the waterfall, seasonal fruits, and a tequila tasting. Bottled water is also provided.

What should I bring for this tour?
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), and perhaps a light jacket if it’s cooler in the mountains. Since food and drinks aren’t included apart from water and tequila, consider bringing extra snacks if you wish.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Given the moderate physical activity involved and the small group size, it could work for older children who are comfortable walking in nature. Always check with the tour provider if your children have special needs or require extra support.

How do I book this tour?
It’s recommended to book about a month in advance as the tour is popular and limited to 10 participants. You can do so via their official website or through third-party platforms like Viator.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour can be canceled due to poor weather, in which case you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

This hiking tour in Puerto Vallarta offers a nice blend of nature, scenic views, and local culture. It’s a perfect choice for travelers who want a moderate outdoor adventure with plenty of photo-worthy spots and a chance to learn about the region’s flora and fauna from friendly guides. While the hike itself might be shorter than some expect, the spectacular glass viewpoint and wildlife sightings add significant value.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, scenic experience that highlights the beauty of Puerto Vallarta’s mountains, this tour could be just right. It’s especially suitable if you enjoy guided nature walks and authentic natural settings, and don’t mind a shorter trek. For those seeking a more intense or longer hike, other options might be better suited, but for a memorable half-day out, this offers a lot.

Remember to book early, prepare for variable weather, and bring your camera—this tour promises some truly stunning views and memorable moments in the mountains of Puerto Vallarta.