Happy Trails to Playa Las Animas
By Patrick Ahearn
One of the things newcomers and old timers of Puerto Vallarta like to do is discover the wonderful Puerto Vallarta they don’t know. One of those new discoveries for many is the trail that goes along the coast south of Puerto Vallarta to the beach destination of Las Animas. Normally to reach this beach community you have to go by water taxi, but there is an alternative way to getting there. Las Animas is a popular destination and has many beach eateries that offer the freshest of fish and seafood. There is a trail begins in the very small beach bay of Boca de Tomatlan. It is a wonderful trail that meanders for a couple of hours till you reach Las Animas.
To get there you have to go to Boca de Tomatlan, about 18km south from Colonia Centro, Puerto Vallarta. You will be on the north side of a small river. Find parking because soon you will cross a small river bridge that will put you on the trail to Las Animas. The trail starts on the south side of the bridge and goes west along the shore.
Your journey will take you past several beach houses that line the shores. Some of them are very beautiful. The trail is not difficult and is better suited for 12 year old children and up. It would not be a good idea to wear sandals and you need to be reasonably healthy. While the trail is quite magnificent it can be challenging when it comes to some sections of it. Parts of the trail are jungle like, so you will see plenty of insects including a few spiders. A wonderful jungle foliage will surround you for some of your hike with glimpses of the beach below.
After about 40 minutes of walking you will be rewarded with a most beautiful secluded little beach complete with cascading river. The Ocean Grill, a discrete beach grill is off to the side of the bay with eats and drinks. The beach is a welcome cooling off place, especially during the warm months. Stop and enjoy this great little beach hideaway.
Once you have had a great little dip in the ocean, your journey to Las Animas is half way done. The trail is often marked with signs and arrows just about the time you wonder which way to go. This part of the trail is mostly along the shore where big boulders and sand fight for space on the shore. Along the way you will see some very secluded small resorts. These can only be reached by water taxi.
About half an hour after the second part of your trip commenced you will reach the expansive beaches of Las Animas. The locals will be eager to convince you that they have the most outstanding fish dinner waiting for you at their eatery. A cold beer is waiting just for you if you are so inclined.
At the end of your visit you have a choice of hiking back the way you came or take a convenient water taxi back to Boca Tomatlan. Your visit to Las Animas will be a bookmark of cool things you have done in Puerto Vallarta, ready to be shared with others!
