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Canyoning and rappelling in Palo María, near Puerto Vallarta
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Palo María

Advanced canyoning in Palo María: more than 13 technical rappels, pool jumps and privileged views over Banderas Bay.

Tour at a glance

Difficulty
Advanced
Location
About 45 minutes from downtown Puerto Vallarta, the approach to Palo María covers 1.3 kilometres and gains approximately 350 metres.
Distance
1.3 km
Rappels
13
Highest rappel
40 m
Previous experience
Experienced participants
Physical level
High

Overview

About 45 minutes from downtown Puerto Vallarta, the approach to Palo María covers 1.3 kilometres and gains approximately 350 metres.

The technical circuit includes more than 13 consecutive rappels, up to 40 metres, and opportunities for pool jumps. It requires experience and excellent physical condition.

Hiking option

This hiking route follows the Palo María River basin on Puerto Vallarta’s southern coast.

The five-kilometre intermediate trail follows the riverbed over technical rocky terrain. Swimming in pools is possible when conditions are safe; no rappelling is included.

What's included

  • Certified professional local guide
  • Individual insurance policy for every participant who purchases an activity
  • Full technical equipment: helmet, harness, ropes and carabiners
  • Complete safety briefing and rappel technique instruction
  • Small group experience
  • Bottled water during the adventure

What's not included

  • Hotel pick-up and transportation (available on request)
  • Meals and alcoholic beverages
  • Personal clothing, water shoes and towel
  • Photo and video package (available on selected tours)
  • Guide gratuities

What to bring

  • · Closed trainers or hiking shoes with good grip — no open-toe shoes or water shoes
  • · Long-sleeved shirt
  • · Shorts or trousers
  • · Waterproof case for electronic devices
  • · Change of clothes
  • · Change of footwear or sandals for after the activity
  • · Small backpack for carrying water
  • · Reusable water bottle
  • · You will get completely wet during part of the experience
  • · A cap and glasses are not necessary
  • · We carry cold purified water so you can refill your bottle.
  • · There are no toilets at the excursion site because it is beside the road.
  • · Toilets are available at the place where we stop to eat.

Real photos from Canyons PV trips with our guests.

Where is this adventure?

Approximate meeting area near Puerto Vallarta. We confirm the exact meeting point after your booking request.

Palo María — About 45 minutes from downtown Puerto Vallarta, the approach to Palo María covers 1.3 kilometres and gains approximately 350 metres.

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Safety & requirements

We are validating the full route details for this adventure with our guide team. Ask us anything about it and we will answer with confirmed information only. Safety

What adventurers say

5.0 / 5Based on 44 verified reviews on TripAdvisor and Google
Read all reviews

Amazing waterfall rappelling

I had an amazing time rappelling down several waterfalls. Esteban and his team were professional, safety focused and made the whole day unforgettable. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a real adventure in Puerto Vallarta.
John K
May 2026 · Friends · TripAdvisor

First time rappelling and I loved it

Basálticos was my first time rappelling and the guides made me feel completely safe from start to finish. Beautiful canyon, great explanations and a lot of fun.
Margarita A
May 2026 · Couples · TripAdvisor

Perfect family adventure

Our family of three went canyoning with Esteban and it was the highlight of our trip. Well organized, excellent equipment and guides who genuinely care about the experience.
Catherine B
December 2025 · Family · TripAdvisor

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