Hiking to Mirador del Toro

Another trail with mountain, beach and a viewpoint towards the sea, is called Sendero del Mirador or Playa del Toro. I have no idea why they call it that. The place is somewhat far from Puerto Vallarta, in the town of Los Ayala, right next to Rincón de Guayabitos. This is north by Highway 200 to Tepic.

 It is advisable to consider the time on the road so as not to walk through the jungle at night when it is time to return. It’s also not good to drive back tired and at night.

Just when you reach Los Ayala, there is a traffic light where you have to turn left and follow the road to the town. We will look for the beach and try to reach the point as far south as possible between the town streets, or where parking places allow it.

Already on the beach, we will walk south until we reach the ramp that goes up the cliff. Here begins the trail, which after about 300 steep meters, invites us to a small and very popular beach that ends up crowded from a very early hour.

Obviously, we won’t stop here. We follow the mountain trail upstairs which in very short sections can be very steep. However, it is comfortably spacious almost all the way.

This trail is full of shade under the tops of the trees and of many points marked with red paint marking the way. After about 40 minutes we find a sign that sends us to the viewpoint that, after 5 minutes of trail, is imposing with its rocks on the sea. CAREFUL. Do not get distracted because hikers have fallen into the void for not paying attention to their steps. If you take photos and especially selfies, you should reinforce your attention to your steps.

The photo session always results in unique images in addition to relaxing the walk, allowing us some snacks and water and catching our breath.

If we return to the main road, and take it back in the original trail, we will find a very sloping section down the road. Suddenly, we will be on a small beach on the other side of the cliff where the viewpoint entered.

Now it will be time for a refreshing dive into the sea, a comforting snack and a good respite, since we must return by the same path we arrived on.

Back to the beach of the town, we will find many options to eat and drink. After this, if you are going to drive, choose your co-pilot well to keep you awake during the return!