Get to know the village, its beach and jungle, the surrounding coast, and the film history that helped put Mismaloya on the map.
Welcome to Mismaloya
Mismaloya is a coastal village south of Puerto Vallarta, where the Sierra Madre foothills meet the Pacific. Its small bay, tropical surroundings and village streets offer a quieter setting while keeping the city within reach along Highway 200.
The beach and village are two parts of the same place: spend time by the water, then head inland to discover the neighborhood behind the coast. Mismaloya is both a place to stay and a starting point for exploring the southern shore of Banderas Bay.
Beach life, local food and village culture
The bay is at the heart of a visit to Mismaloya. Fishing boats, beach restaurants and the surrounding hills give it a character of its own. You can settle in for a beach day, watch the boats come and go, or enjoy a meal overlooking the water.
Seafood and traditional Mexican cooking are part of the local experience, from ceviche and grilled fish to tacos. Beyond the beachfront, take time to explore the village, support local businesses and enjoy the everyday rhythm of this coastal community.
Los Arcos and the marine environment
The distinctive rock formations of Los Arcos are among the best-known landmarks on this stretch of coast. Their arches, rocky surroundings and marine life make the area a focus for snorkeling, diving and boat excursions from Mismaloya and Puerto Vallarta.
It is a different way to see the coastline, with jungle-covered slopes rising behind the bay. Conditions on the water vary; a local operator can help you choose an outing suited to the sea conditions and your experience. Give wildlife space and follow your guide’s instructions around the rocks and marine habitat.
Jungle scenery and waterfalls
The landscape changes as you head inland from the beach. Tropical vegetation, rivers and the hills around Mismaloya reveal another side of the area, away from the shoreline and out into the surrounding jungle.
Waterfall and river outings offer a chance to explore that setting. Access and conditions can change with the weather, so check locally before setting out and use a knowledgeable guide where appropriate. Treat the landscape with care and leave natural areas as you found them.
Outdoor adventures and time to unwind
Mismaloya’s coast and jungle lend themselves to very different kinds of days. Boat trips, snorkeling, horseback riding and zipline excursions are among the ways visitors explore the area, with activities offered around Mismaloya and the wider Puerto Vallarta region.
There is also room for a slower visit: a relaxed lunch, a quiet morning by the bay or simply time enjoying the scenery. Before booking an excursion, check its meeting point, travel arrangements, activity requirements and what is included.
Exploring the surrounding area
North of Mismaloya, Puerto Vallarta offers the Malecón, galleries, restaurants and the streets of its historic center. Along the southern coast, smaller communities and bays provide a different perspective on the region.
Boca de Tomatlán is a nearby fishing village known for its waterfront restaurants and boats serving communities farther along the coast. Farther inland and south, the Vallarta Botanical Garden is another place to learn about the region’s plant life. Mismaloya makes a useful base for combining village life, coastal scenery and visits to the city.
Hollywood history: The Night of the Iguana
Mismaloya’s connection with cinema helped bring this coastline to international attention. In 1963, John Huston filmed The Night of the Iguana here, with a cast including Richard Burton, Ava Gardner, Deborah Kerr and Sue Lyon. The film was released in 1964.
The production and the attention surrounding its cast helped introduce Puerto Vallarta and Mismaloya to a much wider audience. It remains an important chapter in the area’s story, linking the small coastal setting with the growth of Puerto Vallarta as an international destination.
Predator and the jungle around El Edén
The jungle near Mismaloya later became part of another well-known film. Scenes for Predator, the 1987 action film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, were shot in the area around El Edén, inland from the village.
Together, these two films reflect the contrasting landscapes that make the area memorable: the coastal bay associated with The Night of the Iguana and the tropical jungle seen in Predator. The film connection is one part of Mismaloya’s history, alongside the life of the village and its relationship with the sea.
Plan your time in Mismaloya
Use our interactive Mismaloya map and local directory to explore the area. Highway 200 connects Mismaloya with Puerto Vallarta and the coast to the south; check local transport arrangements and boat departures when planning your day.
For more on the area’s history and surroundings: Universidad de Guadalajara’s account of the 1963 filming and Puerto Vallarta’s southern coast guide.
