El Eden

Paradise. South of Puerto Vallarta, up a long trek over bumpy, dusty roads and there you are, El Eden, a patch in the jungle  of true earthly delights, waterfalls, rope-swings, great guacamole, and film-buff historical material.

We have been told that several movies have been filmed in this location but only one stands out in the memory of those who follow the screen history of Arnold Schwarzenegger and his heroic exploits byway of Hollywood. Remnants of The Predator remind us that “soon the hunt will begin”, but our personal ardent search involves guacamole, chips and ice cold cerveza (beer), not alien creatures, though they are lurking.

Thrills are abundant here for young and old alike. Steps away from the comfort of your table in the restaurant are ropes dangling from the treetops. Arm strength and bravado are the only requirements to grip firmly, swing out and let go, land in the refreshing, chilly water of the Mismaloya River that runs long and cool from high above. If you choose to simply observe, find a spot where you can watch daredevils edge along the southern path to the top of an outcropping of smooth rocks, possibly made so from all the backsides that have traveled the quick course downward into the pond below. Test your mettle by sitting first at the top and let the cool water rush around you before you shove off for a delightful splash and a fabulous memory.

Mosquitoes are abundant in the jungle and El Eden is no exception. Along with swimsuits, towels and pesos, don’t forget strong bug repellent. We recommend a local pharmacy in Puerto Vallarta for a supply; don’t be afraid to ask a sales associate what works best for the area.

There are ziplines at El Eden, but they’re an added attraction and it’s wise to make reservations and pay in advance.

If you have a 4-wheel drive, the journey from the highway is easy but don’t risk the suspension of your own car trying to traverse the road to El Eden. Taxis are plentiful and willing to drive you; or you can go via a tour from Puerto Vallarta, which will be more expensive but tours are popular. To get to El Eden from Puerto Vallarta, travel about 10 kilometers south and hang a left opposite of the Barceló Puerto Vallarta Resort. A residential community climbs up the hill to the left and often the gate is left open; avoid traveling up this long and winding hill that dead ends. You will travel through the small village of Mismaloya, pass signs for the zoo and the tequila factory where you will come to a concrete road that doesn’t last long. Keep to the right until you reach the crossroads where you will bear right again and begin a climb that will end 180 meters above sea level, approximately 4 kms up river. It’s a dusty back road but well worth the time and effort.

Hours are 9 am – 6 pm.

Que cómo es es.

Thanks to our Guest Blogger Adam Garcia for this great article!  (Opinions expressed are his own…)

About Vacation Villas of Mexico Founder, Vanessa Cole

The founder of the company, Vanessa Cole, lived in Puerto Vallarta for 10 years and in Cancun for 2 years. She has worked in Luxury Vacation Villa Rentals since 2001.

Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Vanessa earned a degree from the University of Texas in Austin, majoring in International Business and Latin American Studies.  Fluent in Spanish, she has worked and traveled all over Mexico and South America.

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