Caballo Beach, Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco, Mexico
Features and Amenities
Hotel Nearby
Swimming
South Zone
Summary
- Caballo Beach is a secluded and beautiful beach with clear sand and transparent emerald waters located between Las Animas and La Troza Beach south of Puerto Vallarta.
- The beach is considered one of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in the Mexican state of Jalisco.
- Caballo Beach is a nice option for those seeking seclusion and underdevelopment compared to Las Animas.
- The beach is surrounded by lush vegetation and towering rock formations .
- Visitors can rent a beach chair and enjoy gentle waves.
Introduction
Caballo Beach (El Caballo), Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco, Mexico
Playa Caballo (or El Caballo, I’ve seen it mentioned both ways – Horse or The Horse) is a beautiful, relatively isolated, beach just northeast of Las Animas Beach in the South Zone of the Banderas Bay.
You can get there directly by water taxi (panga) you can ask to be left off at Playa Caballo, it may not be viable due to waves and tides. If you are not looking to get wet, maybe it’s best to arrive at the pier at Las Animas and then walk northeast along the beach, take the path to Hotelito Mio, and to the right of the hotel is Caballo Beach. If you continue northeast you’ll get to Casitas Maraika, that has a small nice beach just to the right of it too.
Caballo Beach Panorama
The beach has light yellow sand, clear emerald green-blue waters, the waves can be stronger than the ones at Las Animas. Because Las Animas is a popular beach destination for a number of bay cruises, if you want a bit more privacy and want to enjoy a calmer day at the beach, you should consider walking to this beach. If you need a drink and snack, you can go to the bar of Casitas Maraika and enjoy the view too.
What to do at Caballo Beach
This beach is less known than Las Ánimas and Colomitos. You’ll normally find it almost devoid of tourists, so it’ll have a bit of an isolated tropical island beach. The beach is 300 meters from east to west (just under 1000 ft long) and 30 to 40 meters wide (100-120 ft wide), the sand is a light yellowish/golden tone, the sand is soft and the waters transparent emerald green. Waves tend to be stronger here and there is no lifesaver, so I would be careful and avoid swimming on this beach.
There are no services on the beach, it’s the beach, palm trees, and the sea. On the west side, you’ll find Hotelito Mio and you can maybe buy some drinks and food from them. I haven’t tried. On the east side, you’ll walk along the path there that continues eastward and after some 80 yards (240 feet) you’ll arrive at Casitas Maraika, where you can get drinks and snacks at their bar. I really enjoyed their lemonades, big, cold and tasty, just what you need when you are thirsty and hot.
How to get to Caballo Beach
There are two main ways to get there, for most visitors, only one.
- Take a vehicle (bus, taxi, Uber) from Puerto Vallarta to Boca de Tomatlan and from there speed off southward in one of the many water taxis that leave to the remote landlocked beaches in the south edge of the bay. You’ll take the water taxi to Las Animas Beach, get off on the pier and walk eastward (to your left when walking off the pier). Right before you arrive at Brisas Beach (the east end of Las Animas), there will be a path going up and behind the restaurant. There are also signs showing the way to the beach and Hotelito Mío and Casitas Maraika, it’s the same path. Once you pass Hotelito Mío, you’ll arrive at Caballo Beach.
Route from Las Animas Beach to Caballo Beach
- There’s a hiking path from Boca de Tomatlán to Colomitos Beach, the hiking route continues westward and goes by Majahuillas Beach (newly dubbed Madagascar), La Troza Beach, and then after a total of 6.5 kilometers, you arrive at Caballo Beach.
Where is Caballo Beach
Playa Caballo (El Caballo/Horse Beach) is located in Puerto Vallarta’s South Zone. It’s one of the beaches you can get to via water taxi (panga) from Boca de Tomatlan in the southern part of Banderas Bay. Most of the beaches are only accessible via water taxi or in the case of Colomitos and Las Animas along a complicated hike along the edge of the sea and through the jungle.
You’ll find Caballo Beach between La Troza Beach to the northeast and Las Animas Beach that’s located southwest of it.
Caballo Beach location map
FAQ
- What is the safest part of Puerto Vallarta to stay in?
The Marina and the Romantic Zone are considered some of the safest areas to stay in Puerto Vallarta. Both areas are popular among tourists and offer a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and attractions. The Marina is known for its upscale atmosphere, luxury resorts, and high-end shops and restaurants. It has a very secure, controlled environment with 24/7 security personnel. The Romantic Zone offers a more authentic Mexican experience with cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and a vibrant mix of galleries, cafes, and bars. As a central tourist area, it also has a strong police presence and is considered very safe.
- Where do locals go in Puerto Vallarta?
Locals in Puerto Vallarta enjoy spending time at the city’s beautiful beaches, scenic parks, and lively local markets. Popular beach spots include Playa de Oro, Playa Las Animas, and Playa Camarones for their soft sand and calm waters. Many locals visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens to enjoy the lush vegetation and hiking trails. They also frequent authentic local food venues like Birrieria las 3 Regiones taco stand, cafes like Cafecito Vallarta, and neighborhood bars like La Cerveceria Union. The downtown Lazaro Cardenas market is a favorite for produce, spices, crafts.
- Is Downtown Puerto Vallarta nice?
Yes, downtown Puerto Vallarta is an exceptionally nice and popular area, celebrated for its vibrant mix of historic Mexican charm and a lively beach town atmosphere. It features a picturesque historic center with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and the iconic Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe church. The downtown seamlessly blends into the scenic Malecón, a beautiful oceanfront boardwalk lined with fascinating sculptures, shops, and restaurants, making it perfect for strolling and enjoying the stunning ocean views.
The area offers an excellent variety of dining, from upscale restaurants to authentic street food, along with fantastic shopping in boutiques and art galleries. Adjacent to the main center is the popular Zona Romántica (Romantic Zone), known for its trendy vibe and energetic nightlife. The entire downtown is considered safe and is very walkable, allowing visitors to easily explore its captivating blend of culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty on foot.
Tip: For an unforgettable experience, head down to the Malecón or any beachfront spot about 30 minutes before the scheduled sundown to watch the spectacular sunset over the bay.
- What is considered old town in Puerto Vallarta?
Old Town, also known as the Romantic Zone or Zona Romántica, is considered the historic heart of Puerto Vallarta. It is characterized by its picturesque cobblestone streets, classic whitewashed buildings, red-tiled roofs, and a lively mix of shops, galleries, restaurants and bars. Nestled between the Sierra Madre mountains and Banderas Bay, Old Town has a traditional Mexican village charm with its colonial architecture and slower pace compared to the rest of Puerto Vallarta. Its romantic ambience comes from the area’s natural beauty, outdoor cafes, and charming boutique hotels. Old Town offers visitors a taste of an authentic Mexican neighborhood.
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