El Eden, a piece of the Garden of Eden in Mismaloya, Puerto Vallarta

An exotic and popular attraction located in the south zone, upriver from Mismaloya Beach, following the river. Located 180 meters above sea level in the exuberant green jungle of the Sierra Cuale.

El Edén is, without doubt, a spectacular location, full of fun and adventure centered in the waters of the river or above the treetops and valley.

Restaurant at El Eden and one of the waterfalls, Mismaloya, Puerto Vallarta

It is one of the popular natural attractions in Puerto Vallarta, the location is very lush, all green and refreshing. There’s a natural pool created by the Mismaloya river, here you can enjoy the cool river water, jumping into it Tarzan-style or sliding down the small waterfalls into the refreshing emerald flowing currents in the pool. Lots of fun, if you dare!

Waterfalls of El Edén Puerto Vallarta Mexico

Predator Set at El Eden Mismaloya, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico

El Eden became famous for being used as the set for many of the shots used for one of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s most famous movies, “Predator”.

Predator 1987 Movie Poster

The movie starts off with the heroes arriving at Boca de Tomatlán beach, the rest of the movie was shot at El Edén, the restaurant that currently is there, the pools, and the surrounding jungle.

Photos from Predator Movie set at El Eden, Mismaloya, Puerto Vallarta

The last part of the movie, the showdown between Aaarrrnold and the alien hunter was shot on the other side of México in Yucatán.

Arnold Schwarzenegger in Predator, El Eden, Mismaloya, Puerto Vallarta

There’s not much left of the movie, just an empty shell of a helicopter and a predator sculpture, at times (another kind of predator) a live costumed predator too, that will spare your life if you pay it/him for appearing in your souvenir/selfie photos…

Predator on Helicopter from The Predator Movie Set Helicopter

Newer generations will not necessarily remember the movie, some may recognize the Predator from more recent versions, some even including the other lethal ET: Alien, or from video games.

If you remember Predator, don’t tell anyone, people will guess you’re a dinosaur, as it was shot in 1987 :-).

El Edén, Mismaloya, Puerto Vallarta Jalisco

Another attraction this location offers is the beautiful El Eden Jungle Restaurant and for those that want an adrenaline overdose, there’s a great canopy tour with more than 2 miles of zip-lines over the river and through the jungle treetops.

You can also enjoy learning a bit more about the two local liquors: Tequila and Raicilla, traditions and lots of history are included in these famous and infamous alcoholic beverages.

>If you have a 4-wheel drive jeep or a similar vehicle, getting to El Edén is a relatively short trip (10 miles – 16 km), you drive as if you were on your way to Mismaloya, right after the side road that takes you to the entrance of the Barceló Puerto Vallarta Resort, you’ll notice a road branching off to the left to El Edén, another to the right (that leads you to Mismaloya Beach and the bridge if you were to drive straight out toward Boca.

Take the left branch, this cobblestone road, that follows the course of the Mismaloya river, takes you into the little town, you’ll see signs showing the way to the Zoo, you’ll pass the Mamá Lucía Tequila Distillery, continue some 200 yards and the road becomes concrete. You will then arrive at the zoological garden gates (on the left), continue on the right branch. At the next crossroad, take the left branch into the hills and jungle. Continue driving along for 2.5 miles and you’ll get to El Eden.

Entrance to El Eden, Mismaloya Puerto Vallarta

• Open from 9 AM – 6 PM
• Don’t go by car all the way, unless it’s a 4-wheel drive and in the rainy season it’s tough to get there unscathed. Take a local taxi from Mismaloya Beach or go with a tour provider.
• Remember to pack an effective mosquito repellent, depending on the season you’ll encounter the infamous jejenes (no-see-ums) that can quickly ruin your trip.
• Take your swimsuit and towel along, even though you may think you don’t want to take a swim, once you’re there you’ll get tempted.
• The restaurant is not cheap, so if you want to go there on a budget, pack a lunch and drinks.

El Edén, Mismaloya, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Before or after your visit to El Edén, you can enjoy one of the many other attractions in the area, these include one of the local favorite beaches, Mismaloya where you can see the weathered remains of the set of another important movie for Vallarta: The Night of the Iguana.

The Night of the Iguana Set at Mismaloya, Puerto Vallarta

In the village of Mismaloya, you can visit the Vallarta Zoo, for those that want to learn a bit more about Tequila, there’s a small “factory” called Mamá Lucía too.

Colorful Flamingos at the Puerto Vallarta Zoo

From Mismaloya beach, you can rent a panga (water taxi) and go visit Los Arcos, though each of these options might be worth a day trip of its own.

Los Arcos de Mismaloya (The Mismaloya Arches), Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico

Mismaloya itself has two main hotels to offer, one on the beach, called Barceló (in the past called La Jolla de Mismaloya), and further in the jungle, the beautiful Casa Iguana.

Mismaloya Beach, Barceló Puerto Vallarta Hotel, Mexico

Barceló Puerto Vallarta is a beachside hotel located on Mismaloya beach, surrounded by the lush jungles of the mountains and towering over the beautiful Mismaloya cove. Offers a Mexican-style hotel with 5-star service and 4-diamonds given by the AAA.

Mismaloya Beach, Barceló Puerto Vallarta Hotel, Mexico

Address: Zona Hotelera Sur, Km. 11,5, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
GPS: 20.532455 | -105.290694
Phone : +52 (322) 226-0660
Email: puertovallarta@barcelo.com

Casa Iguana All Suites Resort is a natural refuge located in Mismaloya is both a perfect family hotel as it is a romantic getaway. Has a unique personality and a privileged location. The hotel is decorated in a tasteful mix of both modern and rustic designs.

Address: Av. 5 de Mayo No. 455, Col. Guadalupe Victoria
Phone: +52 (322) 228-0186
Email: reserve@casaiguana.com.mx
Website

El Edén is located in what is known as Puerto Vallarta’s South Zone, an indefinite area that goes from around Las Estacas Beach and Hyatt Ziva to Yelapa. Specifically, it’s located upriver from the town and beach of Mismaloya, past the Vallarta Zoo, and into the hillsides.