Summary
- El Eden is an ecotourism park located in the heart of Eden de Mismaloya.
- It is open from 9 AM – 6 PM
- The location is surrounded by the exuberant green jungle, waterfalls, natural pools, and it is a perfect place to take a dip in its refreshing waters.
- The park also has a beautiful El Eden Jungle Restaurant.
- Visitors can enjoy a series of footpaths through the jungle around the restaurant, mostly to serve the zip-liners, and take a brief hike up and down.
- The park offers a canopy tour for those seeking an adrenaline overdose.
Features & Amenities
Natural Attractions
Swimming
Land Activities
Restaurant
Zoo Nearby
Hotels Nearby
South Zone
Introduction
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
The Predator Movie and El Eden
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 Eden Jungle Restaurant & Canopy Tour
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.
How to get to El Eden
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
Tips & Information
- 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
What to do close to El Edén
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
Where to stay in the area
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.
Barceló Puerto Vallarta
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
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 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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