Paso del Guayabo was closed on Wednesday after recent rains left the Río Ameca crossing unstable, cutting off the improvised route between San José del Valle and Ixtapa.
The ejido of San José del Valle warned the public that the crossing is not safe and should not be used by drivers or pedestrians, according to a public closure notice shared by local authorities.
Drivers who normally use the back road between Bahía de Banderas and Puerto Vallarta were told to use Federal Highway 200 instead and allow more time for the trip.
River conditions weaken the temporary crossing
The closure followed an increase in the Río Ameca’s flow after recent rains. The current had softened and displaced parts of the ground supporting the improvised crossing, creating a risk for vehicles, according to a June 10 report on the closure.
The route is a familiar shortcut for people moving between San José del Valle, on the Nayarit side, and Ixtapa, on the Puerto Vallarta side. It is also fragile by design. The crossing depends on dry-season conditions and has been knocked out before when the river rises.
Vallarta Daily previously reported that the Río Ameca destroyed the Paso del Guayabo crossing in 2025, severing the same connection between Puerto Vallarta and Bahía de Banderas.
Highway 200 becomes the main option
With Paso del Guayabo closed, Highway 200 is again the safest route between the two sides of the metro area. That could mean slower trips, especially during afternoon traffic and rainy weather.
Traffic was already heavy on Wednesday between Lago Real and Tondoroque, where drivers reported slow movement along a key stretch into Bahía de Banderas during light rain and cloudy conditions.
Authorities have not announced when Paso del Guayabo may reopen. Until then, drivers should avoid the river crossing, watch for updated notices from the ejido and local emergency officials, and avoid judging the crossing by sight. Fast water and softened ground can change conditions quickly.
