Yelapa is a jewel nestled between verdant mountains and the tranquil, cerulean waters of Mexico’s Pacific coast. This charming village, exclusively accessible by boat, beckons to those in search of unspoiled beauty, far from the bustling resorts.
Imagine a breathtaking beach, refreshing waterfalls, the freshest seafood tacos, and an endless flow of margaritas… you might just find yourself never wanting to leave!
I fell head over heels for this adorable town, and if you’re considering a visit, I’ve compiled everything you need to know for your trip to Yelapa, Mexico.
Your Voyage to Yelapa from Puerto Vallarta
Let’s get straight to the point – I’ve already created a comprehensive guide on how to get to Yelapa from Puerto Vallarta. But here’s the gist:
Your top two options are:
- Luxury Yacht Tour: Opt for a yacht tour for the easiest and most enjoyable experience. These tours are reasonably priced and handle all the planning for you! Expect a fantastic time exploring Yelapa, its waterfall, and relaxing on the beach – all while cruising on a YACHT! It’s the perfect opulent day trip.
- Local Boat (Panga): Head to Los Muertos Pier and purchase a one-way or round-trip ticket to Yelapa. This is the most budget-friendly option, but be prepared for a standard, possibly crowded boat ride where you might get a little wet. Comfort and luxury are not part of this experience!
Water taxi navigating the waters surrounded by Yelapa's lush mountains.The practical Yelapa water taxi service.
Yelapa has two main piers: the town pier and the hotel pier. During my visit, the town pier appeared to be out of use, so just be aware of that. Your boat captain will inform you of the designated meeting point for your return journey, so there’s no need to worry about getting lost.
Exploring the Charm of Yelapa Town
Honestly, this has to be one of the most delightful towns in all of Mexico. And coming from someone who lived in Sayulita for a while, that’s saying something! I didn’t think towns could get much more charming.
Yelapa elevates charm to a new level with its captivating streets, vibrant murals, and even a tiled staircase, all complemented by friendly, roaming dogs… Was I in heaven? It certainly felt like it!
A smiling woman petting a friendly dog on the charming streets of Yelapa, with heart-patterned stairs in the background.One of the many adorable dogs you’ll meet in Yelapa!
You’ll instantly fall in love with Yelapa’s allure simply by wandering its streets. Given its small size, it won’t take long to explore the whole town.
A single main road meanders through Yelapa, but there are numerous charming side streets branching off, inviting you to explore further.
A woman with a waterproof bag exploring the bohemian-style side streets of Yelapa.Discovering the hidden gems on Yelapa’s side streets.
Relaxing on Yelapa Beach
There’s essentially one main beach in Yelapa: Yelapa Beach. Here, you’ll discover an array of quaint bungalows offering margaritas and food service right to your lounge chair.
The beach boasts beautiful golden sand, and the ocean water is perfectly warm and incredibly blue! And the backdrop? Lush, green hills that complete the idyllic scenery.
A panoramic view of Yelapa Beach showcasing the blue ocean, sandy shore, and verdant hillside as boats arrive and depart.Breathtaking views from Yelapa Beach.
You could easily spend an entire day luxuriating on this stunning beach.
While there are ample spots to enjoy the beach, if you desire a lounge chair and umbrella, you’ll need to order from one of the beachside restaurants.
While some restaurants receive mixed reviews, we found Sirena Morena Yelapa to be a superior choice. Of course, you are welcome to simply lay down your own towel anywhere on the sand for free.
A lone swimmer enjoying the tranquil ocean at Yelapa Beach in the morning, with hotels visible in the distance.An invigorating morning swim at Yelapa Beach.
Exploring Yelapa’s Other Beaches:
- Main Town Beach: There’s a small sandy area here, but it’s hardly a beach worth mentioning. It’s not particularly appealing, and I wouldn’t suggest going out of your way for it.
- Playa Isabel: This hidden gem is a delightful little cove practically untouched by crowds, mainly because it requires a bit of a walk to reach. You’ll find picturesque rocky formations and a small strip of sand perfect for relaxing in solitude.
An idyllic view of Playa Isabel featuring a donkey on the beach, lush forest surroundings, and a paraglider soaring in the sky.Discover the secluded beauty of Playa Isabel. Did you spot the donkey and paraglider?
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Yelapa’s Stunning Waterfalls
You may have heard whispers of a waterfall in Yelapa. Well, it’s true, and there are actually TWO magnificent waterfalls to explore!
Cascada de Yelapa (Yelapa Waterfall)
The waterfall you’re most likely thinking of is the one nearest to town. The path to reach it is lined with charming little shops, and you might have to navigate around a bit of horse manure along the way.
Yelapa Waterfall is a leisurely walk of less than a mile round trip from the town center and is best visited during the winter and spring months. It can become quite dry later in the year.
A captivating long exposure shot of Yelapa Waterfall cascading over smooth, dark rocks into its refreshing plunge pool.The perfect spot for a refreshing swim!
This stunning waterfall dramatically plunges from approximately 100 feet off a rocky cliff edge into a large, inviting pool. It’s the ideal spot for a refreshing dip, especially after a day of sunbathing on the beach.
Yelapa Waterfall #2 (Cascada Yelapa #2)
The second Yelapa waterfall requires a significantly longer trek. It’s about a 5-mile round trip hike, which includes river crossings and a final rock scramble to reach the falls.
From July to September, accessing these falls might be impossible due to high river levels caused by heavy rainfall.
A mesmerizing long exposure photograph of Yelapa Waterfall 2 nestled amongst rocks on a bright, sunny day.Discover the less-traveled Yelapa Waterfall #2!
Restaurant Manguito’s is conveniently located by the river at the trailhead. Consider stopping by for a quick drink and to get some local advice to ensure you don’t waste your time if the trail is impassable due to water levels.
DISCOVER MORE: Yelapa Waterfalls: Yes, There Are TWO!
Horseback Riding and ATVs in Yelapa
Yelapa is undeniably a serene slice of Mexican paradise. You’ll sense it the moment you arrive!
However, there might be occasional brief interruptions to this tranquility… usually in the form of horses passing through, leaving their calling cards, and ATVs zipping by.
A group of tourists enjoying a horseback ride along a street in Yelapa.Horseback riding is a popular activity in Yelapa.
No judgment if this is your thing, but it’s not really mine, though I feel it’s important to mention it. Exploring Yelapa by ATV or horseback riding is a popular way to get around and see the sights.
You can book a tour here that includes a visit to Yelapa and a horseback riding excursion.
Delicious Dining in Yelapa: Where to Eat
- Jay’s Cafe: Our first stop for a caffeine boost to kickstart our day (because that initial boat ride coffee barely counts).
- Tacos Los Abuelos: Indulge in all the seafood tacos here! Fresh and incredibly flavorful.
- Restaurante Pollo Bollo: Although I don’t eat meat, a friend who dined here raved about the chicken, returning multiple times.
- Cafe Eclipse: Fresh juices, some of the most exceptional guacamole I’ve tasted in Mexico, and the company of charming dogs. It’s conveniently located just steps from the iconic mosaic-tiled staircase.
- Yelapa Yacht Club: Despite its name, it’s unpretentious and relaxed. Enjoy live music, beach views, and excellent margaritas… What more could you ask for?!
A cheerful man with a camera over his shoulder holding a coffee cup outside Jay's Cafe.A very happy customer at Jay’s Cafe.
Getting Around Yelapa: Transportation Tips
On foot is the way to go! Yelapa is a compact town with very few cars. As mentioned, ATV and horseback riding tours are available, but otherwise, walking is your primary mode of transport.
An older tourist enjoying an ATV ride through the streets of Yelapa.ATVs offer a quick way to navigate Yelapa.
Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, not just flimsy flip-flops.
It’s important to note, especially if you’re dropped off at the hotel pier, that reaching the town requires a bit of a walk.
If your plan is solely to relax on the beach, you’re set; the boat will drop you right there.
A picturesque view of small boats anchored in a Yelapa bay with beach villas nestled into the forested mountainside.Stunning ocean views while exploring Yelapa.
However, if you want to explore the town or visit the main Yelapa Waterfall, you’ll need to walk along the beach, past the beachside cabanas, over the Yelapa Bridge, ascend a slight hill, and then descend into town.
Looking at a map, you’ll see Yelapa Beach and the town are separated by a river. The walk from the beach to the town takes about 30 minutes. Depending on the river’s water level, you might be able to wade across.
During my November visit, crossing the bridge was necessary.
[Map of Yelapa town and attractions.]
Yelapa: Day Trip or Overnight Stay?
This is a tricky question and depends entirely on your itinerary in Mexico and what you seek from your trip.
If you’re yearning for a tranquil escape, a place to truly disconnect, especially after 3 pm when day-trippers depart, then spending a night or two might be perfect!
A woman crossing a long wooden suspension bridge over a brown river toward the lush Yelapa forests.Yelapa is worth exploring beyond a day trip!
If you’re short on time, have a packed Puerto Vallarta itinerary, and just want a taste of Yelapa, a day trip is feasible. You can certainly experience Yelapa in a single day.
However, if you aim to see the waterfall, explore the town, dine, and more, you’ll be on a tighter schedule and might not fully absorb Yelapa’s relaxed atmosphere. You’ll see Yelapa, but perhaps not truly feel it.
A vintage payphone with a sign indicating it still functions in Yelapa.Yelapa’s unique charm deserves your time!
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Quick Yelapa, Mexico FAQ:
Is Yelapa worth visiting? Absolutely. It’s an excellent destination to escape the crowds, offering a stunning beach and a beautiful waterfall.
Can you swim in Yelapa? Yes, swimming is enjoyable at both Yelapa Beach and the waterfalls.
How long is the boat trip from Puerto Vallarta to Yelapa? The boat ride from Los Muertos Pier in Puerto Vallarta to Yelapa is approximately one hour. Tour boats might include additional stops.
Is there a road to Yelapa, Mexico? No road access. Yelapa is car-free, accessible only by boat. (Technically, a road exists, but it’s not for general tourist use!)
How long is the hike to Yelapa Waterfall? The main Yelapa Waterfall is a less-than-mile round trip walk from town. The more distant waterfall requires a five-mile round-trip hike.
What’s the best way to experience Yelapa? Visit by boat for a day or indulge in a fantastic yacht boat tour.
I hope this guide helps you plan your perfect Yelapa getaway!
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