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Yelapa: Puerto Vallarta's Secluded Beach Paradise with Waterfalls and Jungle Escapes

Yelapa: Puerto Vallarta s Secluded Beach Paradise with Waterfalls and Jungle Escapes

Nestled along an emerald coastline framed by lush jungle mountains, Yelapa is a charming fishing village in Puerto Vallarta's southernmost cove. Reachable primarily by boat, it draws day-trippers by day but reveals its serene soul after the last water taxi departs. An overnight stay lets you savor the relaxed pace, free from crowds—a welcome contrast to bustling Puerto Vallarta.

Yelapa: Puerto Vallarta s Secluded Beach Paradise with Waterfalls and Jungle Escapes

Sleeping

Yelapa offers diverse accommodations, from budget apartments and family-run hotels to luxury guesthouses and wellness retreats amid tropical hills overlooking the bay. High season (December-April) sees rates spike—book early. Standouts like Casa Vista Magica and Casas Garcia offer great value. Note: Open-air rooms bring ocean breezes but also mosquitoes; pack repellent.

Eating and Drinking

Despite its 1,500 residents, Yelapa boasts abundant dining. Beachfront palapa seafood spots and riverside eateries abound, while hillside cafes west of the river serve Mexican classics and familiar favorites. Try Taquería los Abuelos' fish tacos on blue corn tortillas, Ray’s Place Sunday birria (goat stew), or Domingo’s pescado zarandeado with a michelada cubana. End with 'pie ladies' selling fresh coconut, banana, or lime pies beachside.

Yelapa: Puerto Vallarta s Secluded Beach Paradise with Waterfalls and Jungle Escapes

Sights and Activities

Yelapa's highlights include two waterfalls with swimmable pools. The easy 15-minute walk to nearby Cola de Caballo is signposted but crowds peak in high season or with cruise arrivals. For solitude, hike 1.5 hours to a remote fall: cross the river west side, follow marked trails (rock scrambling near end). Rainy season (June-October) swells rivers—proceed cautiously. Pack swimsuit, sandals, snacks, repellent, water.

Horseback options from Fannys Restaurant: US$20 to Cola de Caballo, US$30 to the remote fall.

Stroll hilly paths for cove views, kayak the coast, or join yoga (some seasonal). Beach lounging rounds out the relaxed vibe.

How to Get There

Water taxis from Playa de los Muertos pier (Zona Romántica) take 45 minutes (M$380 round-trip, 4+ daily). Check schedules at the pier office. From Boca de Tomatlán (10 miles south), hourly boats (8am-6pm, M$300 round-trip). Charter boats or tours via Ecotours de México include Los Arcos snorkeling and wildlife watches with guides.


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