Yelapa Beach & Waterfall: Mexico’s Hidden Gem for Adventure Lovers
Yelapa Beach & Waterfall: Mexico’s Hidden Gem for Adventure Lovers
The first time I heard about Yelapa was in 2010, seven years after moving to Puerto Vallarta.
Until that day, and like many people living in Puerto Vallarta, I did not know about the existence of this beautiful town.
So one day, while looking for a new job, I saw an ad somewhere on the internet for a bartending position in a boutique hotel called Verana in a “remote” location.
The term “remote” caught my attention so I applied. I then got the invitation for an interview and instructions on how to get there and, oh boy, was I impressed.
Long story short, I got the position and spent the next three years in Yelapa Mexico!
Located 45 minutes from Puerto Vallarta by boat, in an inlet between the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Madre Mountains, Yelapa Beach is an ideal getaway for any adventurer exploring the coast of Jalisco.
Yelapa is like a place to step back in time, soak up the sun and relax.
Its remote location makes it extremely popular with travelers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Puerto Vallarta, and its picturesque jungle scenery and waterfalls are highly praised.
The town of Yelapa Mexico is truly a sight to behold. This small fishing village has been a quiet and peaceful retreat for everyone for a long time, let’s explore it together.
A Brief History of Yelapa
The name “Yelapa” is believed to derive from an ancient Native American word meaning “where two rivers meet the sea.”
This coastal town is a quiet fishing village that makes up one of the most lush bioregions in the world.
The community was founded by four families some 150 years ago.
Today, it remains one of the few communities on Earth that is still owned, inhabited, and maintained by the original residents and their descendants.
Only about 1,500 people call Yelapa home, and it remains untouched. There are no cars, no ATMs, and minimal infrastructure.
It’s like a beach community frozen in time, and that’s exactly what makes it so appealing.
Top things to do in Yelapa Beach, Mexico
In addition to offering some of the most beautiful beaches and waterfalls in Mexico, this location is also an excellent spot to get up close with a diverse array of tropical wildlife, including iguanas, land crabs, and wild parrots.
Relax on the Beach
While most people go to relax, more active visitors can be found snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, paddle surfing, or swimming in the ocean.
And for those who prefer to be outdoors but not directly in the sun, there is a café/restaurant option along the beach and plenty of private terrace space that offers the relaxed lifestyle visitors and residents seek.
As far as beaches in this part of Mexico go, Yelapa arguably has one of the best!
Calm waters, stunning views, food and beverage service from the comfort of a beach chair and umbrella, and plenty of space.
The golden sands of Playa Yelapa may not be the softest on your feet, but the coarser sand and gentle surf mean excellent visibility from shore.
So clear that it’s possible to spot all kinds of colorful fish just steps from your beach chair.
The main beach is separated from the town of Yelapa, divided by a rocky hill (El Cerrito) and a seasonal river crossing, so getting there is part of the charm.
Alternatively, follow the main road northwest from the town pier to the small, warm, shallow Playa Isabel for softer sand and a mostly local atmosphere, where excellent swimming and snorkeling await.
You may want to read: Mismaloya Beach: Puerto Vallarta’s Top Stunning Coastal Escape
Finally, if you’re staying in the town, the small, cozy beach east of the pier can satiate many of your sand and swimming cravings without having to leave the main town.
The Yelapa Waterfalls
Yelapa is extremely popular for its waterfalls. In fact, when you arrive at the main pier, you will be just a few feet away from the trail that goes to the town’s main waterfall.
This waterfall is in the heart of the town, a bit upwards. The second most visited waterfall is on the outskirts of Yelapa.
Simply head south along the beach until you see signs marked “Yelapa Waterfall Trail.”
This is a 2.5-mile hike to the main 150-foot Yelapa waterfall, and the terrain is mostly flat.
Along the way, you’ll pass a footbridge, rich jungle scenery, quiet homes, and wild horses. When you reach the larger of the two waterfalls, you can swim in the natural pool below.
You can also go to the Cathedral waterfall and swimming hole. The 30-minute jungle hike is fairly easy and full of surprises, including several houses.
A refreshing water swimming hole in front of the waterfall is the reward for the effort to get there.
Boat ride to Yelapa Beach
To reach Yelapa from Puerto Vallarta, you can take a water taxi from either the Los Muertos Pier or Boca de Tomatlan.
- From Los Muertos Pier (in Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone): Departures are scheduled daily at 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 11:45 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm, and 5:00 pm. This option is popular and takes about 45 minutes to an hour. Tickets cost approximately 500 MXN round-trip or 320 MXN one-way per person.
- From Boca de Tomatlan (a smaller fishing village about 40 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta by taxi): Water taxis run from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm with departures roughly every hour. The one-way fare from Boca to Yelapa is about 120 MXN per person.
Arriving at Los Muertos Pier offers a scenic start to your journey, but Boca de Tomatlan may be more convenient for those further south or wanting a shorter boat ride
Explorations for hikers
For hiking, the Yelapa Cathedral Waterfall often takes center stage.
Beautiful as it is, the well-maintained trail to the falls can get crowded (as can the waterfall pools) and there’s not much to see as the dry season progresses.
Fortunately for avid hikers, there are other hikes worth exploring in Yelapa.
If inspiring views of the bay and beyond are what you crave, head up the hill behind Playa Yelapa to El Faro (the lighthouse on top of the mountain), a 4-mile round-trip hike that is considered moderate to strenuous for its steep sections and 800 ft. elevation gain.
However, the Yelapa Tapa hike is the best. Popular with mountain bikers, it’s a great 8-mile hike (round trip) with 2,300 feet of elevation gain.
For dry season birding (and the least visited seasonal waterfall), follow the paved road to El Cerrito (past Casas Garcia) and continue following the river trail into the jungle.
Explore the Alleys of Yelapa, Mexico
Yelapa is much more than just another beach destination on the Pacific coast.
While the beach and waterfalls may be the pretty face of this stunning tropical cove, the charming settlement of Yelapa Town is undoubtedly its heart and soul.
This town of cobblestone bridle paths and a confusing network of narrow, winding alleys evokes ancient island communities with a spirit all its own.
If you find yourself here for a couple of days or more, be sure to save time to wander and explore the many twists and turns Yelapa has to offer.
Along the way, stop at a local café, visit one of the many small boutiques, or take a moment to pause and enjoy a breathtaking view of the ocean.
Ride a mule!
Yelapa offers horses for rent (well, technically they are mostly mules), another popular attraction and activity in this town.
As you start along the hiking trail, you’ll see mule owners and guides walking the trail, offering rentals for around 20 USD.
It’s a great way to explore the jungle if you’re not much into hiking or just looking for a unique experience.
Mule rides are a popular activity in Yelapa and are a memorable way to visit the waterfall or explore the area’s other jungle trails, all while experiencing first-hand a piece of local history.
Snorkeling in Yelapa Beach
If you take one of the day cruises departing from Los Muertos or Boca de Tomatlán, you will be provided with snorkeling and other water sports equipment.
If you travel here on your own (by water taxi), you will need to bring your own equipment.
However, it is well worth it, as the waters are calm and the marine life is truly unique.
You will see an abundance of tropical fish, including rainbow runners, African pompano, and roosterfish.
The region is also home to some of the largest yellowfin tuna in the world. Just watch out for jellyfish.
Fishing
Again, Yelapa is home to a wide variety of exotic and tropical fish, and they are always biting.
However, the best fish are not found on the shore. To enjoy the best fishing the cove has to offer, you’ll want to book a Yelapa fishing tour from Los Muertos or Boca de Tomatlan.
There are also fishing boat tours available within Yelapa.
Kayaking or Paddleboarding
The calm waters of the bay provide the perfect conditions for a relaxing morning or afternoon kayak.
Again, rentals are scarce in the area, so you’ll need to bring your own kayak or board if that’s how you want to spend the day. Just don’t forget your sunscreen and sunglasses.
Relaxation in Yelapa
This is one of the main reasons people come to Yelapa.
Most beaches in Puerto Vallarta are full of bustling tourists, but Yelapa remains an oasis of calm away from the tourist crowds.
Yoga is huge in Yelapa. Several professional instructors and places offer yoga classes and retreats.
You can bring a blanket, and your favorite book and just listen to the crashing waves as you stretch out on the sand and enjoy the serenity.
Where is Yelapa, Mexico?
As I mentioned earlier, Yelapa is about 30 minutes from Boca de Tomatlan and 45 minutes from Puerto Vallarta’s main pier in Los Muertos Beach.
You can get there by water taxi or on a day tour cruise. If you ask me, I much prefer to go on my own so I’m not rushed by the tour’s schedule.
Yelapa is worth exploring slowly, so taking your time is essential to fully admire and appreciate this magical place.
However, if you are short on time and don’t have many days to spare on your vacation, then yes, a day tour cruise would be ideal.
Is there a road to Yelapa from Puerto Vallarta?
A lot of folks have asked me if you can drive to Yelapa. The short answer is yes, you can.
However, you will need a 4×4 vehicle or a good truck.
The adventure begins in El Tuito, about 54 km south of Puerto Vallarta on the same highway that goes to Boca de Tomatlan.
After you get to El Tuito, look for (or ask) for the road to Chacala (about 35 minutes).
Chacala is way up in the mountain, from there, a dirt narrow road will take you down to Yelapa.
The trip will take about 40 minutes, and half of the drive will be on a descending beat-up and very curvy road.
So if you’re an off-road adventure enthusiast, this plan is for you!
Are there banks or ATMs in Yelapa, Mexico?
There are no ATMs or banks in Yelapa so come prepared with enough cash for your stay.
US Dollars are accepted everywhere but at a lower rate than banks or money exchange places.
Card payments are accepted but only in beachside restaurants. They do charge a 5 or 10% commission though.
Yelapa Beach & Waterfall: Final thoughts
Yelapa Beach and its waterfall offer a unique blend of natural beauty, adventure, and authentic Mexican charm that’s hard to find anywhere else.
This hidden gem on Mexico’s Pacific coast is perfect for travelers seeking a more relaxed, off-the-beaten-path destination where nature takes center stage.
Whether you’re hiking through lush jungle trails, swimming in crystal-clear waters, or simply soaking up the sun on the beach, Yelapa provides an unforgettable experience.
With its welcoming community, stunning landscapes, and ample activities for every type of traveler, Yelapa Beach and Waterfalls should be on every adventure lover’s bucket list.
