For those that wander south of Puerto Vallarta, you'll find small beautiful beaches and island like locations you can only get to by boat, one of these hidden locations is beckoning you, specially those that need to get away from the city's noise, people and frenzy, a quiet, beautiful place, a small cove surrounded by nature and jungle and bathed by the beautiful Pacific Ocean.
Yelapa Beach between the Sierra Madre Mountains
This perfect spot that we are talking about is none other than Yelapa, a small town just 40 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta (by boat), at the foot of the majestic mountains of the Sierra Madre Occidental.
The word Yelapa is of Purepecha origin and means "place where waters become a pond or come together."
Artists and writers live for places like these, the tranquility and privacy makes it the perfect place for many of them from around the world. The village is quaint, the life is simple, the surrounding beauty irresistible, many have decided to make it their permanent residence, and enjoy the daily inspiration of the sea, nature and mountains.
If you want to get from Puerto Vallarta to Yelapa the only way is by sea and it is also best that way, if it were an easy ride by land, you can be sure it wouldn't be the same, it’s a nice trip, you skirt along the edges of the southern part of the Banderas Bay, passing and sometimes stopping at the small beaches along the way, Las Ánimas, Quimixto, Las Caletas and Majahuitas. Some sea taxis leave from Playa Los Muertos and others from Boca de Tomatlan, which is just south of Mismaloya. The trip to beautiful Yelapa is around 40-45 minutes from Puerto Vallarta and 30 minutes from Boca de Tomatlan.
This place has so many things to enjoy that one day is not enough, specially if you want to really enjoy the beach and really relax, the thick and beautiful jungle is the home to all kinds of creatures, parrots, land crabs, frogs, scorpions, iguanas, many different birds, the El Tuito river and two impressive waterfalls.
Yelapa waterfall
There are many available activities to enjoy while in Yelapa, if you start getting the itch to do something. You can fish, venture out on a kayak, the waters are great for snorkeling, many scuba operators bring their students to dive here too, swim in the warm calm waters, paragliding for that adrenaline hit, horseback riding is popular, stroll over to the village and buy local Mexican crafts and more. If you prefer more adventure still, Yelapa great for camping, explore the jungle and hike in the hills.
If you prefer, there are rustic restaurants by the beach where you can enjoy the local fish dishes and seafood. Don’t forget to order a delicious smoky raicilla shot, specially made in Yelapa. During the afternoon and night stay put in the same restaurants, but in a more romantic setting, Yelapa doesn't have much electricity, so candles are the favorite mood makers, plus the moon in the bay will create the perfect and most unforgettable night.
Yelapa on the beach
For those who love nature, Yelapa has so much to offer, it is at night where you really notice the abundance and diversity of the local wildlife. You’ll will see a lot of insects, including the flashes of the firefly’s romantic calls, you will see bats flying around eating of the abundant insect population, crabs that come out of their underground caves to find food by the streams and on the beach, birds, crickets, cicadas , toads and frogs that chant incessantly, the sound of the jungle is varied, constant and fascinating. Spending a night in Yelapa is a prize and an opportunity not to be missed if nature is your thing. Here's a warning, if you are expecting an insect free trip, if you want a natural wasteland free from nature and life, if you are scared of ants, if bugs bug you, Yelapa will not be for you.
You can also buy art from the locals
If you are considering staying the night, there are some small rustic hotels like the Hotel Lagunita Yelapa, where you can have a pleasant and romantic stay, under palapa roofs, mosquito netted beds, rustic bathrooms and candlelight. If you want to go dancing during your stay, visit the Yacht Club and enjoy the all night party.
Hotel Lagunita Yelapa
So now you know, if you want a different experience, to be in contact with nature, a place where even cellphones won’t spoil the show, Yelapa is the ideal place. There are trips that include meals and in some cases even diving equipment that start off from Vallarta, so there is really no reason to miss the opportunity to visit this little piece of hidden Mexican Pacific paradise.
