8 Of the Best Things to Do in Yelapa, Mexico

Yelapa, a fishing village nestled on Mexico’s Pacific coast, is renowned for its serene atmosphere and car-free streets, making it the perfect escape from the hustle of city life. Despite its small size, Yelapa offers many activities that allow visitors to immerse themselves in its natural beauty and laid-back charm. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, here are the top things to experience in this tranquil paradise:

1. Enjoy the Beach
2. Stroll Through the Village
3. Explore the Waterfalls
4. Try Sea Kayaking
5. Start Your Day at Café Pacifica
6. Visit the Museum of History, Art, and Culture of Yelapa
7. Go Sea Fishing
8. Discover Yelapa’s Abandoned House
9. The Best Place to Stay in Yelapa

1

Enjoy the Beach

Yelapa is home to two beautiful beaches known for their clear blue waters:

Yelapa Beach: This is the main beach, and it tends to be the busiest. Most boats arrive and depart from this beach, making it full of tourists until around 5 pm, when the last water taxis leave for Puerto Vallarta. The beachfront restaurants offer free lounge chairs if you order food. While it can be crowded, it’s still a great spot to soak up the sun if you only have a few hours to spend in Yelapa.

Playa Isabel: A quieter, more secluded beach that’s a bit harder to find. To get there from the village, start at Café Pacifica or Pollo Bollo and follow the road to Playa Isabel. If you get lost, locals are happy to help with directions. Although it’s smaller, with less sand and some rocky areas, it’s perfect for those seeking peace and quiet.

2

Stroll Through the Village

One of the best ways to soak in the charm of Yelapa is simply walking through its streets. Discover local restaurants, cafes, and markets as you explore. It’s a simple and fun way to experience the essence of Yelapa.

3

Explore the Waterfalls

Yelapa is home to three beautiful waterfalls:

1. Town Waterfall: Just a 15-minute walk from the village center, this is the easiest waterfall to access. Signs labeled “Cascada” and “Waterfall” will point you in the right direction. Keep in mind that during the dry season (January-June), the flow may be lighter.

– How to Get There: Go to Tacos Y Mas and follow the road up until the waterfall!

2. Big Waterfall: For those seeking a challenge, this 8-kilometer round-trip hike will take you to a larger, less crowded waterfall. It’s an excellent opportunity to explore the Mexican jungle. Be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks for the hike!

– How to Get There:

• To reach the waterfall, follow the well-marked trail along the right side of the Tuito River, starting at Oasis Cafe.
• About 10 minutes into the hike, you’ll come across a pedestrian bridge. Keep following the trail. Once the path shifts from cobblestone to sand, you’ll know you’re headed in the right direction.
• A bit further along, you’ll pass the Jungle Garden La Jungla restaurant, which has hammocks if you need a quick rest. Continue on the trail, which will soon turn rocky.
• You’ll need to cross the Tuito River twice during the hike, so be prepared.
• Keep a lookout, as the entry to the waterfall is easy to miss. You’ll need to pass through a hole in a fence to access it—yes, really! Afterward, simply follow the path.
• After a few more minutes, you’ll reach a fork in the trail. Choose the path going up to the right. This is crucial. From there, just follow the trail, and soon you’ll hear the sound of the waterfall guiding you the rest of the way.

3. Smaller Waterfall: Located 1.5 kilometers from the big waterfall, this hidden gem is much smaller and less visited. You’ll likely have it all to yourself, making it a perfect spot for a refreshing swim.

– How to Get There:

• Instead of going through the hole in the fence for the second waterfall, stay on the main trail.
  Soon, the trail will split into two paths—both will take you to the same place, so feel free to choose either one.
• You’ll eventually emerge from the forest onto the riverbank. From there, walk upriver for about 2 minutes, and you’ll come upon the waterfall.

4

Try Sea Kayaking

If you’re up for a bit of adventure, try sea kayaking. Be warned—it’s more challenging than kayaking on a lake! The waves can be quite large, especially if it’s windy, but it’s a fun experience. My dad and I had a fantastic time navigating the waves, though it was physically demanding. If you’re a beginner, you might want to consider calmer waters first.

Kayaks were available for free at our accommodation, El Jardin. Most hotels and local tour companies offer this activity, so check with your hotel beforehand to see if they provide this option.

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7

Go Sea Fishing

One of my favorite experiences in Yelapa was sea fishing. During a trip in 2019, I caught four fish, while my dad only caught one! We were fishing for bonitos, a fish related to tuna and mackerel. Our guide even made us ceviche on the boat, which was an unforgettable treat.

In 2024, the cost was 60$ USD per hour for a private boat with a guide. We spent three hours fishing, and it was worth every penny. We booked the trip through our hotel, El Jardin, but you can also arrange this with other hotels or tour companies in Yelapa.

8

Discover Yelapa’s Abandoned House

This hidden activity is not widely known. The abandoned house is free to visit and can be reached by following the path from Playa Yelapa past the pier and near the Hotel Casa Bahia Bonita. Local lore suggests that a murder took place in the house years ago, which has left it vacant and forgotten.

Note: This story was shared by a local, so take it with a grain of salt, as there are no official records of this event.

9

The Best Place to Stay in Yelapa

We spent nine days at El Jardin Ecolodge, and I can’t recommend it enough. Matias, the manager, makes you feel right at home. The accommodation strikes the perfect balance between the privacy of a hotel and the social atmosphere of a hostel. The rooms are designed to maximize privacy, with nets around the beds to keep out bugs and a stunning view of the ocean.

At El Jardin, you’ll have access to a fully equipped kitchen, a cozy common room, hammocks, board games, snorkeling gear, kayaks, and paddleboards. It’s the perfect place to unwind, meet other travelers, and experience the beauty of Yelapa.

Our Favorite Things About El Jardin:

• Falling asleep to the sound of ocean waves.
• Playa Isabel is just a 2-minute walk from the ecolodge.
• The warm and welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to meet new people.
• Cooking meals in the kitchen with a view of the mountains and ocean.
• Its location: far enough from the village to ensure peace, yet close enough to easily walk back and forth.

For more information, check out my article Complete Guide to El Jardin Ecolodge in Yelapa: Best Tips, Activities, and What to Expect.

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