Yelapa is a hidden paradise easily accessible by boat from Puerto Vallarta. Located in the state of Jalisco in Mexico, this small fishing village has also been a peaceful retreat for the rich and famous including Bob Dylan, Jack Nicholson, Peter Fonda, and Dennis Hopper. Although none of them were there the day we visited, the village’s charm was more than enough to keep us happy.
Hiking to Cola de Caballo waterfalls
While it’s not the biggest or most impressive waterfall we have seen, the Cola de Caballo waterfalls are the non-beach related highlight of Yelapa. The 20-minute jungle hike is fairly easy, and the reward is a cold water swimming hole that was loved by most of the visitors, despite being too cold for me. The waterfall itself is barely a trickle.
There is also a second waterfall that is a two-hour walk from town. We didn’t visit that one.
Yelapa Beach
Getting to Yelapa
Taking a boat to Yelapa
The best way to get to Yelapa is by boat, and there are several leaving daily from Puerto Vallarta. We opted to take an excursion arranged by our cruise ship. For us, this was the right choice, as our boat had an engine failure on the way back and required a Coast Guard rescue. This is not as exciting as it sounds. The highlight was the open bar while we waited for our tow.
Taking a Tour to Yelapa
If we are ever lucky enough to visit this piece of paradise again, we will go on this Yelapa and Majahuitas Beach Adventure. This seven-hour tour sails from Puerto Vallarta to both Yelapa and Majahuitas offering snorkelling, kayaking, swimming, and the waterfall hike above. It includes continental breakfast, lunch, and an open bar on the sail back to Puerto Vallarta.
⇒ Check Prices and reviews: Yelapa and Majahuitas Beach Adventure
Driving to Yelapa
There is now a road that leads to the outskirts of Yelapa, but it is used for commercial purposes. Even the village’s official site recommends avoiding the road and taking a boat. Nothing more needs to be said about it.
Read next: 20 Picturesque Cruise Ship Ports Around the World
Merlinda Little (@pixiedusk)
Those photos are so awesome. Again love this trip =) #WW
Rosey
Your travel adventures are awesome to me. What a great million memories you all are going to have! I like the alley scene, that does look classic.
jan
I like seeing photos of Mexico. I want to visit but my Partner is not so sure. I’ll convince him one day. Until then I will read blogs. The water would be too cold for me for sure. Living in North Qld. I am used to warm water. 🙂
Blah
Yelapa is a tourist trap, not worth it. You get overcharged for a mediocre experience. They will try to increase prices on you since youre a tourist and youre stuck there. Whole thing is a scam, dont get caught up in it.
YAM
Hari OM
Love the ‘sneaky peeky’ of the man and steed. Great shot. Looks like a fun place. YAM xx
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Looks like my sort of town…thanks for the introduction to it. I had never heard of it before.
FrandalF16
It looks amazing! Is it too hard to get there?
Cascia @ The Healthy Moms Mag
Looks like a beautiful place to visit!
Tammi @ My Organized Chaos
So much culture there, i would love to visit someday!!
Robin (Masshole Mommy)
That looks amazing and I can totally see why so many people would frequent that area!
stevebethere
What a lovely looking place, nearest I been to Mexico is a Beef Enchilada heheh! 😉
Have a oolalatastic week 😉
Tom
Oh, what a place! I was planning to go to Mexico last February but instead, I visited the Amazon. Now I’m thinking of visiting both, Mexico and Bolivia next year.
Corinne
Rhonda, I’ve never heard of Yelapa…I love it. It looks like a fun time.
Contented Traveller
Book me in; I think it looks great, tho celebs …
N J Magas
Oh wow! Beautiful pictures, it looks like it was a great adventure and vacation!
Rhonda Albom
I have been to Mexico several times, and Yelapa is one of my favorite towns, certainly one of the most picturesque.
S. Katherine Anthony
I’ve been to Mexico a couple times already . . . and now I want to go back. It looks cute!!! 😀
Valerie
I’ve been to Mexico a couple of times. This place looks fantastic!! I’d love to visit.
Hugs!
Valerie
Comedy Plus
Yes, I’ve been there. Many years ago.
Have a fabulous day. 🙂
Rhonda Albom
I am not surprised, it is a boaters town. Did you cruise there?
Ann
I scrolled through the photos before reading the description. I thought, this looks like my kind of town. Then I saw that it is a place that celebrities have visited which both made me cringe and validated my thought at the same time. Looks like a cool place.
Rhonda Albom
We didn’t see any celebrities, nor did we know they had been there until after we got home.
Alex J. Cavanaugh
Some really funky buildings!