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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.

Old Church in Yelapa, Mexico
Beautiful old Catholic church in Yelapa.
Donkeys are the main transportation in Yelapa, Mexico
Although there is a single road leading into the village, there are no cars. Donkeys or walking appear to be the main transportation in Yelapa.
Classic scene, man with sombrero in Yelapa, Mexico
I couldn’t resist taking this shot when I looked down the alley and saw this classic scene, a man with a sombrero in Mexico.

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.

Swimming hole at Waterfall near Yelapa, Mexico
We hiked with a guide and a few other families to Cola de Caballo waterfall. The girls went swimming and climbed up onto the rocks. The water was too cold for me.
Our family in front of the waterfall in 2009.
Our family in front of the waterfall.
House in the forest just outside town
House in the forest outside the village, on the trail to the waterfall.

Yelapa Beach

Overlooking Yelapa beach
As we came back from the waterfall, we had this lovely view overlooking 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

Have you been to Yelapa? 

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About Rhonda Albom

Capturing the essence of travel through photography, Rhonda Albom is the primary author and photographer at Albom Adventures. She is an American expat based in New Zealand. She travels the world with her husband.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. 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.

    Reply

  3. 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. 🙂

    Reply

  10. stevebethere

    What a lovely looking place, nearest I been to Mexico is a Beef Enchilada heheh! 😉

    Have a oolalatastic week 😉

    Reply

  11. 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.

    Reply

    • Rhonda Albom

      I have been to Mexico several times, and Yelapa is one of my favorite towns, certainly one of the most picturesque.

      Reply

  15. S. Katherine Anthony

    I’ve been to Mexico a couple times already . . . and now I want to go back. It looks cute!!! 😀

    Reply

  18. 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.

    Reply

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