Nestled in a cove of the Bahia de Banderas, Yelapa is a laid-back beachside town in the Mexican state of Jalisco. It offers a crowd-free alternative to nearby Puerto Vallarta, with blissful stretches of sand and picturesque hiking trails among its attractions.
Things to do in Yelapa
Spend your days relaxing on the golden sands of Playa Yelapa, which is an idyllic setting for swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing. It’s separated from the main town by a seasonal stream and is backed by a handful of restaurants serving locally caught seafood. A walking trail connects north-west from Yelapa to Playa Isabel, a small strip of sand that’s popular with locals.
For insight into the people and events that have shaped the town, pay a visit to the Museo de Yelapa, which exhibits old photographs, ancient pottery and everyday objects that bring the town’s history to life. Get up close to artefacts from the Toltec and Aztec cultures and listen to stories of people who have lived in Yelapa their entire lives. Art classes and workshops are regularly held at the museum.
Want to stretch your legs? Follow the hiking trail that leads to the Yelapa Waterfall, which cascades along the Tuito River and features a small pool where you can refresh with a swim. Alternatively, climb the hill behind Playa Yelapa to the Faro de Yelapa, from where you can enjoy magnificent views across the coastline. Elevated panoramas are also on offer from the lookout point at Yelapa Tapa.
Getting around Yelapa
Yelapa is around 45 minutes by boat from Puerto Vallarta and Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport, which has seasonal flights to destinations across North America and Europe. Water taxis are the most convenient way of getting to Yelapa and the town is small enough to explore on foot.