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Top 7 Unique Things To Do in Yelapa, Mexico

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Thirty minutes south of downtown Puerto Vallarta, you will find Yelapa, a beach that may be small in size but with an enormous charm. With very few inhabitants whose lifestyle is casual and chill, you will enjoy a relaxing atmosphere. Here’s a list of the top 7 unique activities in Yelapa, so you’ll have a memorable experience.

How to get there

There is only one way to get to this beautiful hideaway: through boats or water taxis, which you can hire through a travel agency offering the service, or by arriving at the bridge of Playa Los Muertos in Puerto Vallarta and asking for the schedules and availability of transportation. Another option, although the least recommended, is to travel by car or bus to Mismaloya or Boca de Tomatlán and take a water taxi, which also has precise schedules. Do your research before embarking on this trip.

Puerto-Vallarta-Boardwalk-1

When to Visit

The best season is between September and February when the humidity decreases. In addition, starting December, you can enjoy the spectacle offered by humpback whales, where you will spot them jumping in the bay. Yelapa is perfect for camping, hiking, exploring upstream, going into the jungle, visiting the waterfalls, or boating to discover secluded beaches.

Where to Stay

Yelapa has several lodging options which are comfortable and designed for relaxation. Hotel Lagunita is an option with simple architecture intended to blend with the environment. They are rustic cabins without air conditioning but with WIFI. Casa Bahia Bonita has stunning views of the bay, different types of rooms, with breakfast and lunch included. If you’re looking for a retreat, Pura Vida is a Holistic Center, which is completely focused on relaxation with a unique décor.

Visit its Waterfalls

There are several waterfalls; the first one is the Yelapa Waterfall, which is 98 feet high. To get there, it’s a 15-minute walk from the coast. About an hour-long walk, along a narrow path in the middle of the jungle, you reach another waterfall 13 feet high, which allows you to swim in the natural pool. Another wonderful place, great for camping, is the Playa Larga, which can be reached on a two and a half hours walk.

Horseback Riding and Hiking

Another great option to do in Yelapa is to enjoy a horseback ride on the seashore. You can also ride through town quietly and enjoy the stunning landscapes Yelapa offers. You will be surprised that in Yelapa there are no cars, everything is horseback riding and hiking. It is an environmentally friendly town for sure. Its beautiful streets without cars make them perfect for enjoying a sunset walk and observing its beautiful facades. You will find souvenir shops or stalls while you stroll the streets of this beautiful place.

horseback riding

Water Sports

You can do all types of popular water sports in Yelapa. Kayaking and paddleboarding are the most popular, along with snorkeling. A top-rated activity is paragliding, perfect if you’re an adrenaline and adventure lover. The location of this beach paradise has the best wind conditions to practice this sport. You can also venture to visit the uninhabited and protected Marieta Islands. Take a boat trip to these islands and swim your way into the open-sky enclave where only a handful of tourists are allowed to visit at the same time. Depending on the time of year, you’ll spot whales, dolphins, sea turtles, amazing fish, mantas, and many more marine species.

Where to Eat

There are plenty of dining options, from breakfasts, oceanfront meals, and fresh seafood, to exquisite candlelit dinners. There are a dozen palapas on the seashore where you can find, among other dishes, delicious fish and spectacular traditional dishes with fresh seafood. Taqueria Los Abuelos is one of the most top-rated restaurants offering traditional Mexican cuisine. If you’re looking for vegetarian or healthier options, Café Bahia is also one of the top choices. If you want a garden-style atmosphere, go to Ray’s Place, a favorite with locals and tourists.

Yelapa is a paradisiacal place and a town whose magic is hard to find anywhere else. Once you visit this hidden gem, you’ll understand why some visitors go for a day and decide to stay for years. Visit this Mexican beach destination that always has something special for everyone.

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