Welcome to Yelapa | ||||||||||||||||
Nestled in the southernmost cove of the worlds 7th largest bay, lies the peaceful village of Yelapa, Jalisco, Mexico. Although there is a road which leads to the pueblo, it is most easily accessible by boat. Transportation to the village departs daily from various locations in the Puerto Vallarta area. Yelapa's tranquillity is ideal for those looking to stay, for that entirely laid-back vacation. The beach is covered in a blanket of golden sand, and is a superb place to swim, snorkel, or parasail. If you are not that energetic you can just relax in one of the numerous beach chairs, soak up the sun, and enjoy a cold . | ||||||||||||||||
 | ||||||||||||||||
Here for the day? | ||||||||||||||||
Once you arrive in Yelapa you disembark at the "playita" pier, the hotel pier, or directly on the beach. This is just the start of your adventure. Have your picture taken with an iguana, or enjoy a meal at one of the many beachside, or village restaurants. The village has numerous restaurants, which are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Right on the village pier is one called, , which is open most days, and serves great food. After lunch try a piece of pie, made fresh daily, and sold on the beach by one of the "". One taste, and you will see why Yelapa has become renowned for its pies. Like to drink? Then try some of the local moonshine called "". If you wish you can take a 20-30 minute walk from the beach, or horseback ride into the village. are located behind "Fanny's Restaurant" on the beach. You wind your way through the village, which has, schools, houses, and lots of friendly locals. As you near the waterfall you will pass by "Javier's Rosewood Artisans". Here are displayed, salad bowls, rolling pins, vases, chopsticks, and many other things made of locally grown rosewood. Eventually you will arrive at a breathtaking 150-foot waterfall, which has "Cascada y Bosque Restaurant" at its base. If you so desire you could have a snack , a soda , or a cold beer. | ||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
So you want more... | ||||||||||||||||
There are those who find that the day trip is not quite enough, and choose to stay overnight. Accommodations are abundant, and prices vary to suit any budget. There are hotels, many houses, or rooms for rent, by the day, week, or month. Yelapa has electricity, and it is suggested that you bring a flashlight. If you forget, you can always buy one in the village. The village has some restaurants which are open for breakfast, lunch, and or dinner daily. Right on the village pier is one called, , which is open most days, and serves great food. If your timing is right, don't miss one of the full moon bonfires, which are usually attended by quite a few of the locals. If you still find the need to explore, you can arrange a day trip to the (a bird sanctuary), a boat excursion to one of the many secluded beaches, a trip, or a horseback tour (guided or non-guided) to spectacular waterfalls, and swimming holes up the river. On Sundays, watch the community soccer team compete against one of the local villages, or even participate in a softball game, or a croquet match. | ||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
What to bring | ||||||||||||||||
If you plan to stay for more than the day trip then there are some items that you should bring with you. These are only suggestions and your needs may vary depending on the individual, and your length of stay. | ||||||||||||||||
Basic Items | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
| ||||||||||||||
Clothing | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
| ||||||||||||||
Footwear | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
| ||||||||||||||
Personal Items | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
| ||||||||||||||
First-aid Kit | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
| ||||||||||||||
Recreational Items | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
| ||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Getting here... | ||||||||||||||||
There are no cars in Yelapa, although there is a road which leads to the outskirts of the village. The road is used mostly for the delivery of building materials used by the community. The most widely used method of travel to and from the pueblo is by boat. Scheduled departures to Yelapa leave daily from different locations in the Puerto Vallarta area. The price of the service is dependent on the distance that you travel. The further the distance, the more the cost. It is best to be a little bit ahead of time to ensure that you do not miss the boat, as they do sometimes leave earlier than the scheduled departure time. | ||||||||||||||||
Puerto Vallarta to Yelapa | ||||||||||||||||
Daily Departures from, click here | ||||||||||||||||
Return trips leave on a daily basis from various locations in the village area. Either from Isabel's beach the playita (little beach) pier, which is by the Yacht Club, or on the beach. The water taxis cruise by all of the locations and pick up anybody that is waiting. For Water Taxi reservation go to the "Links" section, and look in the "Tansportation & Tours' sub-section. | ||||||||||||||||
Yelapa to Puerto Vallarta | ||||||||||||||||
Daily Departures from, click here | ||||||||||||||||
 | | |||||||||||||||
Area Maps | ||||||||||||||||
Yelapa has many restaurants that cater to the local people, as well as the tourists. A great seafood meal of giant shrimp, "camarones", served with garlic, butter and spices, or freshly caught red snapper or dorado, served with rice, a vegetable and the traditional tortillas, are prepared to perfection. "Sarandeado" (barbecued fish on a stick) is a local specialty. Most of the local establishments do not accept Visa / Mastercard, and it is better to bring cash. The "Beach Restaurant / Bars" are open during the day while the tourists are in town, but some do stay open during the evening. Some of the "Village Restaurant / Bars" are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The atmosphere in all restaurants is casual. | ||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Casa Estela | ||||||||||||||||
My first trip to Yelapa was with my brother in 1983. We arrived on the Sarape, and were greeted by a man named Valentin. We rented rooms from Valentin in the village, in a place called "El Caracol", which was right next door to the family house. Over the years he has become a good friend of mine, and a few years ago I decided to help him fix up a house (casa) of his in the village. When I first started to finish the casa, there was a cement floor, a cement post and beam structure, a bathroom, a palapa (palm leaf) roof, and palapa walls. I brought in bricks, and cement from El Tuito, by single axle dump truck, via the road. I removed the old wall structures, and had it walled in with red brick. I did not complete the arches, as these will be done next year. Each year when I take my vacation in Yelapa I contract the local trades people to build a little on the casa, always leaving it in a liveable state for when I return to Canada. Casa Estela has a beautiful view of the beach, and it is a very quiet location. There are updates for other years 1997, to 2007. They are best viewed by the Frames version, or No frames version, because they have photos. | ||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Communication | ||||||||||||||||
Many years ago Yelapa did not have any phones. Over the years they started appearing, at various places around the village. There is cellular phone reception, although spotty throughout the village. Yelapa now has pay phones at many locations throughout the village which accept "pre-paid calling cards" the cards are available at many of the local stores. They also have Wifi internet service, at some of the village & beach restaurants, hotels, and even some of the rentals…….Some of them are even high speed. | ||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Art & Music | ||||||||||||||||
There are a number of artists, and musicians living in Yelapa seasonally, or on a full-time basis. Some of the artists include, Anton Haardt , Angeline Kyba, John O. Thomson, Chris Moses, Bryden Bullington, , , , Lorenzo Lewis, Chris Mensalves, Sophia Sutherland, Magui Stites, , Karen Coolie, and Filmmaker: Mick Diener. Their works can be found locally, in Puerto Vallarta, the U.S., and Canada. Other artists have visited Yelapa. They include, D.ita, Malou Flato ,Steven John Koeppe, J. Thomas Soltesz, Neil Ehrlich, Rachel Fann, Dale LaVoie, Eric Michaels, Nick Thorkelson, Lanni Sulje, Simon Webb, Katrina Wells, and Photographer: Michael Wigle The musicians (pro or non-pro) visit, live seasonally, or on a full time basis. they include: Ron Doering, d'Rachael, Bobby Jones, Dana &Steven, , , "Montana Chris" , Chris Moses, and Stevie Vallance | ||||||||||||||||
Note* Just " Click" on the highlighted names in this section to see some of the artists or musicians work. | ||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Yelapa Friends of the Clean Earth | ||||||||||||||||
We are honored to welcome those who come from all over the world to share in the unique experience that is Yelapa. We all have a love of the local culture, and respect the commitment of the pueblo in seeking a waste management solution. Some of the rare qualities which enchant us, such as the isolation and freedom from electricity, cars and roads also make recycling our wastes doubly difficult. We must all help to develop creative in-pueblo solutions if we want to make a permanent contribution towards a clean and healthy environment! | ||||||||||||||||
Don't Hesitate....Separate! | ||||||||||||||||
Written by Ali | ||||||||||||||||
I must admit, I did hesitate. At first I hired a nice man to haul away my trash. I didn't want to see it, and I certainly didn't want to know where he took it. "Denial, denial, denial". As recycling for Yelapa became more of a reality, this solution didn't feel right. I felt guilty! Sooo, I meditated asking the questions: What do I do? How do I do it? The answers came... I decided to set up a separation center for myself, and the family next door. I provided 6 plastic trash cans with tight fitting lids: | ||||||||||||||||
1... | for metal cans etc. | |||||||||||||||
2... | for white, and transparent plastic bottles | |||||||||||||||
3... | for colored plastic bottles, such as Clorox | |||||||||||||||
4... | for glass | |||||||||||||||
5... | for old worn, clean plastic bags | |||||||||||||||
6... | a smaller one for small batteries (flashlight) | |||||||||||||||
I marked in permanent marker what goes in each receptacle. I also added a reminder to wash clean before depositing. It's important to have tight fitting tops for the rainy season. I line each container with a black plastic bag. When it is full, I pull it out, and tie it, and it is ready to take to the pick up place. It's easy and fun once you get started. Yelapa is worth it! | ||||||||||||||||
During your stay in Yelapa, don' be a part of the problem. Be a part of the solution! Please recycle all of your wastes and take them to the pick up areas. The result, is a clean Yelapa for everyone. ¡Muchas Gracias! | ||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Links | ||||||||||||||||
*Note** After many hours of searching the web, and using its many search engines, I have compiled a list of available resources related to Yelapa. They have been provided below, and are intended for information use only. | ||||||||||||||||
General Interest | ||||||||||||||||
Mapa Jeff Cartography..... | ||||||||||||||||
Yelapa Animal Project..... | ||||||||||||||||
Yelapa School Project..... | ||||||||||||||||
Yelapa / Vallarta Info..... | ||||||||||||||||
A Word From Yelapa..... | ||||||||||||||||
BibliotecaYelapa..... | ||||||||||||||||
Bulletin Board (All Vallarta)..... | ||||||||||||||||
P.V. Botanical Gardens..... | ||||||||||||||||
Raicilla Dreams..... | ||||||||||||||||
Currency Exchange Rates..... | ||||||||||||||||
Yelapa Weather Watch..... | ||||||||||||||||
 | ||||||||||||||||
Accommodations | ||||||||||||||||
Hotel Blue Moon..... | ||||||||||||||||
Hotel BBuena Vista..... | ||||||||||||||||
Hotel Lagunita..... | ||||||||||||||||
Mar y Sol Villas..... | ||||||||||||||||
Anton Haardt..... | ||||||||||||||||
Apartamentos Iris..... | ||||||||||||||||
Arenas del Rio..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Alba..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Anahi..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casas Ana Rosa..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Angela..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Aramara..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Arriba..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Artista..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Aurora - Village..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Aurora - Beach..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Azul..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Bahia Bonita..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Barca..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Bella..... | ||||||||||||||||
Villas Bella Orquidea..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Coral #1, #2, #3, #4, & #5..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Cedro..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Coco..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Delfin..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Dos Delfines..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Estela..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Eugenio..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Flores..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Flourish..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Gardenia..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Gratitud..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Hortensia..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Iguana..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Grace..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casas Irma & Angel..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Invierno..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Irene..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Isabel..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Joanie..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Kimi..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Lolita..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa La Paz..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Manguito..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Mariposa..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Marietas #1..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Marietas #2..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa La Loma..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Mosaico..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Paloma..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Papaya..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Playa..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa de los Arcos..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa de Pay..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa de Armonia..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Pedro..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Pepe..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Pericos..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa El Paso..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa de Periquitos..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Playita..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Redonda..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Santa Cruz..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Shambhala..... | ||||||||||||||||
Luna de Miel..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Sanctuary..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Sirena..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Sonrisa..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Tejeria..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Tortuga..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Tijereta..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Viaje..... | ||||||||||||||||
Beachfront Apartment..... | ||||||||||||||||
Beachfront House..... | ||||||||||||||||
Castillo de Arena..... | ||||||||||||||||
El Jardin..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Manta Ray..... | ||||||||||||||||
Casa Palmita..... | ||||||||||||||||
Las Brisas del Sol..... | ||||||||||||||||
La Joya de Yelapa..... | ||||||||||||||||
Los Arboles..... | ||||||||||||||||
Los Naranjos..... | ||||||||||||||||
Nido del Amor..... | ||||||||||||||||
Passion-flower Gardens..... | ||||||||||||||||
Quinta Carolina..... | ||||||||||||||||
Patricia, & Valentin's Treehouse..... | ||||||||||||||||
Verana..... | ||||||||||||||||
Vista del Mar #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, & #6..... | ||||||||||||||||
Vista del Rio #1, #2, #3, #4, & #5..... | ||||||||||||||||
Vista Hermosa..... | ||||||||||||||||
Vista Riomar..... | ||||||||||||||||
Yelapa Oasis..... | ||||||||||||||||
Note - Just arriving on the beach, and inquiring, can usually get you a place to stay. (This is dependent on the time of year, and how busy it is.) I have started a list of those people that do not have web sites, and how to get a hold of them. There are also some accomodations which are listed on Airbnb as well | ||||||||||||||||
Other contacts | ||||||||||||||||
Valentin - greets newcomers on the beach daily. () | ||||||||||||||||
Lucinda - five hillside casitas available...011-52-322-224-9197 | ||||||||||||||||
Classes, Retreats, Seminars, & Services | ||||||||||||||||
Yelapa Wifi..... | ||||||||||||||||
Yelapa Connexion..... | ||||||||||||||||
Yelapa English Spanish Institute..... | ||||||||||||||||
Yoga in Yelapa..... | ||||||||||||||||
"Drop In" Yoga Classes..... | ||||||||||||||||
Yoga Retreat...... | ||||||||||||||||
VariousYoga Retreats...... | ||||||||||||||||
Self Realization Retreat..... | ||||||||||||||||
Drum Making..... | ||||||||||||||||
Transportation & Tours | ||||||||||||||||
Community Water Taxi Co-op..... | ||||||||||||||||
Garcia Charters..... | ||||||||||||||||
Fly Yelapa Paragliding..... | ||||||||||||||||
Kayak Yelapa..... | ||||||||||||||||
Garcia Charters..... | ||||||||||||||||
Miramar Excursions..... | ||||||||||||||||
"Eco Ride" Bike Tours..... | ||||||||||||||||
Water Taxi - "Water Taxi Jack"..... | ||||||||||||||||
Private Boat Trips..... | ||||||||||||||||
Geocaching..... | ||||||||||||||||
Scuba Diving..... | ||||||||||||||||
Articles | ||||||||||||||||
Yelapa History Project..... | ||||||||||||||||
The Yelapa Vernacular..... | ||||||||||||||||
Trip Advisor..... | ||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
What's New? | ||||||||||||||||
July 2005- | Updated Casa Estela 2005. Checked, and corrected all dead links on "Links" page. | |||||||||||||||
July 2004- | Moved all the Accommodation links to a new page. Frames, and No Frames versions only. | |||||||||||||||
Nov 2003- | Checked, and corrected all dead links on "Links" page. | |||||||||||||||
Aug 2003- | Changed the "Transpotation" section to "Getting here", and added more maps. Frames, and No Frames versions only. | |||||||||||||||
May 2003- | Updated Casa Estela 2003. Added new pages to the Accommodation section. | |||||||||||||||
Feb 2003- | Checked, and corrected all dead links on "Links" page. Added some new links for rentals in the "Accommodation" section. | |||||||||||||||
Oct 2002- | Checked, and corrected all dead links on "Links" page. | |||||||||||||||
Sept 2002- | Updated some of the accommodation pages, and added a new page called, | |||||||||||||||
July 2002- | Checked, and corrected all dead links on "Links" page. | |||||||||||||||
June 2002- | Updated Casa Estela 2002. Added a new map of the Village. | |||||||||||||||
Feb 2002- | Added photos of sample artwork to the "Art & Music" page. Checked, and corrected all dead links on "Links" page. | |||||||||||||||
Back to top of page | ||||||||||||||||
Site last updated Jan 07 / 2024 | ||||||||||||||||
Please come again | ||||||||||||||||
Visitor Number | ||||||||||||||||
 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |