In short
- Day trips are convenient but peak around noon with heavy crowds.
- Overnight stays offer quiet mornings to hike the waterfalls alone.
- Bring enough cash and a flashlight if you plan to stay the night.
In this article
Choosing between a quick Yelapa day trip and an overnight stay depends on your schedule and tolerance for crowds. The village transforms completely once the afternoon tour boats head back to Puerto Vallarta.
What is a day trip to Yelapa like?
A day trip is fast-paced and usually centers around lunch, beach lounging, and a quick waterfall hike.
Day-trippers typically arrive between 11:00 AM and noon. This is when the main beach and the trail to the 150-foot Cola de Caballo waterfall are busiest. Catamaran tours usually give you one to two hours to explore the town before the boat departs.
What happens in Yelapa after the day tours leave?
The village empties out, leaving a quiet, traditional fishing community of about 700 to 1,500 residents.
By late afternoon, the large catamarans and most water taxis head back to Puerto Vallarta. The beaches clear out. With no cars allowed in town, the only sounds are the ocean and locals using horses, mules, or ATVs.
Can you hike the upper waterfall on a day trip?
It is very difficult to hike to the upper waterfall on a standard day trip schedule.
The upper waterfall requires a 2.5-mile (4 km) hike each way up the river valley. This takes three to four hours round-trip. Most day tours only give you enough time to see the lower 150-foot town waterfall. This lower waterfall is a 15-to-30-minute walk from the beach.
Do you need to book a tour to visit for the day?
No, you can take a scheduled water taxi on your own.
You can catch a water taxi from Los Muertos Pier in Puerto Vallarta. The ride takes 45 to 50 minutes and costs about 550 MXN round-trip. Alternatively, you can take a 30-minute boat from Boca de Tomatlan for 120 MXN one-way. Prices change regularly.
What do you need to pack for an overnight stay?
Bring all the Mexican Pesos you need, plus a flashlight for walking at night.
- Cash: There are no ATMs in Yelapa.
- Flashlight: Many cobblestone and dirt paths are unlit at night.
- Bug spray: Mosquitoes are common, especially in the rainy season.
- Offline map: Cell service is spotty in the village.
Is Yelapa safe at night?
Yelapa is generally safe, but you must navigate uneven, dark paths carefully.
Keep your valuables secure and do not walk unlit paths alone late at night. You will be walking on dirt, sand, and cobblestone. Always yield to horses and ATVs, even in the dark.
When is the best time to stay overnight?
The dry season from November to May is the best time for an overnight stay.
During these months, temperatures are in the 80s and the water is clear. The river crossings are safer. If you visit during the summer rainy season, river currents can become dangerous and mosquitoes are much worse.
Questions travellers ask
Are there hotels in Yelapa?
Yes, there are small accommodations available. However, outsiders cannot buy land here because Yelapa is an indigenous community land grant.
Do I need cash for Yelapa?
Yes, bring Mexican Pesos. There are no ATMs anywhere in the village.
How do you get to Yelapa from Puerto Vallarta?
You can take a 45-minute water taxi from Los Muertos Pier, or book a full-day catamaran tour.
