The best things to do in Yelapa are mostly on foot or in the water: walk to the two waterfalls, swim and paddle in the cove, hike up to the lighthouse, and eat pie on the beach. Add a boat trip for snorkeling, fishing, or whale watching, and leave room for slow evenings, since the village has no cars and very little hurry.
Here's the short version of each, with a link to our full guide when you want the details.
What is there to do in Yelapa?
| Activity | At a glance | Full guide |
|---|---|---|
| Town waterfall | About 15 minutes uphill each way | Waterfalls |
| Upriver waterfall | About 90 minutes each way, river crossings | Waterfalls |
| Beach, swimming, kayaking | Right in front of the village | Beaches |
| Lighthouse hike | About 4 miles (6.4 km) round trip | Map and trails |
| Horseback ride | Horses go to both waterfalls | Horseback rides |
| Snorkeling and boat trips | From the beach or by boat | Day trips |
| Yoga or massage | Village studio and retreat center | Yoga and retreats |
How far are the Yelapa waterfalls?
Yelapa has two waterfalls with pools. Cola de Caballo (Horse Tail) is about 15 minutes uphill through town, with signs along the way, and it gets busy in peak season and on cruise-ship days. The second fall is about a 90-minute hike upriver from the west side of the river, with several river crossings and a rock scramble at the end. Our waterfalls guide covers the route, what to bring, and how the rainy season (June to October) changes the crossings.
Where can you swim, kayak, and paddleboard in Yelapa?
The main beach has gentle waves, and Mexico News Daily describes it as good for swimming, snorkeling, and fishing. You can rent a kayak in the village, and paddleboards are available through local providers, which makes the cove easy to explore from the water. Playa Isabel, a quieter cove you reach on foot, is another good swim. Our beaches guide explains which beach suits which day.
Can you go snorkeling, fishing, or whale watching from Yelapa?
Yes. You can snorkel right from the beach, though one travel writer suggests bringing your own mask and snorkel, since rental gear is hard to find in town. For a bigger outing, boat trips go to snorkel spots along the coast such as Majahuitas, covered in our day trips guide.
For Casa Gratitud guests, our host family arranges fishing, snorkeling, and whale-watching trips, quoted in your WhatsApp group. Humpback whales visit Banderas Bay in winter, and our whale season guide covers what to expect.
Is there a hike to the Yelapa lighthouse?
Yes. The lighthouse, mapped as Faro de Yelapa on OpenStreetMap, sits on the hill above Playa Yelapa, the main beach. The Away Go We travel blog describes the walk up from Playa Yelapa as about 4 miles (6.4 km) round trip with roughly 800 feet (240 meters) of climbing, and rates it moderate to strenuous for its steep sections in the heat. Go early and carry water. The reward is a wide view over the cove and beyond. The hillside paths above the cove make good shorter walks too, and our map guide shows how they connect.
Can you ride horses in Yelapa?
Yes. Horses are available for both waterfalls, and rides are a popular way to get around. Our horseback and mule rides guide explains how to arrange a ride.
Where can you do yoga or get a massage in Yelapa?
Yelapa has a small open-air yoga studio in the village, plus Pura Vida, a wellness retreat by the beach with a pool and juice bar that offers massage and other treatments. Some studios close in the low season. Our yoga, massage, and retreats guide lists what's running and how to find a class.
What should you eat in Yelapa?
Start with pie. The pie ladies walk the beach selling slices, with coconut, banana, chocolate, and lime among the favorites. Lunch is fresh seafood at a palapa restaurant on the sand, and dinner is often tacos in the village. Our where to eat guide names current favorites and covers coffee, groceries, and cash.
What is there to see in the village?
Wander. Yelapa's footpaths wind past homes, small shops, and murals, and you'll share them with horses and mules carrying goods. Museo Yelapa, a small museum on the village's history, sits in the center of town, so check its hours before you go. Evenings are for sunsets, whether from a beach palapa with a drink or from a terrace above the bay.
What events happen in Yelapa?
The Yelapa event on the Puerto Vallarta tourism board's calendar is The Gathering, a three-day music, wellness, and beach event listed for November 20 to 22, 2026. Our Gathering guide covers tickets and planning, and our season events guide lists what's on in Yelapa and Puerto Vallarta through April.
FAQ
How many days do you need in Yelapa?
Three or four days gives you time for both waterfalls, a boat trip, and a few slow beach days. Our guide on day trips versus overnight stays helps you decide.
Do you need cash for activities in Yelapa?
Yes. Yelapa has no ATMs, and most places take cash pesos only, so bring pesos from a bank ATM in Puerto Vallarta.
Do you need a guide for the Yelapa waterfalls?
Not for the town fall, which has signs. The upriver trail is well marked after the second river crossing, and horses are available if you'd rather ride.
When is the best time for outdoor activities in Yelapa?
The dry months are easiest for hiking and river crossings, and winter brings the whales. Our month-by-month guide has the details.
Checked October 14, 2026. Details change, so confirm with the sources below before you go.
Sources
- Mexico News Daily, a guide to Yelapa, Jalisco
- Where in the World Is Nina, your guide to Yelapa, Mexico
- Away Go We, reasons to visit Yelapa, Mexico
- Pura Vida Wellness Retreat, amenities and excursions
- OpenStreetMap, Faro de Yelapa
- Visit Puerto Vallarta, events calendar
More in our Yelapa visitor guide.
Plan your stay
Most of Yelapa is best in the early morning and the late afternoon, which is easy when you're staying in the village. Casa Gratitud is our home on the hillside, with three levels of terraces facing the bay. See yelapacasagratitud.com or check rates and availability.