Yelapa wraps around a small cove: the main beach on the east side, the village on the west side, and the Río Tuito running into the sea between them. Everything is on foot, so once you know how those three pieces fit, the rest of the village is easy to find.
Tap any point on the map for a short note and a link to open it in Google Maps on your phone.
Map data from OpenStreetMap contributors, checked October 14, 2026. Small places open, close, and move, so ask in the village if something isn't where the map says.
How is Yelapa laid out?
Think of the cove in four parts:
| Area | Where it is | What you find there |
|---|---|---|
| The main beach (Playa Yelapa) | East side of the cove | Palapa restaurants, swimming, kayaks, and the beach pier |
| The river mouth | Middle of the cove | Where the Río Tuito meets the sea, splitting the beach from the village |
| The village | West of the river | The town pier, cafes, taco stands, small markets, the church, the pharmacy, and the lane up to the town waterfall |
| The point and Playa Isabel | West end of the cove | A small, quiet beach and hillside homes with views over the bay |
Above it all, the hillsides hold most of Yelapa's ocean-view homes, and the lighthouse sits on the hill above the main beach.
Where do the boats land in Yelapa?
Water taxis from Puerto Vallarta come in at the town pier by Café Bahía on the village side, and there's also a pier on the main beach side. The ride is about 30 minutes from Boca de Tomatlán and at least 55 minutes from Los Muertos Pier; check current times with go2yelapa transport. Our boat guide covers the options.
How do you get between the beach and the village?
The river sits between them. In the dry season it's usually low enough to wade at the mouth, and in the rainy season, June to October, it runs higher, so use the pedestrian bridge upstream. Our beaches guide explains how the crossing changes through the year.
Where are the Yelapa waterfalls on the map?
- Cola de Caballo, the town waterfall, is about 15 minutes uphill through the village, with signs along the lanes.
- The second waterfall is about a 90-minute hike up the Río Tuito valley, starting on the west side of the river, with several river crossings.
The waterfalls guide walks through both routes.
What else is worth finding?
- The lighthouse (Faro de Yelapa): a steep walk above the main beach with a wide view of the cove. See things to do in Yelapa.
- Cafes and restaurants: most sit in the village between the town pier and the river. Our where to eat guide has current favorites.
- The pharmacy and church: both in the village near the beach path. Yelapa also has a small medical clinic for basic care; see our health and safety guide.
Tips for finding your way
- Download an offline map before you leave Puerto Vallarta, since cell service in Yelapa is spotty.
- Carry a flashlight. There are no streetlights, and the paths get dark after sunset.
- Ask anyone. Yelapa is small, and people are happy to point the way.
FAQ
Is there a road map of Yelapa?
There are no roads for cars in Yelapa, only footpaths, lanes, and the beach. The map above shows the places most visitors look for.
Which side of the river is the village on?
The west side. The main beach is on the east side of the river mouth.
Can I use Google Maps in Yelapa?
Yes, but download the area for offline use first, because cell service is spotty. Each point on our map opens in Google Maps.
Where is Casa Gratitud on the map?
On the hillside at the point, above the bay. Our host family meets guests at the town pier and walks them to the house.
Checked October 14, 2026. Details change, so confirm with the sources below before you go.
Sources
- OpenStreetMap, Yelapa village and surrounding map data
- OpenStreetMap, Cascada de Yelapa (Cola de Caballo)
- OpenStreetMap, Faro de Yelapa
- OpenStreetMap, Playa Isabel
- Visit Puerto Vallarta (tourism board), Yelapa beach
More in our Yelapa visitor guide.
Plan your stay
Casa Gratitud sits on the hillside at the point, with three levels of terraces looking over the whole cove on this map. See the house at yelapacasagratitud.com and check rates and availability.