Upper Yelapa Waterfall
A secluded, boat-access-only village in Mexico, famed for its jungle waterfall and tranquil beachside charm.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak waterfall flow & pleasant weather
Upper Yelapa Waterfall
Best Time
Peak waterfall flow & pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A secluded, boat-access-only village in Mexico, famed for its jungle waterfall and tranquil beachside charm.
"A wonderful hike through the jungle along a scenic pathway to a beautiful small waterfall."
Boat Tickets from PV
Get your boat tickets at Los Muertos Beach in Puerto Vallarta for a direct ride to Yelapa. 🎟️
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The hike to the waterfall and exploring the village requires good walking shoes. :athletic_shoe:
Quick Facts
Rating
4.6 · 54 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Upper Yelapa Waterfall
Jungle trail from Yelapa village
A refreshing jungle hike leads to this beautiful cascade, perfect for a dip or a scenic photo op.
Yelapa Village Exploration
Yelapa village
Wander through charming streets, discover local crafts, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of this car-free town.
Snorkeling by the Point
Coastal area near Yelapa
Discover vibrant marine life in the clear waters, a magical experience for underwater enthusiasts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Yelapa: Boat is Your Only Way
Waterfall Conditions & Best Viewing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Boat Tickets from PV
Get your boat tickets at Los Muertos Beach in Puerto Vallarta for a direct ride to Yelapa. 🎟️
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The hike to the waterfall and exploring the village requires good walking shoes. :athletic_shoe:
Hike Pace Varies
The waterfall hike can take 1-1.5 hours depending on your pace and breaks. :hiking_boot:
Look for the Sign!
The turn-off for the waterfall trail can be hard to spot; keep an eye out for a damaged sign. 👀
Tips
from all over the internet
Boat Tickets from PV
Get your boat tickets at Los Muertos Beach in Puerto Vallarta for a direct ride to Yelapa. 🎟️
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The hike to the waterfall and exploring the village requires good walking shoes. :athletic_shoe:
Hike Pace Varies
The waterfall hike can take 1-1.5 hours depending on your pace and breaks. :hiking_boot:
Look for the Sign!
The turn-off for the waterfall trail can be hard to spot; keep an eye out for a damaged sign. 👀
Enjoy Local Treats
Sweet locals sell trinkets and delicious pie on the beach. Don't miss out! 🥧
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique boat-access-only village of Yelapa and the scenic hike to its waterfall, often describing it as a magical and refreshing experience. While some note the waterfall's flow can vary seasonally and the trail requires attention, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the charm of the village and the beauty of the natural surroundings.
"I went in April when there wasn’t too much water flowing, but it was still beautiful and well worth going!
On the way up there are sweet locals selling trinkets and things similar to elsewhere in Jalisco. We went snorkelling by the point and it was magical! I highly recommend walking all over, if you have the mobility do not rent an atv.
There’s so much to see with walking all over the village! And many kind locals I got to practice my Español with!!"
Sunshine Girl
"A wonderful hike through the jungle along a scenic pathway to a beautiful small waterfall. The hike took us one hour in, but we were hiking at a strong pace. Most people should be able to comfortably hike it less than an hour and a half even with a few breaks."
Lance Johnson
"Don’t miss the turn off point! The sign is damaged so you can barely tell if you don’t happen to look over. Took about an hour from our Airbnb so probably an hour and ten minutes from the pier. Went in late June and there wasn’t much water / it was shallow and kinda dirty. But still an interesting hike. We saw a long black snake and a colorful parrot. Going back to town, we were walking behind a few men herding cow while riding horses. It was pretty cool to see."
Thien-Y Hoang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The waterfall is located in Yelapa, a village only accessible by boat. You can catch water taxis from Puerto Vallarta (often from Los Muertos Beach) or Boca de Tomatlán. The boat ride itself is part of the adventure! +1
The boat ride offers scenic coastal views and is a unique way to arrive. It typically takes about 30-45 minutes from Puerto Vallarta. +1
No, Yelapa is a car-free village and can only be reached by water taxi. This adds to its secluded charm. +1
From the pier, you'll walk through the village and then follow a jungle trail. Some people opt to ride horses for part of the way.
Yes, you can take a local bus from Puerto Vallarta to Boca de Tomatlán, where you can then catch a water taxi.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There isn't a formal ticket system for the waterfall itself, but you will need to pay for the boat taxi to get to Yelapa.
Prices can vary, but expect to pay around $10-15 USD for a round trip water taxi from Puerto Vallarta. It's best to confirm current prices before you go.
The hike through the jungle to the waterfall is generally free, though some locals might offer guided tours or horse rides for a fee.
The waterfall is a natural attraction and is accessible during daylight hours. The boat taxis have their own schedules.
While you can often buy tickets on the spot at the pier, checking with local operators or your accommodation might offer options for advance booking, especially during peak season.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike is a scenic journey through the jungle, taking about 1 to 1.5 hours at a moderate pace. You'll pass through residential areas and enjoy lush vegetation.
Yes, there's a swimming area at the base of the waterfall. The water can be cool and refreshing.
Bring swimwear, a towel, water shoes for the rocky scramble, sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of water.
The trail can be a bit tricky to follow, and one reviewer mentioned a damaged sign. It's good to be observant or consider a local guide.
Explore the charming village, relax on the beach, go snorkeling, enjoy local food and drinks, and discover hidden coves.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and fewer crowds, making for better photography opportunities.
Yes, there are opportunities to take photos from various angles, including directly underneath the falls, though it can get wet!
Capture the colorful houses, narrow cobblestone streets, local life, and the beautiful bay views. +1
While drones can capture stunning aerial views of the coastline and village, be mindful of local regulations and privacy.
Look for opportunities to photograph the boat taxis, local fishermen, vibrant flora and fauna, and the unique architecture.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit