Yelapa Waterfall
A hidden gem accessible by boat, Yelapa offers a magical waterfall, a serene beach, and a tranquil village escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the midday heat
Yelapa Waterfall
Best Time
Beat the midday heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hidden gem accessible by boat, Yelapa offers a magical waterfall, a serene beach, and a tranquil village escape.
"A dip in the cool water on a hot day was the highlight of my trip. Magical."
Boat Ride Adventure
Catch a water taxi from PV or Boca for a scenic journey to Yelapa. :boat:
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Wear sturdy shoes for the hike to the waterfall and exploring the village. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Yelapa Waterfall
Yelapa Village
A magical cascade nestled in the jungle, offering a refreshing dip and a serene escape.
Yelapa Beach
Yelapa Village
A picturesque beach perfect for relaxing, swimming, and enjoying the laid-back village vibe.
Village Charm
Yelapa Village
Wander through the colorful streets, browse local crafts, and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Yelapa: The Adventure Begins
Embrace the Hike and the Refreshing Falls
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Boat Ride Adventure
Catch a water taxi from PV or Boca for a scenic journey to Yelapa.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Wear sturdy shoes for the hike to the waterfall and exploring the village. :athletic_shoe:
Cool Waterfall Dip
The waterfall water is cool, perfect for a refreshing swim on a hot day. :tropical_drink:
Support Local Artisans
Browse the unique crafts and souvenirs sold by local vendors near the falls. :shopping_bags:
Tips
from all over the internet
Boat Ride Adventure
Catch a water taxi from PV or Boca for a scenic journey to Yelapa.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Wear sturdy shoes for the hike to the waterfall and exploring the village. :athletic_shoe:
Cool Waterfall Dip
The waterfall water is cool, perfect for a refreshing swim on a hot day. :tropical_drink:
Support Local Artisans
Browse the unique crafts and souvenirs sold by local vendors near the falls. :shopping_bags:
Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially for the hike. There are drink stands available too. :water_wave:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Yelapa Waterfall is a charming destination accessible by a scenic boat ride, offering a refreshing waterfall dip and a tranquil village experience. Visitors praise the natural beauty and the relaxed atmosphere, though some note the water is cooler than expected and the journey can be a bit rough.
"Once you find the stairway up from the public beach, the walk to the waterfall is well marked and you won't have any provlems. Town is lovely, quiet. There are a number of gimmicky ways you could spend money on to get here (riding a donkey or ATV), but it won't take you too long to reach the waterfall: I recommend going at your own pace and enjoying the sights.
A dip in the cool water on a hot day was the highlight of my trip. Magical. Be prepared to share the space with others."
J. R.
"Short hike up to a very nice waterfall. Take some time and browse the locals merchandise. There's also some special items for sale when you arrive. 😉"
Richard Watkins
"Very quiet town. You can only get here by boat. We had a wonderful time at this back and the waterfall is beautiful!"
Azul River
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Yelapa Waterfall is accessible by boat only. You can take a water taxi from Puerto Vallarta's Los Muertos Pier or from Boca de Tomatlan. The boat ride offers beautiful coastal views.
Round trip water taxi costs can vary. From Boca de Tomatlan, expect around $260 pesos (approx. $15 USD), and from Los Muertos Pier in Puerto Vallarta, it's about $500 pesos (approx. $30 USD).
No, Yelapa is not accessible by road. The only way to reach Yelapa is by boat.
The hike from the beach to the waterfall is generally considered easy to moderate, well-marked, and takes about 20-25 minutes. Some reviews mention it can be remote and rough, but enjoyable with good stamina.
You can catch a boat to Yelapa from Los Muertos Pier in Puerto Vallarta or from Boca de Tomatlan.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no fee to enter Yelapa Waterfall.
Yelapa Waterfall is a natural attraction and is generally accessible during daylight hours. The village itself is active throughout the day.
While you can visit independently by taking a water taxi, organized tours are available and can include transportation and guided experiences.
Yes, you can swim in the pool at the base of Yelapa Waterfall. The water is cool and refreshing, though not ice cold.
Generally, there are no fees for accessing Yelapa Beach itself, though some beach clubs or restaurants may have minimum consumption requirements.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Yelapa offers a beautiful beach for swimming and relaxing, opportunities for parasailing, and a charming village to explore with local shops and restaurants.
Wear comfortable walking shoes for the hike and swimwear if you plan to swim in the waterfall or the ocean. Light, breathable clothing is recommended.
Yes, Yelapa can be a great destination for families. The short hike to the waterfall is manageable, and the beach offers a safe environment for children to play.
Absolutely! The village and the area around the waterfall have local vendors selling unique crafts and souvenirs.
The water at Yelapa Waterfall is cool and refreshing, described as cooler than expected but comfortable enough to wade and swim in.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Yelapa has several restaurants and palapa bars offering fresh seafood and local Mexican cuisine.
There is a drink stand located right by the falls where you can purchase beverages.
You can find a variety of local dishes, including fresh seafood, tacos, and other Mexican specialties. Many places offer passion fruit juice.
Yes, Yelapa Beach has several restaurants and beach clubs where you can enjoy food and drinks with a view of the ocean.
Prices can vary, but many visitors find the food to be reasonably priced, especially considering the remote location.
📸 📸 Photography
The waterfall itself, the scenic boat ride, the colorful village streets, and the beach offer fantastic photo opportunities.
While drone usage regulations can vary, the lush jungle and coastal scenery offer potential for stunning aerial shots if permitted. Always check local rules.
Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the waterfall without harsh shadows. The golden hour before sunset also offers a magical glow.
Respectfully capturing the essence of local life can add depth to your photos. Always ask for permission before photographing individuals.
The path leading to the waterfall offers various angles, and the beach provides panoramic ocean views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Once in Yelapa, there's no entrance fee for the waterfall, and you can enjoy the beach and village atmosphere for free. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The boat journey provides stunning opportunities for coastal shots. Don't forget to capture the vibrant details of the village and the relaxed beach scenes. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Journey to Yelapa: A Boat Ride Adventure
Many visitors describe the boat trip as a highlight, setting the tone for the tranquil escape that awaits. The cost of the water taxi varies depending on the departure point, with Boca de Tomatlan generally being the more economical option. When planning your trip, consider the departure point that best suits your itinerary and budget. Boca de Tomatlan offers a more intimate starting point, while Puerto Vallarta provides more frequent departures. Regardless of your choice, the journey promises to be a memorable prelude to the unique charm of Yelapa.
Exploring Yelapa: Waterfall Hike and Village Charm
The Yelapa Waterfall itself is a serene cascade nestled within the lush greenery. While the water is cool and refreshing, it's perfect for a dip on a warm day.
The overall atmosphere is one of tranquility and a slower pace of life, making it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit