We have been spending so much time enjoying the magic of Old Town lately. Honestly, it is hard to leave when you have everything you need right outside your door. But every couple needs a little adventure now and then, right? We decided it was finally time to trade the cobblestone streets for some serious island vibes.
Yelapa has been on our bucket list forever. It is a tiny fishing village tucked away in a cove south of the city. The coolest part? There are no roads leading there. You can only get there by boat. That sounded like the perfect romantic escape for just the two of us.
We started our morning early. After grabbing a quick bite, we walked down to the Los Muertos Pier. If you have been following our journey, you know we love our morning routine. We actually talked about some of our favorite spots in our previous post, Coffee for Two: Our Favorite Sunrise Spots in Old Town. But today, we were trading the coffee mugs for life jackets!
Leaving the City Behind
Standing on the pier, the sun was already starting to feel warm. The water in the bay was a bright, sparkling blue. We hopped onto a panga (a small local boat) and headed south. Watching the skyline of Puerto Vallarta shrink behind us was so cool. You really get a different perspective of the lush mountains when you are out on the water.
We passed by Los Arcos, those famous rock formations. They look like giant stone arches rising out of the sea. Our captain pointed out some birds nesting on the rocks. It felt so peaceful just being out there together, feeling the sea breeze on our faces. This is exactly why we love the rentals puerto vallarta offers: you are never far from a completely different world.
Arriving in Paradise
After about 45 minutes, we turned a corner and saw it. Yelapa. It looks like something straight out of a movie. The green jungle grows right down to the edge of the golden sand. There are colorful houses tucked into the hillsides and palm trees everywhere.
Stepping off the boat and onto the sand felt AMAZING. There is a total lack of car noise. No honking, no engines: just the sound of the waves and some distant music from the beach restaurants. We took off our shoes immediately. There is nothing better than feeling the sand between your toes while walking hand-in-hand with your favorite person.
We decided to explore the village first. The paths are narrow and winding. You might run into a horse or a donkey carrying supplies, which is so charming! The locals were incredibly friendly, waving to us as we passed by their colorful homes. Everything felt so vibrant and alive.
The Jungle Hike to the Waterfall
We heard that you can’t visit Yelapa without seeing the waterfall. It is a bit of a walk, but totally worth it. The trail takes you through the heart of the village and then into the jungle. It wasn't too difficult, but it definitely felt like a mini-adventure.
The sound of the rushing water gets louder as you get closer. When we finally reached the falls, it was breathtaking. The water tumbles down a high rock face into a cool, clear pool at the bottom. Since it was just the two of us, it felt incredibly romantic. We took turns dipping our feet in the water. It was so refreshing after the walk!
We sat there for a while just listening to the nature around us. No distractions, no phones (except for a few photos!), just us. It is these quiet moments that make a trip special. If you are looking for rentals in puerto vallarta that give you easy access to these kinds of day trips, you really can’t beat staying in the Zona Romántica.
Lunch with a View
By the time we walked back down to the beach, we were starving. There are several cute restaurants right on the sand with tables under big umbrellas. We picked a spot where we could watch the boats come and go.
We shared some of the freshest seafood we have ever had. The grilled fish was caught that morning! We also shared a giant tropical drink served in a pineapple. It was so colorful and tasty. We spent a good couple of hours just sitting there, talking and laughing, watching the waves roll in.
The vibe in Yelapa is so laid back. Nobody is in a rush. It really forces you to slow down and just enjoy the person you are with. We felt so relaxed and connected. It reminded me of the peace I felt in my other post, Solo Sunsets: My Peaceful Evening Ritual at Playa Conchas Chinas, but it was even better sharing it with him.
Afternoon Relaxation
After lunch, we found a couple of lounge chairs under a palm tree. We spent the rest of the afternoon drifting in and out of naps and taking occasional dips in the ocean. The water in the cove is much calmer than the open sea, so it is perfect for a relaxing swim.
We even saw the famous "Pie Lady" of Yelapa! She walks along the beach with a container of homemade pies on her head. We had to try a slice of the banana cream pie. Oh. My. Gosh. It was SOOO good! You have to try it if you go.
As the afternoon started to wind down, we noticed the light changing. The sun began to dip lower, casting a golden glow over the whole cove. It was the perfect time to head back to the pier for our return boat.
Heading Back to our Sanctuary
The boat ride back was even more beautiful than the ride there. The sun was setting behind the horizon, turning the sky into shades of pink, orange, and purple. We sat close together at the back of the panga, just taking it all in.
Coming back to the city lights of Puerto Vallarta felt like returning home. We are so lucky to have such a beautiful home base. We are currently staying in one of the best puerto vallarta condo rentals we have ever found. Having a comfortable, private space to come back to after a long day of exploring makes all the difference.
When we got back to our place, we were tired but so happy. We spent the evening on our balcony, looking out at the city lights and talking about our favorite parts of the day. There is something about being on the water and away from the crowds that really recharges your batteries.
If you are planning a trip soon, you should definitely look into the condo and apartment rentals puerto vallarta offers through The PVGirl. Having a stylish and cozy "nest" for two is the key to a romantic vacation.
Final Thoughts on Yelapa
Yelapa is a special place. It feels like stepping back in time. It is quiet, beautiful, and the perfect distance for a day trip. You get the thrill of the boat ride, the beauty of the jungle, and the relaxation of a secluded beach all in one day.
For couples who want to see a different side of Mexico without traveling too far from their base in Old Town, this is it. It is intimate, fun, and totally unique. We are already talking about when we can go back!
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Yelapa is definitely a must-do.
Highly recommended.
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