Yelapa & Majahuitas

Yelapa as a living coastal village

Yelapa’s appeal extends beyond its beach and waterfall. The village is a place to explore through everyday details: fishing boats near the waterfront, narrow paths between buildings, and the murals and mosaics that add color to the walk.
Following the guide provides an introduction, while looking closely gives the visit a more personal character. Notice how the paths connect the hillside with the shore and how views of the bay appear between walls and stairways.

A local flavor worth discovering

Yelapa is known for homemade pies sold along the beach. These offer a small connection to local food traditions and can be an enjoyable independent purchase when time allows. Puerto Vallarta’s tourism board highlights the village’s beach pie sellers as part of the Yelapa experience.
A stop to browse crafts or taste something locally prepared can complement the guided walk. Keep the group’s meeting time in mind so these moments fit comfortably within the visit.

Understanding Yelapa’s waterfalls

Yelapa has more than one waterfall, with different approaches and walking demands. The tourism board distinguishes the waterfall near the village from another reached by a longer, more demanding route.
When planning your day, use the itinerary for this specific excursion rather than assuming that every waterfall described in a general Yelapa guide is part of the visit. The village itself remains a substantial part of the experience, with plenty to observe along its paths and waterfront.

Making the most of the journey

Travel between the stops gives a broader view of the southern bay. From the boat, the relationship between the mountains and shoreline becomes easier to appreciate, with wooded slopes extending toward small beaches and coves.
Allow time simply to watch the scenery. The crossing offers a different perspective from the village walk and the beach stop, bringing the separate places into a connected coastal journey.

An unhurried stop at Majahuitas

Majahuitas changes the pace of the day. After walking through Yelapa, the beach provides room to choose between movement and rest, whether that means spending time on the water or enjoying the surroundings from the sand.
Lunch becomes a natural point for the group to gather. Leave some time afterward for conversation and the view, rather than treating every available activity as something that must be completed.

Planning your evening ashore

Keep some space between the expected return and your next reservation. Disembarkation and onward travel take time, and a flexible evening plan helps preserve the relaxed feeling of the day.
For travelers staying around Puerto Vallarta or Nuevo Vallarta, dinner near their accommodation can make a comfortable continuation after a full day exploring the southern coast.