Have you ever heard of Yelapa? Neither had I, and this is what is incredible about this sleepy fishing village near Puerto Vallarta and accessible only by boat. In the blistering heat of June, we took off on an tour with Vallarta Adventures that lead us to the heart of this quaint fishing village. Docking next to one of the nearly 300 homes that made up this village, I felt as if I had just stepped onto a movie set. 
Smiling faces peeked out at me from shadowed doorways, friendly dogs lifted their heads to check out the newcomers, and our group began the trek through this remarkable and quaint place, a side of Mexico I had never seen.
Up the rough crude cobblestone streets, past houses and stores with open windows, and breaking all the rules, wearing nothing but bare feet so as not to sleep on slick and rough terrain.
We passed women selling their home made jewellery, laundry hanging out to dry, and even a lone crab, clearly lost, far away from his home in the ocean down below. The terrain was sometimes steep but well worth the hike, at the end we were rewarded by the most beautiful waterfall, just begging for us to jump in and take a refreshing dip.
Cooled off, and pictures snapped it was time to head back down through the village to the beach. At the end of our hike the view astounds.
A slice of paradise.
This tour by Vallarta Adventures is not to be missed.
Thank you Yelapa for a day I will never forget.
*Disclosure: Thanks to the #PVpresstrip team for paying for my travel expenses to accommodate this review. As always, all thoughts, statements and opinions are my own.
WOw, how stunning.. little bit of heaven on earth!! Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to live among such amazing beauty..but then I’m pretty sure a lot feel that way about Canada too!
It is quite the hidden little gem, the waterfall is beautiful! you got some pretty nice shots of the village too
I was so happy to have my camera along on this adventure! I could have spent hours taking pictures in that village!
What an amazing cultural experience! I love learning about different cultures and this wee fishing village is gorgeous! Thanks
I love having a chance to chat with the locals and support their economy!
WOW! You are SO lucky and blessed. Looked like such a fun time!
Thanks Amy, I’m very grateful for where the work on this blog has taken me š
Just love these pic’s , it looks amazing !
This village trip was one of my favourite experiences of the year!
I am sure there are lots of places like this in Mexico that are off the beaten tourist path and deserve a look see.
You are so right! And this trip made me realize I spend way too much time on the resorts, you need to get out and explore when you travel!
I hope someday after the beginning of the college experience and beyond, I will find haven like this :3
I hope you find the time to travel too! There really is nothing better š
How fun was that??? What an adventure!
That is definitely a slice of paradise! Wow, it is so beautiful and I love the shot of you in the water.
Thank you! I’ve always wanted to swim in a waterfall š
What a pretty village, love the waterfall!
The village was beautiful!
love the village photo on the cliff
Thank you! I hate to admit to you how many pictures I actually took. So much beauty in Mexico!
That’s why memory cards were invented
What a fun adventure! That waterfall is gorgeous!
Checked swimming in a waterfall off my bucket list! Such an incredible adventure!
sounded like fun
It was a perfect way to spend a day!
I knew the city of Puerto Vallarta offered a lot for tourists, but I’ve never heard of this hidden gem! So beautiful!
I have to admit I am usually pretty guilty of sticking pretty close to the resort. I am so glad, no thrilled really, that I took a day to explore way, way off the beaten track. I’ve never been to a fishing village like this one and highly recommend this excursion to anyone in the Puerto Vallarta area.
That is pretty awesome. Looks like the fishing village is pretty prosperous which is nice to see. Lovely to get a bit off the beaten track
You are right Shelley! The people of this village genuinely seemed happy to see us and were doing well. It was such an incredible experience. I hope to return soon with my girls!