A short, delightful walk from the water taxi dock at Yelapa fishing village through coconut palms and tropical gardens to a small but beautiful waterfall and pool. Combines perfectly with a day at Yelapa's beach. Suitable for all fitness levels.
The Yelapa Village to Waterfall walk begins at the water taxi dock in Yelapa, a fishing village in Cabo Corrientes reached by a scenic boat ride of about 45 minutes from the Los Muertos pier in Puerto Vallarta, with no road access to the village and no permit required for the walk. The route covers roughly 2km round trip with about 50m of elevation gain, making it one of the easiest waterfall walks in the Puerto Vallarta area and suitable for nearly all fitness levels, including families with young children. The path follows a mix of packed dirt lanes through the village and a shaded trail through coconut palms and tropical gardens, with gentle grading and no technical sections. Landmarks along the way include small local restaurants and homes in the village before the trail narrows into denser vegetation leading to a small waterfall and swimming pool, which marks the turn-around point. There are no shelters along the route, but the village itself has restaurants, bars, and shops both before and after the walk. No natural drinking water source exists on the trail, though bottled water and drinks are readily available in Yelapa. Many visitors combine the walk with a full day at Yelapa's beach before returning by the last water taxi of the afternoon.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Yelapa, Cabo Corrientes (water taxi from Puerto Vallarta)
- Best season
- Year-round, with November to April offering the driest, most comfortable conditions
Highlights
- Yelapa waterfall and swimming hole
- fishing village atmosphere
- tropical gardens
- beach at end of day
Tips for visiting
- Check the return water taxi schedule before setting out, as the last boats back to Puerto Vallarta run in the afternoon
- Wear sandals or light shoes, as the village lanes and garden path require minimal technical footwear
- Bring cash for the water taxi fare and for food or drinks in Yelapa
- Combine the walk with time at Yelapa's beach for a full day trip
- Visit in the morning to avoid the busiest midday period when tour boats arrive
When to visit
Morning arrival by water taxi allows time for the walk before the village gets busy with midday visitors.
Accessibility
The village lanes are relatively flat and walkable, though the garden path to the waterfall has some uneven, unpaved sections not suited to wheelchairs.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the walk to the Yelapa waterfall take?
The round trip typically takes 45 minutes to an hour at a relaxed pace, including time at the waterfall pool.
Is the walk suitable for children?
Yes, the short distance and gentle elevation gain make it suitable for visitors of all fitness levels, including families with children.
How do I get to Yelapa?
Yelapa is accessible only by water taxi, typically departing from the Los Muertos pier in Puerto Vallarta.