My wife and I are planning a trip for this winter. We enjoy going to Mexico but are tiring of resorts and were thinking of renting an AirBnB somewhere a little different. I’ve heard Yelapa is really nice, but a bit of a pain to get to (only accessible by boat?). I was wondering if anyone here has first hand experience or recommendations for the area?
To answer your question, yes, I have been to Yelapa several times. In addition -
Great place. a couple of things. It used to be that the reputation for Yelapa was “anything goes” because its isolation and lack of police, etc. Now it has become so popular and civilized , that its reputation has changed - it’s just a good/unique “beach” destination from Puerta Vallarta. Boat ride from the port of PV, north of downtown or pangas from several locations downtown or below. The pangas go all the time, so it is usually no problem getting a ride to or from. Good places to stay and a lot of people just stay on the beach. Just like at your home, in the long run, you have the best experience, if you act like you are at a friends home, don’t get drunk, don’t be looking for drugs, and don’t do anything stupid, it’s a great place. Besides the beach, be sure to hike up river - great pools and other sights. and , between PV and Yelapa there are several “beach” resorts that are panga accessible .
I prefer Huatulco…
No. Who’s ever heard of it? Nobody.
I prefer Huatulco…
Just out of curiosity, how come?
Mostly because Yelapa is on Banderas Bay so it’s really a ‘suburb’ of Puerto Vallarta and very touristy. I find Huatulco to be more authentic Mexico and it’s more isolated so you don’t have the bustling tourist metropolis effect as you do anywhere along Banderas Bay.
Dan and I used to do a really nice triathlon in Huatulco, as I recall very lovely place. But of course that was a long time ago, but it was a place where many Mexicans who lived in Mexico City would vacation at…
As for Yelapa, I will also be interested in anyones thoughts. My brother is relocating to Puerta Vallarta full time, so we will probably be doing visits down that way now. I have friends who have gone north to some newish spots like Saluita, and heard some good stuff there. Of course you can drive there, so a bit less sketchy than taking some panga to a more private town… I think I would heed coyote pelon’s advice, the part about being the Wild West not that long ago. Probably some hold over of that dynamic, so unless that is your gig, probably avoid any potential problems…
Dan and I used to do a really nice triathlon in Huatulco, as I recall very lovely place. But of course that was a long time ago, but it was a place where many Mexicans who lived in Mexico City would vacation at…
As for Yelapa, I will also be interested in anyones thoughts. My brother is relocating to Puerta Vallarta full time, so we will probably be doing visits down that way now. I have friends who have gone north to some newish spots like Saluita, and heard some good stuff there. Of course you can drive there, so a bit less sketchy than taking some panga to a more private town… I think I would heed coyote pelon’s advice, the part about being the Wild West not that long ago. Probably some hold over of that dynamic, so unless that is your gig, probably avoid any potential problems…
I’m going with wife and toddler. Definitely not looking for any shenanigans.
I’ve thought of sayulita but heard the sewage in the river that’s empties by the beach is becoming a real issue. I’m not too keen on swimming in that.
I’ll definitely look in to huatulco. I’ve never even heard of it, to be honest.
I prefer Huatulco…
Just out of curiosity, how come?
Because he likes roasting at 40* C at an all inclusive jail, err sorry hotel
.
Dan and I used to do a really nice triathlon in Huatulco, as I recall very lovely place. But of course that was a long time ago, but it was a place where many Mexicans who lived in Mexico City would vacation at…
As for Yelapa, I will also be interested in anyones thoughts. My brother is relocating to Puerta Vallarta full time, so we will probably be doing visits down that way now. I have friends who have gone north to some newish spots like Saluita, and heard some good stuff there. Of course you can drive there, so a bit less sketchy than taking some panga to a more private town… I think I would heed coyote pelon’s advice, the part about being the Wild West not that long ago. Probably some hold over of that dynamic, so unless that is your gig, probably avoid any potential problems…
I’m going with wife and toddler. Definitely not looking for any shenanigans.
I’ve thought of sayulita but heard the sewage in the river that’s empties by the beach is becoming a real issue. I’m not too keen on swimming in that.
I’ll definitely look in to huatulco. I’ve never even heard of it, to be honest.
You live in Victoria. I take it you never go in the ocean?
Just a thought and maybe alternative, but what about Baja? My last trip when my son was a toddler and twins were in the oven, was to Todos Santos. I usually drive down to Baja and camp, but this time we flew to Cabo, then rented a car to make the one hour drive north to Todos. Got a very nice B&B room there, and had the car for day trips to Los Cerritos beach. Very clean and the best surf beach in the area, with a nice restaurant and bar right on the sand there. Lots to do in Todos for a week too, still kind of old world Mexico with a small tourist influence.
Just a thought and maybe alternative, but what about Baja? My last trip when my son was a toddler and twins were in the oven, was to Todos Santos. I usually drive down to Baja and camp, but this time we flew to Cabo, then rented a car to make the one hour drive north to Todos. Got a very nice B&B room there, and had the car for day trips to Los Cerritos beach. Very clean and the best surf beach in the area, with a nice restaurant and bar right on the sand there. Lots to do in Todos for a week too, still kind of old world Mexico with a small tourist influence.
I love the area around Cabo. We were just there in April. We stayed at a great resort a few minutes from town, which was nice as it was easy access to all the touristy stuff, but we also rented a car and briefly explored around Todos Santos and La Paz. I want to do that trip again and explore more of the peninsula. I thought it was a good blend of resort, easy tourist life and the chance to get out a bit and do our own thing.
I’d love to do some camping trips coming down from SD one day. I have a friend who drove from Victoria down the Baja. He just threw a mattress in the canopy of his truck and down he went for a few weeks, said it was the best experience of his 20’s.
Dan and I used to do a really nice triathlon in Huatulco, as I recall very lovely place. But of course that was a long time ago, but it was a place where many Mexicans who lived in Mexico City would vacation at…
As for Yelapa, I will also be interested in anyones thoughts. My brother is relocating to Puerta Vallarta full time, so we will probably be doing visits down that way now. I have friends who have gone north to some newish spots like Saluita, and heard some good stuff there. Of course you can drive there, so a bit less sketchy than taking some panga to a more private town… I think I would heed coyote pelon’s advice, the part about being the Wild West not that long ago. Probably some hold over of that dynamic, so unless that is your gig, probably avoid any potential problems…
I’m going with wife and toddler. Definitely not looking for any shenanigans.
I’ve thought of sayulita but heard the sewage in the river that’s empties by the beach is becoming a real issue. I’m not too keen on swimming in that.
I’ll definitely look in to huatulco. I’ve never even heard of it, to be honest.
You live in Victoria. I take it you never go in the ocean?
No, I don’t, because the beaches are fucking disgusting due to the sewage. When I grew up here, there was a fraction of the populous and the beaches were clean. Now, depending on the tides and currents they can be pretty nasty. It doesn’t help that some of the nicest beaches in the downtown area are close to the sewage outfalls. Outside of town it isn’t a problem. That treatment plant can’t be built fast enough.
Also, the water is way too cold to really enjoy swimming in, even in the summer. There are plenty of pristine lakes here that make much better swimming holes.
Fucking Albertans!
Yelapa, Baja California, Huatulco ? They are all good depends on what you want on your getaway . Each is different for different reasons and for your ability to get around and have an open mind. Puerto Vallarta/Yalapa, easy to fly into, boat/pangas , no problem, UNLESS, you and your wife are travelers who need someone to hold your hand and lead the way. You have to be able to figure things out and make them work. Because of the “isolation”, Yelapa is a real adventure. All of these places are NOT any more sketchy/dangerous than Hastings St., Vancouver, unless you make it that way.
Fucking Albertans!
Everyone needs a hobby. I’m surprised you are so geographically selective in your partners.
Fucking Albertans!
Everyone needs a hobby. I’m surprised you are so geographically selective in your partners.
Well, Albertans do tend to be far more, how can I say this politely, open for business then say those prudish Saskatchewanians. Saskatchewanites? Sasquatches?
Yelapa, Baja California, Huatulco ? They are all good depends on what you want on your getaway . Each is different for different reasons and for your ability to get around and have an open mind. Puerto Vallarta/Yalapa, easy to fly into, boat/pangas , no problem, UNLESS, you and your wife are travelers who need someone to hold your hand and lead the way. You have to be able to figure things out and make them work. Because of the “isolation”, Yelapa is a real adventure. All of these places are NOT any more sketchy/dangerous than Hastings St., Vancouver, unless you make it that way.
I’ve done a fair bit of travelling in my younger years so I’m not too bothered by any of that, although it is a bit of a different game with a toddler in tow.
In fairness, east Hastings isnt even really that dangerous, there are just strung out zombies wandering around everywhere.
Joke. I don’t do pink. I live up in FM, but I am moving back to the Island next year. Albertans are favourite targets of a vocal minority in BC. Raw sewage in Victoria? Blame AB! High real estate prices in the Kootenays and Okanagan? Blame Alberta! Crazy traffic in the Lower Mainland? I hope this clears it up.
Joke. I don’t do pink. I live up in FM, but I am moving back to the Island next year. Albertans are favourite targets of a vocal minority in BC. Raw sewage in Victoria? Blame AB! High real estate prices in the Kootenays and Okanagan? Blame Alberta! Crazy traffic in the Lower Mainland? I hope this clears it up.
Ha - mine was a joke too. Everyone blames someone - Alberta likes to blame Quebec and all the inequality of transfer payments. Woe is us…
I want to move to Vernon, but houses there are almost pricier then they are in Edmonton. Guess I’m staying put for a while.