One Of Mexico's Safest Towns For Tourists Is A Remote, Coastal Gem Near Puerto Vallarta

Gorgeous beaches, warm water, and delicious seafood are absolutely essential when planning a beach trip to Mexico. Safety is a high priority, as well. You will find all of these things — plus a few extra surprises — in the remote village of Yelapa.

When you look at a map, Yelapa does not look that remote. The small fishing village sits on the same bay, Bahía de Banderas, as Puerto Vallarta, one of the most popular destinations in the country. The resort-filled city and Yelapa are only separated by 15 miles. But driving from Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) is not advised. It would take nearly three hours on a road that is really only used for large deliveries. The local residents do not even regularly navigate this route.

So the best way to reach one of Mexico's underrated tourist destinations is definitely by water. You can book a day trip, which will give you a few hours to explore Yelapa's beaches before returning to Puerto Vallarta. Or you can ride the water taxi (one way about $19 or round-trip for about $30). The boat departs from the Playa Los Muertos Pier. After a 50-minute trip, it arrives in a small cove that is situated between the Sierra Madre mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Yelapa is very secluded. No wonder the little beach town is considered one of the safest places in the whole country.

The Sierra Madre is covered with a dense green jungle. Both the Tuito River and a small tributary flow down the mountains, through the golden sand, and into the turquoise water of the Pacific Ocean here. So Yelapa's name, which means "where two rivers meet the sea," is quite fitting. It is also quite beautiful.

Playa Yelapa, the main beach in the village, is just steps from the pier. The long beach is lined with palm trees and thatched-roof buildings. Some small boats bob in the water. Others, as well as sun loungers, dot the sand. While gentle waves break along the shore. Picturesque is an understatement. Besides lounging in the sun, there are many water-based activities along the beach. You can go snorkeling as soon as you enter the water. Keep an eye out for rainbow runners and roosterfish. Yelapa Tours rents jet skis, kayaks, and paddleboards. Or, with Garcia Charters, you can go fishing for dorado and sailfish or snorkeling in the nearby Marieta Islands.

When you eventually get hungry, you do not have to go very far. Cafe Bahia, near the town pier, serves breakfast all day. Sirena Morena offers ceviches, tacos, and margaritas just steps from the water. You can also just wait for the "pie lady" to walk across the beach. For more than 20 years, Chelly Rodriguez has been baking 10 types of pie, including chocolate and coconut, which she sells for 30 pesos (less than $2) a slice.

The other thing you must do in Yelapa is hike to the two waterfalls. There are signs, saying "Cascada" or "Waterfall," though they confusingly do not distinguish the direction in which they are heading. The first waterfall, Cascada de Yelapa, is close to the beach. You walk through the village, on an out-and-back trail that is less than a mile long, to reach the 150-foot waterfall.

The second trail follows the river into the jungle. It is mostly flat, except for some large rocks at the end. The longer, almost five-mile (round-trip), trail crosses a suspension bridge, goes through the water, and passes some small restaurants along the way. You will probably see lots of butterflies and iguanas as you hike. Eventually, you will be able to hear the waterfall before you can see it. Plus, there is a good chance that you will have it all to yourself. Both waterfalls have large pools beneath them, so be sure to wear your bathing suit to cool off. Just like at the beach, there is no rush in Yelapa.

When your time in Yelapa comes to an end, you will return to the pier to catch the ferry back to Puerto Vallarta. From there, you can either head farther south to visit Playa Mayto for another relaxing crowd-free beach vacation or stop in Bucerias, Puerto Vallarta's dazzling destination dupe, on your way back to the airport. This part of Mexico is filled with coastal gems.