Discover Tranquility at Yelapa, Chimo & Hidden Beaches 2024
Exploring Yelapa Nestled on the Pacific coast, Yelapa is a charming fishing village located approximately 20 miles (32 km) south of Vallarta. Its enchanting allure lies in its exclusivity, accessible solely by boat or a jungle hike – although we advise against attempting the latter. The village is celebrated for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a laid-back atmosphere that provides a stark contrast to the bustling energy of more urbanized destinations. The small town until just several short decades ago didn’t even have power or running water – so it’s come a long way since the turn of the millennium. Yelapa’s natural beauty extends beyond its shores, as the lush jungle backdrop hosts a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, parrots, and toucans. The jungle setting has also attracted the attention of popular shows like Survivor and the film “Night of the Iguana,” which were filmed against the backdrop of Yelapa’s captivating scenery. For travelers seeking authenticity and an off-the-beaten-path experience in Mexico, Yelapa is a hidden gem. The village, with its humble population of around 1,500 people, exudes a genuine charm, and its roots stretch back centuries with an indigenous presence that adds to its cultural richness. Yelapa offers more than just sun-kissed beaches; there are enticing waterfall hikes that can be explored on foot or even by donkey, adding a touch of adventure to your visit. We recommend planning a full day to fully immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance of Yelapa without the constraints of time. While the path to the falls is undeniably stunning, its popularity can lead to congestion, especially around the waterfall pools. Moreover, as the dry season progresses, the scenic appeal diminishes. For enthusiastic hikers seeking alternatives, Yelapa Town offers several rewarding options: Embark on the El Faro Hike For those yearning for breathtaking views of the cove and beyond, the El Faro Hike is an excellent choice. This 4-mile (6.5 kms) roundtrip trek, located behind Playa Yelapa, is considered moderate-strenuous due to steep sections and an elevation gain of 800 feet (244m) in the tropical climate. Explore the Yelapa Tapa Hike If you’re up for the ultimate mirador hike in the vicinity, the Yelapa Tapa trail is your go-to. Spanning 8 miles (13 kms) roundtrip, this challenging hike, favored by mountain bikers, boasts a hefty 2,300 feet (700m) of elevation gain. Make sure to pack accordingly for this adventure! In the not-so-distant past, mules were the primary mode of transportation, weaving through the village and traversing the mountains. While four-wheelers have now taken over for practical purposes, Yelapa’s hardworking mules still grace the village. During your stay, encountering these furry locals is inevitable. Mule rides remain a popular activity, offering a unique way to reach the waterfall or explore the jungle trails, all while immersing yourself in local history. To secure a mule and guide, venture up the path to the waterfall and be on the lookout for a guide with a mule. Alternatively, your hotel, guesthouse, or Airbnb host can readily organize this authentic outing for you. Fun Facts: The town’s name, “Yelapa,” is derived from the Nahuatl word meaning “where the river meets the sea.” Yelapa was once a sought-after destination for pirates. Cars are absent in Yelapa, only quads and horseback/mules are used to get around Secluded Beaches 1. Playa Isabel Located just immediately south from the main Yelapa beach is this gem that not everyone who goes to Yelapa knows about. It’s definitely part of the Yelapa area and is a short walk over from the larger beach where the river meets the ocean. These crystal clear waters will blow you away, and are what traveling south of Vallarta is all about. Seriously, these are the types of beaches that people don’t realize exist in the Puerto Vallarta region. They’re magical. 2. Playa Colimilla This leads us into another incredible hidden paradise that no one talks about. Many people tend to have heard of Yelapa or Majahuitas, but on the way to Yelapa, you may have the opportunity to stop at Playa Colimilla, which is along the coast found just after you pass Majahuitas. This little remove beach is a fantastic quick stop for some snorkeling and secluded beach time. The ability to explore these types of places at your own pace is truly what renting a private boat is all about. There’s no rush on our yacht charters, because you can stay in a certain location for as long as you’d like. Or 3. Pizota Beach & Manzanilla Beach Playa Pizota offers tranquility like no other. All you have to do is look at that photo below to give you an idea of how incredible this location is. Secluded, but still within distance to civilization. In fact, you have the ability to stay at Villa Ndan if you desire warm lodging and a comfortable place to rest your head for the night. Manzanilla beach is right next to Pizota, so if you find yourself at one of these beaches, you may as well explore the other! Both beautiful slices of untouched paradise (for the most part). Chimo Chimo is a small town in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. It is located in the Sierra Madre Mountains, about 30 kilometers (18 miles) from the city of Puerto Vallarta. Chimo is a quiet and rural town, with a population of just over 1,000 people. The town is surrounded by beautiful forests and mountains, and it is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Chimo is also home to a number of small farms and ranches, where you can experience the local agriculture and lifestyle. Chimo is known for its peaceful and scenic setting, and it is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Our personal recommendation is visiting Happy Hill – Treasure by the Sea Resort. Located about 500 meters from the beach just up the mountainside, Happy Hill provides comfortable accommodation with a coffee bar, freshly cooked meals by their
Mismaloya: The Fishing Village That Transformed Puerto Vallarta Forever
How Mismaloya Changed Puerto Vallarta Forever First, let’s briefly talk about Mismaloya’s history. Mismaloya is a small town located in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. It is situated on the Pacific coast, about 13 kilometers (8 miles) south of Puerto Vallarta if you’re coming from Centro – so it’s easily accessible by car, bus, taxi etc. The town is known for its beautiful beaches, lush jungle, and bohemian atmosphere. But it was first inhabited many years before any of us knew about it! Here are some facts and history about Mismaloya, Jalisco: The name Mismaloya comes from the Nahuatl word “miztli,” meaning “jaguar,” and “malaya,” meaning “place of rest.” The town was originally inhabited by the Huichol people. The Huichol people, also known as the Wixáritari, are an indigenous group that resides primarily in the mountainous regions of the states of Jalisco, Nayarit, Zacatecas, and Durango in Mexico. They have a rich cultural heritage and maintain strong ties to their traditional way of life. The Spanish conquistadors arrived in Mismaloya in the 16th century. Mismaloya was once a small fishing village, known for its abundant seafood and beautiful natural surroundings. If you know where to look, you can find fresh lobster, crab, octopus, and shrimp in the water – just with a simple snorkeling mask and spear/net. With excellent rocks that graze the edges of it’s beaches, Mismaloya has excellent snorkeling condition, and has been some of my favorite moments in the water here on Mexico’s west coast. How Mismaloya Changed Puerto Vallarta Forever In the early 1960s, the town gained international fame when it was featured in the film “The Night of the Iguana,” starring Richard Burton and Ava Gardner. Why was this so important, well it was monumental for a number of reasons. Firstly, the movie showcased the breathtaking natural beauty of Puerto Vallarta. The film was shot on location in Mismaloya, and it highlighted the area’s picturesque landscapes, pristine beaches, and lush jungles. The film’s visuals captivated audiences worldwide and put Puerto Vallarta on the map as a stunning tropical destination. Second, celebrity presence. The film starred several high-profile actors of the time, including Richard Burton, Ava Gardner, and Deborah Kerr. Their involvement in the movie generated immense media attention, drawing further interest in the film and its filming location. The presence of such renowned stars in Puerto Vallarta brought international exposure and glamour to the city. Notably, the widely publicized romantic affair between Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor played a pivotal role in changing the destiny of Puerto Vallarta. The couple fell in love with the city during the filming of ‘The Night of the Iguana’ and were so enamored that they decided to make it their home away from home. They went on to construct two iconic homes in what is now known as Gringo Gulch, a charming area just up the hill from Puerto Vallarta’s most famous landmark, the Cathedral de Guadalupe. The presence of Burton and Taylor in Puerto Vallarta sparked a wave of interest from other celebrities, who were drawn to the city’s unique charm and stunning views of the bay. This led to the development of prized real estate in the area, making Gringo Gulch a coveted neighborhood for those seeking an exclusive and picturesque setting. One of the notable features of Burton and Taylor’s homes was the small white bridge that connected them (now called Casa Kimberly). This whimsical and romantic touch became an iconic symbol of their love and is still visible today as you stroll along the cobblestone streets of Gringo Gulch. For those interested in getting a closer look, it is possible to tour these historic homes and even walk across the bridge, offering a glimpse into the glamorous past and the enduring allure of Puerto Vallarta. Embarking on a tour of these homes and experiencing the bridge firsthand are two incredible opportunities that allow you to delve into the captivating history and charm of Puerto Vallarta. It’s a chance to connect with the legacy of Burton and Taylor while immersing yourself in the beauty and allure of this enchanting coastal city. The best way to view this place is: Stay at the boutique hotel which was once Elizabeth Taylor’s (3 suites available). It runs an average of $1,000 a night depending on the time of year, so this price can range slightly up or down. This allows you access to the grounds and to do a walkthrough of the property while basking in the sunset ocean views from your own private hot tub jacuzzi on the terrace. This is the second best way to view the property. When you dine at “The Iguana,” one of Vallarta’s fine dining restaurants, you wont have as much access to the homes – but you get to soak up the night time ambiance of this historic home – now restaurant. Every Tuesday and Friday night a mariachi band plays in the atrium next to do fountain – a wonderful experience for all diners. Now, lets get back to the reasons Mismaloya changed the course of Puerto Vallarta’s history forever. Reason number 3 – tourism boom: Following the film’s release, Puerto Vallarta experienced a significant surge in tourism. Travelers who had been enchanted by the movie’s portrayal of the area’s beauty flocked to the city to witness it for themselves. The influx of tourists brought economic growth, investments in infrastructure, and the development of hotels, restaurants, and other amenities to cater to the growing number of visitors. This was the first time international eyes caught the sights of Puerto Vallarta, and because of the Night of the Iguana movie – Puerto Vallarta would never go back to its old ways of being a simple fishing village. It was now on the rise as a “must see” tropical getaway destination for Americans, Canadians, and Europeans. Cultural Destination: Puerto Vallarta’s newfound fame as a filming location attracted not only tourists but also artists, writers, and filmmakers seeking inspiration and creative opportunities. The