One leaves the southern end of Puerto Vallarta via high speed launch along the coast, beyond where the road ends, to the village of Yelapa which looks like Puero Vallarta used to look like some thirty or more years ago.
Above- The road south from Puero Vallarta goes inland at Boca. A launch follows the coast past Mismaloya (where Night Of The Iguana was filmed) to Yelapa. There are no roads in (except for a rugged jeep trail).
Yelapa is certainly a different place from when Donovan went there in the sixties and wrote one of his iconic songs. It was a then a hippie haven little known about with a deserted beach and a few houses. Still is relatively – though the hippies seem to have miraculously aged.
Below our view toward the town.
Above -our rooftop open air bedroom with panoramic views.
In town there are many nice eating places.
Above is a nice breakfast place right next to the landing pier. Below is the bathroom.
Below-Winnie the Pooh seems to have visited at some time.
The name Yelapa comes from an indigenous saying meaning “where two rivers meet the sea“.
One can walk up the largest of the rivers to a beautifull pristine waterfall.
Mules are still the preferred method of transporation but the ATV is becoming the hot item.
Above-one the way upriver past the “Oasis” where the annual croquet tournament was in progress.
We played the game and came in last in our group in order that the locals might win something.
We stopped in at a Ned’s place- a locals house along the river.
Above and below there is just one colorfull place to eat on the way.
Above a hamlet along the way and below a glimpse into a riverside house.
In the dry season the river is easily forded and the waterfall below still had much clear water flowing.
Below the view across to the northern edge of the Banderas Bay.
On the horizon the Marietas islands.
Above courtesy Wikipedia
Above- Yes you can do this too.
Below-The ubiquitous Frigate bird.
Below A boat trip to the small village of Boca where there is a road which takes one to the Botanical gardens (see map).
Below a staue of Alexander Humboldt who travelled far and wide naming species and landscapes and ocean currents.
