Yelapa Travel 101/102

Over the past year, I have infused various “travel tips” to allay your anxieties and render your trip to Yelapa enjoyable, rewarding, and worthy of repeating. Short of combing thru fifty postings, there is no single source for your quick reference. Allow me to address that literary deficiency forthwith.

First I assume: 1) your length of stay will span three to five days; 2) you will visit during the high season from mid-November thru mid-April; 3) average group size will be two to four people. Now if you are a family of eight staying from June to August, then stop reading and send me an email. 

Packing (per person)

3 T-shirt/tank tops

1 pair of shorts for three days, two pairs for five days

1 pair of sandals for walking, 1 pair of flip-flops for inside only

Brim hat, (minimum baseball cap), UVA/UVB block sunglasses

1 can bug spray (deet based), Sun block 35 UVA/UVB

1 small LED flashlight with spare batteries

Assorted underwear and personal toiletries

1 pair ear plugs
1 camera (iphone, android, digital-cam)

Credit/Debit Cards

If you wish to access your credit/debit cards while traveling in Mexico, alert the providers well in advance. Give them the dates of travel and when you plan to return. Less than a handful of merchants accept plastic in Yelapa, while they are accepted virtually everywhere in Puerto Vallarta. There are ATM (cajeras) machines on every block in PV.

 

Currency

Have a supply of Mexican pesos with you. Many stateside banks can assist you. Request your supply of pesos in advance of your trip. Their rates will be the best. There are no banks or ATM machines in Yelapa. Some merchants will accept US dollars, typically at a rate of $1=10 pesos. That makes the math easy but causes you to lose 20% or more of your purchasing power. Plan ahead, if you can forecast your needs for the trip, consider having those funds in your pocket upon arrival.    

     

Arrival: Puerto Vallarta International Airport

Your flight will likely arrive between 2:30pm and 4:30pm. If you are married and traveling as a family, you will fill out one Custom’s Declaration. BUT each traveler must have his own completed Visitor’s Visa. Retain the second half of this form. Put in inside your passport for retrieval! It is literally your ticket out of Mexico. Lose it and you will pay a fine and your departure will be delayed.  Families remain together and move forward as a group when the agent beckons you. If you are not married to your travel companion, then each needs a Custom’s Declaration. You must proceed separately past the Immigrations Officer. Hopefully, and this is a key point, you only have a carry-on sized tote and one additional item (laptop case, brief case, purse). You accelerate past baggage claim into the Custom’s Zone. Follow whatever instructions you are given as the physical layout changes frequently. IF you are asked to open luggage for inspection, do so courteously and silently. Speak only when asked a question. THE REST OF THE TIME, KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT! 

Depart the Custom’s area and briskly walk down the hall. Do not establish eye contact or initiate conversation with the folks in white pants and shirts. They are Time-Share Sharks. Once you clear the building, it is decision time. If you are two or less and have only your carry-on luggage, make a left turn; walk to the end of the airport building; cross over the foot bridge to the awaiting taxis. You just saved 300 pesos ($25 USD) Tell the driver you wish to go to Los Muertos Pier-ask the cost BEFORE getting into the vehicle. (It should be around 150 pesos + tip). There is a departing Yelapa Water Taxi at 4:30pm (ish) and then again at 6pm (ish). If you are more than two and/or have adequate luggage to weather the winter, exit the building. A cab supervisor will approach you. Tell him how many there are in your party, identify your luggage, he’ll take it from there. Identify your destination—Los Muertos Pier—ask the cost. Before departing the airport, the cab will pull over to a toll booth—you will pay 300 pesos airport departure fee, 500 pesos if you are in a van.

Arrival: Los Muertos Pier & Yelapa Water Taxi

As you exit your cab, two people will approach you. One is a little wiry man with a hand-truck. The second individual appears out of the Lagunita Hotel Office on your left. The former will take charge of your luggage, while the latter will sell you a water taxi ticket. DO NOT BUY A ROUND TRIP TICKET! That price will include a “handling fee” which you can avoid by paying the water taxi when your return. Remember to tip the gentleman who handled your luggage. Once on the water taxi, sit in the center and as far toward the rear as possible. This will give you a dryer, smoother ride. The late afternoon seas can be a bit angry. Consider ingesting a precautionary motion sickness tablet while at the airport. Average travel time to Yelapa, just under an hour. If you are part of large group or have multiple pieces of luggage, consider tipping the water taxi helper upon arrival in Yelapa.

Arrival: Yelapa Pueblo

If you are staying at Lagunita Hotel or in some other up-river lodging, then you will depart the taxi at the Lagunita Pier. If you are staying anywhere else, then depart at the town pier. Check with your inn keeper ahead of time. In many cases, they will meet you at the pier to escort you. There are several gentlemen on the pier with wheelbarrows. For a fee, they will transport your luggage to its destination. They can be trusted. They can also be “reserved” to assist you with your departure.

Once You Are Here

Allow the pace of the village to seep in. There are no subway/train/bus/airline schedules here. Consider removing your watch, leave the cell phone in a secure place and return to a moment in time which was uncluttered electronically. My personal mantra: when you are thirsty—drink; when you are hungry—eat; when you are tired--sleep. Just a thought. Embrace the concept of “Yelapa Time.” It has flourished favorably for centuries.

There are more than a dozen great restaurants, numerous taquerias, 2.5 beaches (.5 for Isabel’s Beach), a beautiful church, four local fishing charter/tour operators, two water falls, one major kayak rental operation (me—commercial plug), para-gliding, five markets, one laundry service, horse back riding, hiking, bird watching, butterfly watching, people watching, star gazing, live music and dancing. Or you can just settle back and allow a Mexico which you never knew existed to unfold before you. A word about TripAdvisor; do your research regarding dining, lodging and activity purveyors. This web site is extremely powerful in Yelapa. When you have a great experience, and you will have many, be sure to post your thoughts on TripAdvisor. It will be much appreciated.   

Local Culture

Yelapa is a casual and accepting place. Just a few basics bear mentioning. If you behaved in a law-abiding, reasonable manner in your home country, then please do so here. Public intoxication, drug use, loudness and profanity are unacceptable behaviors throughout the world. If you are headed to the beach but will be walking thru the village wear a t-shirt. Remove it once you reach the beach. Walking with an open alcohol container is considered an insult to the village. Shirts must be worn when entering the church; shorts are ok—no cell phones/food/beverages. If you happen to be traveling with your family pet, when you depart for a local restaurant, leave FiFi/Fido at the apartment. Neither the restaurant operator nor the patrons have a desire to spend their evening out with your pet. Once again, what would you do at home?  These are common sense norms. Thank you for your cooperation.  

Security
This is a common sense issue worldwide. Leave your documents, cash, and valuables in a secure place. Check with your innkeeper in advance to see if a safe is available in your casita or provided in a central location. Unless you are a professional photographer on assignment, consider bringing a less expensive water resistant camera to Yelapa. If you are bringing sophisticated electronics (e.g. laptop, camera, phone, etc.) Consider bringing desecant packets with you. Moisture and electronics do not mix well. Our average humidity is 68 %. An ounce of prevention----you know the rest, right? 

Limitations

Yelapa is a village defined by hilly topography, cobble stone streets, sand and water. Climbing is required to venture almost anywhere. There are no ramps. Individuals with mobility issues, respiratory or circulatory issues or whose general health/age renders them fragile should NOT travel to Yelapa. Please do not place your loved ones at risk.

Commercial Break

Damn, after enduring all of that, you and I need a break. How about an hour’s worth of Yelapa Kayak Rentals on the bay? I know it settles me down. Rates are 100 pesos/person/hour. New paddles and full foam seats are included with each rental. It is simply, and humbly, the best kayak experience in Yelapa. Check it out. I (Memo) am on the playita (little beach) under the giant fig tree. Mexican cell 322 146 5064, US dial 00 52 1 322 146 5064.  Happy Paddling. memo