Back-pack, duffel bag or suitcase?
Pack as light as possible and opt for a backpack or a duffel bag—ideally, a wheeled duffel bag for the best of both worlds—since you’ll be hopping in and out of boats and climbing uneven stone stairs.
Utility items:
- Flashlight!!! (Bring one small flashlight per person, trails are dark at night)
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Water shoes
- Sandals or thongs
- Shoes (preferably something that is waterproof and good on trails)
- Rain gear (June to October)
- Small back-pack for daytime adventures
- … and do not forget cash!!!
Most importantly, bring your sense of adventure! Yelapa offers an experience akin to deluxe camping. While our place is fully equipped, the vibe remains rustic—and we aim to preserve that authentic jungle glamping feel. Yelapa only got electricity in 2001, and even now, occasional outages of an hour or two are part of the charm.
Money
There are no banks or ATMs in Yelapa or Boca de Tomatlan, so make sure you bring whatever money you will need. Very few businesses accept credit or debit cards. Plan to spend about 300-800 pesos or more per day depending on your lifestyle. The best way to acquire pesos, in our opinion, is to simply use the ATM at the airport or in Vallarta.
Each casa does have its own safe for you to put things in.
Sound Policy
The Point (Puntilla) is one of the quieter areas in Yelapa, where many neighbors and guests come to enjoy the tranquility. To respect the peaceful atmosphere, please keep noise levels reasonable. Our neighborhood sound policy asks that music and other sounds be kept at a low volume and minimal bass—loud enough for your own enjoyment but not audible to neighboring casas.
Amplified music should end by 10:00 PM unless prior permission is given. A Bluetooth speaker system is available for your use, so you can still enjoy your favorite tunes responsibly.
Water
Our running water is sourced from a natural spring. While it’s not filtered or purified, it’s perfectly suitable for showering and washing dishes.
The water from the white filter on the kitchen sink is safe to drink. To ensure the best quality, we filter it a second time using the large white container near the counter in the common area. The water in the pitcher in your room has already been double-filtered. While tap water can be used for cooking if boiled, please always use filtered water for the coffee maker.
Since our tap water comes from a spring, it can start running low toward the end of the dry season. Please help conserve water year-round so we can ensure it lasts the entire season—thank you!
Our plumbing is also sensitive, as it operates on a septic system. Please avoid flushing any paper, and kindly remind any children in your group to do the same. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated!
Trash
Please remember that Yelapa functions like an island—all supplies are boated in, and all trash must be boated out. Trash removal happens just once a week (when we’re lucky), which gives raccoons plenty of time to rummage through it.
As an Eco Resort, we’re committed to reducing waste. Please help us minimize trash by keeping your garbage to a minimum. Thank you for supporting our efforts to protect this beautiful environment!
- compost
- rinse plastic containers well
- use returnable cans for beer
- separate metal and glass
- please follow directions for kitchen clean up posted in kitchen area
Weather
Yelapa is located in Mexico’s Costa Dorada, along the stunning Banderas Bay. Situated at the same latitude as the Hawaiian Islands, Yelapa enjoys a subtropical climate—warm and pleasant for most of the year. Nestled in the jungle, the area receives the majority of its rainfall during the summer, with September being the rainiest month.
The weather is nearly perfect from November through May, which is the long dry season. During these months, daytime temperatures usually range from the mid-80s to high-80s°F (27–31°C), while nights are pleasantly cool, dropping to between 63°F and 72°F (17–22°C).
Don’t dismiss the idea of visiting Yelapa in the summer—though the season is hot and rainy, it holds a unique magic. Daytime temperatures can reach up to 90°F (32°C), with nights around 77°F (25°C), but you’ll benefit from much lower rates and a serene, uncrowded experience. All of our casas are equipped with large fans to ensure your comfort during the summer heat.
For wildlife enthusiasts, summer brings an array of migratory birds to the area. If you crave solitude, you’ll practically have the village to yourself. Mornings are usually clear and bright, with rain often arriving in the afternoon. When it does rain, the storms can be breathtaking—gentle rain sweeping across the hills, lightning illuminating the sky, and the soothing sound of raindrops on a palapa roof. What could be more romantic than a summer evening by the sea, serenaded by the rhythm of the rain?