Yelapa

Yelapa is a coastal village situated in the southernmost cove of Bahía de Banderas with sandy beaches bordered by mountains. The settlement stretches along the Pacific shore as a small community separated from surrounding areas by water and terrain.

The region was inhabited by Nahoa peoples before 1525, when Spanish forces under Francisco Cortés arrived and clashed with local warriors. This encounter marked the turning point between the pre-colonial and Spanish eras in this coastal area.

The village maintains local traditions through regular celebrations, including a significant veneration of the Virgin of Guadalupe on December 12 that holds deep meaning for residents. These festivals shape community life and connect people to their religious roots.

Access requires a water taxi from Puerto Vallarta, as no road connections link this settlement to neighboring communities. Visitors should expect dependence on water transport and plan boat schedules ahead of time.

Two rivers converge at the sea in this village, a feature that inspired its name in the language of the original inhabitants. This geographic detail remains a notable aspect of the coastal landscape today.