Yelapa

However your arrive at this tiny bay, you will see that it was worth the trip. The short tour along Bahia de Bandera's southern shores offers spectacular views of the Sierra Madres, Los Arcos and a vast array of sea life from sea turtles, to manta rays, dolphin and humpback whales. The ride itself is memorable.

You will probably land alongside Hotel La Lagunita, if not directly on the beach. This incredible hotel hugs the north shore of YELAPA and has a pier. It is rustic and charming and a signal of what the type of experience to be had in Yelapa.

You will see the rock and brick cabins with thatched palapa roofs as you walk along the stone-paved walkway to the peerless sand that marks your arrival on the beach. If you land on the beach itself, La Lagunita is to your left, beyond its spacious, palapa-domed restaurant. Ahead you will see a varitety of restaurants, all of which boast the same or similar low prices and seafood meals, as well as diverse and colourful umbrellas. If you want to stop to rest, just drop your luggage on the sand and have a seat at any of the chairs available in front of you.

Luxury Beach Concierge recommends the restaurant at Lagunita. It's only slightly more expensive than the rest, but the food is better and instead of sitting on a plastic chair, you can sit on an equipal, a chair made of wooden sticks bound together and covered with leather, which you will undoubtedly find more comfortable. You can sit under the cover of the large palapa, or further out on the beach, at the smaller umbrella-covered tables there; the service is the same. Go for a swim in the shallow, gentle waves. Relax and enjoy the sun.

The village of Yelapa has grown considerably over the past 30 years but has retained the original simplicity and charm of the fishing village it started as. The spectacular beach is second to none and the water is warm and clear. The community is made up of the indigenous inhabitants, visiting tourists, and foreign artists seeking inspiration and finding it here. Parts of the village have unfolded over the mountainsides, along with a couple of hotels, and offer incredible sunset views.

If the point of your trip here is to find some adventure, go for a guided horseback tour into the jungle. There are only three types of transportation on Yelapa: on foot, on horseback or on a donkey. In the summer's rainy season, the wide river that nearly divides the beach in two will be difficult to cross if you don't want to swim. However, any number of the locals will provide you with a quick way across, either on an old canoe or makeshift raft, for the price of a small tip.

To the south of the river there is a path you will have to climb through rocks to get to, a dirt path (that is now, in places, being covered with concrete). Here is where the fishing pangas are docked, and also where supplies for the village are dropped off. Keep walking and you’ll find the village proper. The Tuito River comes next; there is a footbridge to cross it. On the other side you will find tiny groceries for necessities such as soap, shampoo, insect repellant and band aids. Often these stores offer fresh fruit and produce, as well as canned and dry goods, and a variety of breads, natural or sweet, if you would like to prepare your own meal.

If one day in Yelapa is not relaxing enough, why not begin with an overnight stay? The locals are extremely hospitable and friendly and will welcome you. Luxury Beach Concierge recommends the following hotels and guest houses: La Lagunita, the Spa at Verana, Casa Viaje, or Casa Oasis.

The next day, you might feel inclined to take a horse ride up to the Cola de Caballo waterfall, or if you feel up to it, walk there. A more ambitious hike to the fabulous natural pool at the base of la Cascada de Catedral, or Cathedral Waterfall, nature’s own place of worship, takes up to an hour.