Choosing a Place to Stay in Yelapa
Once you have decided on answers to the following questions, please contact us and we will be happy to offer some specific suggestions on places that might work well for you. Elsewhere on this site, we've posted a few general tips on accommodations for the weekend, descriptions of palapas and casas, an overview of the various locations in Yelapa, as well as links to very basic maps.
NEW! We have also created a spreadsheet listing all the rentals in Yelapa with details on # of BR, # of single and double beds, nightly rate, and general location, to make it easier for you to narrow down your choices. Download it here (by clicking "File > Download as > ") or contact us if you'd like us to send an Excel version to you. (If you don't have Microsoft Office, you can use free open-source OpenOffice or NeoOffice software or other free open-source tools for Mac or Windows to work with this and other Office documents.)
- Do you want to stay with or near another group of guests?
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Some larger palapas can accommodate large groups, and several other rentals are clustered together, so if you know other people who'll be attending, consider coordinating with them to stay near each other. The vast majority of the rentals are perfect for four to six people, but there are several for larger groups as well.
- Would you prefer a more central location, closer to restaurants in the village and on the main beach, or would you rather stay somewhere a little bit further away that may be larger and more private?
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Our overview of locations in Yelapa shows an aerial photo of the town with the different areas marked. Links to other maps of Yelapa are available on the maps page.
Wedding-related events will take place on the south (pueblo) side of the river, about 10 minutes north and upriver (east) from the village center. If anyone in your group has mobility limitations or if you prefer to spend less time walking to meals and amenities, aim to stay as close to Los Naranjos Retreat Center and Casas de los Sueños as possible.
Remember that Yelapa is a rustic place, with no elevators or escalators, and since many places are nestled along the hillside, the further up or down they are the more stairs there will be. If you prefer a place with fewer stairs, ask us or the proprietors to make sure you're choosing a place that your knees and hips can handle.
IMPORTANT: If you stay on the north / playa side of the river, note that the "shortcut" to the village is at the mouth of the river. When the water level is high, the shortcut may involve wading; when it's low, you just walk across. February is in the middle of the dry season, so there may be a dry shortcut between the beach and the village, but of course we cannot guarantee how low the river's water level will be. There is a bridge about 15 minutes upriver, but this means up to a 30-minute walk between the beach and village, depending on your exact starting and ending points.
If you're willing to walk a little further for the sake of better views, more privacy, and better wildlife, consider upriver (best for wildlife) or the Point (best for ocean views and tranquility).
- What's your price range?
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You'll find that rentals in Yelapa are quite inexpensive compared with hotel rooms in U.S. tourist destinations.
If keeping expenses low is your top priority, we can offer a list of the least expensive places we know of. Also, NOTE: the wedding venue we have reserved includes some very basic accommodations (small, no view), and we would love to offer these at no charge to guests who are aiming to save money. If your budget is tight and you would be interested in staying in a very simple room, our treat, let us know as soon as possible--supply is limited; first come, first served.
- Would you rather have a complete home with a kitchen, or just bedroom(s) to sleep in?
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Most rentals in Yelapa are complete family residences (palapas, casas/casitas, or apartments), with kitchens and without daily housekeeping, rather than hotel rooms. The most notable exception is the Hotel Lagunita on the beach, which is also one of the only places in town with a swimming pool.
- How do you feel about open-air living?
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The vast majority of rentals in Yelapa are open-air palapas or casas, without glass windows and solid doors. If you strongly prefer a more enclosed space, you will have fewer places to choose from.
Occasionally, little geckos and hummingbirds or other small and harmless creatures may take a shortcut through a palapa, but fences and good sense keep larger animals away. (Read the FAQ for advice on avoiding scorpions and helping them avoid you.)
Given the lack of doors and windows, most rentals feature a locked closet or bodega where you can store your valuables while you’re out. But the only thieves we’ve heard of in Yelapa are tejones (also known as coatis), raccoon-like creatures who will have no qualms about stealing your food if you leave it out. Keep all food in the refrigerator!