The Handmade Gardens of Yelapa
Forty-five minutes by boat from Puerto Vallarta, and seemingly outside time and space, is the place called Yelapa.
Isolated by the mountain ranges of the Mexican Southern escarpment, Yelapa can only be reached by boat. There are no roads leading into Yelapa. A rugged track can be traverssed by mule or on foot, except during the rainy season when the track is impassible. It should be noted that the rainy season lasts half the year.
Casas de Isabel on “the point” is a botanic garden of rare tropical plants from around the world. Isabel invited us to witness the opening of a flowering tree’s blossoms which only bloomed at midnight. Located in a stunning seaside canyon setting with two waterfalls, Casas de Isabel is a sanctuary for the sacred art of the Huichol where you can see their collection on display . The Women’s Sacred Circle retreats are held from March 24th, to April 2nd. From the Casas Isabel website: “Compassionate listening is almost a lost art among many, including most of our world leaders, but not here!”
The slopes of the village are covered in flowering hibiscus. Dried hibiscus is considered an edible delicacy and children string hibiscus necklaces.
The paths of the village are lined in fruiting shrubs such as kumquat, mango and clusters of potted plants. Here, without any running water, the love of growing plants and beauty is triumphant.
Pigmented walls contrast with handmade moulded clay garden steps.
The region of Yelapa is considered one of the world’s great natural ecosystems for biodiversity, second only to the Amazon. Many important food crops genetically originated here such as maize, cotton, peppers and squash.
Yelapa I love; the guy who owns (or at least when I was there, owned) the water taxi, I could do without; he also owned one of the bar/restaurants on the beach. Nice pictures of Yelapa; the last time we were there we walked quite a ways up the trail and had some adventures. I think I’ll go make me a margarita.
Comment by Don — 8. June 2008 @ 05:38
Hi, Philip! I just KNEW you were some place exotic! I stayed once a very long time ago in a village also isolated by jungle in the state of Nayarit. No electricity. No running water. Dirt floors. I cherish that memory. Good for you for getting yourself to Yelapa and thank you for sharing the splendor!
Comment by Kathry/plantwhateverbringsyoujoy.com — 9. June 2008 @ 00:19
If you hadn’t put so many photos, I think I would have hardly believed such a place exists!
I’m wondering how much contact people there have with the rest of the world - I notice they are wearing ‘bought’ rather than home-made clothes.
Esther
Comment by Esther Montgomery — 12. June 2008 @ 08:22
Hi Esther,
Isolated by land, they are just 15 miles from Puerto Vallarta. Tourists come by boat, so they have lots of contact. What is impressive to me is that they have not allowed highrise developments or a road. Their gardens are made without running water or outside materials. The environment is pristine. It is hopeful that a balance can be struck. Thanks so much, Esther for visiting!! I appreciate your comments.
Warm Regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 12. June 2008 @ 15:47
I have heard so much about this place. I first saw a resort featured in some travel magazine. Then a customer of mine owns a house down there and shows me pics all the time. Great to see non-travel agent pics and more “biodiversity” You get around. Jealous!
Comment by Jayme — 13. June 2008 @ 01:44
Hi Jayme! Thanks for your comments.If you go, stay with isabel. the place is magical, and isabel is wonderful. you can meet the Huichol artists at Isabels,too. also, it has a delicious cove for bathing. Her garden is spectacular. Yelapa has Spanish language classes and lots of yoga workshops,too.
Comment by admin — 13. June 2008 @ 02:21
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