Guide to Travel Sayulita, Mexico
About Sayulita
Sayulita is a colorful little Mexican town that has recently exploded in popularity and for good reason. The town has so much to offer, especially to those looking for a destination that oozes a chilled-out and relaxed hippie vibe. It is an adventure lover’s paradise and hosts a ton of great outdoor activities including surfing, hiking, yoga, swimming, fishing, or just plain old relaxing.
Sayulita is located along the gorgeous shores of the Pacific Ocean in the state of Nayarit, Mexico, and is known for its jungle wilderness and excellent beaches, with near-perfect waves attracting surfers from all over the world. Check out this Sayulita Surf Guide for more information.
Aside from a plethora of outdoor adventures, Sayulita is also known for its fantastic street art and diverse cuisine. All around town, there are delicious food vendors and restaurants serving up world-class food. For art enthusiasts, this Pueblos Magicos town is the place to be and there are many art galleries and shops throughout town. There are paintings on almost every wall in Sayulita and its streets are some of the artsiest and most colorful in all of Mexico.
Sayulita YouTube Video
How to Get to Sayulita
Most people arrive in Sayulita by way of Puerto Vallarta which takes approximately 45 minutes by car. You can hop on a bus from downtown Puerto Vallarta as well and that will be your cheapest option. If you’re not too worried about budget then an Uber is a great option and will take you right to your accommodations, especially if you’re traveling with others as you can divide the cost.
Map of Sayulita
What is a Pueblos Magicos Town?
Pueblos Magicos (Magical Towns Programme) is a program that is led by the Mexican government to promote a variety of different towns around the country. These particular towns provide a special experience for visitors because of attributes like natural beauty, cultural richness, traditions, folklore, historical relevance, cuisine, art crafts, and great hospitality. The program’s purpose is to increase tourism to Mexico’s most vibrant destinations.
How to Get Around Sayulita
Sayulita is a very walkable town and getting around is pretty easy. That being said if you’d like to explore more on the outskirts of town or you are not able to walk a lot or have kids then renting a golf cart is a great option and they typically cost around $40 - $50 USD ($55 - $68 CAD) per day.
There are plenty of taxis around town and they are fairly reasonably priced as long as you’re not going long distances.
Renting a car is another option and though it is the most expensive option, it can give you much more freedom, and the ability to visit neighboring towns such as San Pancho, Punta de Mita, Bucerias, and La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. Keep in mind that you can also reach those towns via bus, but you’ll need to first locate the bus depot and if you’re strapped for time and money is no concern then a car would be ideal.
Beaches in Sayulita
Sayulita is a well-known beach holiday destination and as such there are plenty of beaches to visit, some being quite remote and some right in town.
Playa Sayulita is the most easily accessible beach in town and is also the busiest in terms of tourism. Vendors hustle up and down the beach and there are plenty of great beachfront restaurants to eat and drink. The north end of the beach is much calmer and more relaxing and also has a few restaurants and bars.
Playa de Los Muertos is a little out of the way but is still pretty easy to access. This beach gets its name from the graveyard that lies right next to it. It has beautiful rocky scenery and beachgoers can rent tables and umbrellas for the day and have seafood and drinks served from a restaurant just back from the beach called Sayulita Playa Bungalows.
Playa Malpaso is situated between Sayulita and the neighboring town to the north called San Pancho. To reach it requires first walking to the end of Playa Sayulita and then hiking over a small mountain through the jungle for around 1.3 km. At the top of the hill, you get a stunning view of the beach in all its glory, as well as a tremendous panoramic view looking back toward town. The water isn’t the greatest for swimming at certain times of the year, as the waves are quite wild and can be dangerous.
Playa Carricitos sets a beautiful example for Nayarit beaches and will blow visitors away with its incredible geography and orange/pink sand. This beauty requires a bit more effort and takes approximately 45-60 minutes from town, but the walk through the lush green tropical forest is an experience in itself.
Playa Patzcuaro is the most remote beach in the area and is difficult to reach because it requires a 4 km walk one way. That being said it is one of the most peaceful and untouched beaches in Nayarit and is definitely worth your trouble.
Playa Patzcuarito is another hidden gem in the Sayulita area and is a stunning stretch of black and gold sand. This beach is typically pretty empty and requires a 25-30 minute hike through the jungle. It also has large waves that attract surfers and isn’t great for swimming, but the wild scenery is certainly worth the effort.
Playa Carricitos
Where to Stay in Sayulita
Sayulita has no shortage of superb accommodations and you should have no problem renting a decent place to stay no matter your budget. Here are some places to stay depending on how much you would like to spend.
Budget-Friendly
Blue Pepper Beds Sayulita is a budget-safe hostel that is only 500 m from Sayulita Beach. It features air-conditioners, a shared lounge, a 24-hour front desk, a shared kitchen, and free WiFi throughout the property.
Sayunique Boutique Hostal is situated within 600 m of the beach. This hostel offers air conditioning, a shared bathroom, a shared kitchen, a shared lounge, and free WIFI.
Mid-Range
Selina Sayulita is located in a neighborhood where there is a vibrant nightlife and is a great place to stay if you’re looking to party. Selina Sayulita is located 300 m from Playa Sayulita. It features Wi-Fi, an outdoor swimming pool, a rooftop terrace, air conditioning, a ceiling fan, and a wardrobe.
Oka Hey, Sayulita is a mid-range hotel that is 400 m from the Beach. Oka Hey, Sayulita features a restaurant, a garden, a shared kitchen, and free WiFi. Some of the rooms include a dining area and a balcony. The hotel also provides a free à la carte breakfast.
Luxury
El Pueblito de Sayulita is set just 300 m from Sayulita Beach and offers guests access to a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool, and a bar. There is also free WIFI and 24-hour front desk and room service. All rooms come complete with a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and a safety deposit box. The hotel provides guests with a free à la carte or American breakfast.
Amaia Boutique Hotel is a mere 200 m from Sayulita Beach and boasts an outdoor swimming pool, air-conditioned rooms, free WiFi, and flat-screen TV. the rooms also have splendid views overlooking the pool and tropical garden.
Where to Eat in Sayulita
Sayulita is a foodies dream and has many choices to satisfy your palette. There are plenty of cheap places to get food as well as expensive places to dine on excellent cuisine. Here are some great choices below.
La Rustica Sayulita
Rating: 4.5/5
Cuisine: Italian, Pizza, Vegetarian OptionsRueben’s Deli
Rating: 4.5/5
Cuisine: American, International, Vegetarian OptionsEl Pirata
Rating: 5/5
Cuisine: Mexican, Latin, BarAlquimista Restaurant
Rating: 5/5
Cuisine: Mexican, Latin, CafeLa Barcina
Rating: 5/5
Cuisine: Seafood
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