The Complete Guide to Sayulita Mexico
Table of Contents
Is Sayulita really a part of Mexico? Yes, Sayulita is in Mexico. But really, is it? I am still baffled every time I go to Sayulita. It is a drastic contrast to the contradictions of Mexico in some ways, but in others, it is everything you would ever want when visiting Mexico. Why do you ask? First, let me tell you a little about this world-renowned beach town, and you decide in The Complete Guide to Sayulita Mexico. Vamos…
Nestled on the Pacific coast of Mexico, the charming and laid-back town of Sayulita has long been a favorite destination for travelers seeking sun, sand, and relaxation. With its stunning beaches, world-class surf, and vibrant local culture, Sayulita is a truly special place that has something for everyone. In this blog post, we will be your complete guide to Sayulita Mexico, exploring all that this delightful town has to offer. From the best places to stay and eat to the top things to see and do, we will provide all the information you need to plan your perfect vacation to Sayulita. So join us as we discover the many charms of this delightful Mexican beach town.
Topics: People Ask
How to Travel to Sayulita Mexico - What to Do in Sayulita - Sayulita Travel Guide - Why is Sayulita So Popular - Sayulita Travel Tips leaving from Puerto Vallarta - What Do I Need to Know Before Going to Sayulita Mexico - Weather, Culture, and Safety of Sayulita - Resources - Best Hotels and Tours in Sayulita Mexico
The Beginning of Sayulita Mexico - The History
Sayulita was a small village in Mexico that has become a world-renowned present-day tourist destination. It is located on the Pacific coast, about two hours south of Puerto Vallarta and three hours north of Mazatlan. As with many places in Mexico, it was partially founded by the Spanish conquistadors and said to be named after the daughter of one of their leaders. But, other accounts indicate a local coconut farmer named it.
Either way, long after its humble beginnings, it exploded in the 1970s to a hub for winter travelers and tourists, many of which were seeking the perfect waves to surf. Others were drawn to its beauty and tranquility. This is at the root of the many sides of Sayulita! Is it a Pueblo Magico, a Mexican beach town, a hidden gem in Nayarit, or a world tourist destination? Maybe it can be whatever you want it to be.
Sayulita is popular with tourists and expats for a variety of reasons. The town’s beautiful beaches and surf culture are a major draw for many visitors. In addition, the town’s laid-back atmosphere and vibrant art scene make it an attractive destination for those looking to relax and enjoy the outdoors. The town is also located near other popular destinations in Mexico, such as Puerto Vallarta and the Sierra Madre mountains, making it a convenient place to visit.
Furthermore, the town has a growing expat community, which can make it a comfortable place for foreigners to live and work. These combined factors make Sayulita an appealing destination for tourists and expats- alike.
The Many Sides of Sayulita - Top Things to Do
On one side, Sayulita makes the prime spot for ex-pats/tourists looking to enjoy the best of both worlds. You can access the ocean, mountains, and beaches all at once. There are many different spots to choose from depending on what type of lifestyle you’re seeking. If you want to relax and unwind, head to the beach, where you’ll find plenty of places to lay out and soak up some sun. If you prefer to get active, you should try exploring the nearby mountains and hiking the many trails. Maybe even taking on the endurance challenge of walking to nearby San Pancho (my personal favorite place in the area).
You may even catch a glimpse of the humpback whales that are seasonal to the area or encounter turtles that nest and are released year around. With snorkeling, kayaking, ATVs, horseback riding, and zip lines, you may be catching the vibe that this place is an adventure paradise. And you are correct! It is all that, and with being known for some of the best waves in Mexico for surfing, there is no shortage of things to do.
Shopping the Tianguis, eating traditional regional food, and shopping the many artisan craft shops are sure to keep you busy. I spent days just wandering the streets, trying different food, and visiting all the unique shops. This spectacular tourist side of Sayulita makes it legendary amongst its visitors.
Surfing: Sayulita is known for its great surf, with consistent waves and a variety of breaks that are suitable for surfers of all levels.
Fishing: The waters off the coast of Sayulita are home to a variety of fish, making it an excellent place for sport fishing.
Hiking: The surrounding area offers several scenic hiking trails, including some that offer stunning views of the coast and the Sierra Madre mountains.
Shopping: Sayulita has a lively market scene, with vendors selling a variety of handicrafts, clothing, and other goods.
Dining: The town has a diverse range of restaurants, offering everything from local Mexican cuisine to international dishes.
Nightlife: Sayulita has a vibrant nightlife scene, with several bars, clubs, and live music venues.
Yoga: There are many yoga studios and retreats in and around Sayulita, offering a range of classes and workshops for all levels.
Whale watching: Sayulita is located near a major whale migration route, making it a great place to go whale watching.
The other side of Sayulita… is just weird. Not in a bad way, but just different. I nominated it as the hippie capital of Mexico. I don’t think that is official, but it should be. Not that there is anything wrong with that, on the contrary. The laid-back beach attitude and expression of the diversity of visitors from around the world are, in part, what makes Sayulita so unique.
How to get there - Getting to Sayulita from Puerto Vallarta
You may want to sign up for a guided tour leaving Vallarta and catch a few interesting stops along the way to Sayulita that would allow you to see more of the region’s traditions. Some other more affordable options would be visiting the bus terminal or grabbing one of the shuttle buses (Compostela) near the cruise terminal in Puerto Vallarta. Both are very affordable options for those comfortable traveling with local transportation. My first time traveling to Sayulita, I opted for the guided tour because I wanted to see San Pancho and other stops along the way that only an experienced guide would know about.
There are several ways to get from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita, including by car, bus, and boat. Here are a few options:
By car: The most direct route from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita is to take Highway 200 north towards Tepic, then turn off onto Highway 201 and follow it to Sayulita. The drive takes about an hour and a half, depending on traffic.
By bus: Buses from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita depart from the Central Camionera (bus terminal) in Puerto Vallarta. The bus ride takes about two hours, depending on traffic and the number of stops along the way.
By boat: Sayulita is accessible by boat from Puerto Vallarta’s Marina Vallarta. Several companies offer boat transportation to Sayulita, which takes about 45 minutes.
By taxi or private car: You can also hire a taxi or private car to take you from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita. This is the most convenient option but also the most expensive. The drive takes about an hour and a half, depending on traffic.
Resources
Check out the best Travel Tours list that features popular activities, guided packages, and hidden gems you must see at Viator.
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What's it Like Living in Sayulita
The culture in Sayulita is a blend of traditional Mexican culture and the influences of the town’s growing ex-pat community. The town has a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere, with a strong focus on outdoor activities like surfing and fishing. The town’s art scene is also vibrant, with many galleries and studios showcasing the work of local artists. In addition, Sayulita has a rich tradition of indigenous culture, with many residents belonging to the Nayarit, Huichol, and Cora indigenous groups. Overall, the culture in Sayulita is diverse and vibrant, with something for everyone to enjoy.
The weather in Sayulita is perfect year-round. In the summertime, temperatures average around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, while in the winter, they may dip into the 50s at night. Rainfall is plentiful throughout the year averaging between 20-30 inches. The humidity is the first thing you notice (much like Puerto Vallarta). But then again, it is a beach town, which is to be expected. Growing up in Louisiana, I thought I was used to it, but I quickly had a rude reminder. If you like the sun, mild to slightly warmer temperatures, and sand between your toes, then this might be the perfect setting for you.
- Like San Pancho, I kept asking myself if I could envision living there. For me, I couldn’t only because it is, in some ways, the mecca of international travel for those looking to catch the perfect wave. However, I see the allure, which was immediately apparent when you arrived. There are two primary cultures in Sayulita. One is the traditional Mexican culture, and the other is the tourist culture. Both are represented in the town and are excellent reasons for ex-pats looking to make friends and build relationships. Or just the tourist who wants to experience the stunning beach and nature.
Is Sayulita for You?
I am so happy I decided to travel to Sayulita and the surrounding area while in Puerto Vallarta. It gives you more of the experience of the rural area, nature, and what life is like outside of Vallarta. Then you arrive at Sayulita, which is primarily secluded, and you experience a new world where traditional Mexico meets hipster Mexico.
And all this with beautiful mountains, the jungle, and a world-famous beach. It’s quite the setting for the beach towns dotted along this strip. Should Sayulita be on your to-see list? It is a must see place, but don’t forget about San Pancho nearby. You may just fall in love with the Sayulita vibe, culture, and the unexpected that you find there.
Overall, Sayulita offers a combination of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences, making it a compelling destination for tourists and ex-pats.
I can’t wait to hear if this unique place is right for you or your experiences.
Let’s remember our position as a quest in another country and do our best to speak and walk humbly with dignity and respect for our surroundings: we’re the ones coming here to visit or live our best lives, and we, like many people trying to get in another country – are appreciative of the opportunity. Thank you for having me, Sayulita.
As always, we appreciate you, and… Live Con Todo
Sources
- Wikipedia
- Cost of Living
- Google Things to Do
- Sayulita Life
- Personal Experiences
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Calvin L Miller II
Mexico Travel Writer / Blogger / Vlogger
Creator of the Con Todo Brand