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The laid-back atmosphere, lively hippie atmosphere and world-class surf beaches will take visitors to the colorful fishing town of Sayulita, Mexico. Sayulita is Pueblo Mágico (magic town). The title is awarded to communities that maintain their original architecture, traditions, history, and culture over time.
Sayulita is located on the Pacific coast of the Mexican Riviera Nayarit, about 24 miles from Puerto Vallarta. It takes just over an hour to drive or take a taxi from Puerto Vallarta. You can also get there by bus. Buses run regularly between Puerto Vallarta and Sayulita. Board the bus on Ascencio Avenue in the Medina of Francisco in front of Walmart in Puerto Vallarta. The journey takes approximately one and a half hours.
No matter how you choose to travel to Sayulita, you have many reasons to go to this bohemian Mexican town for a day trip or a multi-day stay.
The Mexican Tourism Board described Sayulita as a "good city." This is an appropriate description. As soon as I entered the city, a relaxed and happy feeling hit my face.
Despite the long history of coconut oil production in Sayulita and surrounding areas, by the time the town was established in 1941, production had fallen. Agriculture and fisheries are the main industries. Itinerant surfers "discovered" the town in the 1960s and liked its usual undulating waves and secluded location. Sayulita has become a popular tourist destination for hippies. Over the years, the tourism industry has increased. Sayulita may no longer be the "most kept secret", but it retains a hippie, laid-back vibe. This eclectic Mexican town is easy for tourists and residents to mingle here, and it also has a little cosmopolitan atmosphere. It attracts people from all over the world.
Walking around the town is the best way to feel this atmosphere. The brightly colored buildings on the palm-lined cobblestone streets feature chic restaurants, stylish cafes, art galleries and various shops. The table in front of the restaurant offers street terrace dining. The aroma of high-quality street food fills the air. Various street performers entertain.
Sayulita Square is the main square in the town centre, surrounded by restaurants and shops. The seating area under the shade of the tree provides a space to sit and relax or visit. In the evening, family and friends gather here. There is a colorful Sayulita sign in the square, which is a popular place for selfies.
Near Sayulita Square, you will find another popular selfie spot. The flag across Calle Delfines, also known as "Slap Street", forms a colorful canopy that can be posed below.
The main beach, Playa Sayulita, is a short walk from the town square. The shallows and gentle rest are popular with swimmers, surfers, paddle boarders and sunbathers.
Beach umbrellas and chairs can be rented for a few hours or a whole day, dotted on the long golden sand. Beachfront bars and restaurants border the beach area. If you order from the restaurant, you can use the chairs, tables and beach umbrellas on the beach for free. The toilets, changing rooms and shower facilities along the beach can be used for a small fee.
Surfers draw Sayulita to the sight of tourists, so it’s no surprise that you can find excellent surf spots for all levels, from beginners to advanced. Many surf schools offer courses. Surfboard rental services are also available. Most courses are completed in Playa Sayulita.
Playa Sayulita is a busy beach. Expect to be approached by beach vendors who sell souvenirs or snacks or provide massage services. Strolling musicians play tips.
If you prefer a quiet place, there are other options.
Playa de los Muertos is just a few minutes’ walk from the main beach. The waves are calmer and may be the best beach for swimming. Playa de los Muertos (Beach of the Dead) gets its name from the cemetery on the hill behind the beach. Stand-up paddle surfing, kayaking and snorkeling are popular here. There are deck chairs and umbrellas for rent, food vendors and paid toilets.
The North Beach, located on the other side of the river from the main beach, is a favorite of advanced surfers. It provides you with a long sandy beach and space, but please be aware that conditions may become rough.
A little further away from the main square, less than an hour’s walk, Karistos Beach is a secluded beach without facilities. The powdery beach is completely exposed to the Pacific Ocean and is not affected by wind and waves. Due to strong waves and changing conditions, swimming is not encouraged. This is not a beach for beginner surfers.
As you stroll through Sayulita, you will see vibrant street art works. The town is the hometown of many artists.
Browse the many galleries in town and admire the various styles. You will find Mexican folk art, Huichol art, beaded textiles and carpets from small indigenous villages, painted works, paintings, pottery and jewelry.
The open-air hippie market is located next to the baseball field along the river in the city center. The stall features local handicrafts, clothing, jewelry and various gadgets. Strolling and browsing the market, which is open every day, is another way to spend a good time in Sayulita.
Fridays from November to May are fun days to spend in Sayulita. The outdoor non-profit Mercado del Pueblo is open from 10 am to 2 pm, focusing on organic, natural and local products. In addition to gardening products, handmade foods, health and beauty products, you will also find a variety of handmade crafts that will amaze you and attract your wallet. Nearly 80 suppliers provide a variety of unique merchandise displays. The scent of the prepared food tempts your taste buds.
Live music adds to the feeling of the whole festival. When I went, I listened to a lady playing guitar and singing folk songs at one end of the market. I watched a Mayan music performance in the market center.
You will want to stay and spend time browsing the market. El Mercado del Pueblo is located in Calle Revolución.
Museum-quality Huichol artwork is one of the artworks you can find in Sayulita. Huichol is known for its colorful artworks, which express their awe, relationship and interdependence of nature.
Huichol is one of the four indigenous peoples of Riviera Nayarit and is a direct descendant of the Aztecs. They call themselves "Wixáritari" in their ancient language, which means "people". Over the centuries, they managed to maintain a unique tradition and culture, immersed in spirituality and sacred rituals. Since there is no written language, they use hieroglyphs to convey the stories of their ancestors.
Huichol art uses unique intricate embroidered beads or yarn applique designs. Each piece tells a historical or mythical story. Common themes include deer, scorpion, arrow, corn, cactus, arrow, eagle, and God’s eye, which is a tool for gaining "visual talent".
You will find Huichol beadwork in Friday Mercado del Pueblo and in art galleries throughout the town. Tierra Huichol offers unique and authentic works. It visited different tribes in the Madre Mountains and provided artists with tools, beeswax, glass beads and materials for creating art.
The authentic Huichol artwork has a high collection value. Each piece is hand-made using traditional art techniques handed down from generation to generation.
In keeping with the hippie vibe, Sayulita has become a yoga center on the west coast of Mexico. There are several world-class yoga studios in this small town, offering various styles and types of yoga. You can do yoga in hotels, studios, on the beach, or even standing on a paddle board in the sea. For a more immersive experience, some resorts and spiritual retreats provide yoga retreats.
Explore the dense tropical forests around Sayulita on a jungle trek. See parrots and butterflies, peruse ancient petroglyphs, discover hidden waterfalls, and admire the magnificent scenery. Monkey Mountain Trekking and San Pancho Trekking are the two most popular hikes. They are physically demanding, but will take you through spectacular scenery. It is best to use a local guide or join a guided tour.
The trail to Malpaso Beach is a relaxing trail that provides beautiful views for people of all skill levels. The trail is less than a mile long. Playa Malpaso is a secluded beach with big waves and waves.
Sayulita has a range of dining options, including street vendors, taco bars, bakeries, beachfront restaurants, casual cafes, lively terraces and fine dining restaurants. You will find fresh fish and seafood, a variety of Mexican cuisine, a pizzeria and a variety of international dishes.
The colorful Sayulita is full of vitality and leisure at the same time, attracting tourists to do a lot of things, and they have no choice but to relax and immerse themselves in the atmosphere.
Mexico has many small villages and towns worth exploring, such as:
Donna Janke is a writer based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. She shared her travel discoveries on the blog Destinations Detours and Dreams, combining narrative, photography and personal reflection, all with attention to detail. Her interest in travel began when she was a child, when books brought her to all parts of the world, and it grew as she explored the world herself. After retiring from an IT career, she started the life of a travel writer. Donna likes to discover the unique characteristics of places, both near and far, and write to inspire others to travel. Her travel stories have been published in many media and tend to focus on culture, history, nature, art, architecture and food.
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