Sayulita Central Pacific Coast, Mexico Travel Guide
Sayulita's natural setting has many opportunities for outdoor activities and adrenaline-filled experiences.
Playa los Muertos Trail: Easy (15-20 min from plaza, gentle uphill). Playa Carricitos Trail: Moderate (30-40 min, uneven terrain). Monkey Mountain (Cerro del Mono): Moderate to challenging (2-3 hrs round trip, steep/muddy, local guide recommended).
Surfing: Main beach good for beginners/intermediate; lessons & board rentals available. Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) & Kayaking: For exploring the bay/coves. Snorkeling: Best around beach rocks or Marietas Islands. Fishing: Deep-sea fishing charters available.
Not available directly in Sayulita. Dive tours typically depart from Punta Mita or Puerto Vallarta.
For activities like Monkey Mountain hiking, a local guide is highly recommended for safe navigation due to unmarked trails and potential muddy conditions.
Connect with local culture through various workshops, performances, and community initiatives.
Occasional live music, including mariachi, cumbia, and Latin jazz, can be found in the plaza or various restaurants.
Engaging with local families through homestays (if available) or family-run eateries local cultural exchange.
Sayulita Fest (February): A music, surf, and yoga festival. Fiestas Patrias (September): Mexican Independence Day celebrations.
Explore numerous galleries and artisan workshops. Learn about traditional Huichol beadwork or painting.
Take a cooking class to make authentic Mexican dishes, or join informal food tours to explore street food.
Immerse yourself by interacting with locals, supporting family-run businesses, and exploring community initiatives.
Sayulita offers many options for unwinding and focusing on well-being.
Several beachfront restaurants offer daybeds and lounge chairs with food and drink service. This allows for a relaxed day by the ocean.
Many hotels have pools for guest use, providing a refreshing alternative to the beach, often with poolside service.
Visit Playa los Muertos or Playa Malpaso for a more secluded and peaceful beach experience away from the main crowds.
Many bars and restaurants in the plaza and along the main beach feature live music, ranging from Mexican to reggae and Latin jazz. Some bars transform into lively dance spots, especially on weekends.
The area around the main plaza and along Calle Marlin forms the main concentration of bars. It is easy to walk between numerous establishments to sample different vibes.
Bars typically close around midnight or 1 AM on weekdays, extending to 2-3 AM on weekends. Casual late-night dining options, especially taco stands, remain open for late-night hunger.
Sayulita has unique shopping opportunities, from local crafts to boutique items.
Huichol art (ensure authenticity), hand-painted signs/decor, beachwear, surf-themed apparel, local coffee/chocolate, artisan jewelry.
Several boutique stores offer high-end clothing, resort wear, and unique home goods catering to an upscale clientele.
Prioritize buying from local artisans and independent shops. For Huichol art, look for certifications or purchase from established galleries directly with communities.
From handcrafted jewelry to textiles, discover unique items that capture Sayulita's artistic spirit.
Experience the Mercado del Pueblo for fresh produce and local crafts, or explore daily street vendor stalls for diverse goods.
Practice ethical shopping by supporting local artisans directly and avoiding aggressive bargaining.
Take a surf lesson on the main beach. Sayulita is a good place for beginners to learn, with many friendly instructors available. GetYourGuide is a platform to book experiences.
