Sayulita Travel Guide: 2 weeks turned 2 years in paradise
👋 Hola! My name is Trisha! This Sayulita travel guide is a culmination of my 2 years of living in Sayulita stint so I hope this helps you on your trip!
📬 Reader Mail: Hi Trisha! I see that you are currently in Mexico and I’ve looked all over for your Sayulita travel guide and didn’t see any. Are you still there?
I am planning to visit from San Diego in a month. I got a direct flight! Can you please recommend anything (place to stay, food, etc) in Sayulita? I hope you are going to be there when I arrive! I’d love to meet you!
– Christine Franklin, USA
I traveled here three years ago and never left. The vibe in Sayulita is so different that you barely can differentiate between traveling and living here – everyone knows each other. There is a deep desire to be involved in the community.
The bulk of my round-the-world travels involves living with local families, which I mostly did in South American countries like Colombia and Argentina. I also did a few in the Middle East where I stayed with a Jordanian family for 5 weeks to teach English.
When I first arrived in Mexico, my goal was to do more local content for my blog but the branding of my personal travel blog is way different than what I had in mind. In this blog post, I will try my best to explain everything you need to know about Sayulita and you can always reach out to me if you have any questions.
First, let’s answer all your burning questions about my home in Nayarit.
See also:
- How to get to Sayulita from Puerto Vallarta Airport in 6 ways
- First time visiting Sayulita? These super local tips will help!
- P.S. I’m On My Way’s absolute local things to do in Sayulita
- Sayulita solo travel safety, in the words of a local resident
- Working in bikini: the digital nomad guide to Sayulita Mexico
- The vibrant Sayulita nightlife: tips on where the cool kids hang out
💃🏽 Sayulita at a glance
- Currency: The currency in Mexico is called the New Mexican peso (MXN). As of 03 Feb 2020, US$1 = $20 MXN. The travel budget in Sayulita will be discussed in this article, too.
- Electricity socket: Mexico uses types A and B but in Sayulita, type A is more common. See all plug types here to know what to pack!
- Visa: Mexico is no longer giving 180 days visas so if your goal is to stay here for 6 months, that won’t be possible anymore.
- Wifi: The fastest speed of wifi in Sayulita is 20 MBPS for most Airbnbs. There are only a few establishments that have fiber-optic Internet. Unfortunately, Sayulita’s infrastructure is not yet ready for high-speed wifi.
✈️ Sayulita travel guide: trip planning
The busiest season in Sayulita is from October 15 – June 1. During this time, you will experience nice weather while enjoying the sun. This is actually the season when more Americans and Canadians come to Sayulita.
If you want fewer foreigners or tourists, come during the low season (June 1 – October 15) where most people in town are only locals. Expect extreme humid weather – the summer heat is unbearable here!
You can easily put $35 – $50 USD per day as your Sayulita travel budget, depending on the type of traveler that you are. Hostel costs are about $15 USD, Airbnbs at $35 USD (for 2 people), and hotels can be up to $45 USD.
Airbnb is the preferred way to book here as it really depends if you want simple accommodation or big villas with pools.
As for food, you can always get tacos (ehem) for as low as $1 USD. Restaurants range from $7 – $10 USD. If you’re staying in an accommodation with a kitchen (like a hostel or Airbnb), you can buy ingredients in the market for meals for as low as $100 MXN ($5 USD) per meal for 1 person.
There are many free things to do in Sayulita so you don’t have to worry about paying for tours. If you are to book tours, they usually start from $100 USD depending on the tour you want to avail. This is mostly for outdoor adventures like Monkey Mountain or surfing trips.
Transportation budget? Forget about it. Sayulita is a walking town so join the fun! If you are not a person who is not a fan of walking, you can rent a golf cart for $50 USD per day.
What to pack for Sayulita
Season-wise, there are only two in Sayulita: the low season which is summer (from June 1 to October 20th), and the high season which is winter (October 20th – May 30th). This is how we determine the seasons but it has nothing to do with the weather.
During the low season, 50% of the bars and restaurants close and you will only see locals. The high season starts from dia de los muertos, Christmas, New Year, etc).
Please note that you will only bring summer clothes during your vacation in Sayulita so if you can just travel with a backpack, that is going to be more convenient for you!
Best time to visit Sayulita
Before deciding when to visit Sayulita, please note that we have two seasons: high season and low season. We don’t have a shoulder season here but from the beginning of COVID, I realized that people are still visiting even during the low season.
High season (October 15 – June 21)
This is the high season in Sayulita when Canadians and Americans escape the harsh winter in their countries. High season starts during the week of dia de los muertos, a big holiday in Mexico. The weather starts to be cool (18 degrees celsius) with occasional rains. But the sun is always up! Everything is open and the town is busier.
If you are to travel to Sayulita at this time, you need to book your accommodation at least 3-6 months in advance since hotels in Sayulita get easily booked. As for COVID during high season, nobody really cares and everyone just ignores the number of COVID cases. Since Americans and Canadians love to go to Sayulita at this time, Mexico does not want to interrupt tourism so no COVID talks, lockdowns or closures.
Low season (June 21 – October 15)
Very very very hot. I’m not kidding. Last year, I stayed here in Sayulita all summer and suffered from the heat and humidity! This is a time when restaurants close for renovations and people who live in Sayulita travel.
50% of the bars and restaurants are closed not because of COVID but because it’s just… too hot. There aren’t a lot of people at this time anyway. Establishment owners also go to their second homes (either in the US or Europe where the weather is better).
I don’t recommend you to travel to Sayulita in this period because it will be very hard to find accommodations and restaurants with air conditioning. AC is still not very common in Sayulita. If you are easily irritated by heat, go another time!
How to get to Sayulita Mexico
The airport that serves Sayulita is Puerto Vallarta International Airport. From the airport, it will take you 40 minutes to an hour to get to Sayulita. The following airlines and destinations fly direct from the US to Puerto Vallarta:
- Austin: American Airlines, 2h 07m
- Charlotte: American Airlines, 4h 08m
- Chicago: American Airlines and United Airlines, 4h 05m
- Dallas: American Airlines, 2h, 32m
- Denver: Frontier Airlines, 3h 24m
- Detroit: Delta Airlines, 4h 13m
- Houston: United Airlines, 2h 27m
- Las Vegas: Frontier Airlines, 3h 13m
- Los Angeles: Alaska Airlines and American Airlines, 2h 59m
- Minneapolis: Delta Airlines, 4h 16m
- Phoenix: American Airlines, 2h 24m
- Portland: Alaska Airlines, 4h 53m
- San Diego: Alakas Airlines, 2h 52m
- San Francisco: Alaska Airlines, 3h 50m
- San Jose: Alaska Airlines, 3h 38m
You can take the bus outside Puerto Vallarta Internationational Airport. All you have to do is to cross the bridge and you will see the Compostela buses there that say “Sayulita.”
This costs $40 MXN ($2 USD est) and it will go directly to the bus station in Sayulita. The trip takes an hour and a half though Sayulita is only 40 minutes by private car.
Ubers are not allowed in Puerto Vallarta Airport so if you take a regular taxi inside, they will charge you at least $1,200 MXN ($58 USD).
🗺️ Sayulita map and layout
The thing with Sayulita hotels, Airbnbs or Vrbos, you won’t really know what the exact location’s like unless you’ve been to Sayulita.
Note that this is a hilly and jungly town – some pretty accommodations are way deep in the jungle or have very bad road conditions.
Let’s say you already found accommodation you like: my advice is to put the address on Google maps and then see how far it is from Sayulita plaza.
The plaza is the center of town and it’s probably the place you’ll frequent so it’s a great point of reference.
Most accommodations won’t show you the address unless the booking is already confirmed. Sayulita accommodations always have names in the format of “Casa ____” (i.e. Casa Iguana, Casa Vecino, Casa Rosa, etc).
These casas are usually on Google maps so if the casa name is available on the listing, put that on Google maps first then see directions to the plaza.
This way, you can be sure if you need a golf cart or if it’s within walking distance of everything you need. Accommodations like this can be very attractive online but know where it is located first!
I usually do consult calls with clients who are not sure which area of Sayulita to book. For example, my client last week has back problems and his wife booked a deep in the jungles where road conditions are not that good (for his back).
They did not know that it was going to be a big deal since the host did not say anything but for his condition, they needed to cancel and book another one.
Other things you might want to consider are if it’s accessible to families with children, wheelchairs, etc. If you want to be 100% sure about this, we can get on a consult call before you book – just contact me for a trip-planning service.
Getting around Sayulita
Sayulita is a small town so everything is walkable. If you are not a fan of walking, the most common mode of transport is the golf cart that you can rent per day.
This will not take you to nearby places like San Pancho, Punta Mita, etc. You can only use this within the town. I got a golf cart because it is really helpful, especially if you live here long-term!
Daily rental starts at $50 USD and can go up to $100 USD, depending on the size and capacity of the cart you are going to rent. Taxis are also available within the town but they are pretty expensive.
The Uber app functions in Sayulita but please take note that these rides can be very expensive. They’re cheaper than the normal Sayulita taxis, though.
For example, a ride with a normal taxi from Puerto Vallarta airport to Sayulita starts at $1,000 MXN ($50 USD) while Uber only charges between $500 – $700 MXN ($28 – $37 USD).
If you are coming from Sayulita, it can be a bit more complicated as fewer Uber drivers travel this route. In my experience, I always get lucky with Uber so give it a try!
If not, I have a trusted driver who takes my Airbnb guests around Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta. Get in touch with me and I’ll definitely hook you up!
Motorbikes are not a thing because there’s just too much liability attached to them. The motorbikes you see in Sayulita are not from rentals. They are modes of transportation by the locals.
There is no particular company renting motorbikes in Sayulita but when you arrive and meet people, you can easily ask them which local can rent you a bike for the day.
As for rental cars, there used to be a Budget to rent a car office in Sayulita but since 2020, I have not seen it operating.
Renting a car in Mexico is a little complicated for foreigners so make sure you read the guide in this website before you rent a car.
There are a lot of locals in Sayulita who rent their personal cars for $50 – $100 USD a day but you need to know these people. I have a local contact who has several cars – contact me for availability!
The Sayulita culture
Sayulita is a very small town but it is very family-oriented and you will see kids everywhere. The community here is very close-knit: Mexican families help design the town during major holidays like dia de los muertos.
Locals are very much involved in maintaining the “pueblo magico” vibe of Sayulita. There is a big population of American and Canadian ex-pats in Sayulita so don’t be surprised if you see a lot of gringos around town. Most of them permanently live here. 80% of the tourists are also Americans and Canadians.
Direct flights from the USA and CA are the reasons why Sayulita is a hotspot for the gringos.
The vibe in Sayulita is very laid back. You will see everyone walking on the streets (or on their golf carts) wearing bikinis and no flip flops.
Surfing culture is big, as Sayulita waves are very friendly to beginner (and professional) surfers.
🛏️ Sayulita hotels: where to stay
Sayulita is really expensive compared to most of Mexico. The influx of tourists has made prices increase over the years. In Sayulita, the majority of the tourists are Canadians.
In these strange times that we are living in, I noticed how travelers have changed the way they travel. Most of us prefer a minimum 2-week vacation and short-term vacation is decreasing.
Now that the US requires a COVID test for everyone entering the country from January 26, 2021, many Americans find a month-long vacation more practical.
Below are my top vacation home rentals in Sayulita that I’ve personally stayed in (or filmed for my project).
Foreigners who often visit Sayulita opt for Airbnbs but since I stopped supporting Airbnb this year, I will give you some recommendations on Sayulita hotels that are in good locations.
The problem with Airbnb is that they don’t disclose the hidden costs so you’ll end up paying for more. Again, if you need help in finding the best accommodations, just get in touch with me!
I am going to give you a quick background on the Sayulita neighborhoods. From here, you’ll get an idea of what to expect in each area.
- Northside: quieter side and more of a family area. This is where the big houses/villas are located. The beach is pretty quiet here, too.
- Southside: the Mexican neighborhood where the locals live. The Punta de Mita highway towards Sayulita is a local neighborhood. There are a few hotels here but not as popular with tourists.
- Jungle: if you’re staying here, you need a golf cart. It is quite a walk to and from town. This is where the fancy vacation villas in Sayulita are but they are away from the center.
- Center: This is where the action is and it can be loud if you stay in the plaza. Consider Niños Heroes Street – it is near the plaza but is still quieter than the center.
🌮 Best Sayulita restaurants
I love cooking but this little pueblo called Sayulita has a lot of food options to choose from. Ever since I moved here, I’ve been tempted to try all the best eats in Sayulita they’re very interesting and delicious.
Compared to the rest of Mexico, this town is a bit more expensive but even if I live here, it wouldn’t hurt to eat out every now and then. For a year living in Sayulita, I feel like it’s not enough time to try all the good restaurants but here are the ones I recommend you to visit when you’re in town!
Gloria’s Mexican-style breakfast
I go to Gloria’s when I am craving a big Mexican breakfast. They have this ‘bandeja paisa’ plate with beans, eggs, avocado, bread, rice, and meat of your choice. Mexicans like to have heavy breakfast so if you wake up with a hangover, Gloria’s is your place!
The owner (Gloria) is always there and she’s very accommodating to guests even if she does not speak English. Gloria’s restaurant is not on Google maps but it’s just right in front of Jhoul Foods (click for directions). The big breakfast plate that I always order is only for $100 MXN ($5 USD) and it can last me for two meals!
Sayulita Friday Market
Every Friday, Sayulita’s mercado del pueblo is open and there are lots of food options here. I make sure to have brunch here every week because you won’t see these guys often – they don’t have a permanent ‘puesto’ in town. My favorite in the mercado is the paella and the choripan (chorizo sandwich). You can also buy artisanal bread, farm-produced fruits, vegetables, spices, etc if you want to keep some for your home cooking.
Chilaqueen: street food stall
Marcela and I met at a random Mexican party in Sayulita and that’s when I got to know about her chilaquiles food cart. She is a licensed lawyer from Mexico City and decided to leave her job to live a simple life in Sayulita. She opened Chilaqueen, which is a food cart with tables and chairs on the streets and she makes the best chilaquiles!
Be careful though, she does not adjust the spice level for her clients. She believes that when you come to Mexico, you need to adapt to how the Mexicans eat and cook. Spicy food is very iconic in Mexico but I’m sure she’ll adjust it for you if you ask nicely.
La Fogonera: best burger in Sayulita
Tamara, Radaii, and Jenny are professional chefs who left their life in Veracruz, Mexico to travel with their food truck. On their travels, they came across Sayulita, loved it, and never left.
Their burgers are really cheap but it’s very filling. I remember one time I visited them and they did not have artisanal bread – Tamara told me that she was only using the normal Bimbo burger buns that day and she refused to sell me any.
They always strive to serve the best food and this is what I really like about them. They are also so warm, humble hard workers – I hope you can support them!
Local tip: After your sumptuous burger, make sure to order churros for desserts. It’s a big plate for sharing and it’s the best churros in town!
🍸 Best Sayulita bars
Yambak
If you’re a beer fan, then Yambak’s is your place (like everyone else). Their beers are more expensive than other bars because they have their own brewery inside the bar but I would honestly pay $60 – $80 MXN ($3 – $4 USD approx) for a pint of good beer.
Yambak is also in front of the plaza so it’s a good place to meet people. Their seating arrangement (standing, rather) makes people gather and mingle the entire night.
Bar Don Pato
I remember being at Don Pato every day during my first month in Sayulita. This is where everyone ends up at night because something is happening nightly! If you are out of options and looking for something to do after midnight, Don Pato is your place!
Le Zouave
Zouave is a little nook in between Yambak and Cava. You won’t miss it because of its loud red and Moroccan-like structure. It looks like an upper-class bar but most people who hang out here are expats. Zouave has a nice set-up inside but they also have high tables and chairs and outside for people watching.
El Barrilito
Let’s call Barrilito the chill version of Yambak. It has a very similar set-up as they are on the same street but Barrilito is way smaller. People come here any time of the day because their seats are arranged in a way that enables you to people watch. This is located in a very busy street in Sayulita (literally in front of the plaza) so you won’t miss it.
Bar Escondido
Escondido means “hidden” in Spanish. Surely, Bar Escondido fits that branding. Located in the steep streets of Gringo Hill, Bar Escondido is one of those bars that are always there but you won’t feel that they’re there.
Sometimes, you’ll feel that socialization is too much and yet you have the urge to drink – Bar Escondido’s is definitely the right place for that mood.
🎉 🥳 Bonus: Use the code PSIMONMYWAY10 upon checkout for a 10% discount on all the local things to do in Sayulita!
🏄♀️ Things to do in Sayulita
Watch the sunset at Carricitos beach
Carricitos is my favorite beach in Sayulita and I come here every day with my dog, Lola. It’s quite a hike to get there – if you are walking from the center of Sayulita town, it can take you 20-30 minutes depending on your speed.
The walk is a canopy forest where you can see hundreds of fireflies during its season (August-September). Swimming in Carricitos is possible but waves can get really aggressive, most days, out of nowhere. This beach is not necessarily for good swimmers.
There are days when the tide is low and everyone can enjoy a dip. However, be mindful of certain conditions. I had a bad experience here when one person I know almost drowned but don’t let this discourage you. Sitting by the beach and bringing beers is your thing if you don’t want to swim.
Take surfing lessons
Surfing is one of the best things to do in Sayulita. In fact, some people come to town only for surfing! When I came here in May, it was the best time to learn as the waves are really low and are perfect for beginners. Most of my friends who tried it the first time were able to ride right away.
These waves are really friendly! There are many surf schools in Sayulita but they are pretty expensive. It can cost up to $35 per hour. In my case, I took surf lessons with a young Mexican guy who works at the beach.
He’s not a teacher but he is very good at it so I casually asked him if he can teach me some longboard techniques.
Just for fun, he agreed without even asking me for a fee! Of course, I still paid him at a minimum amount but if you don’t want to pay for expensive surf lessons in Sayulita and still want to learn with a teacher, make friends with the locals at the beach.
Private breakfast at a local’s home
My friend Macarena, who is a chef from Argentina is one of those people who opened her home to tourists by providing private breakfast.
This experience is not only about food but Macarena also shares some insider tips about the beauty of living in Sayulita.
You will get a full-service breakfast at a local’s home – it’s the best way to get to know the Sayulita lifestyle.
Get a home service massage at your accommodation
I should tell you this now but massages are expensive in Sayulita. They’re all at $600 MXN ($30 USD) per hour but they are all pretty good.I can recommend a massage parlor by the beach that does deep tissue massage – just get in touch with me and I’ll connect you to them with a special price!
Tequila or mezcal tasting
Sayulita is very close to the birthplace of tequila. The town is actually called Tequila in the state of Jalisco.
The tequila in Mexico is not the same as the ones you have back home and David is the most reliable and genuine person to tell you about tequila and mezcal! He recently finished a certification in mixology and now opened his own tasting business in Sayulita.
💰 Money and costs
The currency in Mexico is called the Mexican peso (MXN). $1 USD = $18.67 MXN. To understand this conversion, I’m going to give you an idea about some basic prices:
- Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the center: $11 USD
- 1 cocktail drink in a downtown club: $5 USD
- 1 beer in neighborhood pub (500ml or 1pt.): $1.87 USD
- Cappuccino in a specialty coffee shop: $4 USD
- 1 package of Marlboro cigarettes: $3.50 USD
Money exchange: does Sayulita accept USD?
Money exchange in Sayulita is very low. If you google USD to MXN, the conversion rate is $1 USD = between $18 – $19 MXN. However, if you exchange US dollars or Canadian dollars in Sayulita, they do it for only $16 MXN per USD or $14 MXN per CAD.
I don’t really recommend that you exchange money here in Sayulita because you will lose a lot but in case of an emergency, most stores (mini tiendas) give you better rates. There is a money exchange house near the plaza but as I said, their rates are very low.
If you will arrive at Sayulita from Puerto Vallarta, it is better to exchange money in Vallarta. It’s a big city with malls and lots of money exchange houses (casa de cambio) so you’ll get better rates there.
Banks and ATMs in Sayulita
There are lots of ATM machines all over town but depending on your bank, these machines charge from $5 – $7 USD withdrawal fees.
There is a big bank near the Sayulita town entrance that only charges $3 USD per withdrawal but it’s quite a walk from town (about 15 . minutes from the plaza). This bank is right next to Saint Luke’s Medical Center and Sayulita Fit in Avenida Revolucion.
Credit/debit cards
Sayulita is still a little backward in terms of the use of credit/debit cards so make sure you have cash when you come. Most restaurants and convenience stores accept credit/debit cards, however, small shops and restaurants still operate in cash. Some will even charge you 3% for paying with a credit card!
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory in Sayulita but it is very much encouraged. I live here but I still tip. Mexican salary is very low so most workers are dependent on tips. Imagine, some servers only earn $200 MXN ($10 USD) for 8 hours of work! 10% is the most decent tip but if you liked the service, feel free to give more.
✨ Useful Sayulita travel tips
The cheapest and best fruit and vegetable store is Carolina’s
I exclusively just go to Carolina’s because their fruits and vegetables are good and new. Not only that – for some reason, they are the cheapest vegetable place in town! I also can request special vegetables here (like Asian squash). One time, I asked them why they don’t sell this kind of squash (Mexico only uses the zucchini) and the owner told me he can get it for me with 2 days’ notice!
Change your USD in this store
There is a money exchange center in Sayulita but the rates are so low I don’t really exchange USD there. I change my USD in a store called Jhoul Foods. I used to live next to this store and got to know the owner. He gives me a better USD exchange rate to peso so make sure you are friendly enough so he’ll give you better rates!
Best places to buy alcohol in Sayulita
I have two favorite places to buy beers in town because they’re cheaper. One is Camacho’s, which is in the southern part of town (at Niños Heroes Street). For the northerners, buy your beers at Chewbacca. Camachos and Chewbaccas are not big places but are mini-markets. They are what we call “mini super tienda” in Mexico.
Best ATMs in Sayulita
The best place to take cash is at the Intercam bank, the only bank in Sayulita. Everyone goes there to take cash so I can’t really guarantee there will always be cash available. Another good ATM machine is inside Don Pedro’s restaurant. They have two cash machines there that dispense Mexican pesos and USD. It’s also a very safe place to withdraw since it’s inside the restaurant. You can withdraw there even at night!
Be careful when swimming
Just last week, I faced a very terrifying experience when one of the girls I went to Carricitos Beach with almost drowned. We were watching her from the shore and couldn’t do anything about it. The waves were pretty strong and none of us couldn’t get to her. Good thing a lad from Seattle bravely (and greatly) swam the strong waters to get to her. It was terrifying!
Never leave your bags unattended, but you actually can
This is a protocol everywhere and I usually put it in all of my solo travel articles. But honestly, in Sayulita, I am not hyper-vigilant with my things because I know everyone already. And you probably will after a week of being out and about.
Calle Gaviota (where the Kiosko is) is one of the sketchiest streets in Sayulita
Personally, I never avoided this street because the locals here already know me. I can also handle myself well when it comes to the people living here as I am fluent in Spanish. However, I passed with some girls here one time and they did not feel comfortable with the guys standing in the dark, offering drugs.
Major holidays in Sayulita
Below is a list of major holidays in Mexico where people flock the coast. Please note that in these holidays, Airbnb/hotel prices are double so if you plan to travel Sayulita in this season(s), make sure to book your accommodations in advance!
Based on experience, these are the holidays where I saw Sayulita holding more people than it can. This is a small town so it gets easily crowded during the holidays.
- Dia de los Muertos (day of the dead): From October 29 – November 2, Sayulita holds a major celebration for the day of the dead. There will be parades, parties in the plaza til 5am, and huge crowds on the streets.
- Christmas/New Year: from December 20th until January 2nd, people from all over the world visit Sayulita to spend Christmas and New Year. Tourists usually book in advance so if you are planning to visit Sayulita on these dates, plan ahead.
- Holy Week (Semana Santa): depending on the holy week dates of the year (usually March or April), semana santa draws crowds from Guadalajara and Mexico City. It’s better to travel to cities in this period because everyone’s on the coast!
- Mexican Independence Day: Mexicans love to celebrate and we all know that. September 15 is Mexico’s Independence Day and no matter what day of the year it falls, it is always a holiday.
What’s next after Sayulita?
Sayulita is a small town and many people get hooked on staying here long-term. However, if you want to explore more of its neighbors, here are some recommended trips after your vacation in Sayulita:
- San Pancho: Just 15 minutes away from Sayulita is San Pancho, a small town with the same vibe but more mellow. San Pancho is usually known as a hippie town with lots of artisanal stores and vegan restaurants. The beach is less crowded and lots of surfers love the waves here.
- Puerto Vallarta: When you’re sick of the beach town life, Puerto Vallarta is just an hour away from Sayulita. This city is very modern with shopping malls, lots of restaurant options, and all-inclusive resort stays.
- Chacala: An hour south of Sayulita, Chacala is another less popular beach town. Can’t tell you much about it but I will write a blog post when I visit!
- Lo de Marcos: 20 minutes away from Sayulita, this beach town is not yet popular with tourists but is very limited in terms of restaurants and nightlife. It’s a good place if you want to disconnect for a few days!
⁉️ Sayulita Frequently Asked Questions
✈️ Ready for your trip to Sayulita? This blog thrives on reader questions so feel free to ask questions about Sayulita travel by using the comment box below. You can also sign up for 1-on-1 coaching with me if you need more help!
🇲🇽 Sayulita Travel Planning
🚑 Do I need insurance to travel to Sayulita Mexico?
Yes, you do! This is the number one requirement when traveling to Mexico. I use SafetyWing and I only pay $40 USD per month for my digital nomad travel insurance!
✈️ Where can I find cheap flights to Sayulita?
You can find cheap flights to Sayulita Mexico by using WayAway. This is my current flight search favorite and I have proven that flights on this website are way cheaper!
🛏️ Where can I find cheap hotels in Sayulita?
Budget travelers, use Hostelworld when looking for accommodations in Japan. A bed in a hostel dorm starts at $25 USD per night. Booking.com is best for boutique hotels while you will find many luxury hotels on Expedia.
🚕 How do I get to Sayulita from Puerto Vallarta Airport?
You can book with a local driver here for as low as $69 USD! Use my code PSIMONMYWAY10 to get a 10% discount upon checkout.
Sayulita’s Junto al Rio refuses to return all my booking money, insisting on pocketing 20%. My stay was to begin April 2. The coronovirus forced this cancellation; American Airlines is refunding all my money.
Is there a way to shame or force Sayulita lodgers from profiteering from this calamity?
Romey Glenn
Did you book via Airbnb? I am an Airbnb host and they have rules on cancellations. I easily refunded all the guests (without even touching the money, Airbnb does it all). It depends on where you booked it but you should be able to get a 100% refund because of Coronavirus.
First of all, Wow what an amazing post! secondly i love that there is something for everyones budget here! that’s so important. I would love to visit mexico it looks so beautiful. The way you explain the culture makes me more eager than ever to visit! thanks for sharing this amazing post.. Plus the doggy is super cute too 😉
Thanks a lot! If you ever come to Sayulita, let me know!
I love walkable cities with delicious food choices so Sayulita sounds great! It seems like the town has a really good vibe too. Good to know about not traveling there between August and October. I don’t handle the heat that well and would hate to visit somewhere if most places are closed! I hope to explore more of Mexico so I will have to add Sayulita to my list.
People have second homes so they leave because they can’t take the heat! November is the best time to go. Right now, we are experiencing jacket weather! Hope you can come down to Sayulita!
Ahhh I love Mexico, but have never made it to this area! Might have to add it to my bucket list for next year!
People always go to the south so if you have the chance, come a little bit north and let me know if you are in Sayulita!
This is just an amazing place to visit. Mexico, reading all that I come across , would be in my plans for not too distant future. But the best comprehensive piece of information is right here to plan out a trip. Thanks Trisha for that. What draws my attention is the fact that this place Sayulita is not too costly at all. The food option seems great with the Pizzas and Chicken mole making me hungry. A great post which I loved going through.
Again a well detailed with lots of insider info about a place. You said you arrived here and then never left, so I was curious as a reader are you native of this place because you did mention that u have an air BnB too. If you are, i would say you are indeed fortunate to stay in such lively and warm vibes emanating place in this world
It was good to read that there are many ways to explore Sayulita. A golf cart is always fun. I got very hungry reading about all the great places to eat. And so many veggie options too! I am a beach girl. But the summer temps may be too hot for even me!
Ive never heard about Sayulita before but this place looks so perfect! Amazing beach, delicious food, many wonderful activities and great people! I am dreaming to visit Mexico one day and I will definitely add Sayulita to my list! Great photos !
I’m always so happy to learn about new cities to explore in Mexico! Sayulita looks like a dream. I would love to visit as soon as I can. Thank you for the beautiful photos and new bucket list item!
Wow! This a thorough guide Trisha! I miss Mexico everyday and Sayulita looks like the perfect place to recapture the magic of your amazing country. The food photos alone are enough to make me want to jump on a plane now and visit…hopefully we can all do such things again soon.
As I read this article, I wrote “Sayulita, Mexico” down on a post-it note and left it on my boyfriends work desk… he’s a surfer and I love exploring new cultures so I think this just might be our next travel destination! You are so kind to offer discounts, information and a contact. Also, thank you for describing the culture of this place. I feel that many travel blogs focus on the destinations and what there is to do, but not as much on the people, which for me is a huge part. Definitely saved this post, thank you!
Sayulita is on my list! I hope to visit it during my next Mexico trip. It’s great that you provide tips on how to travel during the pandemic time, that you give hints about all restrictions. I like places with a vibrant vibe. It’s great that people know each other and the atmosphere is so friendly. Carricitos beach looks fabulous. I would also like to try surfing.
Wow, your home Sayulita is truly a gorgeous place, and yes that is because of all the people!
I enjoyed reading your travel guide, it is very informative and even mentioning the small details like how much is the regular beer. You are awesome Tricia! Also, the name Sayulita is so beautiful, like a girl’s name 🙂
Thanks for the comprehensive writeup! The streets look so vibrant and the food looks amazing. It’s so interesting that golf carts can be used as a form of transport here too!
The golf cart looks like fun! I’m glad I came across your blog because we are coming to Mexico next year. Although, I was sad to read that people aren’t wearing face masks or social distancing. I hope this improves, so our trip doesn’t get postponed again.
Sayulita sounds like an interesting town, but I agree with you, it’s more for young people. From your story about the people and the town, and the pictures, I can feel the laidback vibes in this town. I’m drooling seeing the pizza and the beach.
I love Mexico (lived in Mazatlan 2x and spent last winter in Baja) and as someone who’s considering going back this winter, I found this real-time info VERY helpful. Mexican culture is incredible social (and that’s what we love about it) but that’s so tricky right now. Good for you reaching out the gov about masks and also not participating in the gatherings, that’s a start! I’ve been to Sayulita and it is indeed the lovely place you’ve painted it to be. If I come, I will bring a negative covid test 🙂
Hi, this is a really good update – especially coming from a local. I’ve been curious about the masks and such in Mexico and I did not know the rules varied in different locations. Thanks for taking the time to let us know all know:) NIkki
It is good that you compiled a complete Salylita travel guide post covid. As Mexico is on my bucket list on my upcoming trip and so is Sayulita then this post is very helpful to me. I love sunsets at beach and so as per your recommendations watching sunset at your faovirte beach Carricitos in Sayulita would be my choice too. I am feeling hungry after having a look of Mary’s traditional Mexican meal and I love Mexican meals because they are with full of veggies and spices.
Thank you for an incredible guide. We were still on the fence about booking a trip but decided to go for it after reading this! We can’t wait to visit!
We just booked a flight to PV and plan to stay in Sayulita August 9-21. Are we crazy to be going to Sayulita then considering the heat, rain and humidity?
Hey Dylan, it’s going to be really hot and rainy but you can still enjoy Sayulita at this time – we have so many beaches!
Hi! We are traveling to Sayulita from August 8th to the 14th, any suggestions for where to go/hike/eat/surf, during that time since it sounds like we’re going when it’s not recommended (oops!) and most places will be closed? Any offseason/rainy season recommendations would be amazing! Also, are there intermittent rainstorms during that time, or is it a nonstop downpour all day?
Hi!
I lived your article and found it to be super helpful! I am planning to stay Dec 29-Jan 10, I booked an Airbnb. I read the reviews and it’s close to the beach and town. I would like to get your input on it and what New Years celebrations that might be taking place there as well.
Thank you!
Hey Kari! Glad you are going to visit Sayulita! It’s the summer season now so half the town is closed. Everyone’s out of Sayulita! I myself went to La Paz Baja California for the summer. We can talk again in October closer to your trip date. But don’t worry about the holidays – you will enjoy Sayulita for sure! Feel free to e-mail me closer to your travel date. X
Trisha your content and advice is great. I am wondering if you hire / contract to plan vacations from the destination, being Sayulita this time around? Please let me know if you do!
Jordan, thank you for being here! I don’t think I understand the question? You can e-mail me at trisha[at]psimonmyway[dot]com. Let’s chat!
Awesome guide as always! I feel like I do not need to go elsewhere. This is so complete and more honest than other blogs about Sayulita. Can you please help me in booking the breakfast with local? I would like to support local Sayulita people. Muchos gracias
Trish, your blogs about Sayulita have been incredibly helpful. I have never read a blog like this about Sayulita that is this specific. All the other Sayulita blogs I saw online are very generic. So thank you! My husband and I are coming to Sayulita. We would like to rent a surfboard, get massages, and do the temazcal. Can you recommend the local tours? We are fans of supporting local so thank you for what you do. If you are in Sayulita, we would also love to take you out for dinner!
I am currently in Baja California since it’s too hot on the coast! I am sure you will be back in Sayulita and no, I should be the one taking you to dinner! Enjoy Sayulita, Linda!
Trisha,
I found the information in your blog very useful how can I reach you outside this blog? My wife and and I would like to ask some additional questions regarding a long term stay in Sayulita. Our next visit to Sayluita will be October 28th.
Thank you,
Scott
Sure! You can go to my contact page: https://www.psimonmyway.com/contact
hi trish, thanks for your comprehensive post on sayulita!
do you know any permaculture inspired places to work/stay near a beach with longboard surfing waves ?
(preferably sandy beach, not rocks) am looking to travel nov 2021-feb 2022.
thanks, evita
I am so much interested in Sayulita now! Thanks for the information especially about the people and culture. It is indeed important for me to get along well with the community, that’s why I always wanted to stay in an Airbnb. We just recently stayed in Santa Fe for vacation and we are in so much happiness whenever we are in Mexico. Our next trip hopefully is to Sayulita, and I hope we can use your tips.
Hi Trisha! Thank you sooo much for your extensive and so very informative blog. This is going to be so helpful as my fiance and I will be in Sayulita next week. Yayyy!! We needed to get a driver from PV airport to Sayulita and I read that you had a driver. May I please have their information? Thank you so much! You are very appreciated! <3
We are not scheduled to go to Sayulita until June this year but I keep coming back to this post for planning. I am reading each part carefully because they are all helpful. We already booked tours with your local guides as well as our airport transfer from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita. Thank you for all that you do! This is truly a public service!
Hi Trisha!
My girlfriend and I are planning a trip to Sayulita in January, and I’ve enjoyed reading your articles about the town. Your very comprehensive travel guide is one of the reasons we chose to visit Sayulita. That being said, my girlfriend and I found a lot of posts (mostly on Reddit and TripAdvisor) about Sayulita Sickness and/or Norovirus, even after the sewage system was fixed. What’s your honest opinion on the likelihood of getting sick while in Sayulita? Your thoughts would be very much appreciated. It’s hard to get a read on the situation online.
I also want to ask you about Juan’s airport taxi service. Does he exclusively transport to/from Sayulita, or will he also go to other nearby towns? We plan to start our vacation in Sayulita and then spend a couple of nights in San Pancho before heading home. Would he be able to take us to the airport from San Pancho?
Thanks!
I emailed you about coming to Sayulita with my fiancé Julia on our honeymoon this next May (14th-21st). Would love to hear what you can offer in planning wise and how much it will cost. All we have done so far is book a house for us to stay in. It was quite expensive, but would be willing to hear what you have to offer!
We have a group of 4 coming to Sayulita for 5 days and then Puerto Vallarta 2 days. I have read to book a car for the drive to Sayulita, but most only seat 3? Any options you know of? Also, have you used My Day Trip?
My husband and I are planning to visit Sayulita next year (or so). When you described the jungle area as not being walkable to the town, how far is it? We are older, but fit and walk 4+ miles a day. Also do you know anything about Rincón de Guayabitos? It is another city (town) that has been recommended.
Hi Lynette! The jungle area is walkable (about 40 minutes) but depends on the time of the year. Summers are really hot and humid so I don’t recommend walking that far. For Rincon de Guayabitos and Los Ayala content, you can check my Mexico blog: https://www.mexicoinsider.mx/.
Hi & thanks for all this great info! I did take your advice on reserving a ride from PV to Sayulita using the local car service (Juan, I think). Since I booked them, I haven’t heard recieved a confirmation email or been able to locate any contact info for them. Any chance you have a way for me to get in touch? Thanks so much! – Caroline
hi! I’d love the name of your driver if you don’t mind sharing!