The Colorful, The Chic, The Inspirational
Sayulita
Welcome to Sayulita
Discover one of Mexico's most intriguing little towns located just off the beaten path of Puerto Vallarta. The village-like town is small, giving it quaint & cozy feelz while still offering dozens of shops, restaurants, entertainment ideas & fiestas for everyone.
The Bus Ride
Don't be frightened, its great! Although trying to write an article on the bus is darn near impossible with all the bumps & stops along the way, the experience is a must. Public transportation in Puerto Vallarta is completely safe & Sayulita is just a short hour ride away, costing less than 50 pesos.
Tip: One of the easiest pick up locations from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita is at the Walmart/Sam's bus stop located next to Gallerias Shopping Mall. Look for the white bus that will park at the north end of the bus stop area with the destinations posted 'Mezcals', 'Sayulita', 'Bucerias' & 'Mega'. Confirm with your driver the bus will be going all the way to Sayulita upon entering. The bus comes roughly every half hour & will drop you off at a bus parking area at the beginning of the town, running until around 11 pm.
Seniors & children: Sometimes the bus can be bumpy & if full, it may be best to wait for another bus to come along. It's difficult for seniors & children to hold on while standing on a crowded bus. Note that it gets sunny & hot on the west side of the bus in the afternoon, so be sure to be thoughtful when choosing a seat.
And don't forget to stop at the first churro stand on the way for the BEST churro's you can find in Mexico for only 5 pesos!
Quick Packing Tips
For a day trip to Sayulita you don't need to bring much because you can buy almost anything there, however getting cash from the ATM's isn't always as easy. Here's a few things to make sure to bring with you on your day trip:
- Cell Phone
- ~4,000 pesos
- Toilet Paper
- Wet Wipes
- Chapstick
- Hair Tie
- Bathing Suit
- Towel
- Headphones
- Pen/Notebook
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Travel Pack
- Hand Fan
- Sunscreen
- Bug Repellent
- H2O
- Change Purse
- Wallet
- Hand Sanitizer
- Eye Drops
- Chargers
- Batteries
- Tripod
- Camera
- Light Sweater
The Festivals
Every day brings festivals, fiestas & always tons of shopping in this hip little village. Sayulita hosts one of the most incredible parties each year known as Festival Sayulita, providing 5 days of concerts, drinks & artistic entertainment for a low price. Thousands of people come from all over the world to experience this unforgettable festival.
Tip: hotels usually book quickly so book way in advance. For more information on Festival Sayulita or other upcoming events in the area, click here.
The Hippie Market
Some of the best shopping in Sayulita is done at the Hippie Market, found at the beginning of the town just before the bridge. There you can find arts, crafts, street foods & farmers markets packed out with travelers from all over the world.
The Surfing
Sayulita is also known as the best hippie-chic surfer spot in Mexico. Surfers & enthusiasts come from all over the world to spend days, weeks or months in Sayulita, living the beach life during the day & the bar scene at night.
Tip: Expect crowded beaches! Best to get there early.
The Shopping
Each adorable little shop offers hundreds of unique items from hand-made art to home-stitched clothing, most authentically made right here in Mexico. As this small town continues to grow, other artists flock from around the world to display their talents & pieces to all to come to experience Sayulita.
Tip: Bring at least 4,000 pesos with you so you can relax, do some shopping & have a snack or cold beer without worrying about no ATM's around! Negotiations are possible, but keep in mind this is how these people make a living, and they work very hard on their crafts, so don't be shy to give them what they are worth.
The Food
There are several restaurants offering all types of cuisine available in Sayulita. Experience a rustic style beach front atmosphere, a chic air-conditioned bar or a hipster vegan or smoothie bar on just about every corner.
Tip: Most of the restaurants and bars only accept cash, so be sure to bring enough in pesos. The myth about the bacteria in the ice is just that - a myth. Have fun, let loose & make sure to try some shrimp ceviche!
More photos to inspire you to #DiscoverSayulita
Thank you for reading!
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