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Trip Report
Two Months in Sayulita, Nayarit, Mexico
Known for its beaches, nightlife, and colorful streets, the small magical surf town of Sayulita is perfect for any kind of trip. Family weekend stays or solo digital nomad extended stays are welcomed!
North AmericaMexico43 days / July - August 2022
Highs & Lows
The perfect spot for surfers of all skill set. Waves for beginners and more advanced surfers can't be beat
Very hot and humid in summer - The beginning of August is low tourist season & hurricane season but that makes it better!
Itinerary Overview
As a digital nomad, Sayulita is the perfect spot to take a break from traveling and stay a while. After landing in Puerto Vallarta airport, I booked a taxi through Selina hostel from the airport to Sayulita for 1,400 pesos. (The bus only costs around 60 pesos!)
Accommodation:
- Selina Hostel
- 8 person shared room
- 6+ weeks
Selina Hostel Sayulita played a big part in the love I have for this town. Known by many to be a nicer chain of hostels, this place is perfect for the mix of people who stay. Families, couples, and solo travelers make up the diverse space, and it's not your typical cheap backpacker party hostel (there are parties in the restaurant attached to Selina though!) The coworking space brings in many digital nomads of all ages. At about $22 per night for a shared room, this place and the community that comes with it can't be beat!
Check out the NaviSavi Sayulita playlist here! https://qa--navisaviweb.netlify.app/playlist/729
Sayulita Only an hour drive from Puerto Vallarta airport, it was the cheapest flight ticket I could find! :)
This really is the perfect place to spend months on end. Known by the name "STAYulita", people consistently come and never want to leave (I've heard it's because of the crystal rocks buried underneath the town). The town has a vibe to it that no one can really pinpoint, and it may partly be because of how drastically different it is from daytime to nighttime.
Daytime - Green juices, surfing, yoga, wellness
Nighttime- nightlife, 2x1 drinks, drag shows, and some things that should just be left unmentioned
If you're in it for the surfing / beaches
- Sayulita's main beach is the most popular spot for all things beach and surfing. Although it does get very crowded with chairs, umbrellas, and children, it's a great spot to take easy surf lessons or sit back with a book and watch the sunset/surfers.
- La Lancha - Great waves without the crowd. About a 20 minute ride each way with a 10 minute hike through the jungle carrying your surfboard, this beach is by far a lot less crowded. Easily book a 4 hour trip through Selina Hostel, Marea Surf School, or one of the many surf shops in town for 400-500 pesos ($20-$25)
- There's a couple of other beaches anywhere from a 20-40 minute hike away which are very easily accessible. If you're up for a hike in the heat, ask the locals for their favorite spot!
Food!
- Starting off with breakfast, Chocobanana is always a fan favorite. Coffee, great morning breakfast and lunch, and most importantly their famous chocolate covered bananas! It would be a crime to leave this town without trying one out.
- Anchor Cafe is another favorite. With a couple of tables for working, the atmosphere of this place is comfortable and productive with great food.
- Yah-Yah Cafe hands down has the best chai, cinnamon rolls and avocado toast in town. Also a great place to work while enjoying some food, this place can't be missed
- Smoothie / Juice Stand - There's a spacial place in everyone's heart here for Marta's smoothie stand. Right across from Tequila El Berrinche near the beach, you can get amazing home made smoothies for only 40 pesos! ($2)
Lunch / Dinner
- Mary's is basically famous around here. Whenever someone new rolls into town, the first place recommended to them is always Mary's tacos. Cheap and delicious, it should definitely be the first place you try here.
- Barracuda (The one on the beach) has the absolute best seafood in town for super cheap! As an added bonus, it's right on the beach. How could it get any better than that?
- Street Tacos - Yum! With all of the amazing street taco options, its hard to go wrong. A fan favorite throughout the town is Tacos Al Pastor.
- Organi-k - the perfect spot for yummy poke bowls
- Public House - great food with an amazing spot upstairs for people watching throughout the plaza
- Coatl Pizza - A little outdoor spot, the owner fire cooks the pizza right infant of you! Definitely get a bunch to share with friends. You'll want to try them all out! Best pizza spot in town.
Bars
- YamBak is a great spot for a beer or 2x1 margs on a Tuesday. With all of their beers being brewed in house, it's a great place to check out in the afternoon or when it gets more crowded at night
- The Garden Selina - Wednesday salsa night, Thursday karaoke, Friday drag show. Do I even have to say more?
- Lucid - Chill spot close to the beach with great moscow mules
- Advice? If you're looking for some nightlife in Sayulita, you'll be able to find it any night of the week. Simply ask around or take a walk in the plaza and follow the music. There's too many great bars and spots to even mention!
Q & A
What would you have changed?
Because I didn't do much research before I got here, not only was I unaware that I was coming during the hottest time of the year, but also that I was coming during hurricane and low tourist season. I personally wouldn't change a single thing about my trip, but if you're looking to go during the high season and don't want to be absolutely dripping in sweat or rain the ENTIRE time, go during October, NovemberAnything go wrong during the trip?
Not yet! (Fingers crossed)Tips you would give a friend?
CASH CASH CASH!!! There are hardly any places around here that take card. Make sure you go to your local bank before you get here and exchange as much dollars for pesos as possible to avoid pesky ATM feesPacking tips?
Don't underestimate how hot and humid it is here during the summer. You don't need that pair of jeans you're thinking of bringing, I promise.Transportation Tips?
Take the bus!!! If you're solo traveling you may feel more comfortable getting a taxi from the airport to Sayulita like I did, but once you get used to the area I would recommend taking the bus back to the airport when leaving to avoid the expensive taxi fees.Any surprises?
Just due to my lack of research before arriving in the town I planned on staying in for two months. Also, the fact that everyone gets sick here from the food at least once (it's a right of passage...just go with it)Booking details?
Fly into Puerto Vallarta and book Selina! :)
Lodging
Selina Hostel 8 person shared room 6+ weeks Selina Hostel Sayulita played a big part in the love I have for this town. Known by many to be a nicer chain of hostels, this place is perfect for the mix of people who stay. Families, couples, and solo travelers make up the diverse space, and it's not your typical cheap backpacker party hostel (there are parties in the restaurant attached to Selina though!) The coworking space brings in many digital nomads of all ages. At about $22 per night for a shared room, this place and the community that comes with it can't be beat!