5 Days in Sayulita, Mexico | January 2022

OPTIMAL TIMES OF YEAR FOR THIS ITINERARY: October through March

A quaint beach town about an hour south of Puerto Vallarta. Felt like an interesting blend of half locals and half expats. Beach vibes with a more legit Mexico feel. All of the recommendations listed below (and extra bonus ones) are pinned in this interactive google map!
Blue = food, Green = activity, Yellow = lodging.

What to Eat

Healthy breakfast / lunch: Amenecer Juice Bar & Coffee. Little hole in the wall with the best acai bowls I’ve ever had. I still dream about them.

Tacos & burritos: Hands down Fridas.

What to Do

Beach, beach, & jungle hikes to the beach! The secret to Sayulita beaches is that the town beach is convenient, but the truly beautiful, clean, & breathtaking white sand beaches are all a short walk/hike away. See green pins on map for a full list of recommended beaches. My top recommendations are:

• Playa Carrecitos: Here, you'll find huge waves and it's very possible that you'll be alone on this wild, windswept beach. There are homes here but most are well hidden in the wooded hills above the water. There are almost always waves to bodysurf at this beach. Use extreme caution swimming here as there can be large, powerful waves at times. Directions: Starting at the Playa de Los Muertos side of the cemetery, follow the dirt road into the jungle and take the second right turn. This is a 20 minute up and downhill walk. From the Sayulita plaza, take Av. Revolucion past El Espresso, then the first right and follow straight for about ½ a mile. The road turns sharply to the right and up a short hill where it turns left and splits. Go straight and the track will start downhill and soon enters the jungle. (Take the right fork and follow the road for outstanding views of Sayulita and the bay; 5 minute detour). Take the first left turn for Playa Carricitos. From the plaza it is a 40 minute up and downhill walk.

• Playa Malpaso: These beaches are to the north of Sayulita and offer privacy, jungle hikes, white sand, and beautiful clear water. Two miles north (to the right when facing the sea) of Sayulita, surrounded by rocky cliffs, this tiny horseshoe-shaped bay is perfect for lovers. Pay close attention to the tide so that you do not get washed away. Access is by a path through the jungle. Directions: As Sayulita's main beach ends and before the house built into the small headland, walk inland along the right-hand side of the arroyo (river valley) to access the jungle road. Follow this north (left) and shortly you will cross a small river (dry in the winter). The main path looks to follow the river to the right but look straight ahead and you will see several large boulders. Clamber over or go around the rocks and follow the path across a cobblestone road (which is a private road from the beach-house to the main highway) and continue straight. You will go over a small rise and a dirt road will join from the right. Approximately 50 meters further the path splits, take the smaller left fork to Las Cuevas. The path ducks under the trees going downhill and you will come upon a wall; continue to the left past a small, white graffiti-covered concrete block building and over a small bridge. You will see the cove open up before you. To the right of the cove there are poorly-maintained steps which lead up onto the bluff, which overlooks the long, wild beach of Playa Malpasos. Directions: From Sayulita center, walk along Av. del Palmar (which parallels the beach) across the river (dry in the winter), past the campsites and school until it ends at a condo complex. The pathway can be clearly seen and easily accessed. Shortly you will cross a small river (dry in the winter); the main path appears to follow the river to the right but look straight ahead and you will see several large boulders. Clamber over or go around the rocks and follow the path across a cobblestone road (which is a private road from the beach-house to the main highway) and continue along the dirt track. You will go over a small rise and a dirt road will join from the right. Approximately 50 meters further the path slits, left goes to Las Cuevas Cove, you go straight ahead down the wide track for 20 meters and through an open gate and follow the path as it angles left and down towards the beach. You will come to a small yellow house in ruins and a cement block building in a clearing beside the beach. Come in the early morning or evening to enjoy solitude. Swimming is not recommended at Playa Malpaso, there is a very strong undertow.

Where to Stay

Airbnb:You might at first think you want to be right in the heart of the town center, but trust me —- after one night, that’ll get old with the noise, chaos / commotion, and drinking water that is more likely to be contaminated. Stay walking distance — 0.5 mile radius from downtown will open up lots of options for you. We stayed at an airbnb located at Avenida del Palmar 130 and it was an ideal distance away from downtown.