Sayulita, designated a Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) in 2015, is ideal for beach and surf lovers, travelers seeking a relaxed atmosphere, and those who enjoy good food, local culture, and nightlife. Its bohemian and artistic charm, along with its unique atmosphere influenced by hippies and the arts, makes this a wonderful destination.
One of the town’s main attractions is surfing, so you can learn and practice thanks to its consistent waves, or simply watch the expert surfers. If you want to learn, renting boards is cheaper than taking a lesson.
Visit the Turtle Camp, part of a community project focused on sea turtle conservation. If you’re lucky enough to go during the season, you can witness the release of hatchlings at sunset—a truly unique experience.
Hiking on Los Muertos Beach is another great option. A 10-15 minute walk from the town center takes you to this beach with calmer waves and free access.
Take walks through the town, strolling along its charming cobblestone streets, and visit the main square where you’ll find artisan markets and Huichol art galleries.
The atmosphere doesn’t slow down at night, as the nightlife is very lively. Visit the local bars where you can find live music shows.
Although Sayulita has luxury boutique hotels, there are alternatives for tighter budgets. The most viable options are hostels and camping in designated areas, where you can find spaces for approximately 350 to 400 pesos per night.
Another option is to stay through Airbnb, where you can find basic accommodations or rooms in local homes at prices cheaper than a hotel, if you book in advance.
It’s true that restaurants with direct ocean views on the main beach are much more expensive than other places, such as local options: small restaurants that offer the “3 Bs”—good, nice, and cheap—or street food stalls on the main streets (like Avenida Revolución). You’ll find birria or asada tacos for 20 to 25 pesos.
How to get there?
You can reach this destination by public bus, the most economical option. You can catch them outside the airport, across the pedestrian bridge, or in front of shopping centers like Walmart or Sam’s Club in Puerto Vallarta. Avoid private taxis if you don’t want to spend a lot on transportation.
You can also arrive via Federal Highway 200, which connects to Puerto Vallarta and other destinations on the Riviera Nayarit. You can travel by car or take buses from the bus station, which are a bit cheaper than flights.
Another option is to fly to the nearest airport, Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR).
For those planning their trip in 2026, connectivity to Sayulita has improved significantly with the upgrades to Terminal 2 at the Puerto Vallarta Airport. According to reports from Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP) from late 2025, this new infrastructure, designed to be the first “Net Zero” terminal in Latin America, has begun gradual operations.
This not only increases annual passenger capacity but also attracts new international routes that could reduce flight costs, facilitating access to destinations in the Riviera Nayarit for budget-conscious travelers.
Source: informador
