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Mexico🇲🇽 | villagesSayulitaSurf lessons, taco stools, cove cemetery path, plaza evenings | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Sayulita
🌟 Highlightvillage ranked #2
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 20, 2026

Sayulita puts you on a surf-ready beach with a walkable center, so you can drop your bags and ditch any transport plans for days. It sits on the Pacific coast of Nayarit in western Mexico, about 40 minutes by road north of Puerto Vallarta's airport. The streets are cobbled, dotted with tuk-tuk-sized golf carts and dogs sleeping in the shade, and every block ends at sand, a taco stand, or a shop selling embroidered everything. Crowds and prices have grown, and weekends get loud. A taquero once told me, deadpan, that the secret to the town was simply to eat where the line is long and the plastic stools wobble, and he was right: the al pastor was worth the wobble. Evenings mean sunset on the beach, mezcal on a rooftop, and meeting people is almost unavoidable. Surfers, yoga fans and beach-lingerers will love it. Anyone chasing quiet, untouched Mexico will not.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Mexico Travel Guide.


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✨ Why go?
Ranked #2 village in MexicoWhat makes it a must-see village

Sayulita works because it gives backpackers a soft landing on the Pacific coast after a long bus or flight. The main beach has gentle, forgiving waves, so first-time surfers rent boards and take lessons here rather than somewhere intimidating. Nearby, Playa de los Muertos offers a calmer cove a short walk over the headland, and the jungle trails behind town lead to quieter sand if you want to escape the umbrellas. The social side is easy: hostels run group dinners, and the plaza fills at dusk with vendors, musicians and travelers comparing sunburns. Most people stay three or four nights, and plenty stretch to a week because mornings are for waves and afternoons for hammocks. It suits solo travelers who want company without effort, couples after a beach base, and anyone who likes to eat well … read more 👉
Sayulita works because it gives backpackers a soft landing on the Pacific coast after a long bus or flight. The main beach has gentle, forgiving waves, so first-time surfers rent boards and take lessons here rather than somewhere intimidating. Nearby, Playa de los Muertos offers a calmer cove a short walk over the headland, and the jungle trails behind town lead to quieter sand if you want to escape the umbrellas. The social side is easy: hostels run group dinners, and the plaza fills at dusk with vendors, musicians and travelers comparing sunburns. Most people stay three or four nights, and plenty stretch to a week because mornings are for waves and afternoons for hammocks. It suits solo travelers who want company without effort, couples after a beach base, and anyone who likes to eat well on a modest budget at the taco stands off the main plaza. If you want solitude, silence or serious off-the-map adventure, it will feel too polished. As a pause between Puerto Vallarta and San Pancho, Sayulita fits perfectly.

💡 HighlightsDon't-miss highlights and experiences

  1. Sayulita Beach: The main strip of sand is why people come. Gentle, rolling waves make it one of the friendliest places on this coast to try surfing, and lessons run roughly US$40 to 60 for a couple of hours, with board rentals around US$10 to 20. Early morning is calmer and emptier, and sunset draws the crowds. Plan 2 to 4 hours, though many stay all day.
  2. Playa de los Muertos: A small cove reached by a short path from the south end of town, passing through a hillside cemetery with colorful graves. It is quieter than the main beach and better for swimming and reading. Entry is free, mornings are best, and an hour or two is plenty.
  3. Sayulita Plaza: The social center, where the church faces a square filled with vendors selling textiles, beaded Huichol art and street snacks. Evenings are liveliest,
… read more 👉
  1. Sayulita Beach: The main strip of sand is why people come. Gentle, rolling waves make it one of the friendliest places on this coast to try surfing, and lessons run roughly US$40 to 60 for a couple of hours, with board rentals around US$10 to 20. Early morning is calmer and emptier, and sunset draws the crowds. Plan 2 to 4 hours, though many stay all day.
  2. Playa de los Muertos: A small cove reached by a short path from the south end of town, passing through a hillside cemetery with colorful graves. It is quieter than the main beach and better for swimming and reading. Entry is free, mornings are best, and an hour or two is plenty.
  3. Sayulita Plaza: The social center, where the church faces a square filled with vendors selling textiles, beaded Huichol art and street snacks. Evenings are liveliest, with locals and visitors mingling over elote and ice cream. Browsing is free, snacks cost US$2 to 6, and an hour covers it.
Beyond town, the beaches of San Pancho, the tide pools at Punta Mita and the whale-watching trips out of Bahía de Banderas make easy day trips. Sayulita's three highlights fit comfortably into one lazy day, though most travelers spread them over two or three.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do around Sayulita

Marietas Islands National Park: Full Day ALL INCLUSIVE Tour

Marietas Islands National Park: Full Day ALL INCLUSIVE Tour

4.8(771) 6h
From €118
per personViator
Horseback Riding in Sayulita Through Jungle Trails to the Beach

Horseback Riding in Sayulita Through Jungle Trails to the Beach

4.9(213) 2h
From €72
per personViator
Hike and Yoga Jungle Experience in Mexico

Hike and Yoga Jungle Experience in Mexico

5.0(175) 2h 30m
From €27
per personViator
Sayulita Taco Tour

Sayulita Taco Tour

5.0(159)
From €49
per personViator
Marietas Islands National Park Excursion for Certified Divers

Marietas Islands National Park Excursion for Certified Divers

4.9(133) 5h
From €145
per personViator
Sayulita Tacos and Tequila Food Tour

Sayulita Tacos and Tequila Food Tour

5.0(122)
From €90
per personViator
EcoHike to private beach, Jungle Walk to see plants & animals

EcoHike to private beach, Jungle Walk to see plants & animals

5.0(123) 3h
From €28
per personViator
Marietas Islands 2-Tank Scuba Diving Sayulita & Riviera Nayarit

Marietas Islands 2-Tank Scuba Diving Sayulita & Riviera Nayarit

4.7(116) 4h
From €133
per personViator
Sayulita ATV Jungle & Beach Adventure, Tequila Tasting

Sayulita ATV Jungle & Beach Adventure, Tequila Tasting

4.8(100) 2h 5m
From €99
per personViator
Marietas Islands Eco Discovery Snorkeling Adventure

Marietas Islands Eco Discovery Snorkeling Adventure

4.7(93) 5h
From €77
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?When to go for the best experience

  • Dry Season (November to May): Sayulita gets almost no rain, with daytime highs of 27 to 31°C (81 to 88°F) and nights of 17 to 21°C (63 to 70°F). Ocean water is comfortable, and surf is steady from small to mid-size.
  • Peak Weeks (December to March): Christmas, New Year and Easter week fill hostels weeks ahead. Dorm beds can run US$25 to 45 instead of the usual US$15 to 25, and the beach gets packed with Mexican families and North American snowbirds.
  • Wet Season (June to October): Expect afternoon downpours, humidity and highs of 30 to 34°C (86 to 93°F). Some restaurants close, prices drop, and the jungle turns bright green. Hurricane risk peaks in September and October.
  • Surf Season (May to September): South swells give the best waves for the main break, though beginners find the small, gentle winter
… read more 👉
  • Dry Season (November to May): Sayulita gets almost no rain, with daytime highs of 27 to 31°C (81 to 88°F) and nights of 17 to 21°C (63 to 70°F). Ocean water is comfortable, and surf is steady from small to mid-size.
  • Peak Weeks (December to March): Christmas, New Year and Easter week fill hostels weeks ahead. Dorm beds can run US$25 to 45 instead of the usual US$15 to 25, and the beach gets packed with Mexican families and North American snowbirds.
  • Wet Season (June to October): Expect afternoon downpours, humidity and highs of 30 to 34°C (86 to 93°F). Some restaurants close, prices drop, and the jungle turns bright green. Hurricane risk peaks in September and October.
  • Surf Season (May to September): South swells give the best waves for the main break, though beginners find the small, gentle winter swells easier.
  • Whale Season (December to March): Humpbacks pass offshore, with boat trips from Sayulita or nearby Punta Mita.
Late April and early November give warm weather, thin crowds and lower prices.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: highly recommended for travelingFEBFebruary: highly recommended for travelingMARMarch: highly recommended for travelingAPRApril: highly recommended for travelingMAYMay: highly recommended for travelingJUNJune: fair for travelingJULJuly: fair for travelingAUGAugust: fair for travelingSEPSeptember: fair for travelingOCTOctober: fair for travelingNOVNovember: highly recommended for travelingDECDecember: highly recommended for traveling
mexico-city-sayulita
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🛏️ Where to stay?Choosing the right base

Hostels are the backpacker’s answer in Sayulita, with dorm beds running about US$15 to 30 a night depending on the season. Most sit within a five to ten minute walk of the beach and the plaza.
Hostels near the center put you close to the cheap taco stands, bars and surf shops. Expect nights to be loud, especially on weekends, so bring earplugs. Places with pools and shared kitchens are the better value, since eating out in Sayulita is pricier than in most Mexican towns. Some hostels run surf lessons, yoga classes and group dinners, which makes meeting people easy.
For quieter sleep, look at the … read more 👉
Hostels are the backpacker’s answer in Sayulita, with dorm beds running about US$15 to 30 a night depending on the season. Most sit within a five to ten minute walk of the beach and the plaza.
Hostels near the center put you close to the cheap taco stands, bars and surf shops. Expect nights to be loud, especially on weekends, so bring earplugs. Places with pools and shared kitchens are the better value, since eating out in Sayulita is pricier than in most Mexican towns. Some hostels run surf lessons, yoga classes and group dinners, which makes meeting people easy.
For quieter sleep, look at the streets uphill toward the hills or the area near the cemetery road. You trade a few extra minutes of walking for calmer nights and lower rates. Private rooms and basic guesthouses cost about US$40 to 80, and split between two people they undercut many dorms in peak weeks.
Book ahead for December through March and Easter week, when the cheapest beds vanish. In the wet season you can usually walk in and haggle. Longer stays of a week or more often get a discount if you ask directly. Most places take cards, but carry some pesos for small bills.
Best hostels in Mexico


Best quality hotels in Mexico

🚌 Day tripsShort trips worth adding

Sayulita works well as a base for day trips, because local buses and shared vans run along the coast road and most outings return by evening.
San Pancho:
This laid-back beach town sits about 15 minutes north by bus or taxi, and it feels calmer than Sayulita. Walk the wide beach, browse the murals and eat at the cheaper local spots. Bus fare is about US$1 to 2 each way, and the whole outing costs perhaps US$10 to 20 with lunch. Go in the morning, since late afternoon buses can fill up.

Punta Mita:
About 40 to 60 minutes south by bus with a change, Punta Mita is the launch point for whale watching from December to March. Boat trips cost roughly US$60 to 100. Beaches near the point are calmer than Sayulita for swimming. A common mistake is booking the pricey resort tours, when the small operators … read more 👉
Sayulita works well as a base for day trips, because local buses and shared vans run along the coast road and most outings return by evening.
San Pancho:
This laid-back beach town sits about 15 minutes north by bus or taxi, and it feels calmer than Sayulita. Walk the wide beach, browse the murals and eat at the cheaper local spots. Bus fare is about US$1 to 2 each way, and the whole outing costs perhaps US$10 to 20 with lunch. Go in the morning, since late afternoon buses can fill up.

Punta Mita:
About 40 to 60 minutes south by bus with a change, Punta Mita is the launch point for whale watching from December to March. Boat trips cost roughly US$60 to 100. Beaches near the point are calmer than Sayulita for swimming. A common mistake is booking the pricey resort tours, when the small operators at the pier charge less.

Islas Marietas:
These protected islands offer snorkeling and the famous hidden beach, though landing there is restricted and rules change, so check what your operator offers. Tours leave from Punta Mita or La Cruz and cost about US$80 to 120 including park fees. Plan a half to full day. Calm mornings from November to May give the best visibility.

Puerto Vallarta:
The bus from Sayulita takes 1 to 1.5 hours and costs about US$3 to 5 each way. Spend the day wandering the Malecón, the old town and the Cuale River island, then eat at the market for less than at the waterfront. Leave Vallarta by 7 pm, because the last convenient buses thin out after dark.
👉 Explore Puerto Vallarta

FAQFrequently asked questions about Sayulita

Fly into Puerto Vallarta airport, then take a taxi or Uber (about US$35 to 60) or a bus for roughly US$3 to 5 to reach Sayulita. The drive takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on traffic and whether you change buses at the highway. Buses to the town leave from the Puerto Vallarta bus station, and the last ones head back in the early evening.
Yes, Sayulita is worth the trip if you want surf lessons, a beach scene and easy social hostels. Plan two to four days, with December to March the busiest and priciest stretch, and beds from US$15 to 30. Expect it to be more touristy and pricey than the quieter coastal towns nearby, such as San Pancho.
Yes, Sayulita can be done as a day trip from Puerto Vallarta, since the ride takes about 1 to 1.5 hours each way and buses cost roughly US$3 to 5. Go in the morning to catch a surf lesson, lunch and a beach afternoon before returning by early evening. Staying one night lets you see the quieter sunrise hours and avoid the day-tripper crowds.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Mexican villages near Sayulita

Explore more nearby:

  • Real de Catorce—Ogarrio Tunnel, silver-mine ruins, high-desert cobbles| 564 km away
  • Tapijulapa—Sulfur springs, red-tile roofs, river-bend church, jungle waterfall| 1382 km away
  • Holbox—Car-free sand lanes, whale shark boats, Punta Cocos sandbar| 1873 km away

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We 💚 feedbackKey takeaways before you go

Sayulita looks like a beach town, but the real find is the walking: cut away from the main strip and follow the paths toward the headland, where quieter coves sit just beyond the crowds. I would rent a board for a morning, then skip the busiest beach hours entirely. Bring cash for taco stands and small vendors.

✈️ When did I visit Mexico?
As part of my 1.5 year travel around the world trip, I visited Mexico in February and March 2016. Had to hurry a bit as I didn’t want to miss the free performance of the Rolling Stones in Cuba.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Mexico, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

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