Sayulita in 5 days

A boho surf-and-yoga town on Mexico's Riviera Nayarit, painted in colour and hammocks. Best time to visit: November-April (dry, cooler season). Average daily budget: $80 to $180 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Central Sayulita, The colourful town core, main beach, taco stands and surf shops around the plaza.

Morning: Take a surf lesson on the main beach. Sayulita's forgiving beach break is ideal for first-timers with plenty of schools and board rentals.

Afternoon: Explore Central Sayulita, The colourful town core, main beach, taco stands and surf shops around the plaza.

Evening: Wander the town. Colourful streets full of murals, boutique shops, cafés and taco stalls, especially lively at sunset.

Eat: Fish and shrimp tacos and ceviche

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: Playa de los Muertos, A calmer, jungle-backed beach reached by a short walk through the old cemetery.

Morning: Walk to Playa de los Muertos. A short, easy stroll leads to a calmer, prettier beach for swimming and sunbathing.

Afternoon: Explore Playa de los Muertos, A calmer, jungle-backed beach reached by a short walk through the old cemetery.

Evening: Yoga at sunrise. Sayulita is dotted with yoga studios and retreats set in gardens and rooftops around town.

Eat: Birria and al pastor from street stands

Day 3, Local neighbourhoods

Base: Gringo Hill, The elevated residential and boutique-hotel area above town, with views.

Morning: Boat trip to the Marietas Islands. Snorkel around a UNESCO biosphere with hidden beaches and abundant marine life.

Afternoon: Explore Gringo Hill, The elevated residential and boutique-hotel area above town, with views.

Evening: Sunset from the small mirador above Playa de los Muertos.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Fresh smoothies and açaí bowls

Day 4, Day trip or nature

Base: San Pancho (nearby), A quieter, more polished sister village a few kilometres north, with wide beach and a small arts scene.

Morning: The mellow, wide beach and surf at nearby San Pancho.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore San Pancho (nearby), A quieter, more polished sister village a few kilometres north, with wide beach and a small arts scene.

Evening: Local birria and al pastor stands away from the main plaza.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Sunset cocktails on the sand

Day 5, Slow finish

Base: Central Sayulita, The colourful town core, main beach, taco stands and surf shops around the plaza.

Morning: Hidden beaches on the Costa Nayarit reached by boat.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Central Sayulita, The colourful town core, main beach, taco stands and surf shops around the plaza.

Evening: Dinner at Fish and shrimp tacos and ceviche, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Central Sayulita.

Eat: Fish and shrimp tacos and ceviche

Hidden gems

Sunset from the small mirador above Playa de los Muertos.
The mellow, wide beach and surf at nearby San Pancho.
Local birria and al pastor stands away from the main plaza.
Hidden beaches on the Costa Nayarit reached by boat.

Getting around

Sayulita is tiny and best explored on foot: the town, main beach and Playa de los Muertos are all walkable. For San Pancho and other Riviera Nayarit beaches, local buses along the highway are cheap and easy, and taxis or golf-cart rentals fill the gaps. The nearest airport is Puerto Vallarta, about an hour south by shuttle or bus.

Safety

Sayulita is generally safe with a relaxed, traveller-friendly feel, though petty theft on the beach and pickpocketing on busy nights can happen, so keep valuables minimal. The main beach has strong currents and rocks at low tide, so respect surf and swim zones. Use reef-safe sunscreen and mosquito repellent, especially in the jungle. Standard nighttime precautions apply on quieter side streets.

Sayulita in 3 days | Sayulita in 7 days | Full Sayulita guide