The flap of pale pink, yellow, and turquoise flags cast fluttering shadows on the sandy cobblestone street. Leathery, barefoot surfers meander down sun-drenched sidewalks, surfboards in one hand and fish tacos in another, while straw fedora-clad influencer wannabes in flowing sun dresses pose for “the shot” for Instagram. A cacophony of sputtering golf carts, Spanglish, and banda music fills the air.
It’s a crazy melange of cultures, travel styles, and tax brackets in this pocket-sized village. Somehow it’s equal parts laid-back and chaotic here — lovely and messy all at once. This is the weekend guide to getting the most from Sayulita.
Sayulita, a Pueblo Magico on the coast of Riviera Nayarit, is a rite of passage for anyone coming to the Puerto Vallarta area. This once-sleepy fishing village was long a haven for surfers, bohemians, artists, and those looking to venture slightly off the beaten path. Things look a little different these days as Sayulita has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the entire country, a reputation that has brought a mixed bag of results.
Business is booming, but the tiny town has suffered from overcrowding, pollution, and overdevelopment. Still, Sayulita is a bucket list Mexico experience and an important part of the fabric that makes up the Pacific coast of Mexico. There are ways to do it just right.
So, if you’re looking for the perfect insider’s guide to a weekend in Sayulita, you’ve come to the right place. To.
