The Top 10 Things to See and do in Sayulita, Mexico

Surfing Sayulita │
Surfing Sayulita │ | © Megan Coughlin / flickr

Once a tiny fishing village, Sayulita was founded by U.S. surfers in the 50s and 60s and hasn’t been the same since. While there are still ample tourists that come for the good waves, the town has turned into a pleasure retreat on Mexico’s Pacific coast with all kinds of options for chilling out, filling up, and cooling off. We guarantee that you will love it if you stick to the following 10 things.

Yoga

Famed for its wellness services, Sayulita is the perfect place to get in some downward and upwards facing dogs inbetween meals. Many of the local hotels offer classes and run several yoga retreats all year round. There are teacher certification programs going on if you want to finally get certified and enjoy the beach while you do it. To that we say: Om, Yeah.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Beach

Ah, the beach. There is nothing like it and unless you come at a crazy busy time like Easter week, there will probably be plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the waves and the view of Sayulita’s main beach. If you do find it a little crowded for your liking, there are a couple alternative beaches, one of which you follow the road out of the town to the north past the cemetary to get to.

Sayulita Beachside │

Visit the islands

The Marietta Islands are a must see on vacation in Sayulita. The islands are completely unihabited and full of wild marine life. Created thousands of years ago by volcanoes, they are one of the most stunning places to lounge for a day while you are in Sayulita. From December to March you also might spot a few gray whales on their annual migration.

Shopping

International tourists bring international chic and there are several amazing boutique stores now in Sayulita for upscale shoppers who want a taste of local art. The Huichol Center next to Blue Corn Mama sells incredible local crafts and the money benefits the local Huichol Indian community. Also, check out La Hamaca and Evoke The Spirit.

Evoke the Spirit, Calle Jose Mariscal, Sayulita, Mexico +52 329 291 3692

La Hamaca, Revolución 110, Centro, 63734 Bahía de Banderas, Mexico +52 329 291 3039

The Huichol Center, Av Revolución 22, Sayulita, Mexico +52 329 291 3889

Sayulita │© Rainy City / flickr

People watch

Evenings in Sayulita find folks out on the main square listening to local bands, having a beer at a streetside cafe or watching the sunset on the beach. The town’s laidback vibe means that you should never be in a rush to go anywhere. It’s the perfect place to find a spot and watch the world go by.

Surf

Sayulita was a surf village before it was the international vacation hotspot that it is today. Since the 60s surfers have been enjoying its clean breaks and easy waves. There are several surf schools that will take you out – whether you are a beginner just learning or a more advanced surfer looking for the best breaks.

Surfing Sayulita │

Eat

Sayulita’s influx of foreigners and its barrage of tourists each year means that they are serious about eating. You can now find top notch Italian, full-on gluten-free, incredible seafood and even bagels and lox. This is not to mention lots of delicious Mexican classics and some damn good margaritas. What else is vacation for but to eat?

Go out for drinks

For such a small town, Sayulita has quite a lively nightlife. There are LOTS of bars among the handful of streets downtown and since everywhere is close you won’t have to worry about getting a little tipsy and you can walk home. Most bars are bunched around the town’s main plaza so go ahead and bar hop to your heart’s delight.

Stay in for Dinner

Local produce and fresh fish are available throughout town. Pescadería Piolin and Pescadería Omar are two fish stands along the main road that sell the catch of the day until it’s gone (get there before 4pm). Sayulita even has a great organics store called Terrenal, whose owners are some of the most dedicated organics providers we’ve ever met! Do yourself a favor and cook yourself a delicious meal that ends with a glass of wine on your porch and the sea breeze.
Pescadería Omar, Océano Pacífico Sur 53, Miramar, La Peñita de Jaltemba, Mexico +52 327 107 0887
Pescadería Piolin, Av Revolución 24, Sayulita, Mexico +52 329 291 3059
Terrenal Organics, Av Revolución 56, Centro, Sayulita, Mexico +52 329 291 3454

Eatin’ In │

Treat yourself

Sayulita is a town that’s all about wellness and well-being, whether it’s slowing down to breath through a yoga class or treating yourself to a massage, you must find a way to treat yourself during your trip to this sleepy town. Places like the Wellness Center at the Haramara Retreat or the Away Spa in the nearby Hotel W in Punta Mita make it easy to pamper yourself.

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