Detailed Sayulita Backpacker Guide: Essentials to Know Before you go

As I write this Sayulita backpacker guide I’m officially surpassing 3 weeks in this magic Mexican town with no real plans to leave. Nicknamed “Stayulita,” backpackers always end up staying here longer than they expect to. In this guide I’ll tell you everything you need to know as a backpacker in Sayulita including tips for longterm/short-term stays, local transport options, restaurant suggestions, nitty-gritty travel details like laundry facilities, and much much more.

Being one of Mexico’s backpacking hotspots, Sayulita is full of backpackers who visit for all kinds of reasons, but the main five are: Sayulita is safe, there’s quick access to the beach in Sayulita, surfing (obviously), the holistic lifestyle, and the party scene.

Additionally the vibrant colours, live music, tasty food, and happy locals make Sayulita a welcoming place to add to your Mexico itinerary.

As you read this post, please consider clicking the links throughout. These are affiliate links which means when you book a hotel or purchase a product, I make a small commission at no additional cost to you (full disclosure). These commissions fund The Holistic Backpacker and help me write more blog posts.

Thank you for supporting my work!

~ Taylor ♡

Download my Mexico Google Map

Get all my Mexico travel recommendations saved directly to your phone – a digital guide available at your fingertips!

My Mexico map has recommendations for:

• Places: beach towns, mountain villages, backpacker hotspots, and magic towns
• Outdoors: beaches, hikes, waterfalls, hot springs, volcanos
• Restaurants: street food, healthy options, local favourites, international eats
• Experiences: holy sites, excursions, holistic experiences/retreats, turtle releases, photo-ops
• Planning: bus stops, lodging, public washrooms, tedious details (like laundromats/grocery stores)

DOWNLOAD MY MEXICO MAP

Why Backpackers Choose Sayulita

I think Sayulita is a popular backpacking destination because it more or less offers “Mexico’s best.” The town is walkable, there are plenty of festivals and constant live music, it’s colourful and has close access to a beautiful beach/surfing, plus you can find every type of restaurant from healthy eateries to cheap street tacos to international dishes.

One of the biggest draws for Sayulita as a backpacking destination is its safety and the ability to get by with English. As a backpacker in Sayulita I never felt unsafe. I’d walk the beach alone at night, interact with locals in English, and carry my valuables in the open without a thought. There’s also a big party scene in Sayulita and although I did not partake in the dancing and karaoke nights, my fellow female travellers did and never had any negative experiences.

In addition to a lively night scene, Sayulita also has a big surf and holistic scene which means all types of backpackers come to Sayulita. It’s easy to meet people to dance and drink with, while at the same time it’s also easy to meet fellow backpackers in Sayulita who are there for yoga, outdoor activities, and the healthy lifestyle it offers.

My favourite thing – Sayulita is a magic town (“Pueblo Magico”). There are some seriously spiritual vibes and people here – the ability to manifest what you want is strong and you can literally feel a vibrational buzz poking at your soul. I learned so much about myself and the world during my time backpacking Sayulita. Things I didn’t even know I needed to learn or experience when I arrived!

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Downfalls to Sayulita as a Backpacking Destination

I really enjoyed my time backpacking Sayulita – so much so that I stayed for an entire month – however there are some things about Sayulita I didn’t jive with. These may be pros or cons depending on your personal preferences.

Sayulita is LOUD and there’s constantly live music, partying, and events happening. Although this is fun, Sayulita’s main streets remain loud literally all night. So much so that I barely slept the entire month I was there. As I write this I’m now in Puerto Escondido catching up on some serious sleep deprivation.

There are a lot of North American tourists in Sayulita who love to rent golf carts as their method of transit (even though the town is 100% walkable). The downtown area is small which means the streets are not only full of crazy local drivers, but also tourists ripping around on golf carts. It feels a bit chaotic.

And finally, Sayulita is expensive. Although Sayulita is a backpacker haven, you will literally pay the price. I found I spent more during my month in Sayulita than I typically spend living in Banff National Park which is one of Canada’s more expensive destinations.

Should Backpackers Stay in Sayulita or San Pancho?

San Pancho is the next town over from Sayulita. It’s reachable by foot or via quick bus ride.

Although San Pancho offers a quieter, more holistic experience (something I look for when I travel), I personally would say staying in Sayulita is the best choice for backpackers over San Pancho.

There’s always something going on in Sayulita, the bus terminal makes it easy to explore other destinations along the Riviera Nayarit, and there are more shopping/restaurant options in Sayulita. Sayulita in general is louder and there’s more going on so you can stay here for longer without getting bored.

There are only a handful of poorly run hostels in San Pancho whereas there’s plenty of good hostels in Sayulita. This alone makes Sayulita a better option for backpackers over San Pancho.

Additionally, San Pancho is even more expensive than Sayulita. I personally found it gave off “rich person’s playground” vibes.

How to get to Sayulita – from Puerto Vallarta + Other Destinations

Sayulita is easily reached by bus from plenty of locations around Mexico, a few being Puerto Vallarta, Mexico City, and Guadalajara. These bus routes all drop you off at Sayulita’s main bus terminal which is located here.

When I backpacked Sayulita I flew into Puerto Vallarta, crossed the highway via the pedestrian bridge, then caught the Compostela bus with “Sayulita” written in the windshield for 60 pesos. This journey took just over 1hr and was very easy to navigate. This bus runs every 20 minutes between 6:00am-10:00pm and is definitely the best way to get to Sayulita from Puerto Vallarta.

The exact bus stop from the Puerto Vallarta airport is marked on my Mexico map.

You can also opt to take a taxi to Sayulita, however this option is much more expensive.

How to Get Around Sayulita without a Car + Local Transportation

Once you arrive in Sayulita you’ll quickly discover everything in town is within walking distance. This is a huge plus for those backpacking Sayulita as it saves $ on local transportation.

If you do want a set of wheels for exploring nearby towns and beaches you can rent golf carts which are available for rent everywhere. For a town that doesn’t have a golf course the amount of golf carts here is absolutely absurd. There are golf cart rental companies on nearly every street corner in Sayulita so you’ll have no issues finding one.

There’s also taxi and Uber to help you get around, however you may need to negotiate a price and it’s much more expensive than the local bus which was always my #1 choice of transportation in the area.

Regional Bus Routes from Sayulita

The green Compostela bus runs north and south regional routes along the Riviera Nayarit from the main bus station in Sayulita. When you arrive at the station tell the person at the counter where you want to go and pay the fee. Your bus number is on the ticket.

North from Sayulita you can access San Pancho, Las Lomas, Lo de Marcos, Ursulo Galván, Villa Morelos, Chula Vista, Monteón, and Rincon de Guayabitos.

To the south of Sayulita you can access Punta Mita by bus as well as La Lancha beach if you’re willing to walk/hitchhike after exiting the bus.

The bus fares for these routes range from 30-95 pesos one-way making the Compostela bus the cheapest method of transportation for backpackers in Sayulita and the Riviera Nayarit.

Something to note – the local buses drop you off at the main highway (GPS location) opposed to the main station so it’s a bit of a trek to walk back into the “downtown” area on the return journey.

ps – I have all these bus stops marked on my Mexico map with descriptions and helpful tips for navigating the local bus.

Where to Stay in Sayulita

Backpackers love Sayulita as there’s a diverse range of hostels to choose from. I stayed at a few of them so here’s my breakdown of the best hostels and hotels in Sayulita for every budget.

Best Hostels in Sayulita for Backpackers

Personal favourite hostel in Sayulita: I stayed at ITH The Amazing Hostel for 2 weeks and had a wonderful experience. Everyone is friendly, they have a sunny rooftop area with yoga mats and a sink for laundry, plus they have a pool and a fully equipped kitchen. This makes longterm stays more sustainable and convenient.

Best Social hostel in Sayulita for backpackers: La Redonda is on the louder side with no cozy area plus the showers and kitchen area aren’t great. The atmosphere however is much more social, they do daily surf trips to La Lancha, there are always activities going on, and the hostel is just steps from the beach/restaurants/bars. I stayed here a couple weeks too and had a nice experience, but ended up leaving as it was too loud for me – I like my space.

Upscale Hostels in Sayulita: Casa Pepe and Viajero are both “fancier” hostels, but don’t necessarily have the same social component that La Redonda offers.

Women’s-only hostel in Sayulita: My Sister’s House is a female-only hostel that runs all kinds of spiritual and artsy events. It’s a super wholesome place for the ladies looking to connect with their feminine side.

Where to Stay in Sayulita According to Budget

Budget hotels in Sayulita: Villas Vista Suites and Hotel Playa Azul are both right by the beach and come in at very appealing price points.

Mid-range hotels in Sayulita: the 4 star Hotel Vista Oceana Sayulita and Casa Pia are also within close proximity to the beach, but with a bit more class.

Luxury hotels in Sayulita: if you’re looking for the best 5 star experience in Sayulita the Nomada Wellness Hotel is less than 100m away from the beach and has all the best fancy-dancy amenities.

Where to Stay in San Pancho

Hostels in San Pancho for backpackers: Hostal San Pancho and Akoma San Pancho do not have great reviews, but they’re two of the few hostels available in San Pancho. Hostels in San Pancho are a bit rustic.

Budget hotels in San Pancho: Casa Pancho Playa comes in at the best price point in San Pancho.

Mid-range hotels in San Pancho: Hotel Artesanal and Verde Luna are both lovely mid range establishments offering air conditioning and a wide variety of amenities.

Luxury hotels in San Pancho: Ciyé Hotel and Witari Hotel Boutique are San Pancho’s 5 star hotels. These luxury hotels have pools and air conditioning.

Download my Mexico Google Map

Get all my Mexico travel recommendations saved directly to your phone – a digital guide available at your fingertips!

My Mexico map has recommendations for:

• Places: beach towns, mountain villages, backpacker hotspots, and magic towns
• Outdoors: beaches, hikes, waterfalls, hot springs, volcanos
• Restaurants: street food, healthy options, local favourites, international eats
• Experiences: holy sites, excursions, holistic experiences/retreats, turtle releases, photo-ops
• Planning: bus stops, lodging, public washrooms, tedious details (like laundromats/grocery stores)

DOWNLOAD MY MEXICO MAP

What to do in Sayulita

Before I get into all the nitty-gritty details regarding backpacking Sayulita like when to visit, where to laundry, what to pack, etc – let’s go over some fun things about backpacking Sayulita like things to do and the local vibe.

There are plenty of things to do in Sayulita for backpackers. Surfing, Hiking, partying, yoga, turtle releases, horseback riding, and traditional Temazcal – to name a few. Rather than go into full detail regarding things to do in Sayulita here, I’ve put together the post linked below with more detailed information.

Sayulita’s lively backpacker scene plus prime location next to the beach on the Riviera Nayarit creates the perfect combination for activities of all kinds. Whether you’re looking for a chill retreat in nature, a wild party scene, or a holistic experience you can find what you’re after in Sayulita.

Beaches in Sayulita

Backpackers looking to surf and explore new beaches everyday will thrive in Sayulita. There are secluded beaches nearby, black sand beaches, busy beaches with restaurants and live music, as well as beaches with secret clay reserves that require hiking to access.

Sayulita’s downtown area is just steps from the main beachfront which means you’re literally only minutes away from the beach at all times. There are surf schools and board rental shops every few steps so if you’re looking to surf during your time backpacking Sayulita you’ll have endless options to choose from.

I’m not the most confident swimmer and personally found the waves too big for swimming in Sayulita however there were plenty of people during my time there who waded out in the water and enjoyed the chaos the waves brought.

In the post linked below I’ve listed every beach in Sayulita accessible via foot as well as hiking and public transportation.

ps – I’ve also marked every beach in Sayulita on my Mexico map with my personal photos, descriptions, and unique features like good surf, caves, etc.

Things to do at Night in Sayulita

A huge draw to Sayulita for backpackers is the lively night scene. Although there’s something going on every night in Sayulita, Tuesday seems to be the best night to go out for wild music and dancing. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are also great nights to go out in Sayulita.

• YamBak Sayulita: techno music and dancing. This is the best club in Sayulita and where you’ll find the liveliest people.
• Aria: bar with reggae music.
• Atico Hookah Bar: live rock music.
• Latitude 20 Sayulita: salsa, karaoke, and live music.
• Don Pedro’s Restaurant & Bar: Salsa dancing on Mondays.
• Bar Don Pato: reggaeton underground bar.
• The GOAT Beach Club: best bar on the beach in Sayulita for a lively crowd, music, dancing, and karaoke.

Almost all the “best” bars/clubs in Sayulita are located next to the main square in the downtown area. If you’re travelling solo or are looking to meet new people, wander here on any given night and you should have no problem finding a group!

When to Visit Sayulita

The best time to backpack Sayulita is from November to May if you’re looking for stable weather; sunny skies, lower humidity, and cooler temperatures. Outside this period weather is still generally pleasant, but afternoon showers are frequent. August is Sayulita’s wettest month.

Keep in mind the good weather brings larger crowds and peak season prices. Christmas, New Years, and spring break are especially busy periods.

If you’re hoping to surf, winter is best as this is when Sayulita sees the biggest swells – December to April.

What to Pack for Sayulita

You don’t need to pack much for your backpacking trip to Sayulita, but I would advise packing most/all of the clothing and toiletries you’ll need as purchasing anything in Sayulita is quite expensive.

Although there are local markets where you can buy some “cheaper” (but poorly made) clothing items, most shopping options are boutique shops that cost significantly more than I’d pay back in Canada. A pair of flowy pants for example were almost $70 CAD whereas back home a similar pair would be around $20-$35. You may also not be able to get the same toiletry products you’re used to.

Something backpackers love about Sayulita is the relaxed vibe which equates to not needing to pack much. During my time backpacking Sayulita I lived in my bikini and often just threw a long sleeve and pair of shorts overtop as I walked through town. I also spent most days walking around barefoot so the need for shoes was minimal too. You can leave the fancy clothes at home too – even higher end restaurants and bars have a relaxed, beachy vibe.

Something to note – I backpacked Sayulita in February and found the morning/evening temperatures quite cold. So much so that I needed a sweater and sometimes pants.

Helpful Services in Sayulita

If you’re planning to backpack Sayulita there are a few handy services you’ll want to take note of before you arrive. I have all these services marked in my Mexico map.

Laundry in Sayulita – I used this laundromat which charged by weight and had my clothes cleaned the same day.

Bus station in Sayulita – local routes along the Riviera Nayarit, plus various regional routes (Puerto Vallarta, Mexico City, etc) can be boarded/paid for at Sayulita’s main bus station. There’s also a VALLARTA PLUS station next door if you’re hoping to take a bus to Guadalajara.

Grocery shops in Sayulita – I have all my favourite grocery stores in Sayulita linked below.

Healthcare – this clinic has the most affordably priced health and emergency care services in Sayulita. Other clinics are known to gauge travellers.

Where to Eat in Sayulita

There are endless options when it comes to where to eat in Sayulita. I’ve tried to narrow things down to my favourite restaurants in Sayulita, but there are plenty more spots where these came from. For all-things-tacos in Sayulita I’ve created a list of all my favourite options below.

ps – all these restaurants are marked on my Mexico map with descriptions outlining pricing and general menu options. My map is a quick way to assess the local dining options when you’re on-the-go.

Good breakfast spots in Sayulita: Chocobanana, Anchor Cafe, Cafe Coyote, YAH-YAH Sayulita Café, and Café El Espresso (large portions).

Best smoothies/smoothie bowls in Sayulita: Orangy Smoothies (good value), Cafetería Northswell Sabor Natural, ORGANI-K Sayulita, and Flores & Colores (cheaper).

Best seafood in Sayulita: Barracuda and Matiz.

Best sandwiches in Sayulita: Reuben’s.

Casual dining options in Sayulita: Luna’s, Bichos, and Café El Espresso.

Traditional food in Sayulita: Mary’s Traditional Mexican Cuisine – I tried this place twice and was unimpressed with the food. I was overcharged both times, but other travellers and locals say great things.

Sweet treats in Sayulita: Mexicolate (healthy cacao options) and Buonissimo Cafe and Gelato.

Best pizza in Sayulita: Trattoria Toscana Sayulita and La Rustica Sayulita (wood-fired).

Vegan/vegetarian options in Sayulita: ORGANI-K Sayulita and Anchor Cafe.

Eating out in Sayulita is not cheap, but it’s not pricey either. I personally found eating out was cheaper than buying healthy groceries when I backpacked Sayulita.

Best Tacos in Sayulita

The best tacos in Sayulita are from Tacos Toño. This Sayulita taco joint is only open 7:30-11:30, 6 days a week. Everything about these tacos puts them high above any of the other street taco joints in Sayulita plus their topping spread has triple the options of any other place in town.

The best reasonably fish tacos in Sayulita goes to The Real Fish Taco. They’ve got larger tacos with delicious toppings at a decent price. They’re also right next to the beach making The Real Fish Taco a convenient lunch option in Sayulita.

If you’re looking to save a few $ and want authentic Mexican street tacos, the best options are Tacos Tal Ivan and Tacos Al Pastor Diaz. You can get tacos here for 23 pesos. Tacos Tal Ivan is always open making it the most popular Sayulita backpacker choice for tacos.

For higher quality, better sourced tacos in Sayulita Bichos and El Itacate are my top choices. I frequented Bichos during my time backpacking Sayulita, their Sirloin tacos quite literally stole my heart, soul, and stomach.

These taco spots are all marked on my downloadable Mexico map.

Where to Eat in San Pancho

If you’re staying in San Pancho or visiting for the day, here are the best spots to eat in San Pancho.

Best restaurants in San Pancho: Barracuda’s (seafood) and La Tarraya San Pancho (beachside).

Sweet treats: Mexicolate (healthy option).

Cheap street tacos in San Pancho: Taqueria El Pocas and Taqueria El Patron (my top choice).

Download my Mexico Google Map

Get all my Mexico travel recommendations saved directly to your phone – a digital guide available at your fingertips!

My Mexico map has recommendations for:

• Places: beach towns, mountain villages, backpacker hotspots, and magic towns
• Outdoors: beaches, hikes, waterfalls, hot springs, volcanos
• Restaurants: street food, healthy options, local favourites, international eats
• Experiences: holy sites, excursions, holistic experiences/retreats, turtle releases, photo-ops
• Planning: bus stops, lodging, public washrooms, tedious details (like laundromats/grocery stores)

DOWNLOAD MY MEXICO MAP

Where to Buy Groceries in Sayulita

If you’ve visited small towns in Mexico before you already know grocery shopping an be a hassle and finding the ingredients you need isn’t easy. Luckily Sayulita has excellent grass-fed meats, organic produce, and even “fancy” things like bone broth and health food products if you know where to look. These are the best grocery stores in Sayulita.

These spots are all marked on my Mexico map with corresponding symbols and descriptions to make grocery shopping in Sayulita easy-peasy.

Organic produce in Sayulita: is hard to find. Your best option is to stock up at the Farmer’s market which happens 10:00am – 2:00pm from November to April. Terrenal also has organic options (like greens, potatoes, etc), but they sell out fast so you must get there early. If you’re looking for locally grown berries there are men that wander with carts on the street. There’s no rhyme or reason to the timing so grab some when you see them. It’s usually 80 pesos for 1 container, but if you buy multiple they’ll sometimes make a deal.

Where to buy fish in Sayulita: I only found this at the farmers market and it was very expensive.

Where to buy grass-fed beef and free-range chicken in Sayulita: Terrenal Organics was my go-to for good quality meats, bone broth, ghee, honey, and various health foods I wasn’t able to find elsewhere in Sayulita. I found their prices decent compared to other lower quality options in town, plus they had all kinds of teas, healthy sweet treats (like dates), natural skincare products, etc.

Where to buy free-range eggs in Sayulita: also at Terrenal, but I saw these at many local, small vendors too.

Where to buy supplements in Sayulita: this shop in nearby San Pancho has the best selection of supplements along the Riviera Nayarit as far as I’m concerned. The farmer’s market also has some vendors selling natural products like skincare, tinctures, and plant medicine products.

Where to buy North American products in Sayulita: if you’re looking for North American snacks, cereals, drinks, and condiments Tranco’s Gourmet is your best bet.

Best grocery store in Sayulita: aside from Terrenal this shop was my go-to as it had the best selection of fruits and veggies in Sayulita. You could find things like spinach, berries, potatoes, and good quality oils that I was unable to find elsewhere. It’s a little pricey and has some North American produce brands (which I don’t love), but it’s a one-stop shop.

Where to buy cheese in Sayulita: Tranco’s Gourmet had the biggest selection of cheese in Sayulita that I saw.

Unfortunately grocery shopping and cooking your own meals is exuberantly expensive in Sayulita. I tracked my finances while I was there and it was cheaper to eat out most meals opposed to cooking healthy food at home.

Shopping in Sayulita & Local Markets

If you’re hoping to pick up some souvenirs or shop the local boutique stores in Sayulita here are your best options.

The downtown area is full of boutique shops selling everything from handmade jewelry and traditional blankets to pottery and beautiful clothing. I checked out a few boutique stores but their prices were so insane I couldn’t fathom purchasing a single item. we’re talking $70 USD (low-ball price) for a pair of shorts or a top that likely cost nothing to make – even low quality items that seemed to be mass produced.

This area is full of local vendors selling their handmade goodies as well, but at much better prices. If you want a souvenir or beautiful handmade jewellery, need an item of clothing, or need random odds and ends this is a much more affordable shopping area.

There’s also the Sayulita farmer’s market on Fridays from 10:00am – 2:00pm from November to April which sells all kinds of organic foods, natural products, and beautiful artisan goodies.

How to Save Money in Sayulita

Sayulita is unfortunately one of the more expensive destinations in Mexico which can make backpacking Sayulita unaffordable for some. Here are a few tips to save money in Sayulita to make your trip a little more budget-friendly.

Accommodations: I noticed prices changed frequently here due to the online algorithm. If you’re booking a hotel/hostel check back over a few days and wait for a price drop. Travelling in groups of 4 and splitting a hotel room may be cheaper than renting out beds in a dorm room. I’ve listed the best budget-friendly accommodations in Sayulita for backpackers above.

Transportation: instead of renting golf carts or scooters walk or use local transportation (more about this above). The local buses in Sayulita are more expensive than in cities (costing up to 95 pesos one-way), however using the bus or walking is still much cheaper than renting.

Food: stay in hotels/hostels that include breakfast, try the street food, and aim to consume high calorie meals to avoid needing to eat frequently. The sweet treats in Sayulita are unfortunately quite expensive so buying fruit for some sweetness will save you a few $. The mangos are to die for.

Activities: hitting the local trails, enjoying the beach, or wandering around town enjoying the festivals and live music are all free things to do in Sayulita. If you’re planning to stay a while and spend most of your days surfing I heard from another traveller it’s actually cheaper to buy a surfboard than to rent in Sayulita every day.

Backpacking Sayulita: FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions from backpackers in Sayulita.

How long should I stay in Sayulita?

Most backpackers stay in Sayulita longer than they expect – Sayulita has officially been nicknamed “Stayulita.” I’d say at the absolute minimum plan to spend 1 week in Sayulita or 2 weeks if you want to have enough time to explore the things to do along the Riviera Nayarit plus have some chill time. If you’re like me and so many other backpackers you’ll end up in Sayulita for at least a month!

Should I stay in Sayulita or San Pancho?

I’d recommend staying in Sayulita over san Pancho if you’re backpacking. Sayulita has more going on and is more budget-friendly than San Pancho. Plus Sayulita has a better bus station if you’re looking to explore nearby areas along the Riviera Nayarit.

Best place to buy groceries in Sayulita?

My favourite place to buy groceries in Sayulita is Terrenal Organics for their healthier options, however this grocery store has a very wide selection of fruits and veggies as well as oils, grains, and other hard-to-find grocery items in Sayulita.

Where to buy grass-fed meat and organic produce in Sayulita?

Again, Terrenal Organics is the best place to buy grass-fed/free-range meats and eggs in Sayulita. This is also the best store for health food products like natural skincare, bone broth, organic produce, honey, tallow, ghee, dates, etc.

Is Sayulita expensive to backpack?

Yes, Sayulita is an expensive destination compared to other regions in Mexico. For accommodations, food, services (like laundry, phone bill), activities, local transportation, etc I spent around $1,500 USD over 28 days backpacking Sayulita. I was staying at cheap/moderately cheap hostels, eating a mix of high quality food/street food, using local transportation, and partaking in free activities for reference.

Is eating out in Sayulita expensive?

Eating out in Sayulita is expensive compared to other destinations in Mexico, however it’s much cheaper compared to other countries around the world. For reference street tacos were around 23 pesos each, smoothies ranged from 100-150 pesos, and high end meals were anywhere from 220-350 pesos (as of February 2025).

Is Sayulita a party destination?

Yes, Sayulita is a party destination. It’s loud and there are a lot of bars and clubs offering dancing, karaoke, live music, etc.

Is Sayulita quiet?

Aspects of Sayulita are quiet, however the downtown region is loud and there’s a big party scene. Outside the downtown region Sayulita can be quiet and you can find quiet spots along the main beachfront too.

Where to do laundry in Sayulita?

I used this laundry service when I backpacked Sayulita. I was charged by weight and my laundry was done the same day.

Does Sayulita have good surfing?

Sayulita has good surfing, especially during the winter months. I’m not personally a surfer, but based on what others were telling me the beaches down south sound like they offer bigger waves. Sayulita may be an excellent place to learn to surf.

Are there a lot of backpackers in Sayulita?

Yes, there are loads of backpackers in Sayulita. There’s actually a nice mix of locals, tourists, and backpackers. You’ll have no issues meeting other travellers during your trip to Sayulita.

Do I need to speak Spanish in Sayulita?

No, you do not need to know Spanish in Sayulita. I spent a whole month there and rarely found myself in situations where I needed to speak a word of Spanish.

Is Sayulita safe?

Yes, Sayulita is one of the safest spots in Mexico. I was a solo female traveller when I backpacked Sayulita. I had my valuables in the open, spoke with locals, and even walked the beach alone at night with zero issues.

Can you go to the beach at night in Sayulita?

Yes, the beach in Sayulita is generally safe at night. I walked it alone frequently as a solo female traveller and never had any issues. This isn’t to say you shouldn’t take precautions and keep your wits about you.

How to get to Sayulita from Puerto Vallarta? How far is Sayulita from Puerto Vallarta?

Sayulita is just over an hour north via bus from Puerto Vallarta along the Rivera Nayarit. You can take a taxi (expensive option) or use the green Compostela bus which picks up passengers just across the highway from the airport for 60 pesos. I have the exact location of the bus marked on my Mexico map.

What to do in Sayulita?

There are plenty of things to do in Sayulita like hit the beach, surfing, hiking, yoga, dancing/clubbing, karaoke, etc. I have a whole guide outlining what do in Sayulita (coming soon).

How to get around Sayulita without a car?

Sayulita is a walkable town so you don’t need a car. If you’re hoping to explore nearby locations along the Riviera Nayarit you can rent a golf cart or motorbike, or use the local bus.

and that concludes my Sayulita backpacker guide!

Download my Mexico Google Map

Get all my Mexico travel recommendations saved directly to your phone – a digital guide available at your fingertips!

My Mexico map has recommendations for:

• Places: beach towns, mountain villages, backpacker hotspots, and magic towns
• Outdoors: beaches, hikes, waterfalls, hot springs, volcanos
• Restaurants: street food, healthy options, local favourites, international eats
• Experiences: holy sites, excursions, holistic experiences/retreats, turtle releases, photo-ops
• Planning: bus stops, lodging, public washrooms, tedious details (like laundromats/grocery stores)

DOWNLOAD MY MEXICO MAP

Quick Mexico Travel Guide

Travel Insurance: ALWAYS purchase reliable travel insurance before your trip. This insurance is trusted by backpackers and adventure sport enthusiasts around the world. You can also use my link to receive 5% off SafetyWing policies. Here’s a blog post with more trustworthy travel insurance options you can compare.

Best time to visit: December to April has cooler temps and sunny skies. Hurricane season is from June to November.

Currency: Mexican peso, displayed as “$.” Cash is king in Mexico so it’s best to always have some on-hand. Small bills and change are always helpful for transportation and tipping. Most ATMs have service fees so try to withdraw larger amounts at once.

Local transportation: varies from trams and buses in bigger cities to colectivos in smaller beach towns. Local transportation is cheap, but if you’re looking to travel long distances you’ll need to utilize pricier night buses or fly.

Phone: SIM cards can be purchased at Oxxo. Data plans are generally cheap.

Language: Spanish. In popular backpacking spots you can often get by with English, however having basic Spanish or Google Translate is necessary elsewhere.

Safety: Mexico’s safety varies greatly from place-to-place.

Purchase my Mexico map: which is downloadable to Google Maps on your phone and has all my Mexico recommendations & travel tips constantly available at your fingertips.

Packing Guide: here’s my ultimate packing guide/travel essentials.

Happy adventuring!

Taylor ♡

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About the Author

HI, I’m Taylor – the voice behind The Holistic Backpacker.

After moving to Banff National Park in 2020 I became an outdoor adventure enthusiast and vowed to never stop exploring.

I now spend my days travelling the world, climbing mountains, and spending nights under the stars in the Canadian Rockies backcountry.

I created The Holistic Backpacker so I could share my adventures and help connect people like you with the same amazing experiences.

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