Star dishes
Roasted cauliflower with almond purée, charcoal-grilled shrimp with carrot purée and green tea, and the tabbouleh-style red snapper (fresh fish with herbs from the sierra!).
DAWN WITH A TASTE OF
The sun had just begun to rise over Bahía de Banderas as I set out on the short journey along Highway 200—just 30 minutes—to Sayulita.
Upon arrival, a must-stop: ChocoBanana, in the main square. Here, the aroma of the first meal of the day mingled with the laughter of surfers carrying their boards. The place exuded good vibes. I ordered the Breakfast Bowl: organic eggs, golden potatoes, and melted cheese rising like a steaming mountain—a breakfast tribute.
“Sayulita isn‘t just visited; it’s lived. And it all begins in its square, where the fusion of a beach town and Wixárika culture intertwines.”
A HYPNOTIC EXPLOSION OF COLORS
Walking through its streets feels like stepping into a living painting:
- Turquoise and sunny yellow facades, with carved doors hiding artists’ workshops.
- The corridor of papel picado, where the wind plays with a thousand colors (your photo here will be the most Instagrammable of your trip!).
- La Barrita, a gallery-café where local art and Sayulita’s unique vision tell tales of sea and jungle.
HOTEL PUNTA TOKIPA
NATURAL LUXURY REFUGE
Later, I took the dirt road leading to Hotel Punta Tokipa, an oasis hidden between the jungle and the sea. Upon entering, I was greeted by the salty breeze and the sway of palm trees. Reaching my room, I discovered assured rest—a cabin-style room with an unparalleled view of the bay, and in the background, the town of Sayulita.
I didn’t wait any longer and headed down to the restaurant, where lunch awaited: sopes with coastal esquites stew and the catch of the day Nayarit-style, prepared with caramelized onions and some carrots. Each bite tasted of salt, wilderness, and sun.
With a tranquil body, I decided to enjoy the incredible beach club, nestled in a jungle area right by the beach. The space was alive with the greenery of plants, white sand embracing my feet, and the characteristic construction of the place harmonizing with all elements of the environment. I took time to enjoy the pool while sipping a house cocktail.
RIDING THE WAVES: SAYULITA’S NO. 1 ACTIVITY
Surfing at Playa de los Muertos: Perfect waves for beginners. I took a class with “Mi Chula,” a local tour operator specializing in surf lessons and an adventure park near the town.
Honestly, I thought it would be easy, but after an hour of practice, I stood up on the board for a few seconds. What a feeling to be on the waves, riding the seas—I would definitely do it a thousand times more.
ALTO ALTO
A DINNER AT HEIGHT
At the top, this Mediterranean-Nayarit restaurant surprises with its incredible architecture and delicious cuisine, blending with the magical town’s ambiance—dishes you wouldn’t expect to find here, excellent for a date:
NIGHTLIFE
My night was about to end, but as night fell, music made its presence known—a completely different life came alive in its streets. Yambak bar, right on the corner of the main square, stood out among the rest.
Techno music played that night, with house-crafted beer and all kinds of drinks. Hundreds of tourists gathered there, bringing the night to life—a great place if the party calls.
ADVENTURES THAT STAY IN THE SOUL
My first activity early in the morning was a hike to an incredible virgin beach very close to town. We walked to Playa Norte along the beach, and just upon reaching the cliff, the ascent began.
Playa Malpaso: After a 30-minute walk among lianas and ferns, I discovered a secret cave with shining stalactites. Upon exiting, the deserted beach awaited me: sand mixed with shells and hundreds of crabs among the rocks.
An incredible beach, with giant red paper trees and parotas standing out from the rest of the vegetation—a perfect destination if you enjoy camping.
DINING AT ICONIC SPOTS
Don Pedro’s Restaurant is a Sayulita icon—and for good reason. It preserves the classic dishes the destination is known for: lobster, shrimp in all forms, pizza, salads, and a wide variety of other offerings. I ordered a delicious lobster, paired with a sparkling white wine that turned out to be just what my day needed. I never imagined I would enjoy that combination so much. On top of that, the restaurant is in a prime location, overlooking Sayulita’s main beach.
RANCHO MI CHULA
ADVENTURE CALLS
My final stop in Sayulita: Rancho Mi Chula, a destination for those who love adventure. Zip-lining through the jungle, ATV rides to Cerro de la Loca, horseback riding to Playa Patzcuaritos at sunset, and a tequila and mezcal tasting.
I tried the zip-lines and went on an ATV ride—my favorite activity was going up Cerro de la Loca on the ATV. The view from the lookout at the top was breathtaking, offering an incredible photo spot if you love tropical landscapes. Rancho Mi Chula is the perfect place for anyone looking to get their adrenaline pumping.
A TYPICAL SAYULITA DINNER
My trip was coming to an end, but my appetite was just getting started. Near the main square is La Rustica, a restaurant with a wide-ranging menu of pizzas, pastas, steaks, cocktails, and spirits. I was recommended the famous Sayulita Pizza, made with serrano ham, basil, manchego cheese, and a variety of spices—the feast I’d been waiting for after so many adventures. The perfect ending.
WHY SAY “YES” TO SAYULITA?
Sayulita is not just a destination; it’s an experience you live with all five senses.
Here, each sunrise paints the sky with new colors, every wave tells a story, and every corner holds a bit of magic. Are you ready to let this Pueblo Mágico conquer your soul?
By Charlie Travels
