Sayulita

Arrive at PVR and transfer to Sayulita(1 hour)

Shared shuttle 400 MXN ($24), private 800-1,200 MXN ($47-70). Uber from PVR is cheapest. The drive north along the coast takes 45 minutes

Check into hotel and settle in(1 hour)

Stay near the beach in the center — Hotel Sayulita Central ($80-150) or Hotelito Los Suenos ($60-100). The town is 15 minutes to walk end-to-end

First walk through the colorful streets(45 minutes)

Follow the papel picado banners along Avenida Revolución to the beach. Find the iconic Sayulita sign arch for photos

Sunset on Sayulita Beach(1.5 hours)

Grab a cold beer or mezcal at one of the beach bars. The sunset over the Pacific from the main beach is spectacular. Street taco vendors set up along the sand at dusk

Dinner at fish taco stands on Calle Delfín(1 hour)

Skip the beachfront restaurants and eat where locals eat. Fish tacos 30-50 MXN ($2-3) each. Try battered mahi-mahi with chipotle crema

Surf lesson on the main beach(1.5 hours)

600-800 MXN ($35-47) including board. The waves are gentle and consistent, perfect for beginners. Best before 11AM when wind picks up. The left break near the north point is better for intermediates

Breakfast at Mary's on Calle Gaviotas(45 minutes)

Best ceviche tostadas in town (50 MXN). Also serves fresh fruit bowls and smoothies. A locals' favorite

Explore the street art and murals(1 hour)

Sayulita's walls are a kaleidoscope of murals and painted buildings. The most concentrated area is between Calle Marlin and Calle Pelícanos. Free

Mezcal tasting at Don Pato Mezcalería(1 hour)

Flights from 200 MXN (~$12). Try raicilla — the local cousin of mezcal unique to Nayarit, smoky and complex. The bartenders are passionate about explaining the differences

Dinner at Chakal Sayulita(1.5 hours)

On the main street. Fresh seafood with a modern Mexican twist. Aguachile ($180 MXN) and grilled octopus ($220 MXN). Reserve for dinner in high season

Morning walk to Playa de los Muertos(20 minutes)

Take the trail over the southern headland from the main beach. Named for a pre-Hispanic cemetery, not danger. Bring water shoes for the rocky path

Snorkeling at Playa de los Muertos(2 hours)

Better snorkeling than the main beach — rocky reef with tropical fish. Bring your own gear (rental in town 100-150 MXN/day) and drinks. Limited services at this beach

Beach relaxation and swimming(2 hours)

Calmer water, fewer vendors, more scenic. Bring a book and snacks from town

Late lunch at El Itacate(1 hour)

On Calle Marlin. Massive burritos and tortas for 80-120 MXN ($5-7). The al pastor is outstanding

Evening at the central plaza(1.5 hours)

Live music most evenings. Friday night is biggest with market stalls, mezcal tastings, and street food. The vibe is relaxed and communal

Early morning transfer to Punta de Mita(30 minutes)

Tours depart from Punta de Mita, 20 minutes south. Most operators include hotel pickup. Depart 8-9AM

Boat tour to Islas Marietas(5 hours)

1,500-2,500 MXN ($88-147) including snorkeling, Playa del Amor visit, and whale watching (Dec-March). Strict 116-visitor daily limit — book weeks ahead. The swim through the tunnel to Hidden Beach is the highlight. Closed August-September for breeding season

Snorkeling around the islands(1.5 hours)

Crystal-clear water with manta rays, tropical fish, and possibly humpback whales in winter. Gear provided on the tour

Dinner at Don Pedro's on the beach(1.5 hours)

Toes-in-the-sand dining. Fresh lobster ($350 MXN), ceviche, and strong margaritas. Live music some evenings

Morning surf session(2 hours)

Rent a board (250-350 MXN/hour) and catch waves. The morning is glassiest before the wind picks up around 11AM

Brunch at Orangetheory(1 hour)

On the main drag. Acai bowls (120 MXN), fresh juices, and eggs benedict with Mexican twists

Free afternoon for rest or shopping(3 hours)

Browse the boutiques on Avenida Revolución for handmade jewelry, woven bags, and artisan mezcal. Or simply swing in a hammock

Sunset yoga on the beach(1 hour)

Several studios offer beach yoga sessions (200-300 MXN). Check at Holistika or Sayulita Yoga. Drop-in classes available

Tacos on Calle Delfín(45 minutes)

Return to the taco stands for birria tacos (40 MXN) and grilled shrimp tacos. Squeeze fresh lime, add the pickled onions

Colectivo to San Pancho(15 minutes)

Shared vans run from the main road (20 MXN). Or walk the coastal path (45 minutes) for scenic views

San Pancho beach morning(2 hours)

A wider, less crowded beach with stronger surf. The town has a bohemian, creative community with a strong environmental ethic. Browse the Saturday organic market if timing works

Lunch at Tuna Blanca(1 hour)

Farm-to-table restaurant in San Pancho. Creative Mexican cuisine ($150-250 MXN entrees). The garden setting is beautiful

Jungle canopy tour near San Pancho(2 hours)

Zip-lining through the jungle ($700-1,000 MXN). Several operators offer 10-line courses through the Sierra Madre foothills with ocean views from the canopy

Return to Sayulita for a final evening(2 hours)

Farewell mezcal at the plaza. Browse the evening market stalls and soak up the live music one last time

Sunrise walk on the beach(45 minutes)

The beach is nearly empty at dawn. Watch the fishing boats head out. The light is beautiful for photography

Breakfast at Rubén's Deli(45 minutes)

On Calle Delfín. Fresh-baked pastries and strong Mexican coffee. A quiet start to departure day

Last-minute shopping(1 hour)

Pick up artisanal mezcal (300 MXN/bottle) from the market, handmade jewelry, or a Sayulita t-shirt

Transfer to PVR airport(1 hour)

Book shuttle or Uber. Allow 45 minutes for the drive plus 2 hours before your flight

Arrive at PVR and transfer to Sayulita(1 hour)

Shared shuttle 400 MXN ($24), Uber is cheapest. 45-minute coastal drive north

Walk through the colorful streets(45 minutes)

Papel picado banners, murals, the iconic Sayulita sign on Avenida Revolución

Sunset on Sayulita Beach with fish tacos(2 hours)

Beach bar drinks and fish tacos from Calle Delfín stands (30-50 MXN each)

Surf lesson on main beach(1.5 hours)

600-800 MXN ($35-47) with board. Gentle waves, best before 11AM

Breakfast at Mary's(45 minutes)

Ceviche tostadas (50 MXN) on Calle Gaviotas

Street art exploration(1 hour)

Murals concentrated between Calle Marlin and Pelícanos

Mezcal tasting at Don Pato(1 hour)

Flights from 200 MXN. Try raicilla — unique to Nayarit

Dinner at Chakal Sayulita(1.5 hours)

Aguachile ($180 MXN) and grilled octopus ($220 MXN)

Hike to Playa de los Muertos(20 minutes)

Trail over the southern headland. Bring water shoes

Snorkeling at the reef(2 hours)

Rocky reef with tropical fish. Bring own gear or rent in town (100-150 MXN/day)

Beach relaxation(2 hours)

Calmer water, fewer vendors. Bring snacks and drinks

Late lunch at El Itacate(1 hour)

Massive burritos 80-120 MXN. Al pastor is outstanding

Evening at central plaza(1.5 hours)

Live music, mezcal, street food. Friday is biggest night

Transfer to Punta de Mita(30 minutes)

Most operators include pickup. Depart 8-9AM

Islas Marietas boat tour(5 hours)

1,500-2,500 MXN ($88-147). Hidden Beach, snorkeling, whale watching (Dec-March). 116-visitor daily limit

Snorkeling with manta rays(1.5 hours)

Crystal-clear water. Gear provided

Dinner at Don Pedro's(1.5 hours)

Toes-in-the-sand. Lobster $350 MXN. Live music some evenings

Morning surf session(2 hours)

Board rental 250-350 MXN/hour. Best before 11AM

Brunch at a beachfront cafe(1 hour)

Acai bowls, fresh juices, and eggs with Mexican twists

Free afternoon(3 hours)

Hammock time, boutique shopping on Revolución, or beach reading

Sunset yoga on the beach(1 hour)

Drop-in classes 200-300 MXN at Holistika or Sayulita Yoga

Colectivo to San Pancho(15 minutes)

Shared vans from main road, 20 MXN

San Pancho beach morning(2 hours)

Wider, less crowded, stronger surf. Bohemian community vibe

Lunch at Tuna Blanca(1 hour)

Farm-to-table. Creative Mexican cuisine $150-250 MXN entrees

Jungle zip-line tour(2 hours)

700-1,000 MXN. 10-line course through Sierra Madre foothills

Bus to Puerto Vallarta(1 hour)

Local bus from the main road, 50 MXN ($3). Drops you at the bus station near the Malecón

Walk the Malecón boardwalk(1.5 hours)

The 1.5km oceanfront promenade is lined with sculptures, street performers, and cafes. The iconic seahorse statue is the most photographed

Explore the Zona Romántica(1.5 hours)

Old town PV south of the Río Cuale. Art galleries, boutiques, and the best food scene in the city. Calle Basilio Badillo is the main artery

Lunch at La Palapa(1.5 hours)

Toes-in-the-sand dining on Playa Los Muertos. Fresh ceviche and shrimp tacos ($150-250 MXN). Reservations recommended for beachfront tables

Return to Sayulita by sunset(1 hour)

Uber or bus back. Watch the sunset from Sayulita beach

Guided raicilla distillery tour(4 hours)

Tours from Sayulita (500-1,200 MXN) visit small-batch producers in mountain villages. See the traditional pit-roasting of agave, fermentation in wooden vats, and copper-still distillation. Tastings included

Lunch at a mountain village fonda(1 hour)

Simple home-cooked food at a family restaurant — pozole rojo, tamales, and fresh tortillas. Expect 60-100 MXN for a full meal

Mountain village walk(1 hour)

The Sierra Madre villages are untouched by tourism. Coffee farms, mango orchards, and views over the coast from 1,000m

Evening at the beach(1.5 hours)

Quiet sunset drinks at your favorite beach bar

Surf at Punta de Mita or La Lancha(2.5 hours)

Hire a local surf guide ($500-800 MXN half-day) to take you to breaks matched to your level. La Lancha (15 min south) has more powerful waves for intermediates

Lunch at Barracuda Deli(45 minutes)

Fresh sandwiches and smoothies on Calle Marlin. Good pre-adventure fuel

Visit inland river swimming holes(2 hours)

Ask locals about the swimming holes along the Río Sayulita or book a jungle swimming tour ($400-600 MXN). Crystal water surrounded by tropical forest

Dinner at Tierra Viva(1.5 hours)

Organic farm-to-table on a rooftop. Wood-fired pizzas and creative cocktails ($150-250 MXN per person)

Morning beach time or surf(3 hours)

Rent a board, swim, or simply lounge on the beach with a coconut ($30 MXN from beach vendors)

Lunch at a new taco spot(1 hour)

Try the taco stands on Calle Marlin you haven't hit yet. Shrimp tacos and aguachile tostadas

Horseback riding along the beach(2 hours)

Rancho Mi Chaparrita offers 2-hour rides along the beach and into the jungle ($700-1,000 MXN). Sunset rides are especially scenic

Whale watching boat tour (seasonal)(3 hours)

Dec-March only. Tours from Punta de Mita or Sayulita, 1,200-2,000 MXN. Humpback whales breach, spy-hop, and sing. Dolphins are year-round

Explore Punta de Mita town(1.5 hours)

A quieter fishing village at the tip of the Riviera Nayarit. Less touristy than Sayulita. The beach has excellent snorkeling

Lunch at Si Hay Olitas(1 hour)

Beachside seafood in Punta de Mita. Whole grilled fish ($200 MXN) and cold Pacificos

SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) session(1.5 hours)

Rental 250-350 MXN/hour from shops on Sayulita beach. Calmer water in the morning. Paddle to the point for views back at the town

Dinner at Yeikame(1.5 hours)

Huichol-inspired restaurant. Creative cocktails and contemporary Mexican dishes ($200-350 MXN entrees)

Mexican cooking class(3 hours)

Several operators offer classes ($600-1,200 MXN) covering ceviche, mole, fresh salsa, and guacamole. Market shopping included. You eat everything you make

Browse the Sayulita market(1 hour)

The Friday/Saturday market has artisan crafts, local honey, hot sauces, and mezcal at better prices than the shops

Afternoon at the beach(2 hours)

Relaxed final beach afternoon. The north end of the main beach is usually quieter

Sunset from the cemetery hill(45 minutes)

The colorful cemetery above town has stunning sunset views over the bay. The painted graves are beautiful, especially around Día de los Muertos season

Drive or colectivo to Lo de Marcos(30 minutes)

A sleepy coastal town 25 minutes north. Colectivo from the main road, 30 MXN

Lo de Marcos beach morning(2 hours)

Long, empty beach with gentle waves. Sea turtle nesting season (July-December) brings conservation programs where you can help release hatchlings

Lunch at a beachside palapa(1 hour)

Fresh fish, shrimp, and octopus — simpler and cheaper than Sayulita. Full meal 80-120 MXN

Playa Las Cuevas detour(1.5 hours)

A hidden beach accessible by a short trail from the road. Sea caves at low tide and excellent tide pools

Return to Sayulita for final evening(1.5 hours)

Last dinner at your favorite spot. Walk the streets one more time under the papel picado

Sunrise beach walk(45 minutes)

Nearly empty at dawn. Watch fishing boats head out

Breakfast at Rubén's Deli(45 minutes)

Fresh pastries and strong coffee on Calle Delfín

Last shopping(1 hour)

Artisanal mezcal (300 MXN/bottle), handmade jewelry, woven bags

Transfer to PVR airport(1 hour)

Allow 45 min drive plus 2 hours before flight

Arrive at PVR and transfer to Sayulita(1 hour)

Shared shuttle 400 MXN ($24) or Uber. 45-minute coastal drive

Walk through colorful streets to the beach(45 minutes)

Papel picado banners, Sayulita sign arch on Revolución

Sunset beach drinks and fish tacos(2 hours)

Calle Delfín taco stands, 30-50 MXN per taco

Surf lesson(1.5 hours)

600-800 MXN including board. Gentle waves, best before 11AM

Breakfast at Mary's(45 minutes)

Ceviche tostadas (50 MXN) on Calle Gaviotas

Mezcal tasting at Don Pato(1 hour)

Flights from 200 MXN. Try raicilla

Dinner at Chakal(1.5 hours)

Aguachile $180 MXN, grilled octopus $220 MXN

Snorkeling at the reef(2 hours)

Tropical fish on rocky reef. Bring own gear or rent in town

Late lunch at El Itacate(1 hour)

Burritos 80-120 MXN. Al pastor outstanding

Evening at central plaza(1.5 hours)

Live music and street food

Islas Marietas boat tour(5 hours)

1,500-2,500 MXN. Hidden Beach, snorkeling, whale watching (Dec-March). 116-visitor limit

Dinner at Don Pedro's(1.5 hours)

Beach dining. Lobster $350 MXN

Sunset yoga(1 hour)

200-300 MXN drop-in at Holistika or Sayulita Yoga

Colectivo to San Pancho(15 minutes)

20 MXN from main road

San Pancho beach(2 hours)

Wider, less crowded, stronger surf

Lunch at Tuna Blanca(1 hour)

Farm-to-table, $150-250 MXN entrees

Jungle zip-line tour(2 hours)

700-1,000 MXN. Sierra Madre foothills

Bus to Puerto Vallarta(1 hour)

Local bus 50 MXN ($3)

Walk the Malecón(1.5 hours)

1.5km boardwalk with sculptures and street performers

Zona Romántica exploration(1.5 hours)

Old town galleries and boutiques on Basilio Badillo

Lunch at La Palapa(1.5 hours)

Beach dining. Ceviche and shrimp tacos $150-250 MXN

Guided distillery tour(4 hours)

500-1,200 MXN. Pit-roasted agave, traditional fermentation, copper-still distillation

Mountain village lunch(1 hour)

Home-cooked pozole and tamales, 60-100 MXN

Mountain village walk(1 hour)

Coffee farms, mango orchards, coastal views from 1,000m

Surf at La Lancha(2.5 hours)

15 min south. More powerful waves for intermediates. Guide $500-800 MXN

Jungle river swimming holes(2 hours)

Book jungle swimming tour ($400-600 MXN) or ask locals for the Río Sayulita spots

Dinner at Tierra Viva(1.5 hours)

Rooftop farm-to-table. Wood-fired pizza, $150-250 MXN

Beach morning(3 hours)

Coconut from beach vendor 30 MXN. Surf, swim, or read

Horseback ride on the beach(2 hours)

Rancho Mi Chaparrita, 700-1,000 MXN. Sunset rides are scenic

Whale watching boat tour (seasonal)(3 hours)

Dec-March. 1,200-2,000 MXN. Breaching humpbacks and dolphins

Punta de Mita exploration(1.5 hours)

Quieter fishing village at the tip of Riviera Nayarit

Lunch at Si Hay Olitas(1 hour)

Beachside grilled fish $200 MXN

SUP session(1.5 hours)

250-350 MXN/hour. Calmer in morning

Dinner at Yeikame(1.5 hours)

Huichol-inspired, $200-350 MXN entrees

Mexican cooking class(3 hours)

600-1,200 MXN. Ceviche, mole, salsa. Market shopping included

Browse the Friday/Saturday market(1 hour)

Crafts, local honey, hot sauces, mezcal

Sunset from the cemetery hill(45 minutes)

Stunning bay views. Colorful painted graves

Colectivo to Lo de Marcos(30 minutes)

30 MXN from main road

Lo de Marcos beach(2 hours)

Long, empty. Sea turtle releases Jul-Dec

Beachside palapa lunch(1 hour)

Fresh fish, full meal 80-120 MXN

Playa Las Cuevas(1.5 hours)

Sea caves at low tide and tide pools

Drive to Bucerías(30 minutes)

A larger town with a beautiful long beach and thriving art scene. Less touristy than Sayulita

Bucerías Art Walk (Thursday evenings in season)(1.5 hours)

Galleries open late with wine and snacks. The town has a growing international art community

Lunch at Mark's Bar & Grill(1 hour)

International-meets-Mexican on the beach. Shrimp ceviche and cold beers ($150-200 MXN)

La Cruz de Huanacaxtle fish market(1 hour)

Working fishing village with a Sunday market (fresh fish, crafts, live music). Even on non-market days, the marina has cheap fresh ceviche ($50 MXN)

Dawn patrol at Sayulita main break(2 hours)

The earliest session (6:30-8:30AM) has the cleanest waves and fewest people

Afternoon session at Stinky's (Playa Carricitos)(2 hours)

20-min drive south toward PVR. A beach break with longer rides. Intermediate level. Ask at any Sayulita surf shop for conditions

Morning beach cleanup(2 hours)

Pro Sayulita organizes regular cleanups. Check their Facebook page for dates. Meet at the main beach 8AM

Visit the Entreamigos community center(1.5 hours)

A nonprofit supporting Sayulita families. They accept donations, volunteers, and visitors. Learn about local social initiatives

Lunch at a local comedor(1 hour)

Eat at one of the family-run kitchens away from the tourist strip. A full plate (rice, beans, meat, tortillas) for 60-80 MXN

Transfer to Rincón de Guayabitos(45 minutes)

Colectivo or taxi north. This beach town is the launch point for Isla del Coral

Boat to Isla del Coral(3 hours)

600-800 MXN. Excellent coral reef snorkeling in clear water. Less crowded than Marietas. Gear included

Lunch on the island beach(1 hour)

Some tours include lunch; otherwise bring your own

Visit a local ceramics or art workshop(2 hours)

Several artists offer drop-in workshops (300-600 MXN) in ceramics, painting, or jewelry-making. Ask at the tourist kiosk on the plaza

Afternoon hammock and reading(3 hours)

The perfect tropical rest day

Monkey Mountain (Cerro del Mono) hike(2.5 hours)

Moderate trail starting from the south end of town. Panoramic views of the bay, town, and surrounding coast. Start early to beat the heat

Beach hop: Playa Patzcuarito(2 hours)

A secluded beach between Sayulita and San Pancho, accessed by a short trail. Bring supplies — no services

Final surf session at dawn(1.5 hours)

One last ride on the waves that welcomed you

Brunch at Mary's(1 hour)

Returning to the ceviche tostadas for old times' sake

Final shopping(1.5 hours)

Mezcal, hot sauce, handmade jewelry, and woven goods

Farewell dinner at Don Pedro's(2 hours)

Toes in the sand, lobster, and margaritas for the last night

Transfer to PVR airport(1 hour)

Allow 45 min drive plus 2 hours before flight