An hour from the bustling tourist town of Puerto Vallarta in Nayarit, Mexio is the small town of Sayulita. What this town lacks in size it more than makes up for in colour. Rainbow papel picado flags stretch across streets where the buildings are painted with colourful murals. Everyone has a laid back and friendly vibe. Within minutes of entering the city it becomes easy to see why. The inviting golden sand and killer surf. The sand is high in mica mineral that glitters in the sun and rolls through the shimmering waves.
Getting there
Sayulita has long been on my list of towns to visit when in Mexico because of the dreamy look people got when telling me about the surf town. Being in Puerto Vallarta I was a hop skip and a van ride away. After chatting up a few local tour operators on the beach our group found someone who had his own van for rent, on our own schedule and terms. Ten of us piled into a van for under 20$ USD each at 10 am. Too many tequila the night before *wink*.
Leaving Puerto Vallarta the van headed up into hills along a winding road through the Mexican tropical forest. Road side fruit vendors had plentiful offerings with many colourful varieties not seen in supermarkets. The mangoes are ridiculously delicious!
Pro tip, do not handle the produce with your hand, use a bag. Another pro tip, the bathrooms at the road side fruit stands are usually not plumbed, have no toilet seat and use a bucket of water to wash down your business. They cost a few pesos depending on how brave you feel about not having westernised creature comforts.
Attractions
Once in Sayulita shops and vendors line the close, cobbled streets with something for everyone. I picked up the most amazing hand stitched bathing suit from a local vendor. It is one of the best suits I have every had, it is such a good quality with heavy stitching and I get compliments on it all the time!
Should a beach day happen, there are plenty of surf shops where you can find cheap board rentals and lessons. During peak season pre-book lessons or a surf camp when you know your dates, they fill up quickly. Beach chairs can be rented for cheap or haggle them into a drinks package with a beach side restaurant. We haggled our way into chairs, umbrellas and our own personal server, who made sure that we wanted for nothing.
El Itacale was my favourite place to stop for tacos. They are cheap and seriously the best tacos I have ever eaten. The 5 or 6 street level tables fill up quickly but are worth waiting for. The mahi tacos and carnitas are to die for and positively HUGE! I could hardly fold the shells around the fillings. The tacos are served with all of the accoutrements including roasted onions, beans and a trio of salsas; the extra spicy is not for the faint of heart! A local musician was strumming his guitar in the corner providing live music, the atmosphere was so relaxing. All of the bars and restaurants are colourful, with great atmosphere and amazing service, there is something for everyone from the eclectic local cuisine to a more reserved american style of cuisine. As always I recommend the local fare!