Highlight on Sayulita: Pueblo Magico

While Puerto Vallarta alone is an amazing hub of incredible natural beauty, amazing restaurants, and breathtaking beaches, there are also lots of great towns to visit in the nearby area that visitors and residents should get to know. A good example, Sayulita.

Have you heard of Sayulita? Sayulita is a beach village located about 40 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta on Mexico’s Pacific coast with the lush Sierra Madre Occidental mountains behind it. Well known for its popular surfing beaches and laid back hippie vibe that forces visitors to slow down a bit and appreciate life’s important moments, Sayulita has grown significantly in popularity over the last decade.

Do you live in or own a second home at Garza Blanca in Puerto Vallarta? If so, take a day trip up to check out Sayulita, a magic little town that will capture your heart and remind you what an incredible place you live in.

The concept of Pueblos Magicos was created back in 2001 by the Mexico Tourism Board, and the designation is exclusively bestowed upon cities, towns and villages that have special symbolic features, legends, history, and to promote tourism in the area.  

There are three basic requirements in order to become eligible for Pueblo Magico status. The first relates to the image of the town which must contain a certain level of architectural and visually pleasing qualities. In fact, facades, roofs and balconies of buildings in a Pueblo Magico need to be painted in a single color selected from seven colors which have been approved by the National Institute of Anthropology and History.

Secondly, the town should possess a local cultural identity, and there is a focus on locally made handicrafts and maintaining traditional ways of life even in today’s modern times.

Lastly, the third criterion relates to the village environment and surroundings. A Pueblo Mágico has to contain a beautiful village square or scenic surroundings, and contain at least one major attraction that differs from those in other communities in the area. Villages and towns such as Sayulita that are selected as a Pueblo Magico will receive multi-level financial support to help promote tourism-related infrastructure and businesses in the area.

Are you into surfing and ready to catch some of the best breaks in the area? If so, you should head to the central Sayulita Beach where surfers spend hours riding waves in the warm Mexican sun.

If surfing isn’t your thing, you can also try paddleboarding or swimming but stay aware that there are strong currents in the area. There are also tons of restaurants and bars located right on the beach so you can sit back and enjoy a refreshing cocktail as well. This is the most crowded beach in town, so get ready for lots of great people watching and be ready to deal with vendors selling a variety of fares that walk up and down the beach trying to make a deal.

Prefer a quieter, more secluded beach? Just to the west of Villa Amor hotel you can find the isolated Los Muertos Beach. Take the road and walk up the hill just past Villa Amor and you will walk the local graveyard before you find Los Muertos Beach which is a sheltered, private beach situated between protective rocks on either side. A great beach for swimming, bring along an umbrella and snacks as there are no restaurants at this beach. If you forget your umbrella, you can try to find a spot underneath the shade of trees that line the edge of the beach.

Art and Restaurants

Sayulita is easily walkable so take the time to stroll through the charming cobblestone streets and check out the main plaza which has a lovely gazebo and colorful papel picado that make for a perfect photo opportunity.

Do you love art and finding that perfect piece for your home? There are many fabulous art galleries in Sayulita that sell everything from original works to handicrafts created by Huichol indigenous people. Maybe you can find a nice piece of artwork to take back home to your second home in paradise at Garza Blanca? You will also see numerous bars and restaurants in addition to art galleries as you make your way through town.

Enjoy a fresh seafood ceviche tostada, or cool off with a delicious homemade ice cream cone. Whether you are in the mood for fine dining or street tacos, Sayulita has something for everyone.

Sayulita is a Pueblo Magico that deserves a day trip up from the hustle and bustle of Puerto Vallarta. If you can stay into the evening hours, you will love the beautiful blend of blue, purple and pink colors at sunset as it illuminates the incredible ocean view. Sayulita’s friendly and relaxed environment is reminiscent of times past where life was simpler and slower paced.

Do you have a second home in paradise at Garza Blanca, or hope to become a Puerto Vallarta homeowner one day soon? If so, make sure to plan a day trip from Puerto Vallarta and check out Sayulita, a Pueblo Magico with a heart of gold.