If you are looking for a place to visit where you can relax, and experience a more authentic Mexican vacation I would definitely recommend visiting Sayulita.
After a trip to Europe with my mom and sister fell through a friend of mine offered for me to join her in Sayulita, Mexico for a week. My friend and her two daughters were spending their entire summer break there and were looking forward to welcoming company. I had never heard of the town, but was in need of a getaway and couldn’t resist the idea of being in walking distance to the ocean for a week.
The easiest way to fly into Sayulita is via the Puerto Vallarta International Airport. After going through Customs and Immigration you’ll want to take a quick bathroom break, withdraw some pesos from a cash machine then follow the signs to exit the airport. Once outside I’d grab a bottle of water and a snack at the OXXO convenience store across the two lanes of drop-off/pick-up car. Pay with one of your larger pesos you just withdrew so you have cash for the bus ride.
Now you are ready to head towards the bus stop. This will be the cheapest way to get to Sayulita. Walk back towards the airport. There is a pedestrian bridge that crosses over the freeway. Once across the bridge, walk to the first bus stop on your left.
You will now be looking for the Ruta Sayulita de Sur a Norte. When the correct bus arrives it will have “Sayulita” written on the front window. Depending on the time of the day, the cost will be $1-3. You can pay the bus driver directly in pesos. Grab a seat anywhere and settle in as the ride takes a little over 1 hour.
The ride itself is a bit slow while in Puerto Vallarta as there are a few stops and lots of traffic. Once you get out of the city the ride goes much faster and you are treated to amazing views of mountains, jungles, and unaltered nature. The seats are very snug and there isn’t exactly room for large luggage. We had brought carry-on sized bags so were able to hold them on our laps or at our feet.
Once in Sayulita, the bus will pull into a simple station with a covered awning and benches underneath. From here you are a short walk to your accommodations and, more importantly, the beach. Along your walk are several restaurants, shops, and street vendors to visit. I strongly recommend the fruit smoothies!
The return times are posted in the bus stop so either take a peek when you arrive in Sayulita, or go for a walk during your vacation to check bus pick-up times. When the bus arrives, make sure it says “Puerto Vallarta” on the window. To be on the safe side, I’d confirm with the driver that it stops at the airport/aeropuerto.
Passports & Playdates 