travel info
Don't get flustered by the numerous people trying to talk you into taxi rides in the airport just after you exit customs - just keep walking outside. You can also take the bus for a nominal fee, but they may be difficult with luggage. We recommend pre-arranging pickup and transportation to your hotel or rental casa from PVR. A taxi (car, suburban, or van) from PVR to Sayulita will cost between $400-$650 pesos depending on the group size. Please for recommendations.
travel preparation
- Passport: You now need a passport for all travel into Mexico from the United States and Canada. If you do not currently have a passport, please plan ahead since it can take up to 6-8 weeks to process. For more information, visit this US government site.
- Tourist Visa: You will need to obtain and fill out a Tourist Visa on the plane. Be sure to keep the stamped portion, as you will need it when you depart from Mexico.
- Driver's License: It's always a good idea to carry your Driver's License when you travel.
- ATM Card: Using an ATM machine is by far the easiest way to get Pesos, plus you will get the best exchange rate.
- Credit Card: You should bring a credit card for any major purchases, or in case of emergency.
getting around
We do not recommend renting a car in Mexico. The informal rules of the road can be distressing for foreigners and the road conditions in Sayulita are, shall we say, rustic. Golf carts are available for weekly and daily rental in town and can easily get you around. If you are staying in Sayulita, you'll probably be able to walk to most of the shops and restaurants. Taxis are always available alongside the main square in town. To avoid surprises, establish your rate before getting in and ensure you have pesos to pay with.
health issues
It's best not to drink the tap water in Mexico. Bottled drinking water is available everywhere and restaurants only use ice made from purified water... so there is no reason not to order one more margarita! Stop by the town OXXO (the Mexican equivalent of a 7-11) and pick up some purified water (y cervezas!) for your casa or hotel - don't forget to use it for brushing your teeth! If you have a sensitive stomach, plan ahead and bring down your favorite elixirs (pepto bismol, alka-seltzer, etc.) Otherwise, use common sense (i.e., don't eat from a sketchy looking street cart) and you'll be fine.safety
With drug cartel border violence permeating USA news media, it is easy to see why some might have reservations about traveling to Mexico. The small, charming fishing village of Sayulita is just that - small and charming. We traveled to Sayulita in August and felt completely safe, even late at night in town. Although growing in popularity on an international scale, Sayulita is still a quiet tranquil town with friendly faces eager to meet and greet visitors whose patronage is essential to the local economy. As in any locale around the world, there is petty theft and other minor crime; however, the community of Sayulita has come together to help reduce these types of crimes and to increase security in general by forming neighborhood watch programs and stipulating a midnight closing time for all bars and nightlife in Sayulita. Take precaution and use common sense while visiting. Don't travel with unnecessary valuables and use the provided safes in your vacation rental home or hotel for those things you can't leave at home. Close and lock all windows and doors when going out. Do not leave any valuable visible in parked cars. The local police force in Sayulita is on 24-hour patrol of the town and surrounding area; these tourist police (policia turistica) keep the streets and beaches safe at night, and enforce laws regarding drug possession and other crimes. The emergency equivalent to dialling 911 in Mexico is 066 from any standard line and 080 from a Mexican cell phone. Keep these numbers handy to help keep you and your family safe while visiting Sayulita and traveling throughout Mexico.
Sayulita is safe. By taking responsibility for yourself and employing common sense, your stay in Sayulita will be a fun, enjoyable and memorable experience.
weather
Year-round, the climate in Sayulita is similar to Hawaii's, with temperatures averaging in the 80s and 90s during the day and dipping ten or fifteen degrees lower at night. For specific weather details visit http://www.sayulitaweather.com other
Money Exchange/ATMs: Check the daily exchange rates for the Mexican peso against US dollars, Canadian dollars, and the Euro. You can use US & Canadian dollars (not traveler checks) at most of the stores and restaurants in Sayulita and the surrounding area, but you will get better exchange rates at the "Casa de Cambios" (Money Exchanges) and from ATMs. In Sayulita there are "Casa de Cambios" in Av. Revolucion just off the plaza opposite "El Expresso" coffee shop, in Calle Delfin just off the plaza next to the water purification store, and at the one-way split on Av. Revolucion at Sayulita Money Exchange and Telcel office. Opening hours vary.Sayulita has three ATM cash machines, located at Yo Yo Mo's, beside the bridge on Calle Revolucion, in Calle Marlin, next to Mi Tiendita there is a no name ATM machine, and also inside Alas Blancas minisuper on Calle Delfin. All ATM machines charge a $7-$10 peso surcharge (plus your bank's international fee.)
Currently there is no bank in Sayulita but there are two in Bucerias - halfway to Puerto Vallarta. There is an HSBC bank with a cash machine (caja permanente) up the hill beyond the town center on the left hand side (when traveling from Sayulita), and a Bancomer bank and ATM next to the OXXO (right hand side), plus a Banamex cash machine is located next to the Chinese architectural building on the ocean side of hwy. Another bank is in La Penita, 19 miles/30 kms. north of Sayulita on Mex. Hwy 200 direction of Tepic, Bancomer & cash machine at #22 E.Calle Zapata. Banks are open Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Groceries: If you want to cook at home in Sayulita, plenty of basic staples are available in the village. There are a number of small grocery stores in town, some offering better choice of products and fresher produce than others. Mi Tiendita on the plaza, and MiniSuper Rodolfo at the one-way split on Av. Revolucion (the main street) are the best stocked but it is worth a stroll through town to see what is available and fresh that day. Also, pick-up trucks circulate through Sayulita offering fresh produce, fish and shrimp. For fresh fish, visit Pescaderia Piolin (tel. 322-291-3079) near the road bridge; and for meat there are now modern butchers shops (Carniceria) in town. Try Carniceria Tranco's opposite MiniSuper Rodolfo or El Tapatio opposite Rollie's. Sayulita truly offers a great selection of fresh fish and meats.
Liquor, Wine & Beer: Liquor stores and beer depositos as well as the tiendas around town should be able to satisfy your requirements - some stores are better stocked than others. The best way to buy beer in Sayulita is by the case. You will pay around $168-$180 pesos/case and a $50-$70 pesos deposit - keep deposit receipt safe for a refund upon leaving. Make sure to exchange your empty bottles each time in order to avoid the repeatedly repaying the deposit.
Laundromats: There are three scattered around Sayulita. One is north of the bridge, another opposite Del Palmar campground in the center, and the other is near the one way split on the street leading out of town. Laundry is charged by the kilo and you leave it with the proprietors who wash, dry and fold everything for you. If you drop off your items before 9 a.m. they are usually ready later the same day.
Nightlife: Most of the local action in Sayulita is at Don Pato's, at the south end of the plaza, opposite of the church (small club with live music and a great scene), Don Pedro's (on the beach with salsa dancing on Mondays), Buddha Bar, and the bars around the central plaza. Also, you can enjoy a pleasant evening just hanging out around the plaza enjoying someone's guitar music and doing a little jewelry shopping. There are lots of great bars around - our favorite is Monchis!