I have been in Sayulita for three weeks now. After spending considerable time in all of the neighbourhoods, I feel I have a good handle on the town. The 5 things I loved the best about Sayulita are the following.
Surfers
Hands down, this is the best thing about Sayulita for me. Walking South beach in the morning, or sitting on the sand enjoying the sunset. Watching the surfers playing in the waves is mesmerizing. From the beginners out there with their instructors, to the fanatics who are so good at their sport, its a pleasure to watch them all.
Flags (Papel Picado)
I’m a sucker for colourful things. Being in the downtown neighbourhood, and walking the streets, one is surrounded by bright flags of every colour flying over head. The strings of plastic and paper, undulating in the gentle breeze is absolutely beautiful. My favourite time of day is early in the morning. There is the least amount of traffic on the streets at that time. The air is crisp and cool and not many others have hit the road yet. I can wander down the middle of the road looking up at that big blue Mexican sky that is littered with vivid colour. Aw, its taking my breath away just thinking about it.
Food
I never had a bad meal here. Because of budget travel, I do cook a lot of my meals at my condo. When I do eat out, it is usually at one of the cheaper restaurants. I cannot stand the word ‘foodie’, but I am an avid food admirer. Typically I will have researched a place to eat before I dine there. I want the absolute best food that my skinny dollars can buy. Usually this route pays off tenfold and once again it did not let me down. From tacos to acai bowls, everything I ate here in Sayulita was delicious!
Restaurant links to the photo’s are: Chocobanana, Tacos Al Pastor Diaz, Yeikame and Organi-K.
The Nearby Beaches
Being here for three weeks gave me time to explore the greater area at my leisure. And am I ever glad I did! I found some amazing beaches close by Sayulita, that are absolutely worth the hike. From little Los Muertos beach to the south, to Playa Malpaso to the North. The beaches outside of Sayulita are spectacular, clean and almost desolate in the best way.
The Animals
Oh I met some really cute animals here in town and we had delightful conversations! I’ve seen goats in Puerto Vallarta, but this was the first time I met sheep in Mexico! They were so sweet and came up to the fence to say hi.
I also stumbled on a horse paddock while walking down the highway. The caretaker allowed me to come inside to see the horses and took me around showing me his favourite black horse. I was very grateful for his kindness.
Sayulita is also where I had my first encounter with wild parrots. Now I have seen and heard these beautiful birds everywhere I have travelled in Mexico. They are however very elusive. Always up in the highest trees and I have never been able to get a photograph of them. One day, while walking in the North End, I came upon a parrot on a wire. He didn’t fly away right away, instead he stayed around and had a wee chat with me. Then before I knew it his friend flew from a nearby tree and I had two to talk with! The encounter only lasted a minute or two but it was wonderful!
It has been an interesting time spent here in Sayulita. The good has come with not so good, which I will talk about in another post. I am grateful for the time I have had here, to explore and venture out into the area. Would I come back? Yes, but only for 2 or 3 days, and I would be very selective with where I stayed.
