Most of the town of Sayulita is on the water side of the highway that heads to Punta de Mita. This largest area contains four neighbourhoods, South End, Downtown, Gringo Hill and North End. Yesterday I wrote a post about my explorations of the North End. Today I’ve been street walking in the South End of Sayulita. I’ll show you some pictures of my exploits.
Ninos Heroes
Ninos Heroes is the street that is going to give you access to most of the South End neighbourhood. I also walked up Ave. Revolucion and climbed up the four streets that head directly up the hillside.
Like the North End, the South End is on a hillside for the most part. The only flat area is right down at the water and Ninos Heroes itself. Walking these streets is not going to give you quite the leg workout as the North End does, but still delivers a thigh burner or two. 🙂
Ninos Heroes is a pretty street, there is new construction here and there, however the street is fairly clean. A walker will find a couple of really cute eateries on this stretch. A perfect place for your morning java or smoothie!
Casa’s and Accommodation
Many of the houses in this neighbourhood seemed fairly newish. Not quite as upscale and grand as the North End, but just a bit sweeter and more eclectic and quirky for sure. I saw at least one large hostel up in the hills as well as a couple of boutique hotels. There were also a number of older looking homes, perhaps original houses in the area that have been here for decades.
Connecting some of the streets were little stairwells, kind of like a vertical alleyway, but with lush gardens and plants. Every time I found one of these little oasis’s, I thought if I ever need a break from the crowds downtown, I could bring a snack and sit in here!
Ambience
I found this neighbourhood to be very quiet and peaceful, so much so that I could enjoy the birds and animals around me. There were many loose dogs, not strays, but not cooped up in yards, as well as chickens and roosters wandering about the roads.
Streets
What a mix of streets in here! From complete sand and dirt roads, so cobblestone and pavers. The cleanliness changed drastically from street to street and almost from house to house. Expect all sorts of materials underfoot, so good footwear is a must should you want to explore or stay here. However saying that, the local immigrants seem to all be wearing flip flops, berkies or teva type sandals no matter the ground condition. 🙂
Quite a bit of new construction is taking place in the South End. I think as the town of Sayulita grows, this might be the area that it is expanding further into. The new condominiums are stark and modern looking and not really corresponding to the bohemian vibe of the town.
A returning traveller might just see a big change to this neighbourhood between visits. Its one to keep and eye on and a lovely place to stay for a short visit.
