Today I went exploring! And what did I find? Playa Malpaso, the most pristine beach near Sayulita. And when I say pristine, I mean exactly that, it was extraordinary in every way.
Getting There
The route I took was from the beach in Sayulita. I have since read however that this is not the most recommended route because of traversing the first big rocky outcropping. When I attempted this the tide was out which is why I kept going.
I walked all the way to the end of North beach where there is a large rock cliff. I just started climbing, it really wasn’t that bad, just big boulders to navigate. If the tide was in there is no way I could have crossed this.
Once I was through the area of boulders there was a path that I took. My thoughts were as long as I can see a clear path, I’ll keep going and see what happens.
One foot in front of the other, the path was up and down through the dense jungle. The ground was incredibly dry so I was slipping a bit with my running shoes that are no longer in great condition. Because of all of my walking I do, the tread has completely worn flat. I was typically stepping over and around rocks, roots and boulders.
At the highest point and close to the ocean, you come out of the jungle and get a gorgeous view of your prize just ahead!
Playa Las Cuevas
Keeping the ocean on my left, I made my way down the first path that I came to that went towards the beach. That route brought me to Playa Las Cuevas! What a beautiful little beach!
It is about 50 meters long, but oh so perfect and peaceful. Big rock structures are at both ends and the tide was not out far enough for me to get past the most northern rocks. So I returned back into the jungle and took a path that headed north.
Playa Malpaso
Again, keeping the coastline on my left, I headed down the path into the jungle. Once I thought I had walked far enough to get past those boulders, I took the first path towards the beach.
And wow! Wow! There was Playa Malpaso right before my eyes and it was breathtaking!
I walked towards the water. To the left was the tall rocky outcropping that I couldn’t pass earlier. To the right was a long stretch of the most pristine beach I think I have ever seen! It was so long that all I could see in the distance was mist billowing off the waves.
The sand was a rich warm camel brown and littered with tiny shells. I walked the entire length of the beach and only at the very end did I see a couple who were headed further north. I could tell by the shoe prints on the sand that maybe two other people had been there earlier than I.
I did not see one single piece of garbage, it was amazing! The water is crystal clear blue green and the waves were strong. I would not recommend swimming on this beach. There is no one around should a swimmer get into distress.
Looking into the jungle I could see the sunlight coming up over the mountain and into the trees, it was absolutely gorgeous.
The whole time I was walking I just couldn’t believe how lucky I was that this extraordinary stretch of pristine beach was all mine in that moment. It felt like I was on a deserted island in the middle of no where.
Returning
For the return trip, I simply backtracked the way I came.
Walking and exploring this morning was so utterly rewarding. I felt rejuvenated, exhausted and a little nervous when I got a bit lost on the way back through the jungle. Anyone who knows me will not be surprised by that information. 🙂 Never stop putting one foot forward, it will take you to wondrous places indeed.
