Sayulita vs. Puerto Vallarta - Let’s Compare the Difference!
Finally, you’ve decided to visit the beaches of Mexico’s west coast. Congratulations! Awaiting you are sandy beaches, fantastic food, beautiful jungles, and various activities. Choosing where to stay and whether to stay in Sayulita, Puerto Vallarta, or Nayarit can be confusing. So if you are asking yourself, “Is Puerto Vallarta or Sayulita better for me?” Let’s compare the two and see which you like more.
A Quick Guide of Sayulita Vs. Puerto Vallarta
Sayulita is significantly smaller than Puerto Vallarta, with approximately 298,000 residents. Sayulita only has about 2,000 residents, while Puerto Vallarta has more than 300,000 people. Therefore, Puerto Vallarta offers a more urban experience, featuring city-like amenities, venues, beaches, and restaurants to visit. In contrast, Sayulita is tiny, but that may be what you are looking for, as every inch is walkable.
Distance from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita
Sayulita is not far from Puerto Vallarta, and according to Google, it is only 42 kilometers or approximately 26 miles away. But it is not the mileage that counts; it is the drive time that matters here. Drive times may vary depending on traffic conditions. You can expect drive time to be approximately one hour and twenty minutes, and sometimes even longer. The best way to get to Sayulita is by taxi or by renting a car. However, if you are willing to take the bus, you can expect to arrive at your destination in about two hours.
Arriving at The Airport
Traveling from the airport to Puerto Vallarta is a relatively short drive of approximately 30 minutes. However, it is a little longer to Sayulita, but not too far off, as the airport is located on the Nuevo Vallarta side of town, meaning it is closer than downtown Vallarta and is only about an hour and 10 minutes’ drive away.
To get to Sayulita from the airport, you will need to take a taxi or get a private driver to pick you up.
The Fun Comparison
Sayulita is a small town with a population of approximately 2,000 people, while Vallarta has over 300,000, and the difference is immediately noticeable. Sayulita has only two roads that run parallel to the ocean, and the tourist downtown area is only four blocks long. In contrast, the downtown boardwalk of Puerto Vallarta is about a mile long. Several beaches border Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta, but you will need to take a taxi to access these.
Furthermore, Puerto Vallarta heads south on highway 200, and you can visit many different beaches along the way. Some of these include Quimixto, Boca de Tomatlán, Mismaloya, and others. Unfortunately, Sayulita only has two or three beaches, all within walking distance.
Retirees And The LGBTQ Community
It’s a funny combination, but yes, there are more retirees and members of the LGBTQ community in Puerto Vallarta than in Sayulita. So if you are one of these two groups and want to meet like-minded people, Puerto Vallarta has more. That’s not to say Sayulita doesn’t welcome retirees or members of the LGBTQ community. No. Sayulita welcomes everyone, and lately, we have seen an increase in people from all walks of life so that you can find friends here regardless of your age.
Backpackers and Hippies
Sayulita is not cheap. It is expensive. Nevertheless, backpackers, hippies, and artists are drawn to the Sayulita area because of its bohemian and artistic vibe. The art in Sayulita is colorful, young, and earthy, whereas Sayulita is more of a showcase for famous artists. If you’re looking for a hip, healthy lifestyle environment, consider visiting Sayulita.
Puerto Vallarta Has More Beaches
If you love exploring different beaches, Puerto Vallarta offers numerous options. There is more coastal space in Puerto Vallarta, and visitors can see some of the best beaches in the area, but they will need to go by taxi, car, or bus.
Some of the most popular beaches are:
Playa de los Muertos
Playa Conchas Chinas
Playa Las Gemelas
Playa Yelapa
In contrast, Sayulita offers only two beaches: the main Playa Sayulita and Playa de los Muertos. You can also visit other Nayarit beaches, such as Nahui, Punta Mita, and San Pancho, from Sayulita. However, you will also need to see these areas by taxi or car.
Sayulita Is a Dog Lover's Haven
If you compare Sayulita to Puerto Vallarta, you won’t think of animals, but you will see a significant dog culture in Sayulita. The Sayulita Animals helps spay and neuter, and offers dog and cat rescues.
Winter is a popular time for many people to spend in Sayulita, and people bring their dogs along. Some foster through SayulitAnimals or take care of one of the street animals. So, if you are in Sayulita, you can expect to see dogs walking with their owners, playing on the beach, or sitting with someone in a restaurant.
In contrast, fewer dogs are roaming the streets of Puerto Vallarta.
High Rise Condos
Puerto Vallarta has high-rise condos, and if you are comparing photos of one place to another, you can tell which one is Puerto Vallarta from the high-rises.
In contrast, Sayulita does not have high-rise buildings, and most buildings here do not exceed three or four stories in height.
Sayulita Has One Bank
Sayulita has only one Intercam Bank, located outside of town, near the bus station. There are another two or three ATMs in town. Some sit in shops and others outside. You should probably ask at one of the nearby bars or restaurants, as they will likely be the closest to you.
Credit Cards Are Not Accepted As Much in Sayulita
Many restaurants and shops do not accept credit cards. So you will need to use the ATMs or take pesos with you. In contrast, most shops and restaurants in Puerto Vallarta accept credit card payments.
Sayulita Is Best Explored By Foot or Golf Cart
Sayulita is so small that it is not worth having a car here. It is too difficult to find a parking space. But if the steep hills are too much for you to handle, you can rent a golf cart for the day. It is a fun way to explore the streets of Punta Sayulita and the back roads of Sayulita. In Puerto Vallarta, you need to use a vehicle on your trip. You will need to use a taxi, Uber, or bus to get to your destinations.
The Elegant Parties Are in Puerto Vallarta
Sayulita and Puerto Vallarta are both party towns. But the venues in Puerto Vallarta are stylish, elegant, and enormous. The dance floors are tremendous, and you may want to try the Mandala club to see what it’s like. Nightclubs line the Malecon in Puerto Vallarta, so it is easy to club hop, and parties go on well into the early hours of the morning.
In contrast, the bar scene in Sayulita is more laid back and informal.
Surfing is Better in Sayulita
If you are a surfer, there is no comparison. Sayulita is the better option. Puerto Vallarta does not have any waves because it is a bay. In Sayulita, the waves are not ideal for experienced surfers but are fun for beginners and intermediate surfers.
There is no shortage of businesses offering lessons, and you can rent a surfboard right on the beach. Head to the south side to catch the smaller waves if you’re starting. This is where most of the surfers congregate. Towards the center, the waves are better for intermediate surfers and more challenging.
