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Puerto Vallarta is currently one of the most popular destinations in Mexico, second only to Cancun in terms of visitor numbers.
In the first half of 2023, Puerto Vallarta welcomed a record number of visitors, and this beach hotspot is only expected to grow in popularity.
Puerto Vallarta is a large and bustling beach town, but if you’re looking for a more tranquil and relaxed atmosphere, there are two smaller towns to the north that also attract travelers.
Sayulita and San Pancho are two small beach towns on the Riviera Nayarit, north of Puerto Vallarta. Sayulita is about an hour’s drive from Puerto Vallarta, while San Pancho is an hour and fifteen minutes.
Here’s why these two beach destinations are becoming increasingly popular with travelers on the Riviera Nayarit:
Sayulita, Mexico
Sayulita still has a small-town atmosphere, but it’s an extremely popular travel destination, so there’s always lots to do.
While it is no longer the quiet, underrated destination it was ten or fifteen years ago, it offers a very different atmosphere than nearby Puerto Vallarta.
Sayulita is a small city with a population of 5,000, while Puerto Vallarta is a large city with more than 220,000 residents.
In Sayulita you won’t find sprawling all-inclusive resorts, but rather a selection of boutique accommodations ranging from small luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels.
Sayulita is known as one of the best surfing destinations in Mexico, attracting both novice and experienced surfers. If you want to take surfing lessons, Sayulita is a great place to do so.
In recent years, Sayulita has also become known as a party destination, and there is always something going on as new restaurants and bars continue to open. There are also many yoga classes, fitness classes, tours and other activities taking place in Sayulita.
San Pancho, Mexico
If you’re looking for an even smaller and more laid-back beach destination, San Pancho might be the perfect spot for you.
Considered one of the most underrated beach destinations in Mexico, San Pancho is a quieter alternative to Sayulita.
This small town is about fifteen minutes further up the Riviera Nayarit from Sayulita, but feels much quieter. The town has only 3,000 residents and has not yet become as busy as Sayulita.
If you want to spend time on the beach or go surfing in San Pancho, you have less competition than in Sayulita.
While there are still plenty of restaurants and bars in San Pancho, as small as it is, there is less to do compared to Sayulita. If you’re looking for a place to truly relax and disconnect, San Pancho may be the better choice for you.
Benefits of Sayulita and San Pancho
Both Sayulita and San Pancho are very popular with tourists, but they still don’t have as much tourism as nearby Puerto Vallarta.
If you’re looking for a more small-scale atmosphere and prefer to stay in boutique accommodation rather than a large resort, Sayulita and San Pancho are both good options.
Although the two cities have their differences, they are also similar in size, location and beaches.
Sayulita and San Pancho are both cheaper than Puerto Vallarta, although Sayulita is steadily becoming more expensive as its popularity continues to grow.
When you stay in Sayulita or San Pancho, you can also use the towns as a base for exploring more of the Riviera Nayarit, a stretch of the Pacific coast that stretches nearly 200 miles (320 kilometers) long. Further inland, in Nayarit, you can also discover picturesque and charming Pueblos Magicos (Magical cities) such as Compostela and Jala.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
