Sayulita Trails & Beaches: Day Hiking and Jungle Walks

Most trails are well-defined and close to town — no car needed. Five different hikes give you sweeping views over Sayulita Bay. Jungle routes lead north to secluded beaches. And for the adventurous, Monkey Mountain is one of the most distinctive landmarks on Mexico's Pacific coast.

Make sure to see our Sayulita Beaches section for six additional great Sayulita hikes. Also, read an article on Sayulita's most popular trail hikes: Sayulita Jungle Hikes.

Even though the hikes are easy on well-defined trails you should use common sense and take a few precautions.

1. Tell someone where and when you are going.
2. Carry water — 3 liters for a day. Suggestion: freeze a bottle of water overnight and wrap a towel around it when you set off and you will have cold water for later on. Take frequent sips rather than infrequent big gulps.
3. Bring light snacks and food.
4. Carry a medical kit. Be sure to include: sun block, aspirin, a bandage, antiseptic cream, bug spray, a small flashlight or headlamp, and a whistle.
5. Wildlife encounters are rare, but sightings of snakes, scorpions, land crabs, insects, and bird life are always possible. If you see an animal, stay calm and do not touch nor feed wild animals.
6. All hikes can be done in sandals except Monkey Mountain.
7. Please do not go off the trails as this needlessly damages the plants and upsets the ecology of the area.

1. Villa Amor Overlook — easy
The easiest is from beyond Villa Amor. Follow the beach side road to the south (left when facing the sea) and walk until you arrive to the arch before the cemetery. From there you will have a good view of Sayulita beach.

2. Calle Caracol Viewpoint — easy
For a grander view of Sayulita, start in the plaza and take Calle Marlin (the street leading towards Don Pedro's) and take the first left. Walk one block and you will be at Calle Caracol (the first street you come to). Directly in front of you, between Nomada Wellness Hotel (with the mural on the wall) and Casa Santander (big white gate) you will see a driveway and some stairs. Walk up the driveway or steps and take the floral zigzag path up the hill and you will be afforded a great view of the town and bay.

3. Niños Heroes Road View — easy/moderate (15–20 minutes from plaza)
Another great view of Sayulita is from beside the top of Villa Amor. A 15/20 minute walk from the plaza — take Av. Revolución past El Espresso, then take the first right on Niños Heroes and follow the road straight for about ½ a mile. The road then turns sharp right and up a short hill where it turns left and splits. Take the right fork and follow the road for outstanding views of Sayulita and the bay.

4. Gringo Hill — easy/moderate
Gringo Hill lies behind the Sayulita plaza. Take Calle Marlin up the hill and take the first left following the road all the way to the top. Excellent north facing views over the town. Views directly over town and out to sea are not so easy to find, but a helpful home owner/tenant may allow you to take in the view from their balcony.

5. Nanzal Hill — difficult (best panorama in Sayulita)
Nanzal Hill provides the best view of Sayulita, but the hike there is quite difficult. The view is breathtaking — literally. The climb is very steep but the panorama is exceptional, with views of Sayulita town and the bay, Punta Sayulita, Monkey Mountain and beyond to Punta Mita. Take Av. del Palmar, the street which parallels the beach, north across the river and past the campgrounds. After the elementary school, take the second right onto Calle Saylo (just before Don Bonito), then the first left, and follow the main road to the top. Be careful not to get sidetracked onto Calle Loma Alta which has no outlet though offers beautiful clear views. Take some deep breaths and push on to the top of Calle Nanzal. At the top of the hill, past the houses, there is a dirt path that will lead you to an empty platform overlooking Sayulita. Take a seat, watch the sunset, and rest and recuperate with the most commanding view available of Sayulita.

Hiking Monkey Mountain in Sayulita is considered sacred to the Indigenous Huichol people and is one of the most distinctive features of the surrounding landscape. In order to have the best experience, we recommend hiring a guide. There are two ways to hike Monkey Mountain, with one entrance by Playa Patzcuaro and the other through Higuera Blanca.

The back route through Playa Patzcuaro is steep and difficult to find the path as you will have to pass through a ranch property to get there. The trail that begins in Higuera Blanca is easier to find and the trail is more clearly marked. Make sure to pack food, repellent, sunscreen, and plenty of water for this 4-hour Sayulita hike.

• Hire a local guide — they know the trail and the cultural significance of the mountain
• Closed-toe shoes or boots are required — sandals are not appropriate for this hike
• Allow a full half-day: the hike takes approximately 4 hours round trip
• Bring at least 3 liters of water per person — there is no water source on the trail
• Start early to avoid hiking in the peak midday heat

Insider tip from Sayulita Life: Monkey Mountain is sacred to the Huichol (Wixáritari) people. Treat the mountain and the land with respect — leave no trace, stay on trail, and bring a guide who can share the cultural context of this remarkable place.

Note: Current construction at Playa Malpaso has affected this route. Conditions change — verify locally before setting out.

Another jungle hike from Sayulita is towards San Pancho, off of Playa Malpaso. There are two ways to get to Malpaso: the inland route and the beach route.

Beach route: Simply walk to the end of the north side beach and climb over the rocks that are in front of the house on top of the rocks. This will lead you to a narrow trail that brings you along the cliff's edge and down to Playa Malpaso.

Inland route: From town walk along Av. del Palmar (which parallels the beach) across the river, past the campsites and school until the road ends and you see a few small boulders with a dirt path behind them. Start on the dirt path that follows above the shore line. You will cross a small river (dry in winter) where the main path appears to go up the river to the right, but look straight ahead and you will see several large boulders. Clamber over or go around the rocks and follow the path across a cobblestone road (which is a private road from the beach-house to the main highway) and continue straight. You will continue up a small hill and a dirt road will join from the right. Stay to the left. As you continue down that path you will see a gate which is the beginning of the construction zone. On your left hand side, just before the gate, you will see a big yellow sign that says "Camino a la Playa". Take this path. Approximately 50 meters further the path splits — left goes to Las Cuevas Cove, which is a small beach before Malpaso. For Malpaso, when the path splits, go up to the right. You will arrive at the top of a hill and see stairs leading you down to the beach. Take the stairs down and you have arrived at Malpaso!

⚠ WARNING: Swimming at Playa Malpaso is NOT recommended. There are strong undertows and riptides. Use extreme caution.

Note: Construction at Malpaso has affected the inland jungle route. Conditions and access change frequently due to construction and private properties — verify locally before attempting this hike.

The best way to get to San Pancho is by waiting for a low tide period. This low tide will allow you to walk all the way to the end of the beach. There you will see a dirt path up above what looks like an old sewage system. Take this path which will shoot you out on the highway just before town. Exercise caution when walking along the highway, which you will do for about 7 minutes before you reach the entrance to town.

San Pancho (San Francisco) is a beautiful neighboring village well worth a visit — friendly, quieter than Sayulita, with a great beach, restaurants, and a strong community arts scene. If you hike there, you can catch a local bus or taxi back to Sayulita.

Timing matters in the tropics. Sayulita's hiking season runs year-round, but conditions vary significantly by season.

• November through April (dry season): Best hiking conditions — lower humidity, cooler mornings, clear views, and dry trails. Ideal for Monkey Mountain and longer routes
• May through October (rainy season): Trails are lush and green but can be muddy and slippery. Morning hikes before the afternoon rain are still very pleasant. Bring waterproof footwear for longer routes
• Time of day: Start before 8am on any significant hike. The tropical sun is intense from 10am onwards — temperatures and UV index peak midday
• Sunset hikes: The Nanzal Hill and Gringo Hill routes are particularly spectacular at golden hour — bring a light for the walk back

Sayulita's surrounding jungle is home to a rich variety of wildlife. Encounters are part of the experience — and a reason to go slowly and pay attention.

• Birds: Sayulita is exceptional for birding — parrots, toucans, herons, frigate birds, ospreys, and dozens of migratory species are commonly seen on the trails and coastline
• Iguanas: Large green iguanas sun themselves on rocks and in trees — completely harmless and extraordinary to observe up close
• Land crabs: Common on coastal trails, especially near the water. Give them space
• Insects: Butterflies are spectacular. Mosquitoes and no-see-ums can be intense in the rainy season — bring DEET repellent
• Snakes and scorpions: Rare encounters, but possible. Watch where you step and where you put your hands. If you see one, stay calm and give it space
• Coatis: Raccoon-like mammals sometimes spotted in forested areas. Do not feed them

Birds & wildlife in Sayulita →

Some of Sayulita's best hikes lead directly to beaches — hidden coves and stretches of sand you can't reach by road. Six additional hiking routes are covered in our beaches guide, including walks to Playa de los Muertos, Playa Patzcuaro, and other secluded spots accessible only on foot.

Sayulita beaches and coastal hikes →  |  Sayulita hiking maps and trail guide →

Are the hiking trails in Sayulita easy to find? Most trails close to town are well-defined and easy to navigate without a guide. For Monkey Mountain and longer jungle routes, hiring a local guide is strongly recommended.

What should I wear hiking in Sayulita? Sandals work for all hikes except Monkey Mountain, which requires closed-toe shoes or boots. Lightweight, breathable clothing is best. A hat and reef-safe sunscreen are essential on any exposed section of trail.

Is Monkey Mountain worth hiking? Yes — the views are extraordinary and the mountain holds deep cultural significance for the Huichol people. Hire a guide, start early, and bring plenty of water. Allow 4 hours for the round trip.

What is the best hike for a panoramic view of Sayulita? Nanzal Hill offers the most commanding panorama — views of Sayulita, the bay, Punta Sayulita, Monkey Mountain, and Punta Mita. The climb is steep but absolutely worth it, especially at sunset.

Can I hike from Sayulita to San Pancho? The route exists but construction at Playa Malpaso has affected access. Conditions change — ask locally before attempting it. The low-tide beach walk is currently the most reliable option.

What wildlife might I see on the trails? Parrots, iguanas, land crabs, butterflies, and occasionally coatis are common. Snake and scorpion encounters are rare but possible — watch where you step and keep your hands away from crevices.

When is the best time to hike in Sayulita? November through April (dry season) offers the best trail conditions. Year-round, starting before 8am is strongly recommended — the tropical heat and UV peak midday and can be punishing on exposed routes.

Are there guided hiking tours in Sayulita? Yes — local guides are available and recommended for Monkey Mountain in particular. Ask at your rental, at local surf schools, or at the main plaza for current guide recommendations.

850+ vetted vacation rentals — stay close to the trails, the beach, and everything Sayulita has to offer. No platform fees, direct owner contact, local support since 2004.

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Also see: Sayulita Beaches  |  Hiking Maps  |  Horseback Riding  |  Yoga & Fitness  |  Birds & Wildlife  |  ← Full Sayulita Travel Guide