Top 5 Hikes
Near Sayulita
Jungle summits, sunset climbs and coastal walks, picked by our hosts.
Our top five hikes near Sayulita, Nayarit are Cerro del Mono, the Sayulita to San Pancho Coastal Trail, the Playa Los Muertos and Carricitos Walk, the Nanzal Hill Sunset Climb and the Playa Malpaso Jungle Trail. They range from an easy 15 minute beach walk to a 3 to 4 hour summit climb with bay views.
Sayulita sits where jungle hills meet the Pacific, so a good trail is never far from your door. We picked these five for variety: one big summit, one sunset climb, one coastal walk to a neighboring town and two gentle outings for easy days. Trails here are rough and change with the rains and construction, so confirm conditions locally before you head out.
Last verified
Cerro del Mono (Monkey Mountain)
The signature climb of the area: about two miles each way through shaded tropical forest, gentle at first, then steep, ending with a short boulder scramble. From the top you see the whole Bahia de Banderas curve and Punta Mita, and from roughly December to March humpback whales breaching below. Plan 3 to 4 hours round trip and carry at least 3 liters of water per person.
Use the Higuera Blanca entrance, which is the more clearly marked route, and be on the trail before 8am. A local guide is worth it if you have not hiked it before. Trail conditions change, so confirm locally before you go.
Sayulita to San Pancho Coastal Trail
A walk of roughly 45 minutes one way to neighboring San Pancho, starting at the north end of the beach and working over rocks and headland paths with ocean views. San Pancho rewards you with a quieter beach, the Entreamigos arts scene and cafes for lunch. Wear sturdy sandals or trail shoes, since the rocky stretch is slippery, and plan to ride back by local bus or taxi.
A guest reported this path blocked in March 2026, and recent construction has affected the inland jungle route and pushed walkers onto the highway. Trail conditions change, so confirm locally that it is open, and time any beach section for low tide.
Playa Los Muertos and Carricitos Walk
An easy walk south past the cemetery arch and the Villa Amor road to the quieter beaches beyond the main bay. Los Muertos has calmer sand, the cemetery's painted tombs and a view back across Sayulita bay. It suits families and anyone after a short outing, around 15 minutes each way from the plaza. Bring water and a hat, as there is little shade.
Walk it late afternoon, when the light on the cemetery and bay is best, then come back through town for dinner.
Nanzal Hill Sunset Climb
A short, very steep climb of 45 to 60 minutes, reached by crossing the river and heading north on Av. del Palmar, so it starts close to the North Side. At the top a dirt platform looks over the whole bay, town, Punta Mita and Monkey Mountain. We suggest hiking boots and about 3 liters of water, and a headlamp for the walk down after sunset.
Skip Calle Loma Alta, which is a dead end. Stay on the main climb and tell someone your route. Trail conditions change, so confirm locally before you set out.
Playa Malpaso Jungle Trail
A 30 to 45 minute walk from Av. del Palmar past the school, following a yellow Camino a la Playa sign through jungle to a secluded cove with no vendors. The path splits, and the left fork reaches the small Las Cuevas cove with its sea caves. Birds, iguanas and butterflies make it a good family outing.
Do not swim at Malpaso, as strong undertows and riptides make it dangerous. Treat it as a viewing and photo stop. Construction nearby has changed the route, so confirm locally.
Questions about hikes near Sayulita
Which Sayulita hike is best for sunset?
The Nanzal Hill Sunset Climb. It takes 45 to 60 minutes, starts close to the North Side, and ends on a dirt platform overlooking the bay, town and Punta Mita. Bring a headlamp for the walk down and about 3 liters of water.
What is the easiest hike near Sayulita?
The Playa Los Muertos and Carricitos Walk is the easiest, about 15 minutes each way from the plaza on a gentle path past the cemetery. Bring water and a hat, since there is little shade along the way.
How long does the Cerro del Mono hike take?
Plan 3 to 4 hours round trip. It is roughly two miles each way, gentle at first and then steep, with a short boulder scramble. Start before 8am and carry at least 3 liters of water per person.
Can I walk from Sayulita to San Pancho?
Yes, it is roughly 45 minutes one way from the north end of the beach over rocks and headland paths. The route has been blocked or affected by construction at times, so confirm locally that it is open before you set out.