Sayulita History

Brief History of Sayulita Mexico

The quaint fishing village of Sayulita, Mexico, is quickly becoming a destination for the tourist set. Once quiet and untouched, today people flock here to enjoy the beaches, native arts, and authentic attractions of this neighbor of Puerto Vallarta. Many wonder about the history of the area, as it appears to be a recent discovery.

Pre-Columbian History

Before European settlement of the New World, little is known about the people who lived in Sayulita. The area was densely covered in jungle vegetation, so archaeologists believe there was no permanent civilization in the area. In 1530 a Spanish explore noted the presence of the nomadic Cuyuteco people, but little else is known about the region until it was colonized by the Europeans in the late 1800s, when a large hacienda was developed on the shores of what would become Sayulita.

Modern History

The first permanent families to establish homes in the fishing village were given their land for free in 1941. These were local workers who had worked on the hacienda and were now given the chance to establish their own homes on the land. Early in the 1960s, a few wealthy Guadalajaran families found the region and built beautiful vacation homes in the hills.

In the late 1960s, the fate of Sayulita was sealed when a few roving surfers rediscovered Sayulita and its now-famous surf locations. The surfers were able to by the land on the coast for a very low price, because farmers felt it was worthless. Not long after this, the path of Mexican Highway 200 opened the area to tourists and new residents. Gradually, more and more people in search of more secluded beaches discovered Sayulita, and expatriates and wealthy locals scooped up beachside property for their luxury homes.

It was not until the 1990s that Sayulita solidified itself as a vacation destination. Tourists who were staying in Puerto Vallarta began making day trips to the less crowded beaches of the fishing village. Today, some are even booking their accommodations on this once undiscovered coastal town.