Getting here is part of the journey
Most of our guests arrive through Puerto Vallarta International Airport. From there, the road heads north along the coast and into the hills of Nayarit, eventually bringing you to Sayulita. It's a relatively easy journey, but there are a few things worth knowing before you arrive, especially if it's your first time visiting.
We always recommend arranging your transportation ahead of time. Our concierge team can help coordinate an airport transfer, so all you need to do is share your flight details with us.
From Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita
Sayulita is approximately 40 kilometres north of Puerto Vallarta International Airport. The drive usually takes between 45 minutes and one hour, depending on traffic and the route. You'll travel along the coastal highway, passing through the area around Bucerías before the road begins to wind through the green hills that lead toward Sayulita.
It's a lovely introduction to this part of the coast. The landscape changes along the way, from the more built-up areas near Puerto Vallarta to stretches of tropical vegetation and small towns along the road.
If you've arranged a private transfer with us, your driver will meet you at the airport and take you directly to La Joya.
The last stretch to La Joya
Once you reach Sayulita, there's still a short drive up the hill.
La Joya is located above town, along a private cobblestone road accessed through a security checkpoint. From the center of Sayulita, the drive takes approximately seven minutes, depending on traffic.
The road is part of the experience of arriving here. It winds through the hillside, with glimpses of the ocean appearing between the trees. When you arrive, our team will help you with your bags and show you around the property.
Getting around Sayulita
Sayulita is a small town, and much of it is easy to explore on foot. The main streets, shops, restaurants and beach are all close to one another.
From La Joya, there are a few ways to get around.
• Golf carts
Golf carts are a common way to move around Sayulita. They're useful for getting between the hillside, town and different parts of the beach, particularly if you're carrying things or prefer not to walk up and down the hills.
• Taxis
Local taxis are available around town and are a practical option for short trips. Our team can help arrange transportation whenever you need it.
• Walking
Walking is one of the nicest ways to experience Sayulita. You'll find small shops, cafés and restaurants along the way, and there are several routes around the hillside that lead to different beaches.
It's worth remembering that La Joya sits on a hill, so the walk back from town involves an uphill climb. After dark, we recommend arranging transportation rather than walking the road.
A note about the hillside
La Joya follows the natural shape of the land. Stone stairways connect different parts of the property, including the rooms, restaurant and beach access.
It's part of what gives the property its setting, but it also means there are stairs and changes in elevation throughout the grounds.
If you have mobility considerations, please get in touch with us before booking. Our team can talk you through the layout and help identify the room that would be most suitable for your stay.
A note about water
The water at La Joya comes from a spring and goes through a filtration system before reaching the rooms and common areas.
We should only retain the specific claim that all tap water is suitable for drinking once the current filtration and water-quality details have been confirmed by the team.
Before you arrive
A few things that are useful to keep in mind:
Share your flight details with our concierge team ahead of arrival.
If you're planning to explore beyond Sayulita, let us know so we can help arrange transportation.
Bring comfortable shoes. Between the cobblestone roads, beach paths and stairs around the property, you'll probably use them more than you think.
Keep some cash with you for smaller shops and local businesses.
And if you have any questions before your trip, you can always get in touch. We'd rather help you plan the small details ahead of time so that arriving in Sayulita feels easy.
