Puerto Vallarta International Airport (IATA code PVR) is 23 miles south, or 45-55 minutes by road. Private SUV transfers (air-conditioned, surf-rack) run approximately $65-$80 USD. Airport taxis charge a fixed 900 MXP (~$48) payable at the kiosk; ride time can spike during rush hour. Off-peak rideshare apps like Uber quote 650-800 MXP but can surge beyond taxi rates in high season.

Everything inside town is walkable. For regional hops, green Compostela buses leave outside OXXO every 35-40 minutes: 30 MXP to San Pancho (15 min), 60 MXP to Guayabitos (65 min), 50 MXP to the airport (50 min). From 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., white Medina buses run south to Bucerías (25 MXP), where you can switch to Punta Mita. Late at night, taxis at the rank on Av. Revolución charge 250 MXP to Bucerías and 350 MXP to Punta Mita.

Yes. Centro, the main beach, the north beach, and the river mouth sit within half a mile of one another. Expect cobbles, curbless lanes, and skateboard traffic. Gringo Hill and Nanzal slopes are steep; it's only a climb that takes about five to ten minutes but it can leave you sweaty at noon. Jungle paths to Playa Carricitos or Patzcuarito (20-30 minutes) are unlit; start pre-sunset and carry a phone flashlight for the return.

Violence toward tourists is rare. Pickpockets work packed bars after midnight; zip your phone and carry cash in a front pocket. Leave valuables in your hotel safe when swimming. Deserted north-end beaches can get riptides. To be safe, observe locals before entering. Avoid wandering beyond the highway bridge late at night. Instead, call a taxi (white with blue crest) or grab a golf cart.

The currency in Mexico is the Mexican peso (written as MXP, MXN, or $ like American dollars). In tourist situations, usually $ is not used as it confuses the tourist into thinking the price is in American dollars. MXP or MXN versus USD are used in these cases. In Sayulita, bars may quote a 17 MXP exchange when banks pay 18-19 or even closer to 20 MXP, so pesos save 5-8 percent at least. Two bank ATMs (BBVA, Banorte) sit on Avenida Revolución; independent "E-Global" ATMs in tiendas charge higher fees.

Surf coaches, hostel receptionists, and most waitstaff speak good English. Taco-stand vendors know ingredient words and also how to point and smile. Knowing simple phrases like "con todo" (with everything) and "para llegar" (to go) can make the line go faster. Google Translate offline works well in jungle dead zones.

Mexicans typically have their main meal, comida, between 1:30 and 4 p.m., while dinner, or cena, is often lighter and eaten around 8 to 10 p.m.

In Sayulita, surf dictates appetite; many spots run brunch until noon, a mid-afternoon siesta, then reopening for dinner crowds with peak serving times between 7 and 10 p.m. Rooftop venues (Atico, Amor Boutique Hotel) and fine-dining like Tierra Viva accept Resy or WhatsApp bookings. Be sure to reserve 24-48 hours ahead in the high season (December-April) or full-moon weekends. Taco stands, marlin tostada shacks, and beach vendors operate on the drop-in model.

The Friday Mercado del Pueblo (November-April, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.) sells organic panela, Huichol bead earrings, and vegan soap. Calle Marlín features Evoke the Spirit's silver and ceramics; Calle Navarrete has Pacha Mama's leather sandals and linen. Galería Tanana's proceeds fund indigenous schools, and they offer heirloom-quality bead jaguar heads. Bargain kindly at street stalls; our recommendation is to gently push for a bundling of many purchased items for a 10 percent discount.

The plaza pulses nightly with fire twirlers and mariachi performers. Salsa kicks off at Don Pato at 10 p.m. and Lucid Bar pours IPA and hosts DJ-house until 2 a.m.; YamBak pushes techno an hour later. Quieter mezcalerías light candles along Calle Gaviotas; if you see candles in the windows, they're open. Earplugs might help improve your chances of sleep if your hotel is within two blocks of the plaza.