Full Name: Patricia Rodriguez Ahumada Age: 42 Where were you born and how long have you been in Sayulita?I was born in San Francisco, better known as San Pancho. I’ve lived here my whole life. My family, well, my uncles, were some of the people who founded Sayulita. When I was 15 I moved to Puerto Vallarta to finish my studies, got two diplomas and my career started as an accountant. A couple years later I married and moved to Bucerias with my husband where I continued working as an accountant. What do you miss most about the past in…
Sayulita did it again- the year-long preparations for Dia de Los Muertos paid off! The town held a three day celebration filled with color, life and soulful tradition. As I walked through the town and into the plaza, I could feel the heartbeat of Sayulita when everyone came together. The altars this year were beyond beautiful and heartfelt. A particular altar stood out to me, the person’s picture having been edited to show her in the clouds with wings. Another altar had beer, baseball mitts, a baseball bat and a Los Jaibos (our local Sayulita team) baseball jersey. It made…
We were extremely lucky to recently have some of our work featured on National Geographic. I was contacted by a journalist about a recent piece of work we had published in the scientificjournal, Endangered Species Research. It tells the tale of a Russian male humpback whale thatwe had seen here in February 2018 right in front of Monkey Mountain, fighting with othermales for access to a female from Alaska. How do we know where these whales are from andeven their sex? The underside of their tail flukes are unique, and you can identify individuals bytaking good quality photos of the…
Meet Jose Cruz Rodriguez, affectionately known as “El Negrito,” a beloved nickname that has become synonymous with his identity in Sayulita. With 64 vibrant years of life, he is not just a local; he is an integral part of the Sayulita community. His favorite place is going to Cerro del Mono, a special spot where he finds solace and connection with nature. Jose Cruz is a proud entrepreneur and for the past 25 years he has been the owner and operator of “La Cubeta” together with his wife Carmen, a convenience store that has become a staple in the local…
A land of vibrant colors, teeming traditions, and enthralling landscapes. A country that inhabits a special place in my heart—and the hearts of many more. From the ancient but immortalized wonders of the Mayan and Aztec ruins, to the bustling energy of its modern mega-cities—Mexico is a tapestry woven with a complex history, a pulsating culture, and a brilliance of natural beauty. From the pristine beaches of the Riviera Maya to the majestic mountain range of the Sierra Madres to the lush jungles, arid deserts, and windswept canyons—what transpires out of the abundance is a new life breathed into me….
El Espresso, a cherished Sayulita institution since May 11th, 2004, under the ownership of Simona Gomez, has carved out a remarkable legacy and proudly stands as one of the original establishments in Sayulita. Rooted in the heritage of a local Sayulita family, this establishment has organically become an integral part of the community. Their dedication to embracing local resources resonates strongly, with a significant portion of their produce grown on their very own ranch. Simona, a true Sayulita native who has witnessed the evolving chapters of this vibrant town, has been the guardian of El Espresso’s legacy, preserving its renowned…
Sayulita is the gift of presence. She is the hearth of the feminine. She whispers in the language of body, heart, and soul. I feel a belonging here. A life force energy. It pulses in her natural beauty, in the people and community, in her small, but mighty size. There are no big-box stores. There are only dirt roads and cobblestoned streets. Thick jungle, hidden beaches, and everyone has a name. From the vendors to the waiters, to the grocers and the music makers, they are always the same. What a treat to live somewhere so small, you can walk…
Name: Felipe de Jesus Hernandez What is your nickname? What does it mean? My nickname, Chilly Willy, has a meaningful family origin. It stems from my grandfather, Feliciano Estrada Chavarin, who was affectionately known as Doctor Chilly in our town. He was a renowned healer, often referred to as a shaman, and possessed a strong character that earned him the nickname “El Chile.” His extensive knowledge of medicinal plants and his dedication to helping people made him highly respected within the community. Where are you from? I am originally from Sayulita. Do you have a business in Sayulita? I specialize…
Mexico City, Mexico. It was almost as if the words leapt off the screen. I didn’t know what was calling me to this place I had never been to, nor knew anything about, but as I stared at this city staring back at me, it was as if it were pulling me to it, like two magnets with opposing poles. I scrolled Google Maps to other Mexican cities and a jolt of electricity ran through my body. Guadalajara. San Cristóbal. Monterrey. San Miguel. Sayulita. They beckoned me to come explore. I imagined myself on a months-long trek through the Mexican…
Full Name: Manuel Plascencia Hernández Nickname: El Meño Age: I am 63 years old Where are you originally from? I am originally from Sayulita, and I have spent my whole life here. Do you have a business in town? I provide an array of tourist activities including horseback riding, sport fishing, snorkeling, whale watching, and much more. It has been fascinating for me to witness the remarkable transformations in Sayulita over recent years. Once a humble town primarily focused on farming/ cattle farming and fishing, Sayulita has flourished into a vibrant tourist destination. The influx of visitors has brought forth…