Welcome to Playa Las Cuevas in Sayulita, Mexico.
In this blog post, we will share everything you need to know about PLAYA LAS CUEVAS! We’ll cover the location, the best time to visit, the TOP THINGS to do on the beach, etc.
We will give you many INSIDER tips and tricks to get the most out of your visit to te beautiful beach!
Key Takeaways:
- Secluded Beach: Playa Las Cuevas is famous for its amazing scenery and its rocky cliffs. It is only accessible by a jungle path leading towards the beach.
- Why Visit: Playa Las Cuevas has clear water and white sand, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
- Lush Jungle: Playa Cuevas is surrounded by a lush jungle with beautiful trails for hiking.
Let’s get started.
Location of Playa Las Cuevas
Located on the Pacific coast of Mexico, Playa Las Cuevas is a hidden beach between the towns of Sayulita and San Pancho in the state Riviera Nayarit.
This beach lies 25 miles north of the Puerto Vallarta International Airport, at coordinates 20.8706° N latitude and 105.4407° W longitude.
DID YOU KNOW: This beach also has lots of little tide pools, which you can see at low tide.
How do I get to Playa Las Cuevas?

From the heart of Sayulita, head north on Av. Revolución toward Calle Marlín.
Continue on this road, and it will slightly change names but essentially remain the main northward route out of town. After approximately 1.5 miles, take a slight right onto the Punta de Mita Highway. You’ll continue on this highway for about 3 miles.
Look out for a sign indicating a left turn to Playa Las Cuevas; this turn can be easy to miss, so keep your eyes peeled. Once you’ve made the turn, the road (Calle M. Navarrete) will lead you through a more rural landscape.

This part of the drive is on UNPAVED ROADS, so drive carefully, especially if you’re not in a four-wheel-drive vehicle!
After about 2 miles on this road, you’ll arrive at a small parking area. From here, access to Playa Las Cuevas is BY FOOT.
Follow the trail down towards the beach; the path can be a bit steep and rocky, so wearing walking shoes is advised. The trail to Playa Las Cuevas from the parking area is about HALF A MILE long. It takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes to walk. The hike is relatively short, and before you know it, you’ll be greeted by the waves and the stunning views of Playa Cuevas.
Playa Cuevas Entrance Fee
One of the best parts about visiting Playa Las Cuevas is that there is NO ENTRANCE FEE to enjoy its natural beauty. This makes it an appealing destination for travelers looking to explore the wonders of Mexico’s coastline without the burden of additional costs.
While there is no entrance fee to enjoy the serenity of Playa Las Cuevas, PARKING does come with a small charge. The parking area near the beach has a minimal fee to secure your vehicle while you explore.

What to Expect From Playa Las Cuevas?
Expect a secluded and tiny beach at Playa Las Cuevas, with white sands and crystal-clear waters in a tranquil setting, offering you a place to disconnect.
HUGE ROCKS protect both sides, creating a little cove sheltered from currents and huge waves. This is the only place around where you can try some snorkeling from shore. Many Mexican families come here for relaxation.
The caves were carved by the ocean over centuries, making for an extraordinary exploration and photo opportunity for Instagram.
However, do not expect modern amenities like beachfront bars, sunbed rentals, or lifeguards. The charm of Playa Las Cuevas lies in its untouched, rustic beauty, meaning services and facilities are minimal.

Top Things to Do at Playa Las Cuevas!
- Explore the Caves: The caves at Playa Las Cuevas are a must-see and a unique feature of this beach. Spend some time discovering these natural wonders and capturing some photos.
- Snorkeling and Swimming: The clear waters of Playa Las Cuevas make it ideal for great snorkeling and swimming. Take your equipment and enjoy the underwater world of colorful fish and other marine life.
- Relax on the tiny beach: With minimal crowds, Playa Las Cuevas offers a peaceful retreat to unwind, relax, and soak in the sun’s warm rays. Lay out a blanket or towel on the sand and let nature take care of the rest.
- Bird Watching: Over 300 BIRD SPECIES call the area surrounding Playa Las Cuevas home. Take a walk around the beach and keep an eye out for different types of birds, including pelicans, parakeets, and herons.

- Enjoy a Picnic: Pack some snacks or a light lunch and have a picnic on the beach. With no restaurants in sight, this is an excellent opportunity to enjoy a peaceful meal with an incredible view.
- Watch the SUNSET: As the day winds down, make sure to stay for the sunset at Playa Las Cuevas. The beautiful colors and serene atmosphere make it a memorable experience.
- Visit other beaches in Sayulita: There are many beautiful beaches in Riviera Nayarit, but we recommend these two beaches: Playa Carricitos and Playa Los Muertos. Both are among the most beautiful beaches in the area and are worth a visit!
Tips for Visiting Sayulita
- Pack appropriately: While Playa Las Cuevas is a relatively short hike from the parking area, make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. Also, bring your beach essentials, such as towels, sunscreen, and water.
- Respect the natural surroundings: As with any destination that is rich in natural beauty, it’s crucial to respect the environment and avoid leaving any waste behind. Take all trash with you and do not disturb any wildlife or plants.
- Stay hydrated: With its tropical climate, Sayulita can get hot and humid. Make sure to stay hydrated throughout your visit by drinking plenty of water.
- Be aware of wildlife: While it’s exciting to spot marine life at the beach, remember not to touch or disturb them. Keep a safe distance and never feed any animals you come across.
When is the best time to visit Playa Cuevas?
The ideal time to visit Playa Las Cuevas is during the DRY SEASON, which runs from November through May. Temperatures range from 75°F to 85°F during this period, with abundant sunshine averaging 8–10 hours per day. The weather is typically sunny and warm, providing perfect conditions for beach activities and exploration. The ocean is calmer, making swimming and snorkeling more enjoyable and safe.
However, the rainy season from June to October brings cooler temperatures around 70°F to 80°F. Expect more precipitation during this time, with about 5-7 hours of sunshine per day. The lush greenery enhances the scenery, but access to the beach may be challenging due to muddy paths. Swimming might be less safe with rougher seas.
Where do I stay?
Sayulita provides a wide variety of accommodation choices to satisfy the requirements and tastes of any guest.
To book all our accommodations when we travel, we always use Booking.com, they have the best prices and very flexible cancellation policies depending on the accommodation you choose.
Here, you’ll find our recommendations! We stayed at Casa Tokipa, and we can definitely recommend this wonderful hotel!
Luxury
Suite Master King Casa Tokipa, Ocean View: This luxurious beachfront property features stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and is just a short walk away from Sayulita Beach’s main square. Our suite offered flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and air conditioning. You can also take advantage of the on-site pool and restaurant.
Mid Range
Hotel Ysuri Sayulita: This mid-range boutique hotel offers comfortable and affordable accommodation if you want to explore Sayulita within a budget. The rooms have air conditioning, private bathrooms, and balconies overlooking the town. You can also enjoy the hotel’s onsite restaurant, bar, swimming pool, and free Wi-Fi access.
Budget
Selina Sayulita provides affordable accommodation for backpackers; you can either choose a shared room or pay a bit more for a private room. Guests can take advantage of the boutique hotel’s free Wi-Fi, shared kitchen facilities, and chill-out areas that feature music and movies. Guests can also enjoy the rooftop terrace overlooking the ocean. Selina is known among digital nomads as they have hostels everywhere in the world and a large community of travelers.
Conclusion
We hope this blog post was insightful for you.
Playa Cuevas is a destination you definitely shouldn’t miss if you are traveling in the area.
Let us know in the comments below how your experience was!
If you want to learn more about the different beaches around this bay area, check out our blog post about Nayarit Playas.
FAQ
How do you get to Playa Cuevas?
The start of the easy path is near Casa El Palacio. Crossing the chain at street ends. You must keep an arrow on trees left to get over to the paved streets leading to the beach house.
Is it safe to swim in Sayulita?
However, it is recommended to stay away from swimming or surfing on other beaches or the sea in Sayulita until the sender’s registration is complete. The day before.
What is the meaning of Las Cuevas?
Cave The name Las Cueva translates to caves, and there are several caves in the river in the vicinity. The bay is better protected than Maracas and therefore quieter, providing good water conditions for fish. April 27, 2009.
Can you walk around Sayulita?
It has excellent walkability, which makes Sayulita comfortable! When you stay in the town center, it is all about a ten-minute walk away, and although some hills dot the outskirts miles north of town, most roads are easily accessible.
Where is Playa Sayulita, Mexico?
Sayulit — state Nayarit Sayulita is a small city in southern Mexico, along the Pacific Ocean. There are about 3,390 residents. People in Sayulita Beach (Spanish: Sayulita Play) indicate tourism to the beautiful beaches, in this region.
How do I get to Playa Malpaso from Sayulita?
The good news is that the Playa Malpaso hiking route is about 0.8km long. You can reach the jungle path at the exit of the Avenida del Palmar from Sayuliti and walk through paved streets with bollards on the side of this road. Continue along the route until the property is located. Take the right direction. August 27, 2023.



