Playa Carricitos
A secluded beach near Sayulita, reached by a jungle hike, famous for its stunning sunsets and tranquil, uncrowded shores.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
For the best sunset views
Playa Carricitos
Best Time
For the best sunset views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A secluded beach near Sayulita, reached by a jungle hike, famous for its stunning sunsets and tranquil, uncrowded shores.
"This beautiful, uncrowded beach was a perfect spot. I loved it and ended up spending the entire day here."
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
The hike involves dirt roads and a steep sandy hill. Flip-flops might be tricky!
💡 Bring a Light for Return
The jungle path can be dark after sunset. A flashlight is essential for a safe return.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunset Spectacle
Witness the sky ablaze with color over the Pacific. A truly magical experience.
+2Secluded Sands
Escape the crowds on this peaceful, uncrowded stretch of beach. Pure relaxation awaits.
+1
Jungle Hike
The journey through the jungle adds to the adventure, making the arrival even more rewarding.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
The Trek to Paradise
+1Sunset Serenity
+2Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
The hike involves dirt roads and a steep sandy hill. Flip-flops might be tricky!
💡 Bring a Light for Return
The jungle path can be dark after sunset. A flashlight is essential for a safe return.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
There are no beach clubs or facilities, so bring your own food and drinks.
🚗 Golf Cart Option
Consider taking a golf cart to make the trek easier, especially if you have a lot to carry.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
The hike involves dirt roads and a steep sandy hill. Flip-flops might be tricky!
💡 Bring a Light for Return
The jungle path can be dark after sunset. A flashlight is essential for a safe return.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
There are no beach clubs or facilities, so bring your own food and drinks.
🚗 Golf Cart Option
Consider taking a golf cart to make the trek easier, especially if you have a lot to carry.
🌊 Watch the Waves
Waves can be a bit big, making it fun for swimmers but potentially challenging for very young children.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Playa Carricitos is a highly-rated hidden gem, praised for its stunning sunsets and uncrowded, natural beauty. Visitors appreciate the adventurous hike to reach this secluded spot, making it feel like a personal discovery. Some note the waves can be strong and facilities are absent, but the overall consensus is that the effort is well worth the reward.
"It’s a tricky beach to get down to. Google maps was trying to take me out towards the highway and back around which would’ve taken over two hours to walk it, but I just walked from Playa Los muertos and was totally fine.
The far right hand side of the beach was a clothing-optional beach so not the most kid friendly, but the left-hand side would be fine. There were some people selling drinks at this beach, but I didn’t see any restrooms."
Amanda Lawrence
"Beautiful private beach! Perfect spot to take a picnic lunch and a few beers!"
Katie Ronan
"Hidden gem!
Best sunset in the Sayulita area!
It's a bit of a walk to get there, not bad. Probably better to not be alone when coming back to the city, cause there are no lights on the streets " (between the forest) . There will be people there, but it's not packed with it."
Thaís L Pereira
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Playa Carricitos is accessible by foot from Sayulita. It's about a 30-minute walk along dirt roads through the jungle, involving a hike up a hill and down a steep sandy path. Some visitors suggest taking a golf cart to ease the journey. +1
While it's a bit of an adventure, Google Maps can guide you. However, some users found it tried to route them on a much longer path. Walking from nearby beaches like Playa Los Muertos is also an option.
Driving directly to the beach is not typically recommended or feasible due to the terrain. The best approach is to walk or take a golf cart from Sayulita.
There isn't direct public transportation to Playa Carricitos itself. You would typically take a bus or taxi to Sayulita and then walk or use a golf cart to reach the beach.
The walk is described as a jungle hike with dirt roads and a steep sandy descent. It's considered part of the adventure and the reward is a beautiful, uncrowded beach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Playa Carricitos is a public beach and does not require an entrance fee or tickets. It's a natural, uncrowded spot.
As a natural beach, Playa Carricitos doesn't have official opening or closing hours. It's accessible during daylight. Visitors often stay until after sunset.
Playa Carricitos is known for being uncrowded, especially compared to other beaches in the Sayulita area. It's a great escape for those seeking tranquility.
There are no facilities like restrooms or beach clubs at Playa Carricitos. It's recommended to bring everything you need, including food, water, and any personal items.
While generally safe, it's advised not to walk back alone in the dark due to unlit paths. Bringing a light is recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire beach offers stunning backdrops, especially during sunset. The jungle path leading to the beach also provides unique photographic opportunities.
Absolutely! Playa Carricitos is famous for its spectacular sunsets, making it a prime location for photographers looking to capture vibrant colors over the ocean.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and ocean views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting in the surrounding jungle. Don't forget a tripod for those sunset shots!
There are no specific restrictions on photography at Playa Carricitos, as it's a natural public beach. Enjoy capturing its beauty freely.
The golden hour before sunset offers the most beautiful light for photography. However, the lush jungle and the beach itself are picturesque throughout the day.
🎫 🌊 Onsite Experience
The waves at Playa Carricitos can be a bit big, offering fun for experienced swimmers. They might be a bit much for very young children or those not comfortable with stronger surf.
While beautiful, the larger waves might not be ideal for very young children. The far right side of the beach is also noted as clothing-optional, so the left side might be more suitable for families.
Yes, you can swim at Playa Carricitos. However, be mindful of the waves, which can be strong. It's best suited for decent swimmers.
Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and simply relaxing on this uncrowded beach. It's a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy nature.
Some visitors have reported seeing people selling drinks at the beach, but it's not guaranteed. It's always best to come prepared with your own supplies.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 While the beach is uncrowded and peaceful, the waves can be a bit larger, making it more suitable for decent swimmers. 🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Adventurers
+1 However, it's crucial to be mindful of the return journey after dark. Bringing a flashlight is highly recommended, as the jungle paths are unlit and can feel isolated at night. 💖 Couples Seeking Romance
+2 Pack a picnic basket with some wine and enjoy a serene evening watching the sky change colors together. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Journey to Playa Carricitos
+1 While some find the walk invigorating and part of the charm, others suggest using a golf cart to make the journey more comfortable, especially if carrying supplies. It's important to note that the path back to town can be quite dark after sunset, as there are no lights along the jungle trails.
The effort to reach Playa Carricitos is consistently described as 'worth it' by those who make the trek. The reward is a beautiful, tranquil beach that feels like a personal discovery, offering a stark contrast to the busier beaches in the area.
Why Playa Carricitos is a Sunset Lover's Dream
+2 The western-facing orientation of the beach provides unobstructed views of the sun dipping below the Pacific horizon, painting the sky in a spectacular array of colors. +1 Visitors often describe the experience as magical and breathtaking, making it a highlight of their trip. Unlike more developed beaches, Playa Carricitos offers a natural, uncrowded setting that enhances the sunset viewing experience.
+1To make the most of this experience, planning your visit for the late afternoon is key.
However, remember that the journey back after dark requires caution. Bringing a flashlight is essential, as the jungle paths are unlit. Despite this minor logistical consideration, the unparalleled beauty of the sunset at Playa Carricitos makes it a must-see for anyone visiting the region. The Uncrowded Appeal of Playa Carricitos
The absence of commercial establishments like beach clubs means that Playa Carricitos retains a raw, natural beauty.
Visitors often praise the feeling of having a private piece of paradise, perfect for a quiet picnic or simply soaking up the sun in peace. While the beach itself is serene, it's worth noting that the waves can be a bit more active here, offering fun for swimmers but potentially being a consideration for families with very young children.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit