Your first time in Saladita will feel different from other Mexican beach destinations. There's no boardwalk, no all-inclusive resorts, no Hard Rock Cafe. What you'll find instead is something increasingly rare: an authentic coastal community that hasn't traded its soul for tourism dollars.
Before You Arrive
What to Bring: Saladita is small, so come prepared with any specific items you might need. Sunscreen (reef-safe if possible), any prescription medications, surf wax if you're particular about brands, and a good book or two. The town has basics covered, but selection is limited.
Money: Bring pesos. While some places accept dollars or cards, cash is king here. The nearest ATMs are in nearby towns, so arrive with enough cash for your stay plus buffer.
Expectations: Adjust them. Saladita runs on beach time. Service is friendly but rarely rushed. Wi-Fi exists but isn't always reliable. Power outages happen. This isn't a bug, it's a feature of a place that hasn't prioritized convenience over everything else.
Where to Get Groceries
In Saladita: Small tiendas in Los Llanos (corner stores) sell basics eggs, tortillas, beans, rice, snacks, and cold beer. Selection is limited but sufficient for simple meals. Hacienda in la Saladita offers a more extensive selection. Think of it as a well-stocked market rather than a supermarket. You'll find produce, healthy snack items, wines, and some imported goods.
Farmers Markets: Weekly markets pop up in the region, offering fresh local produce, homemade goods, and prepared foods. Friday in front of Hacienda 8am-5pm and Sundays in los Llanos 8am-5pm.
Zihuatanejo: For major shopping trips, Zihuatanejo (30 minutes south) has several full supermarkets including Soriana and Chedraui. If you're staying for a week or more, one trip here can stock you up completely.
Getting Your Bearings
Saladita is essentially one main road paralleling the beach, with smaller streets branching off toward the water or into the hills. You can walk the entire town in 15 minutes. The surf break is obvious… follow the sounds of waves and you'll find it.
The Beach: Public and accessible. The sand can be dark volcanic, the water warm most of the year. The point break that made Saladita famous is a long peeling left.. Watch for a bit before paddling out your first time. The lineup has its rhythms, and respecting them matters.
The Community: Small and tight-knit. Locals and long-time visitors know each other. Be friendly, respectful, and patient. You're entering someone's home, not just a vacation spot.
Local Customs and Etiquette
Surf Lineup: Respect matters here more than most places. Saladita's wave is world-class but also relatively small and defined. When it's good, it gets crowded.
Don't paddle straight to the peak on your first session. Watch. Understand the rotation. Wait your turn. Earn respect through proper surf etiquette, not entitlement.
Local surfers have been riding this wave for years or decades. Their kids are learning on it now. Remember, you're a guest in their lineup.
Language: Spanish helps immensely. Even basic phrases go a long way. Many locals speak some English, but efforts to communicate in Spanish are always appreciated.
Environmental Respect: Take your trash with you. All of it! The community works hard to keep the beach and water clean. Be part of the solution.
Volume: Saladita is quiet by design. Loud music, parties, and general rowdiness aren't a huge part of the culture here.
What to Eat
Saladita's dining scene is small but quality-focused. Fresh fish comes in daily. Local women make incredible handmade tortillas. Coconuts fall from trees overhead.
Look for the places locals eat, they know where the best food hides. Don't be put off by simple appearances. Some of the best meals you'll have come from spots with plastic chairs and handwritten menus.
Activities Beyond Surfing
Yoga: Several spots offer classes, often in open-air spaces with ocean views. El Templo in Saladita usually has a seasonal class schedule.
Fishing: Local fishermen sometimes take visitors out. Ask around!
Horseback Riding: Reach out to our trusted guide on WhatsApp at +52 468 101 4262 to book your beach or jungle excursion.
Excursions: Natural hotsprings, cave hikes, seasonal waterfalls, hidden surf breaks, and more. The Casa Mango team is happy to connect you with local partners like Costa Nativa.
Simply Being: Saladita rewards those who can slow down. Bring a hammock, a book, and the willingness to let hours pass without agenda.
Practical Details
Healthcare: Basic care available locally. For anything serious, head to Zihuatanejo's hospitals. Travel insurance is wise.
Communication: Saladita has spotty - if any - cell service. Wi-Fi in accommodations varies, and power cuts can be common, but most places have Starlink which is fairly strong and reliable.
Transportation: Walking works for most things. Taxis run between nearby towns. Rental cars provide freedom to explore but aren't necessary if you're content staying local.
The Real First-Timer Advice
Your first time in Saladita might feel disorienting if you're used to more developed beach destinations. There's no itinerary, no must-see attractions, no manufactured experiences. What Saladita offers is space - to surf, to rest, to disconnect, to remember what coastal life can feel like when it's not packaged for maximum tourist throughput.
Give yourself time to adjust. The first day you might wonder what there is to do. By day three, you'll understand that the lack of "things to do" is exactly the point. By the end of your stay, you'll be planning your return… or checking out the final homes available in Casa Mango, ready to make the permanent move.
Come ready to meet Saladita on its terms, and it will show you something increasingly hard to find: a beach town that still belongs to itself.
CASA MANGO
We're building homes for people who understand what makes Saladita special, and want to be part of protecting it.
Learn more:https://www.casamangosaladita.com
Contact us to schedule a visit and learn about our final remaining units:
WhatsApp: +52 755 101 1545 | Email: anandarealestates@gmail.com
Follow along: IG @casamango.saladita
