Are you looking for a new place to visit? San Pancho Mexico is the perfect destination for anyone who wants to relax, rejuvenate and recharge. It is a small town on the Pacific coast of Mexico that offers an incredible variety of activities such as surfing, yoga, swimming in natural pools and more.
You can also enjoy delicious food from local restaurants or even cook your own meals at home with fresh ingredients from the market. There are many things to do here! We hope that you will be able to visit us soon and that this travel guide will be useful to you. We’re sharing everything you need to know about visiting San Pancho Mexico, so let’s dive in!
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About San Pancho, Mexico
Located on the Pacific Ocean, San Pancho is a small town with an estimated population of about 3,000 people. It can be found along Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, which is just north of Puerto Vallarta and south of Tepic.
This part of Mexico is considered one of the most “unknown” regions that can offer a unique travel experience. The city is modest and does not have the typical touristy feel. Instead, it has a laid-back vibe with an emphasis on enjoying life rather than trying to get away from it all.
San Pancho is a city with a strong expat community, which makes it incredibly friendly to visitors from all over the world. The language barrier is not as big of an issue here as it would be in Puerto Vallarta or Cancun, because many people speak English and there are many international stores that sell items in US dollars.
San Pancho is a coastal community located in the Sierra Madre mountain range of the Riviera Nayarit region of Mexico. It is bordered by lush jungle vegetation and set against a dramatic mountainous backdrop with views towards the nearby Marietas Islands and the Jalisco coast. It is about 30 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta and about 15 minutes north of the popular “magical town” of Sayulita.
The Best Things to Do in San Pancho, Mexico
Whether you’re looking to relax, rejuvenate, or just have a good time, San Pancho has you covered! The town is surrounded by jungles and mountains, which offer many activities for adventure lovers.
Surfing in San Pancho
The beaches around San Pancho offer great places to enjoy beach activities like surfing, swimming, and sunbathing.
If you’re looking to try your hand at surfing, you can take surf lessons at local surfboard rental shops. There are also many yoga retreats that will teach you how to surf while focusing on self-improvement through spiritual practice.
There are several spots around the area where the soft sand and gentle waves create a perfect beach for swimming. The closest beaches to the town are Playa Coromuel and Playa de Los Muertos, both of which offer white sand and calm waters.
However, if you want to relax on a more secluded beach, head up the coast towards Punta Mita and visit one of the local beaches there. For a US$10 entrance fee, you can access one of the most secluded beaches in the area. Remember to pay this fee before going down to the beach or you risk being fined!
Surfing in Playa Estacahuite and Playa Macao
San Pancho is home to great surf breaks. If beginning surfers don’t mind a bit of a drive up the coast, they can head to the secluded Estacahuite beach. The waves there are a bit stronger and more consistent, and the water is warmer because it is close to Puerto Vallarta.
Another great place to surf is Macao Beach, where you can find good waves that are more suitable for experienced surfers. With a strong current, this beach can be a bit dangerous for beginners!
Hiking in the jungle around San Pancho
Being located in a tropical region, there are many interesting trails you can hike through the jungle near San Pancho. There is a trail that takes you up to a mountain peak called “Mirador del Obispo”, where there is a beautiful panoramic view of the surroundings, including the ocean. On a clear day, you can see as far as Isla Coronados and even glimpse some of Nayarit’s famous beaches from this vantage point.
Mirador del Obispo is about a 45-minute hike from San Pancho through partially shaded jungle trails and along some steep steps. However, the views of the ocean reward your efforts when you reach the top. If you want to do this hike, we recommend that you bring sunscreen and plenty of drinking water.
Swim with Dolphins in the Riviera Nayarit
If you want to get up close and personal with the incredible marine life of Mexico, then this is the trip for you! There are daily whale and dolphin watching tours available. These tours take you to the Pacific Ocean where you can see whales, dolphins, sea turtles and even sea birds!
San Pancho is also close to many beaches that offer snorkeling excursions. You can rent equipment at one of the local stores for a small fee. You can also find excursions with dolphins that will take you to play with the dolphins in the area!
visit the beach
San Pancho has plenty of beautiful beaches that are ideal for anyone who wants to soak up the sun or enjoy a good book.
There are many beautiful and secluded beaches nearby where you can go to escape the crowds. Playa Escondida is an amazing beach where you can relax on the sand and enjoy the clear blue water. For a more active getaway, check out nearby Ventanilla Cove, where you can also go snorkeling.
jungle adventures
The jungles that surround San Pancho offer a variety of activities, from canopy tours and hikes to canopy surfing and rappelling!
If you’re looking for something a little more exhilarating, take a jungle canopy tour and rappel over the treetops. Tours like this are available at various locations around San Pancho, but if you want an authentic experience with local guides, we recommend visiting Nayarit Adventures to book your tour.
go paragliding
Paragliding is another activity that you can try in the area. Follow the local paragliders across the coast and see some of the most amazing views Mexico has to offer! Paragliding is a great way to see the beauty of San Pancho from a bird’s eye view and will be a fun activity to try!
yoga retreats
Yoga retreats in San Pancho offer guided spiritual exercises and healthy living practices. Join like-minded people on the quest for self-discovery!
If you’re looking for a dedicated yoga retreat, it’s easy to find one in San Pancho. There are facilities around the city that offer daily or weekly retreats with activities ranging from meditation and philosophy discussion to physical training and spa treatments. Most of these retreats are run by Americans, Canadians, or Europeans, and the retreat centers often offer yoga classes in English and Spanish.
How to Get to San Pancho, Mexico
Since you’re here at the Ultimate Guide to San Pancho, Mexico, you probably already have a flight booked. If not, there are tons of affordable flights to get here from the US or Canada!
Flying into Puerto Vallarta makes it easy to get to, as it’s about an hour outside of the city. You can also fly into Tepic International Airport, which is about a 40-minute drive from San Pancho.
The best time of year to visit San Pancho, Mexico
Although you can visit it at any time of the year, we recommend visiting in spring or winter, when temperatures are low and it is not too hot. If you want to avoid the crowds, plan your trip during Holy Week or at the end of December. There are also plenty of activities throughout the year that might interest you, so check online to see what’s going on when you plan to arrive!
Where to stay
Hotel Casa San Pancho
The Hotel Casa San Pancho is located near the beach and is also close to the Mercado San Pancho Nayarit and the Mercado Campesino de Sayulita. This hotel has a variety of amenities, including an outdoor pool, bar and lounge, free breakfast, laundry facilities, and more.
PAL.MAR Hotel Tropical
The Hotel Tropical PAL.MAR is located near the beach in the center of the city of San Pancho. Nearby are the Las Huertas Golf Club and the Campo de Ensueño golf course. This hotel has a variety of amenities, such as a pool, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and more.
Hotel Maraica San Pancho
He Hotel Maraica San Pancho is also located near the beach and has a variety of amenities. Like an outdoor pool, restaurant and bar, snack bar/deli, poolside bar, pet friendly and much more.
Ending
San Pancho, Mexico is a wonderful place to visit if you are looking for a destination off the beaten path. It has everything from quiet beaches to delicious food, welcoming locals and a variety of fun things to do. You can’t go wrong with this hidden gem on the Riviera Nayarit coast. We hope you will be able to visit us soon and that our travel guide has helped you plan your trip! Happy travels!
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