The waves crash quick on the yellow sand, stirring up flecks of gold within the green-hued Pacific. I’ve identified this ocean all my life and but by no means felt it so heat and welcoming. It’s just like the sol, and the soul too, have spent a bit extra time right here.
This is San Pancho, Mexico, Nayarit. About an hour’s drive from Puerto Vallarta, however a world away in lots of respects. It’s quiet, stunning, and scrumptious. There’s a cause we’ve been again twice! Here’s every part to find out about planning your go to to San Pancho:
San Pancho or San Francisco?
It’s all within the title, darling. If you’ve been questioning how on this planet to get to San Poncho when the entire buses go to San Francisco, it’s price realizing that title “poncho” is definitely a nickname for Francisco. So you’ll be wanting to go to this a part of the Nayarit coast. (More on methods to get there in a bit).
What to Do in San Pancho
Generally I spend my days in San Pancho mendacity underneath the palm timber, prepared the superbly yellow coconuts to fall down with my thoughts. This is a chill place that, as a substitute of providing tons of packages and excursions, is extra of a spot to return and chill out, however that doesn’t imply there isn’t loads to do!
Sea Turtles
The first time we visited and November 2019, whereas strolling down the seaside we had the perfect shock – child sea turtles making their journey to the water! I’d been a part of organized releases previously in larger areas like Cancun, however to see it taking place naturally with none intervention was fairly particular! There is a significant turtle conservation group – Project Tortuga – within the space as properly, which accommodates volunteers.
Surfing
This is a giant surf space, with the extra mild waves nearer to San Pancho city. Although you gained’t be the one one making an attempt to catch waves, it gained’t be practically as crowded as Sayulita.
Check out San Pancho Surf Shop, Nativa Surf Shop, and Santamadre adventures on the town for surf leases and classes. You can take a look at the surf report right here.
Visit Sayulita
Although I a lot desire San Pancho to Sayulita, there’s much more taking place in Sayulita when it comes to locations to eat, issues to do, and a celebration scene if that’s what you’re after.
There are extra excursions that depart from Sayulita as properly, from zip-lining, to ATV excursions and a really highly-rated horseback using tour. Check out your choices right here.
Boutique Shopping
If you’re digging the outfit I’m sporting within the picture above, you will discover one thing related at one of many many boutiques on the principle street in San Pancho.
As you stroll round city, you’ll discover loads of little clothes boutiques with handmade choices of the BoHo stylish selection. Sadly, nonetheless, this outfit ended up going to a a lot shorter buddy of mine after going via the wash. Be forewarned that what you purchase may not be pre-shrunk!
Whale Watching
From November to March, for those who stare on the horizon lengthy sufficient, you’re certain to see humpback whales on their migratory route. While on the seaside, we noticed them breaching and enjoying within the water, bringing me again to my whale swim days in French Polynesia.
If you need to get a better look, you possibly can head to Punta Mita, which is the halfway level between San Poncho and Puerto Vallarta, and guide with one among these tour firms. They have a tendency to supply snorkeling on the identical journeys as properly.
Beach Days
When we go to Sam poncho, we normally select to remain in a seaside home rental with a pool, this time a sizzling tub, and a few simple seaside entry. I’ll speak extra about the place we’ve stayed within the subsequent part, but it surely’s honest to say we spend most of our time on the sand on the uncrowded seaside, having fun with the day because it turns into sundown.
We normally keep within the north finish of the seaside which leads to a protracted stroll to city, which we don’t thoughts in any respect, however be forewarned the surf is greater at that finish, and you’ll have extra luck swimming nearer to city.
Yoga and Aerial arts
San Pancho is a haven for group, yoga, and physique motion. While you’re there, take a look at Pilates San Pancho and El Estar yoga.
Where to Stay in San Pancho
Since the final time we visited in 2019, there’s been a good quantity of building alongside the seaside. It’s bittersweet, as a result of it does imply that the city is rising, but it surely additionally implies that there are extra stunning locations to remain.
It was by probability that I ended up right here the primary time. I had initially been Sayulita, however upon discovering nothing on the sand, forged a wider web and located a bungalow on Playa San Pancho. It’s like destiny stepped in as a result of we got here to like this space.
Can you consider a extra excellent place to do nothing?
The authentic place we booked isn’t providing rooms anymore, however we beloved the home we rented this most up-to-date journey on Airbnb, which you’ll guide right here.
It had a rooftop terrace with a sizzling tub, a pool, a stunning backyard, and our dwelling space, which had two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a beautiful sitting space.
The solely draw back was the fixed sound of building, because the space is rising. We have been additionally a couple of 20-minute stroll on the sand to city. That was simply positive with us, however for those who’d desire to be within the city itself, there are a lot of boutique lodges to select from. I like to recommend Hotel Casa San Pancho, Marii Hotel Boutique, and PAL.MAR Hotel Tropical.
Some of the boutique lodges in Sayulita are much more spectacular. Consider staying there and taking a day journey to San Pancho if you would like a bit extra luxurious and motion.
The Best Places to Eat in San Pancho
There’s a veritable cornucopia of choices in San Pancho, from fancy eating places to smaller taco stands with plastic chairs on the road, wholesome salads, and low/dessert bars. Here’s what we tried and beloved:
- Taquería Los Arbolitos: Cheap tacos that have been sadly much less scrumptious the second time we visited.
- La Ola Rica: larger finish Mexican meals.
- Restaurante El Rinconchito: Decent low cost tacos.
- Chido Greens: Salads and acai bowls.
- Maria’s Restaurant Bar: Great brekkie and brunch.
- Yasmina’s Itzalanyasayan: Cute, hidden restaurant with scrumptious kombucha and Mexican/Asian fusion.
- Ikan Cocina Marina: Fresh Seafood.
- Dolce Jardin: Pasta with large parts.
- Victor’s Tacos: Another respectable, low cost taco joint.
- Café Paraíso: espresso and cake.
- El Indio for groceries.
Getting to San Pancho
Chances are good you’ll be coming from the Puerto Vallarta airport. You have the choice of taking an official airport automotive/taxi for round $50, the native bus for just some {dollars}, although you’ll have a protracted stroll from the bus depot for those who keep up the seaside like we did, or you possibly can cross the orange bridge outdoors of the airport and catch an Uber for about $40.
We used Uber the primary time, which labored nice, although you’ll have to be sure you have connectivity and are usually not counting on airport wifi as you’ll should stroll out of the airport and cross the road to get the trip resulting from native Uber laws.
For our second journey, we employed a personal driver. I want I may suggest him, however he was nearly an hour late selecting us up to return to the airport. In the long run I’d ask on the Airbnb for assist reserving transport there and again. Don’t depend on Uber in your return trip to the airport out of San Pancho, as there are far fewer vehicles accessible going that route.
How typically will we, even when on trip, really simply decelerate, sleep, and don’t have any agenda? For me, it’s a continuing state of doing, and in San Pancho I do much more simply being, and it was precisely what I would like.
If it’s precisely what you want too, I hope you come test it out. But don’t let the phrase get out an excessive amount of, okay? Let’s simply hold this little secret between you and me.
Enjoy this little gem!