The waves crash fast on the yellow sand, stirring up flecks of gold in the green-hued Pacific. I’ve known this ocean all my life and yet never felt it so warm and inviting. It’s like the sol, and the soul too, have spent a little more time here.
This is San Pancho, Mexico, Nayarit. About an hour’s drive from Puerto Vallarta, but a world away in many respects. It’s quiet, beautiful, and delicious. There’s a reason we’ve been back twice! Here’s everything to know about planning your visit to San Pancho:
San Pancho or San Francisco?
It’s all in the name, darling. If you’ve been wondering how in the world to get to San Poncho when all of the buses go to San Francisco, it’s worth knowing that name “poncho” is actually a nickname for Francisco. So you’ll be wanting to head to this part of the Nayarit coast. (More on ways to get there in a bit).
What to Do in San Pancho
Generally I spend my days in San Pancho lying under the palm trees, willing the perfectly yellow coconuts to fall down with my mind. This is a chill place that, instead of offering tons of packages and tours, is more of a place to come and relax, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to do!
Sea Turtles
The first time we visited and November 2019, while walking down the beach we had the best surprise – baby sea turtles making their journey to the water! I’d been part of organized releases in the past in bigger areas like Cancun, but to see it happening naturally without any intervention was pretty special! There is a major turtle conservation organization – Project Tortuga – in the area as well, which accommodates volunteers.
Surfing
This is a big surf area, with the more gentle waves closer to San Pancho town. Although you won’t be the only one trying to catch waves, it won’t be nearly as crowded as Sayulita.
Check out San Pancho Surf Shop, Nativa Surf Shop, and Santamadre adventures in town for surf rentals and lessons. You can check out the surf report here.
Visit Sayulita
Although I much prefer San Pancho to Sayulita, there’s a lot more happening in Sayulita in terms of places to eat, things to do, and a party scene if that’s what you’re after.
There are more tours that depart from Sayulita as well, from zip-lining, to ATV tours and a very highly-rated horseback riding tour. Check out your options here.
Boutique Shopping
If you’re digging the outfit I’m wearing in the photo above, you can find something similar at one of…
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