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’s a small town on Mexico’s Pacific coast that offers an incredible array of activities like 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 lots of things to do here! We hope you’re able to visit soon and that this travel guide comes in handy. 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 to be one of the more“undiscovered” regions that can offer a unique travel experience. The town is unassuming and doesn’t have your typical touristy feel. Instead, it has a laid-back atmosphere with an emphasis on enjoying life rather than trying to get away from it all.
San Pancho is a town with a strong expat community, which makes it incredibly friendly towards visitors from all over the world. The language barrier isn’t as much of an issue here as it would be in Puerto Vallarta or Cancun, because many people speak English and there are lots of international stores that sell items in US dollars.
San Pancho is a coastal community located in the Sierra Madre Mountain range of Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit region. It is bordered by lush jungle vegetation and set against a dramatic mountain backdrop with views towards nearby Islas Marietas and the Jalisco coast. It is around 30 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta, and about 15 minutes north of the popular “pueblo magico” of Sayulita.
Top things to do in San Pancho, Mexico
Whether you’re looking to relax, rejuvenate or just have a good time, San Pancho has everything you need! The town is surrounded by jungles and mountains, which offer plenty of activities for adventure seekers.
Surfing in San Pancho
The beaches around San Pancho offer some 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 with 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 soft sand and gentle waves make for a perfect swimming beach. The beaches closest to the town are Playa Coromuel and Playa de Los Muertos, which both offer nice white sand and calm waters.
However, if you’d like to relax on a more secluded beach, head down to the coastline towards Punta Mita and check out 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 that you must pay this fee before heading down to the beach or risk being fined!
Surfing at Playa Estacahuite & Macao Beach
San Pancho is home to some great surfing spots. If beginner surfers don’t mind a short drive up the coast, you can head down to the secluded beach of Estacahuite. The waves there are slightly stronger and more consistent, and the water is warmer because it’s close to Puerto Vallarta.
Another great surfing spot is Macao Beach where you can find some good waves that are best suited for experienced surfers. With a strong current, this beach can be a little 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 surrounding area, 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 partly shaded jungle trails and along some steep steps. However, the views of the ocean reward you for your efforts when you reach the top! If you’d like to do this hike, we recommend that you bring sunscreen and lots of drinking water.
Swimming With Dolphins in the Riviera Nayarit
If you’d like to try getting up close and personal with some of Mexico’s amazing sea life, then this is the trip for you! There are daily whale and dolphin watching tours available. These tours take you out on the Pacific ocean where you’ll get to see whales, dolphins, sea turtles and even seabirds!
San Pancho is also close to many beaches that offer snorkeling excursions. You can rent equipment at one of the local shops for a small fee. You’ll also be able to find dolphin excursions that will take you to play with the dolphins in the area!
Visit the Beach
San Pancho has plenty of beautiful beaches that are great for anyone who wants to sunbathe or enjoy a good book.
There are many beautiful, 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 clear blue water. For a more active getaway, check out nearby Ventanilla Cove, which also has some great snorkeling.
Jungle Adventures
The jungles surrounding San Pancho offer a host of activities from canopy tours and hiking to canopy surfing and rappelling!
If you’re looking for something a little more stimulating, take a tour through the jungle canopy and go rappelling over the treetops. There are tours like this 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 you can try out in the area. Follow local paragliders through the coastline and see some of the most stunning views Mexico has to offer! Paragliding is a great way to see San Pancho’s beauty with a birds-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 in the pursuit of self-discovery!
If you’re looking for a dedicated yoga retreat, it’s easy to find one in San Pancho. There are facilities around town that offer daily or weekly retreats with activities ranging from meditation and philosophy discussion to fitness training and spa treatments. Most of these retreats are run by Americans, Canadians, or Europeans and the retreat centers typically offer yoga classes in both 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 though, there are tons of affordable flights to get you here from the United States or Canada!
Flying into Puerto Vallarta makes for easy access since it’s about an hour outside of town. You can also fly into Tepic International Airport which is about a 40-minute drive from San Pancho
Best Time of Year to Visit San Pancho, Mexico
Though you can visit any time of year, we highly recommend visiting in the spring or winter when temperatures are low and it’s not too hot! If you want to avoid crowds, then plan your trip during Semana Santa (Easter Week) or at the end of December. There are also many activities going on throughout the year that may 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 near San Pancho Nayarit Market and the Sayulita Farmers Market. This hotel has a variety of amenities, including an outdoor pool, a bar and lounge space, free breakfast, laundry facilities, and more!
PAL.MAR Hotel Tropical
The PAL.MAR Hotel Tropical is located near the beach in the city center of San Pancho. Nearby are the Las Huertas Golf Club and Campo de Ensueno Golf course. This hotel has a variety of amenities, such as a pool, free wifi, air conditioning, and more!
Hotel Maraica San Pancho
The Hotel Maraica San Pancho is also located near the beach and features a variety of amenities. Such as an outdoor pool, a restaurant and bar, a snack bar/deli, a poolside bar, it’s pet-friendly, and more!
Wrapping Up
San Pancho, Mexico is a wonderful place to visit if you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination. It has everything from laid-back beaches and delicious food, the locals are welcoming, 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 are able to visit soon and that our travel guide helped you plan your trip! Happy travels!