SAN PANCHO NOT A TRAVEL GUIDE… (AN EXPERIENCE GUIDE)

WHERE IS SAN PANCHO?

First things first… Where is San Pancho? Our lovely town is enclaved between the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Madre. Located 7 minutes from Sayulita in the state of Nayarit in Mexico, it is surrounded by a dense jungle and the beautiful blue water sea a combination that will steal your heart.

San Pancho, is within the so called Riviera Nayarit, It has evolved from a small fishing town into a place where people all around the world go to escape from the routine or to reconnect with nature and to immerse themselves into an authentic Mexican experience.

HOW TO GET TO SAN PANCHO?

By Air: San Pancho is conveniently located approximately an hour away from Puerto Vallarta. Visitors can fly into Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) and opt for a taxi or Uber service to San Pancho, costing around 900 MXN. For the adventurous spirits, buses are also available just outside the airport, departing every 20 minutes, offering a journey of about 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach San Pancho with a cost of 80 MXN.

From Guadalajara: For travelers coming from Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco and Mexico's second-largest city, a well-maintained four-lane highway connects directly to San Pancho. This route, equipped with toll booths, entails an approximate total cost of 1,000 MXN, with a travel time averaging around 2 hours and 45 minutes.

WHAT TO DO?

Even thou is a small town with a total population of around 1,000 habitants, San Pancho offers a great variety of options for all kinds of travelers.

Visit EntreAmigos

EntreAmigos represents the strong sense of community and cooperation that is very characteristic of the inhabitants of San Pancho. Entreamigos has been working since 2006 to create opportunities for children and families that are defined by the foundational pillars of our work; education for everyone, stewardship of our environment and the importance of working in community. @entreamigos_sanpancho

Check out the Artisanal Markert

On Tuesdays located in Plaza del Sol where you can find a great variety of local products and you can chat with the artisans and farmers.

Take a Hike

Hike “El Camino del Buddha” an easy walk form the town to a Buddha statue that is located in top of a small hill just outside San Pancho. (Don’t forget to bring an offer)

Volunteer at the Sea Turtle Rescue Center

Giving something back to nature in San Pancho sounds like a fulfilling and impactful activity. By helping at the center, volunteers can assist in the conservation of sea turtles, which are ancient creatures that choose the beaches of San Pancho to lay their eggs. Activities might include monitoring the beaches at night for nesting turtles, helping to protect eggs from predators, and assisting in the release of hatchlings back into the ocean. This type of volunteer work not only contributes to the preservation of a vulnerable species but also offers a deeper understanding of environmental responsibility and the importance of each individual’s role in minimizing our impact on the planet. It’s a chance to ensure that the life cycle of these remarkable turtles continues unbroken, providing an invaluable experience that connects you closely with nature and the local ecosystem.

Another Hike!

Hiking from San Pancho to Sayulita through the jungle sounds like an adventurous and rewarding experience, offering breathtaking views along the way. While the hike might be more suitable for experienced hikers due to its duration and potentially challenging terrain, it promises an opportunity to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of the area.

Hit the Waves :)

San Pancho's vibrant surf culture and its appealing waves make it an excellent destination for both seasoned surfers and newcomers to the sport. The town offers numerous rental shops where you can pick up a board, and plenty of surf schools that cater to all skill levels. These schools often provide both private and group lessons, making it easy for anyone to start riding the waves. The growing popularity of San Pancho as a destination for surf retreats adds to its charm. These retreats typically offer an immersive experience, combining surfing with other activities like yoga, and wellness workshops, all set against the backdrop of San Pancho's stunning natural environment.

Take a Yoga Class

San Pancho is a fantastic way to enhance your relaxation and well-being while enjoying the serene backdrop of this beautiful town. With multiple yoga centers available, you can easily find a style and class that suits your preferences, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned practitioner. The PALAPA Yoga and Surf Retreat SUNYATA it is an incredible opportunity to delve deeper into both yoga and surfing, integrating these practices in a setting that’s naturally conducive to mindfulness and physical challenges. Such retreats are designed to be transformational experiences, offering more than just physical activity. They aim to foster personal growth, self-awareness, and a deeper connection to nature. Participants in such a retreat can expect a holistic experience that may include daily yoga sessions, surf lessons. These programs are crafted to help individuals reset both mentally and physically, creating a perfect balance between action and relaxation. You can check the dates and details on PALAPA’s website is a great first step. Signing up for a retreat like this in San Pancho could not only refine your yoga and surfing skills but also provide a profound and rejuvenating experience in one of Mexico’s most enchanting locations.

Attend El Circo de los Ninos

Have you heard about the Cirque du Soleil? Well in San Pancho there is a circus school sponsored by the founder of Cirque du Soleil. This initiative exemplifies how the arts can be leveraged to enrich community life and provide valuable opportunities for young people.The school offers a unique platform for the children of San Pancho to explore and develop their talents in various circus arts, such as acrobatics, juggling, aerial skills, and more. These skills not only foster creativity and physical fitness but also help build confidence and teamwork among the youth. There are yearly events attending to these performances it is a great way to support the youth of the town.

WHERE TO STAY?

PALAPA of course! We offer you a place to relax and to connect with yourself. PALAPA seamlessly combines traditional Mexican architecture with contemporary comfort to create an organic, intimate, and personalized experience. Our goal is to make our guests feel like home by providing all the necessary amenities.

Our casitas are inspired by the culture and nature of the region you can find some local hand made pieces, infused with a minimalistic and Wabi-Sabi aesthetic concept, creating a unique and harmonious atmosphere.

BONUS

If you are still reading it means you are really interested in our beautiful town so here you have some facts about San Pancho

The streets of the town are named after third world countries (Pakistan, Egypt, Cuba etc) this is because during the 70s the plan was to start the Third world University in San Pancho.

San Pancho is home to more than 400 species of birds so it has became a popular destination for birdwatching.