Discover the charming and peaceful small town of San Pancho Mexico, about an hour from the bustling city of Puerto Vallarta and a 10-minute drive from the lively town of Sayulita. With cobblestone streets, charming homes, vibrant decorations, and a long unspoiled beach, San Pancho offers a coveted escape of tranquility and beauty along the Pacific Coast. It’s one of the best options for a trip to San Pancho, whether it’s your first time visiting or a returning favorite spot.
Is San Pancho, Mexico worth visiting from Puerto Vallarta?
Surrounded by lush green mountains, it’s a haven for surfers, birdwatchers, and those looking to live the Pura Vida. Playa San Pancho, also known as San Pancho Beach, is particularly attractive to experienced surfers, with its powerful waves and the sight of palm trees swaying in the breeze. In the water, you’ll come across a wealth of fauna, like baby sea turtles and colorful tropical fishes.
Approximately 1600 Mexicans and a thriving expatriate community from around the world call San Pancho home. Together they create a well-balanced paradise that combines the typical features of a Mexican village with more upscale offerings. The atmosphere created by this eclectic mixture pervades the entire village and creates a real sense of comfort.
Here you’ll find taco stands and other Mexican delicacies coexisting with art galleries, boutique shops, fusion restaurants, boutique hotels, and yoga studios. In this guide, we’ll have a look at the best places to visit and things to do in San Pancho and its surroundings, including some of our favorite things to do, like taking surf lessons and joining yoga classes.
The best hotel in San Pancho
San Pancho hotels are plentiful and combine understated design with local décor. One such gem is the Agua de Luna Hotel, where we chose to make our home base. Its central location in the village, yet just far enough away to enjoy peace and quiet, impeccable contemporary architecture, spacious rooms, a lush courtyard with a pool, and a rooftop terrace with 360-degree views, multiple hot tubs, and comfortable couches for sunset cocktails make it an absolute oasis of comfort. A trip to San Pancho wouldn’t be complete without enjoying this retreat.
Our favourite restaurants in San Pancho
Ikan
Unparalleled freshness combined with remarkable aesthetic creativity, Ikan‘s entire menu is fabulous and unexpected. Unparalleled freshness combined with remarkable aesthetic creativity, Ikan’s entire menu is fabulous and unexpected. It’s a hidden gem not to be missed!
Arrigato
This is my personal favorite in San Pancho. Run by a couple of Argentine and Japanese descent, this is the friendliest place in the village, where everyone can sit side by side to enjoy craft beer brewed on site, generous portions of spicy zucchini salad, ultra-fresh Japanese rolls, and hearty Argentine sandwiches.
Bistro Organico
If you want a five-star experience, head to Bistro Organico, located inside the Cielo Rojo Hotel. Everything here is impeccable, organic, and healthy, from breakfast to dinner, and it all takes place in a beautiful patio setting.
Su Pancha Madre
The sope, a traditional Mexican dish consisting of a fried corn tortilla with savory toppings, is the star of this cozy restaurant. It’s a delicious discovery!
La Tarraya San Pancho
This small beachfront bar offers intimate live concerts, delicious small bites, and perfect sunset cocktails overlooking the Pacific Ocean. We found ourselves here on a daily basis to kick off our festive evenings out on the town.
Cerveceria Artesenal
The perfect place to quench your thirst with excellent Mexican craft beers, carefully selected from the best local breweries, accompanied by live music from local bands.
El Gallo
This hybrid space combines a beloved Mexican restaurant that serves up locally sourced food and upscale cocktails, and an outdoor concert space that hosts original music, open mic nights, and salsa parties. An iconic spot in San Pancho.
The DoughJoe
Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or a coffee break, The DoughJoe is a popular spot in the village that serves up hearty donuts, waffles, and delicious cookies.
Chido Greens
A tiny spot on the main street that serves up excellent breakfasts, healthy salads, and fresh smoothies.
Yasmina
Enjoy delicious organic, healthy and mineral-rich fusion cuisine in a beautiful backyard setting. Everything here is delicious at Yasmina – don’t miss out!
Yoga and surf in San Pancho, Nayarit
San Pancho beach is a beautiful place to ride the waves of the Pacific Ocean. Please note, however, that the waves can be strong and the current should not be underestimated. Experienced surfers will find this a great option for catching waves, while beginners might prefer taking their first surf lessons in Sayulita. The area is filled with surf schools, making it easy to book classes if you want to try surfing for the first time. San Pancho Beach, lined with palm trees, offers not only great surf but also stunning views and relaxation under the shade of swaying palms, making it one of the best things to experience during a trip to San Pancho.
When you’re done working out, relax. Head to El Estar, a laid-back downtown studio, for a well-deserved yoga class. Classes are taught in English, making it accessible for international visitors. Multiple class passes are available for a discounted rate, making it a great option for those staying longer. You can also take home a souvenir from the small shop of natural products and local treasures to remember your favorite things from the trip.
Sunsets in Playa San Pancho
San Pancho’s sunsets are truly magical, casting a mesmerizing spell over visitors. The combination of vivid colors painting the sky, the soothing sound of waves, and the tranquil beachfront setting creates an enchanting atmosphere. It’s a must-do in San Pancho because these sunsets offer a moment of pure wonder and serenity, making memories that last a lifetime. Watching the sunset is one of the best things to do at Playa San Pancho, especially after a day filled with surf and yoga classes.
Can you walk from Sayulita to San Pancho?
The answer is yes! Embark on a beautiful and easy 1.5-hour hike from San Pancho beach to Sayulita. It’s a great way to stroll from one small town to the next as you wind your way through the tropical forest and along the beach. Your hotel will provide you with all the directions you need for this scenic hike, perfect for first-time visitors who want to explore both towns on foot.
Extend the adventure by swimming from your boat to Playa Escondida, a beach located in the middle of the ocean in an open, sun-drenched crater. It’s a long trip from Sayulita, but you’ll have the chance to see several pods of whales. It’s amazing to see and experience, offering one of the most unique excursions during your visit.
How much is a taxi from Sayulita to San Pancho?
Not keen on walking? No problem. A taxi ride between Sayulita and Playa San Pancho typically costs around 200 pesos (approximately $10 USD). The journey takes about 10-15 minutes, covering a distance of 7 km. Some taxi drivers offer discounted rates for round trips or daily services. Remember to carry cash, as most taxis in this area don’t accept credit cards.
