ABOUT SAN PANCHO

~ formally known as San Francisco ~

Located 40 minutes north of Puerta Vallarta, nestled between the mountains and lining the Pacific, you’ll find the charming town of San Pancho. With local flavor and expats from around the world you’ll find an interesting combination of authentic Mexican culture amidst an array of restaurants and architecturally unique second homes.

If you’re not one to last on the beach more than a couple hours don’t worry, there’s much more to do in San Pancho and the surrounding towns, such as:
Golf, Shopping, Sightseeing, Restaurants, Kayaking, Sailing, Boating, Swimming, Snorkeling/Diving, Surfing, Mountain Biking, Wildlife Viewing, Hiking, Fishing, Horseback Riding, and yes, there’s even Polo at La Patrona Polo Club.

The pueblo of San Pancho offers many fine restaurants. My favorites are Café del Mar, high on the hill, above town and Mar Plata at the bottom of the hill by the beach. Also, the polo field has a fine restaurant where you can watch a Sunday polo match at sunset while enjoying cocktails and dinner. After that you might just walk down the street and watch a soccer game on your way home or stroll through town and shop. If it’s lunch you’re after try the taco stand by the hospital or the one at the foot of the hill before Café del Mar. See our restaurant guide below for further details, or come see for yourself!

Click here to view a map of the province of Nayarit

Sayulita

~ 20 min south of Casa del Risco ~

The next town south of San Pancho is Sayulita, visible from our property, looking south. In Sayulita, surfing is the big draw. Plan to have lunch under a palapa on the beach and watch the surfers that come from all over the world to compete at this location. My favorite lunch spot in Sayulita is actually in town above the village square for fish tacos, you can’t miss it.

Nearby Beaches

The beach in front of Casa del Risco, and the public beach, change with the seasons. In the Winter, the surf can be too strong for the average swimmer with the tides higher and a steep drop-off. In the Summer the beach is wide, and the surf is gentle enough to enjoy everyday. In the Fall and Spring, it’s variable. Of course, remember that it’s safest to have somebody with you when you’re swimming. The beach at Sayulita is much flatter and calmer and is swimmable all winter. There are two crescent beaches in Monteon, the town north of Los de Marcos. There are other little hidden beaches and it’s worth exploring a bit to find them. Have fun!

• Tailwind Outdoor (cell 322-111-8584) does sea kayaking, beach excursions, and hiking. If you are adventurous, these are the people to hire. They are experienced, know the ins and outs of every secluded beach and avocado grove, and are nice. They also do “cultural tours,” with visits to San Blas, La Penita, and the petroglyphs.
• Monico (258-4024 or cell 322-120-2087) is a certified guide and is knowledgeable about the flora and fauna here. His snorkeling trip, which leaves from Punta de Mita and goes to the Marietas Islands, takes nearly a full day and includes all equipment. The cost for up to 6 people is $180. Same for the San Blas jungle tour, part of which is on a boat on a river, with lunch at a restaurant. An archeological hike (closer) and a local bird-watching hike are each $120 for up to 6 people. (Check on current prices.)
  
  
• Diva Tours (258-4017) offers many packages.
  
  
• Costa Azul (258-4000) offers packages as well, but I’ve heard some discouraging stories. Try them last.