San Pancho snapshots
Restaurants
Bars
Art Galleries
Hotels Nearby
Shopping
Eco-Tourism
Beach
Land Activities
Swimming
Water Activities
Walking Tours
Riviera Nayarit
Summary
- San Pancho is situated along the Pacific coast of the Mexican state of Nayarit and is at the edge of the Sierra de Vallejo Biosphere Reserve.
- The town is known for its beautiful, clean beaches, eco-conscious, activist-driven community, and a slower and more peaceful pace of life.
- The town is bordered by jungle that is home to the jaguar and scores of other exotic mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and bird species.
- San Pancho is a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful beaches, sunshine, and restaurants.
- The town is located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico in the state of Nayarit, about 30 miles north of Puerto Vallarta and only 15 minutes north of nearby Sayulita.
- San Pancho is a must-visit place if you are in the area, and the only risk is that you’ll never want to leave.
Introduction
North of Sayulita in the state of Nayarit and not too far from Puerto Vallarta there is another very interesting and picturesque town and a beautiful beach you can enjoy for the day.
When you are driving along the highway when you see the signs mentioning San Pancho you’d never guess it would be worth your time to visit it, but once you get in and around and around, you really notice you’ve discovered a hidden jewel.
In this area, where the Sierra Madre del Sur starts off, the original natives were from the Tatuán de Nayares tribe, the original name given to the area in 1524 by Francisco Cortés de Buenaventura was Azapan and the town was named San Francisco de Azapan. In 1936 the ejido of Sayulita to which San Francisco belonged was established, laying the start of what is now the town of San Francisco in the state of Nayarit.
San Francisco Beach Nayarit
- 1431 inhabitants (2020 census), quaint cobblestone street town.
- 50 minutes from Puerto Vallarta Airport along Highway 200 North towards Tepic.
- A number of activities are available on the beach.
- A great place for surfers and surfing.
- Part of Riviera Nayarit.
San Pancho aerial view
Where is the town?
North of Sayulita, just 4 miles and seven minutes away, and 7 miles south (15 minutes) from Lo De Marcos in the state of Nayarit and not too far from Puerto Vallarta there is another very interesting and picturesque town and a beautiful beach you can enjoy for the day.
We recommend this place as a one day trip, you drive north along the edge of the bay, continue past Bucerias along the highway to Tepic, approximately 32 miles (80-90 minutes) away from downtown Puerto Vallarta you’ll find the entrance to the picturesque town of San Francisco, known informally and affectionately. as “San Pancho”.
It’s a quite quaint small town surrounded by jungle and hills that are what is left of the Sierra Madre Mountains toward the edge of the Pacific Ocean coast.
Why visit San Pancho?
San Francisco, the saint that gives the town its name
San Francisco offers a beautiful wide white sand beach and a very typical Mexican village, with horseback riders along the streets, roosters, and chicken in your neighbour’s yard.
The town received quite a bit of a boost, for example, cobblestone streets and a full-service hospital thanks to funds the Mexican President at that time, Luis Echeverría, was able to funnel to San Francisco, a place he visited regularly to let off steam, he even built a summer mansion here by the sea.
It is known as the cultural capital of Nayarit for the many initiatives and activities, for example, education projects, care of the environment and the promotion of the arts.
The local agricultural activities include lemon, mango, corn and papaya crops, as well as fishing, mostly red snappers.
The beauty, tranquility and delicious temperature of this small hidden village and people of San Pancho have made it prosper over time.
What to do in San Francisco Nayarit?
San Pancho Beach
San Pancho is also well-known due to its favorable location for various activities in Bahia de Banderas, such as whale watching, amateur fishing, and sports fishing, surfing and others.
Popular among ex-pats from the US, Canada, Europe, and South America, this eclectic local population adds cream to the tacos (“crema a los tacos” a local expression more or less like adding spice to mix), so you’ll find art galleries and gourmet restaurants mixed in with the local offer of tacos and birria.
So, unlike small random towns in the area, there is a good offering of villas, restaurants (for example Café del Mar, MarPlata or Bistro Orgánico), hotels, yoga centers, jewelry shops, cafés, and related services. There are even local environmental programs to protect both the Jaguar and sea turtles.
There’s even a local environmental group that promotes various projects that protect the Jaguar and sea turtles.
A list of things you can do in town:
Where to stay?
There are many beautiful hotels & rentals available in this village, most have a warm flavored Mexican style, that both foreigners, as well as locals, enjoy. As expected, these hotels have all the amenities necessary for a pleasant stay, but furthermore, make us feel that we are in a magical place
A quiet family warmth permeates it all, inviting you to relax and escape the normal daily stress.
The place and the general surroundings invite you to relax, slow down and enjoy life.
San Francisco beach, south zone
Some recommended accommodations:
- Galería Suite San Pancho
- Hotel Casa San Pancho
- Villa Esperanza
- Hotel Maraica
- Vista La Ola
- Shaka Surf House
- Hotel Cielo Rojo
- Aldea Bamboo Village
Finally, the beauty of the beach San Francisco offers, a glance at the photos and the videos says it all, you’ll find out why this little town should be included on your list of places to visit if you have the time.
How to get to San Francisco
To get to San Pancho, if you are at the Puerto Vallarta airport, a white airport taxi will be around 90 dollars… so we recommend you cross the pedestrian bridge and hail a cab there or get an Uber, it should set you back about half that amount (check out this video explaining how to get a cheaper taxi).
In Puerto Vallarta, you can go to the bus terminal where buses leave to San Pancho for 5 dollars more or less.
If you drive there from the airport, take the highway to Tepic, it will take almost 50 minutes depending on your transport option.
If you are traveling to San Francisco, the closest airport is Puerto Vallarta International Airport.
Route from Puerto Vallarta to San Pancho
Weather in San Francisco Nay.
The climate is characteristic of a dry tropical forest, with an ecosystem that develops between the coast and the mountains, there is a wide biodiversity, especially birds.
The average annual temperatures are between a maximum of about 83°F (28.5°C) in July and a minimum of 72°F (22.2°C) in January. The rainy season starts in July and lasts until October, more or less.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average temp (°F) | 72.0 | 72.0 | 72.0 | 75.0 | 78.8 | 82.0 | 83.3 | 83.1 | 82.9 | 82.0 | 78.3 | 74.1 |
| Min temp (°F) | 59.9 | 59.7 | 59.5 | 62.4 | 67.5 | 73.0 | 74.3 | 74.3 | 74.3 | 72.5 | 67.1 | 63.1 |
| Max temp (°F) | 84.2 | 84.2 | 84.6 | 87.6 | 90.1 | 91.0 | 92.3 | 92.1 | 91.6 | 91.6 | 89.4 | 85.1 |
| Rain (mm) | 23 | 11 | 6 | 2 | 5 | 119 | 243 | 342 | 318 | 86 | 22 | 26 |
Temperatures in San Pancho Nayarit
Average Temp.
Max. Temp.
Min Temp.
Precipitation / Rainfall
Precipitation (in.)
San Pancho Video
More San Pancho info sources: Wikipedia
FAQ
- What is the safest part of Puerto Vallarta to stay in?
The Marina and the Romantic Zone are considered some of the safest areas to stay in Puerto Vallarta. Both areas are popular among tourists and offer a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and attractions. The Marina is known for its upscale atmosphere, luxury resorts, and high-end shops and restaurants. It has a very secure, controlled environment with 24/7 security personnel. The Romantic Zone offers a more authentic Mexican experience with cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and a vibrant mix of galleries, cafes, and bars. As a central tourist area, it also has a strong police presence and is considered very safe.
- Where do locals go in Puerto Vallarta?
Locals in Puerto Vallarta enjoy spending time at the city’s beautiful beaches, scenic parks, and lively local markets. Popular beach spots include Playa de Oro, Playa Las Animas, and Playa Camarones for their soft sand and calm waters. Many locals visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens to enjoy the lush vegetation and hiking trails. They also frequent authentic local food venues like Birrieria las 3 Regiones taco stand, cafes like Cafecito Vallarta, and neighborhood bars like La Cerveceria Union. The downtown Lazaro Cardenas market is a favorite for produce, spices, crafts.
- Is Downtown Puerto Vallarta nice?
Yes, downtown Puerto Vallarta is an exceptionally nice and popular area, celebrated for its vibrant mix of historic Mexican charm and a lively beach town atmosphere. It features a picturesque historic center with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and the iconic Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe church. The downtown seamlessly blends into the scenic Malecón, a beautiful oceanfront boardwalk lined with fascinating sculptures, shops, and restaurants, making it perfect for strolling and enjoying the stunning ocean views.
The area offers an excellent variety of dining, from upscale restaurants to authentic street food, along with fantastic shopping in boutiques and art galleries. Adjacent to the main center is the popular Zona Romántica (Romantic Zone), known for its trendy vibe and energetic nightlife. The entire downtown is considered safe and is very walkable, allowing visitors to easily explore its captivating blend of culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty on foot.
Tip: For an unforgettable experience, head down to the Malecón or any beachfront spot about 30 minutes before the scheduled sundown to watch the spectacular sunset over the bay.
- What is considered old town in Puerto Vallarta?
Old Town, also known as the Romantic Zone or Zona Romántica, is considered the historic heart of Puerto Vallarta. It is characterized by its picturesque cobblestone streets, classic whitewashed buildings, red-tiled roofs, and a lively mix of shops, galleries, restaurants and bars. Nestled between the Sierra Madre mountains and Banderas Bay, Old Town has a traditional Mexican village charm with its colonial architecture and slower pace compared to the rest of Puerto Vallarta. Its romantic ambience comes from the area’s natural beauty, outdoor cafes, and charming boutique hotels. Old Town offers visitors a taste of an authentic Mexican neighborhood.
Book tours & support us
- Best prices
- 100% Local Support
- 2 decades+ of experience in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta news, tips & content
- New info every two weeks
- Free content, news, videos
- Unsubscribe at any time
Contact us via WhatsApp
- Talk with our reservations expert
- Real local and human support
- Book tours, hotels, transfers, and more.
Last updated on:
Share this article, choose your favorite option!
