Hasta La Próxima, San Pancho
San Pancho, Nayarit, Mexico -> A trip report, love letter, and recommendations for you!
Over the past few seasons, when January rolls around I’ve been ready to ditch winter and head someplace warm. This year I finally made the trek south to Mexico (with some friends from my book club!)
San Pancho, Nayarit, Mexico
Located 10 minutes north of Sayulita, and about an hour north of Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific Coast.
I’ve been to this area twice staying in Sayulita, Litibú, and Punta Mita, but San Pancho brought the most charm of these coastal towns. Every night, the town gathers on the beach to watch the sunset, and once it passes the horizon—everyone claps. We felt that same wholesome energy in every meal and interaction we had throughout the week.
Instead of regurgitating an itinerary of the trip, I’d love to pass along some recommendations of my favorite spots, meals, and more. Should you ever find yourself in San Pancho, I hope you’ll come back, find this, and eat your way through the list.
F O O D
BREAKFAST / LUNCH
Hotel Cielo Rojo / Café Orgánico - A beautiful courtyard nestled through the lobby of Hotel Cielo Rojo, this place serves both breakfast/lunch and dinner. We went multiple times for breakfast and I recommend the Huevos Rancheros, Cup of Life (yogurt parfait), and any of the Juices/Smoothies, which they make fresh in sight of the table.
Chino Greens - Another favorite for breakfast. Lots of healthier foods, and have salads and such later in the day. Smoothies, açaí bowls, and a great Egg Sandwich!
Maria’s Breakfast - A mom & pop restaurant with more hearty food.
Nieri Cafe - Co-working and cafe. I never actually went here but will definitely be back to the area to utilize the co-working someday!
DINNER
Barracuda - A higher-end spot, a great go-to for seafood. Tasty apps, and drinks too. I LOVED the Tuna Tartare (basically a tuna poke stack with avocados & wonton chips) and Ceviche.
Taqueria Los Arbolitos - BEST simple taqueria. Tacos are like ~$2 a piece. So tasty. Cash only.
Serpiente - A cute cocktail bar with tasty beverages! Good mocktails too.
Yasminas - Plant-based dining and good energy. Magical vibes. Cash only.
Arrigato - Japanese Mexican fusion. GREAT ginger wasabi guac- a must-try! Also has hand rolls, asian bowls, katsu sandwich. They’re also a brewery and have some of their own beers.
OTHER
There’s a great streetfood/tacos stand in the park by where the taxis line up, just past the main drag in town if you’re walking away from the beach. I got some DELICIOUS Maracuyá (Passion Fruit) Aguas Frescas, and another gal from my group had a birria quesadilla and said it was her favorite meal of the trip!
ANY of the dessert stands on the main street Av. Tercer Mundo. We had fresh churros made in front of us, fresh crepes, went to the gelato shop. All so delicious!
T H I N G S T O D O
Farmers Market every Tuesday 10am - 1pm at Plaza del Sol. Local artists & fresh produce! I found a 5th generation master weaver from Oaxaca who dyes his own yarn for the rugs that are absolutely stunning. There’s also lots of good food, premade guac/salsa, juice, etc.
Tierra Tropical Beach Club - Super dreamy / more luxe beachfront club with a pool and restaurant. Entrance is like $60-$70 for the day but $40 of that goes towards your food/drink. You can also get massages here! Reservation recommended.
Yoga Class or Massages at El Estar - A beautiful zen garden space! I believe all classes are just walk-in.
Surf - San Pancho has a tougher short and punchy wave that’s not for beginners. If you want to learn to surf, I recommend going south to playa La Lancha near Punta Mita for a beginner-friendly break. We had great lessons with Sunset Surf Sessions, which is a small company that keeps low student to instructor ratios and were great people! (You can also WhatsApp Jonny from Sunset Surf to book: +52 322 151 3423)
Shopping in Town - Lots of great linen and hand-embroidered clothes / house decor. Smaller vendors with jewelry and other goods closer to the beach.
Boat Tour - Marietas Islands - Snorkeling etc. They tend to leave from Punta Mita / or meet in Sayulita. Ally Cat is my recommendation for tour companies. They run from 8am-2pm ish and provide breakfast & lunch. You can see Blue Footed Booby birds on the islands, which only live there and in the Galapagos!
Hiking - There’s a hiking trail that connects San Pancho & Sayulita. It’s about 4 miles and hilly. I’ve never done it, but an option!
O T H E R N O T E S / R E C S
Bring Cash! Several places are cash-only.
No need for a rental car. You can get a taxi/uber from the airport (To get an uber or a more affordable taxi, it is required to cross the pedestrian bridge when you exit the airport to the left- this is very common and a known pick-up spot!), or book a transfer through one of these companies. A lot of times your Airbnb/Accommodations may have suggestions for a driver as well.
San Pancho is very walkable, as is Sayulita. There are places in town where the taxis line up so it is very easy to get one if you need to go between towns, etc.
