Thinking of vacationing to Mexico anytime soon and unsure of where to go? Maybe you are torn between Mexico’s Pacific and Caribbean coasts? Or maybe you are just looking for a more authentic vacation instead of the glitz and glamor of an all-inclusive. Well, you have come to the right place because we just spent 2.5 incredible weeks in the sleepy town of San Pancho.
If you are like us, you probably have never heard of San Pancho. You look at the map and your eyes immediately are drawn to Sayulita and Puerto Vallarta. Well those are what we consider the usual suspects. Sure, you have heard those names thrown around a bunch when people discuss Mexican vacations. Well, we are here to tell you- SKIP THOSE AND HEAD TO SAN PANCHO!
Where is San Pancho?
San Pancho is located about 31 miles (50 km) north of Puerto Vallarta within the Mexican state of Nayarit and is easily accessible by bus (good luck trying to figure it out) or by taxi/Uber, which will run you back about $35. The ride takes a little over an hour and you are treated to some beautiful views along the Mexican Pacific coastal highway.
Upon arriving to San Pancho, you will see it is just one main road leading from the highway to the beach with some side roads…this makes for the perfect little seaside town getaway. San Pancho is devoid of all the fancy hotels and highrises that you might characterize some of Mexico’s other coastal cities. We cannot really speak on the quality of accommodation as we did a house sitting gig, but we did see several hostels and small hotels on this main road.
What to do?
Well as San Pancho is situated on the beach, I’m sure you can imagine the main attraction: Cue Loona’s smash hit- ¡Vamos a la playa!
Known as Playa San Pancho, it is truly a beautiful stretch of beach with lush greenery behind you. The beach is completely public and does not have restrictions much like you would see near big resorts. There is a bar called Oyster Point that offers beachside seating and that’s pretty much it. You have the whole beach that extends to a rock jutting into the ocean about a 25 minute walk down from this bar. There are several popup bars that have some seats and can whip up a tropical drink for you. It really is just the definition of a vibe as you can lounge on the beach and treat yourself to the warm waters and watch the many surfers shreddin the gnar in front of you. Don’t get me started with the sunsets…seriously, we were treated every day to some incredible sunsets that just made San Pancho the most special tiny Mexican seaside town.
What to eat?
Our favorite part: LA COMIDA! If you are a taco lover, you’ve come to the right place. Sure, there are more “western” style restaurants catering to tourists, but they are frankly overpriced and not the best. You want to head to any of the numerous taco spots along the main road that offer some amazing eats at around $1.10 per taco.
Our fave spots include:
- Mikey’s Tacos: Unfortunately, this one cannot be found on Google Maps, but all you have to do is hit the taco stand across from Calle Saigon. It is a small taco spot with just 3 tables and is the epitome of a roadside restaurant and it CAN’T BE MISSED. From the _____________
- Doña Elena- Right next to Mikey’s Tacos is another roadside restaurant that is your go-to spot for ‘caldo de res’- Mexican beef soup. At a price of about $4, this big hearty bowl is your go-to breakfast spot. What better way to get your day started than with a big bowl of goodness
- Corner restaurant- Unfortunately, this place seemed to have no name but basically it is a roadside restaurant right at the entrance of the town that often caters to the town’s construction workers. There is no menu, rather just what they have for the day with some dishes ranging from fried fish platter, chipotle chicken, _________
It is delicious and you’ll love the surprise as to what there is to eat each day. For $5 you will get a big plate and a big drink of their daily specials- juices, Jamaica or lemonade.
- El Pocas- a little further down the road toward the beach, there is a little taco spot named El Pocas that has some incredible, cheap tacos. Get the tacos al pastor…seriously, you’ll thank me later.
- Tacos Yeyo- Every night, in the main park off the main road, there are many popup stands offering everything from hot dogs to tacos to crepes. Your mission is simple: find the Tacos Yeyo stand and order tripe tacos. I still dream about them.
All in all we loved our time spent in San Pancho. The locals were lovely and it wasn’t overrun by tourists. Rather it was a small community where it really appeared that everyone knew everyone. If you are a surfer, immerse yourself in the San Pancho community. When we think of chill towns that we have visited and our travels, little San Pancho tops the list. So our recommendation- go out and see it for yourself. Go now before it becomes discovered by the masses! You won’t regret it.
