Discover San Pancho

Oftentimes, the best locations are the best-kept secrets, and that’s certainly true when it comes to Riviera Nayarit’s San Pancho.

A growingly popular yet still pristine area within the west coast of Mexico, San Pancho combines ecotourism with a vibrant heart, soul and menu you will not soon forget. Frequently referred to as the “coolest” place on the Riviera Nayarit, the young and young at heart will thrive in this tropical colorful paradise.

‍

It may strike our American friends as a touch funny, but San Pancho’s name on the map is actually San Francisco, Mexico. This coastal town of Nayarit walks the perfect line between tranquility and liveliness – plus, its hippie vibe is totally unique and developed around the community, sustainability and laid-back culture.

THINGS TO DO IN SAN PANCHO

Located just 35 minutes from Casa Koko, San Pancho is a great place for adventurers and cultural enthusiasts alike who want to explore a well-loved yet not-well-known area of Mexico. From the stunning beach beloved by surfers and sun-seekers to the turtle nursery and La Patrona Polo & Equestrian Club, San Pancho has something for everyone.

Visit the turtle nursery

Set to open back up again in 2022, San Pancho visitors can spend an afternoon with turtles at the local marine turtle nursery. This is your chance to see these magnificent creatures up close and is a great way to learn more about the hard work the Turtle Project does to protect them.

Visiting San Pancho around Mid-November to Mid-February? Join the Turtle Project at sundown to witness baby turtle hatchlings being released to the ocean. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you won’t want to miss.

Enjoy a private horseback riding tour

Whether a beginner or an experienced rider, you can enjoy a private horseback riding tour at the beautiful La Patrona Polo & Equestrian Club. Surrounded by spectacular views of the Sierra Madre mountains, the club is a great setting to spend time with horses while immersing yourself in San Pancho culture.

If you’re visiting from November to April, La Patrona also offers Sunday Polo Brunch  -- a unique experience where you can eat a delicious brunch while watching a live Polo demonstration.

Soak up the sun at the beach

When you visit San Pancho, you can spend the day at its kilometer-long beach, which – although exceedingly beautiful – remains calm and never overcrowded. Due to a huge emphasis on eco-friendliness within the community, the beach is extremely clean and well maintained. Not to mention, it is home to passerby whales and unimaginably blue water.

Your days in San Pancho can be spent on the beautiful beach, relaxing, sipping organic cocktails and recharging for the evening.

Come sunset, the beach becomes a livelier place as the sunset absolutely captivates locals and tourists alike. Enjoy the view after making a stop at one of the perfect little beach bars and allow the pinks, oranges and golds to wash over you as the sun kisses the day goodbye.

Food lovers love San Pancho

Thanks to the direct access to an amazing array of seafood, San Pancho cooking features what the world refers to as farm-to-table cuisine – with the welcomed addition of the sea. Local fisherman, as well as young farmers from nearby fields, bring fresh produce everyday that are transformed by talented chefs into mouthwatering master pieces.

This coastal town is all about hidden gems, and it is also the case with food. We have chosen three places that shine due to their product quality and uniqueness.

Cafe Floresta

This little cafe may seem humble, but it is the epitome of sustainable eating. Their chef creates seasonal dishes with fresh organic ingredients sourced by local farmers. It's no wonder the menu includes a delicious selection of vegan options.

If you are going for brunch at Cafe Floresta in San Pancho, make sure you try the Smoked Duck Breast Chilaquiles, paired with any of their mixology creations. You won’t regret it!

Tierra Tropical Restaurant & Beach Club

Located in San Francisco Nayarit, Tierra Tropical Restaurant & Beach Club is famous for its stunning architecture, made entirely of bamboo, and impeccable gourmet cuisine. Whether you are stopping by for a light lunch or planning a romantic three-course meal at sunset, Tierra Tropical takes the best of regional and international cuisine to make an unforgettable culinary experience.

Mexicolate

Taste the highest-quality cocoa in Mexico by visiting Mexicolate, a small shop in Nayarit that offers 100% organic and vegan cacao products. Satisfy your cravings with their traditionally-made cacao products that include toasted cacao nibs, cacao tea, cacao butter and exotic vegan truffles made with rich flavors, such as turmeric, sea salt, coconut and raspberry, among others.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO TO SAN PANCHO?

There is no perfect answer to this question, as it totally depends on what you are looking for during your San Pancho vacation. However, for those sun worshippers looking to visit the beach and laze around in the sun, we may suggest reconsidering visiting from May through October as this is Riviera Nayarit’s rainy season. While that may not mean a daily downpour of rain, you will be much more likely to see the clouds roll in than during other times of the year, however, on the bright side, is when the tropical surroundings are at their best.

If you’d like to avoid the crowds, while also benefiting from better weather, November to mid-December may be your best bet. While San Pancho will always remain less busy than more touristy destinations, like Sayulita or Puerto Vallarta, visiting during these months means you’ll be free and clear of any hustle and bustle, which may be perfect for a romantic getaway.

High season kicks in during the latter half of December through to March. Prepare for fantastic weather that will be hot yet not too humid. While you may find that hotels and restaurants tend to be more booked up during this time, you can avoid missing out on the ideal getaway location by contacting Casa Koko well in advance to secure your preferred dates.

‍