PSA: The hidden gem of San Pancho, Mexico, is a breath of fresh air. It has plenty of small-town charm thanks to cobbled streets, beautiful (and less crowded) beaches, authentic eats, and idyllic nature. All that, coupled with dreamy weather, makes it the perfect place to relax any time of the year.
Just a short 45-ish-minute drive from the Puerto Vallarta airport, San Pancho is enough of a drive that it weeds out tourists who travel to this part of Mexico in search of parties and nightlife and instead lets the more gentle and understated parts of this region shine. In a nutshell? It’s the perfect place to unwind from the busyness of everyday life, reconnect with yourself, and enjoy the beauty and culture of this little pocket of Mexico. Read on for our five favorite activities to experience during a weekend getaway in San Pancho.
Alma Dinner Show
Set sail on a night to remember with Alma, the immersive dinner show. Start with a sunset cruise that transports you across Banderas Bay (a smooth ride thanks to the open bar), and arrive at a secluded beach accessible only by boat. Here, you’ll enjoy a candlelit dinner under the stars, with a string trio serenading you with traditional Mexican songs. And that’s just the beginning: Dinner is followed by a breathtaking show of acrobatics, music, and storytelling in an amphitheater in the heart of the rainforest. This captivating night celebrates the wonders of nature and our connection to it, and will be a highlight of your trip.
Turtle Rescue Project
Turtles are considered the oldest inhabitants of this region, and San Pancho does not take this lightly. Protecting these incredible creatures is hugely important to locals, with initiatives like San Pancho Turtles and San Pancho Marine Turtle Project (Project Tortuga) leading the charge.
A trip to San Pancho is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself and forge your own unique connection with these animals. Join sunrise walks on the beach to seek out fresh nests, and if you’re lucky, you’ll time your visit to participate in an unforgettable turtle release ceremony.
Dinner at Yasmina’s
Looking for a truly unique dining experience that will fuel your body and mind? We’ve got just the place. Yasmina’s Itzalanyasayan Multidimensional Restaurant in the heart of San Pancho serves “medicine food”—cuisine designed to be as nourishing as it is delicious.
Put aside notions of boring salads that leave you wanting more. Everything on the menu is packed with flavor that will take your tastebuds on a journey, and you can feel the passion cooked into each dish as well, thanks to the deep familial ties of this eatery. Even the name has a special meaning: It incorporates the first syllable of the names of the owner’s children.
Daytrip to Sayulita
Sayulita is more than a surf town—it’s an entire vibe. Though it has grown in popularity and size, the bohemian spirit remains. During a quick getaway, it’s the perfect place to spend a day or two exploring vibrant art galleries, shops, and delicious local eateries. Head to the beach for sun-soaked relaxation and the chance to catch a wave. Sayulita epitomizes the laid-back surfer lifestyle, so don’t miss the chance to soak up some of it.
Surf Lessons
If you’re a beginner on the board, you may want to dip your toes in the surfing waters of Sayulita, as the waves there are known to be a bit calmer and more forgiving to newbies. But if you’ve surfed a few times in your day, then San Pancho is the spot. Though the surf here offers consistently rolling waves, the pros say it can be unforgiving when you get on the wrong side of the reef. The solution? Go out with a local surf instructor and let them guide you to the prime spots where you can ride like a pro.
Other Things to Check Out in San Pancho
- Coffee at Ajala: This little coffee bar on San Pancho’s main street brews the tastiest cold brew in town. Savor the taste while people-watching the peaceful street scene.
- Shopping at Plural Colectivo: This charming shop is a treasure trove of local Mexican clothing, art, and crafts.
- Tierra Tropical Beach Club: Head here for a bougie day at the beach, complete with everything you need for a luxurious beachside experience.
- Staying at Dreams Bahia Mita: A bit outside of San Pancho, this luxurious surf and spa resort is the perfect home base for all your San Pancho adventures.
