San Pancho, Mexico: A Guide to Nayarit’s Hidden Gem

Thinking about visiting San Pancho Nayarit, Mexico? This laid-back town is one of the area’s best hidden gems. Keep reading for everything you need to know to visit San Pancho, Mexico.

San Pancho or San Francisco, Mexico, might just be Nayarit’s best-kept secret. A sleepy, laid-back, coastal town that embodies tranquillity, San Pancho offers a serene and charming vibe typical of a small Mexican beach town. Yet San Pancho is anything but typical, it’s a special, community-driven town with a unique and welcoming atmosphere.

San Pancho is the kind of place that’s difficult to pull yourself away from, I mean, I stayed for 2 months! There’s so much to do, amazing restaurants to eat at, causes to get behind, and a lovely beach to relax on.

If you’re looking for a unique and hidden gem in Mexico, San Pancho is it. It’s also known as the cultural capital of Nayarit. Whether you’re planning to spend 2 days or 2 months in San Pancho you’re in for a treat.

Keep reading to find our ultimate guide to San Pancho, from where to stay and eat to the best things to do in San Pancho, Mexico. Find all our top tips and things to know before arriving in this slice of heaven for the first time.

*This ‘San Pancho Mexico’ post may contain affiliate links meaning I might make a small profit if you choose to book at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with top quality content for free.

Is Visiting San Pancho Worth It?

Absolutely, yes. San Pancho is a special place. There’s just a feeling you get when you spend time here and you immediately know there’s something here worth staying longer for.

The town is full of friendly people, whether that’s the locals or more recent expats, there are many things to do and many great local businesses to support. There’s a community spirit here you won’t get anywhere else and it’s unpretentious, welcoming and just an all round awesome place to be.

Many compare San Pancho to what Sayulita was like some 15 years ago and I can see that. Let’s just hope San Pancho can retain all its magic for as long as possible.

If you love a community vibe when you travel, local art and culture and really love getting to know a place and its people slowly, you’ll like it in San Pancho. The splendid beaches, amazing restaurants and the stunning Nayarit Riviera also add to that charm.

Know Before You Go to San Pancho

San Pancho is also known as San Francisco, Nayarit Mexico, it’s official name and you might see maps and signs with San Francisco Nayarit written on them and not San Pancho. Don’t worry, it’s the same place. You won’t suddenly turn a corner and end up in San Francisco, California.

In fact- there are some 33 places named San Francisco in Mexico but as far as I know, there’s just one in Nayarit State.

San Pancho, Mexico is still relatively off the tourist trail and it remains a hidden gem but probably not for too much longer. The community here are passionate about keeping San Pancho the place it is today; a sleepy, community-driven, clean town so make sure to be mindful when you visit.

San Pancho is full of local people, indigenous people, expats and digital nomads. It’s full of artists, healers, teachers, musicians and creatives who all contribute in their way.

The atmosphere exuded an unparalleled warmth and camaraderie. The people, genuinely friendly, went above and beyond, creating an indelible impression.

There was an unmistakable sense of community where friends paused on the streets for friendly greetings and conversations. The vibe was transformative—not something you see or experience everywhere. It’s why so many people come to San Pancho, fall in love this this laid-back town and never leave.

Where is San Pancho

San Pancho Mexico rests along the Pacific Coast within the state of Nayarit, a tranquil gem nestled about 30 miles north of bustling Puerto Vallarta.

Positioned just a brief 15-minute drive from the neighboring Sayulita, these three towns seamlessly intertwine, offering travelers a fusion of various experiences.

Set against a backdrop of sprawling mountains and vibrant jungle landscapes, San Pancho remains conveniently accessible despite its secluded allure. Situated near the major urban center of Puerto Vallarta and its airport, reaching San Pancho proves to be a hassle-free endeavor.

When to Visit San Pancho, Nayarit

Nayarit, Mexico boasts a tropical climate, divided into two primary seasons: the dry season (November to May) and the wet season (June to October).

Generally, the best time to visit San Pancho, Mexico is during the dry season when you’ll be able to make the most of the warm days, lower humidity levels and cooler nights.

High season (November -May)

The dry season is also considered the high season in San Pancho. During this time, days are warm but not hot, there’s low humidity and nights are cool meaning you can sleep comfortably without the use of AC. Weather-wise it’s the perfect time to be in Nayarit, Mexico.

However, this also coincides with the most crowded time in San Pancho. While San Pancho never really gets that crowded (things might change in the future however), if you’re planning to visit places like Sayulita and Puerto Vallarta, note that everything will be busier.

Car rental and hotel prices are also highest during this time, especially during December and the Christmas break.

To get the most out of your visit I’d personally visit in November or in mid-January -March to get the best weather but also experience the area with fewer people.

December through March also mark the Humpback Whale season on the San Pancho coast. For a magical boat trip experience where you can see them breaching and playing out in Banderas Bay, you’ll need to visit the area during these months.

Low Season (June to October)

The low season is generally the wet season in Nayarit and San Pancho.

During the summer months in San Pancho, the weather is extremely hot and humid. While it doesn’t rain all the time, there can be significant cloud cover and afternoon downpours are common.

It’s not the most comfortable time for exploring and you’ll most definitely need AC to sleep comfortably at night.

During the low season in San Pancho, there are fewer people around and also fewer festivals and events going on. Some businesses here also close during the low season but you will always be able to find some open restaurants and stores.

This won’t be the case in neighboring Sayulita or Puerto Vallarta however so if you’re coming to San Pancho for a day or two, this shouldn’t affect you too much.

How to Get to San Pancho

The nearest airport to San Pancho is Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (code PVR), located just north of Puerto Vallarta. If you’re coming in from the US/Canada or Europe this will be your first port of call.

Puerto Vallarta International Airport offers a multitude of nonstop and connecting flight options, from the US and beyond. Direct flights are offered from Los Angeles (how we flew in on an easy 3-hour flight), New York City, Miami, Dallas and San Francisco just to name a few.

If you’re already in Mexico, there are direct flights from Mexico City as well as most other state capitals with AeroMexico, VivaAerobus or Volaris.

To get the best deals on flights to Puerto Vallarta, feel free to search with Kiwi below.

If you’re already in Jalisco or Nayarit, you can take a bus to get to San Pancho. Most likely you’ll need to connect in Puerto Vallarta first. There are direct buses from Guadalajara, Mexico City, Tepic and Mazatlan just to name a few.

Use Busbud to plan your bus trip to San Pancho/Puerto Vallarta

I probably wouldn’t take a bus from Mexico City however as inexpensive flights make the journey much shorter and enjoyable.

How to Get from the Airport to San Pancho, Nayarit

Once you land at Puerto Vallarta International Airport you’ll need to transfer to San Francisco Riviera Nayarit.

San Pancho is located 41km ( 25 miles) north of Puerto Vallarta airport. By car or taxi, this takes about 45 minutes. Depending on the time of day, you might get stuck in a bit of traffic, so it’s best to allow for longer.

You have a few different ways to get to San Pancho from Puerto Vallarta airport and Puerto Vallarta town. You can take an official airport taxi, a taxi from outside the airport terminal (cheaper), Uber or a local bus.

For those with luggage coming from the airport I wouldn’t recommend taking a local bus as they can be very full and there is very little space for luggage.

Official Airport Taxi

The easiest way to transfer from Puerto Vallarta Airport to San Pancho is by an official airport taxi. You’ll find many of these taxis right outside the arrivals terminal as you exit the terminal building. You can book a taxi at one of the many taxi kiosks as you make your way outside the arrivals building.

These taxis are the most expensive option at around 70 USD, give or take. This is because of the airport tax they need to pay to pick up passengers from inside the airport grounds.

Street Taxi

To save money on your transfer to San Pancho by taxi, you can also flag down a taxi from the street outside the airport grounds. These taxis charge a reduced rate as they won’t need to pay any additional airport taxi as essentially they are picking you up off the street. Expect to pay up to 50 USD for these.

To get outside the airport grounds to the street to flag down one of these taxis you’ll need to exit the arrivals terminal and turn left. Follow the edge of the arrivals terminal building until you get to the end.

When you look left, you’ll see a small pedestrian bridge. Walk over to it and cross the bridge – there is a ramp, so no need to worry about carrying heavy luggage.

Descend the other side and you’ll be on the street that runs just outside the airport. This is a bit of a chaotic area as there are several bus stops here but you’ll be able to flag down a taxi here.

Remember to always agree on the price before getting in. Taxi drivers in Puerto Vallarta either don’t have a meter or tend not to use it. Make sure to also have enough pesos on you as taxi drivers do not take credit cards. They might take dollars. There are ATMs in the airport terminal.

Uber

The third way to get to San Pancho from anywhere in Puerto Vallarta really, is by Uber. Uber works pretty well in PV, but you’ll have difficulty calling one from San Pancho.

Ubers are not allowed inside the airport, so to take an Uber you’ll need to call one and then leave the airport grounds, like with taking a street taxi above.

You’ll need to turn left out of the arrivals hall and then make your way over the airport footbridge to the other side of the street from where you’ll be able to catch your Uber.

This is what we did after we flew in from Los Angeles and headed straight to San Pancho and Sayulita. We had to wait for a few minutes for the Uber to show up but once the driver did, it was a straightforward trip to San Pancho.

Technically Ubers aren’t allowed inside San Pancho itself, so the driver may not be able to take you straight to your hotel. San Pancho itself, however, is very small and walkable so it’s possible to continue on foot.

The price of an Uber varies greatly with the time of day but you can expect to pay around $30-$35USD. or 500-600 Mexican pesos.

Local Bus

If you’re visiting San Pancho for a day or two (I highly recommend staying longer however) you can also get to San Pancho by local bus.

The San Pancho bus stops right by the airport or you can take it from the bus stop in Puerto Vallarta outside Walmart/Sam’s Club here.

Buses cost around 20 pesos making this the most budget-friendly way to travel to San Pancho, however, this isn’t recommended if you have a lot of luggage as buses get busy and there is no space inside for large suitcases.

It is ideal, however, when coming from Puerto Vallarta to San Pancho for a day or two.

How to Get Around San Pancho

Once you get to San Pancho, the main way of getting around is walking. The town is tiny and very walkable- nowhere is more than a 15-minute walk away.

Note that if you have a rental car, parking is super limited in San Pancho. The streets are all cobblestone too making driving and even cycling uncomfortable. You do not need a rental car or any other transportation to get around San Pancho.

Best Things to Do in San Pancho Mexico

Spend Time on San Pancho Beach, Mexico

Undoubtedly, a top attraction in San Pancho lies in its exquisite beach, drawing numerous visitors to this coastal haven.

Playa de San Pancho boasts sheer beauty, featuring pristine golden sands enveloped by verdant jungle landscapes, offering vast expanses for relaxation and witnessing breathtaking sunsets.

What sets this beach apart is its cleanliness, attributed to diligent community beach clean-ups.

Also, unlike the bustling main beaches of Puerto Vallarta and Sayulita, Playa San Pancho remains refreshingly uncrowded. Even when we were there throughout the high season it was easy to find a large piece of beach to have to yourself.

You can easily spend all day on and around San Pancho beach, enjoying a good book and a picnic in the sun amongst the palms, I know we did.

For those spending the day at the beach, you’ll be pleased to know you won’t need to go far to find food. La Perla and Las Palmas are the two beachfront restaurants. While their offering is fairly similar I think the food is a little better at La Perla.

Order some guac, totopos, ice-cold Corona or a refreshing margarita and relax.

and while you’re on Playa San Pancho…

…Watch the sunset on San Pancho Beach

Watching the sunset at Playa San Pancho is a real town ritual. It’s the time that everyone finishes their workday, or takes a break and heads to the beach with friends to watch the sun go down on another day.

The sunsets in San Pancho are truly beautiful and need to be experienced at least once. Playa San Pancho’s positioning guarantees an unmissable sunset spectacle every evening, casting its vibrant golden hues over the crashing waves.

Watching the sunset in San Pancho was one of my favorite evening rituals when we’d come down to the beach after a day of nomadic working for a cold beverage on the beach while watching the sunset. It’s the most beautiful pre-dinner ritual and I can’t recommend it more.

For the best sunsets, you’ll want to visit San Pancho during the dry season when the sky is clearest. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t any amazing sunsets during the wet season, they just aren’t as frequent as oftentimes the sky might be shrouded in clouds.

Hangout at a Beach Club

Believe it or not, San Pancho does have a few clubs worth mentioning. Spending a day at one of the San Pancho beach clubs is a great way to rest, relax and make the most of the beach.

Some of the best San Pancho beach clubs are La Patrona Beach Club and the chilled Tierra Tropical Beach Club. For around $30 USD you’ll be able to purchase a day pass and use the facilities here which include access to the pool and loungers as well as the on-site restaurant.

Tierra Tropical Beach Club was never full, crowded or noisy when we visited and the place had such a mellow, chilled vibe that we came back more than once. The food is great here too. Tierra Tropical is open Thursdays through Sundays.

La Patrona Beach Club also gets stellar sunsets, so if you buy a day pass and spend the day relaxing here, make sure to order some cocktails and stay for a mesmerising sunset.

Go for a Surf

While San Pancho isn’t the best place for beginner surfing, it is an option for more experienced surfers. If you’re an adept surfer seeking board rentals or expert instruction, stroll leftward along the beach where numerous rental spots are available right on the sand.

For beginners, you’ll want to make your way to Sayulita or Playa La Lancha, just south of Punta Mita where you’ll get much more novice-friendly waves.

If you’re not one for getting in the water yourself, watching the pros can also be a fun experience. You’ll be able to witness seasoned surfers conquer the waves at all times of day from the comfort of the sand.

For all your surfing needs the two best surf shops in town are Nativa and Santa Madre.

Sample the Street Food

There are so many really great street food options in San Pancho.

Some of the best street food in San Pancho to seek out are the on-the-beach oysters. I’m not sure if the guy is here in the low season, but when we were there in the high season, we always saw the same guy selling oysters from a wheelbarrow as you entered the beach.

They were awesome and made the perfect beach snack when eaten quickly. Make sure to grab them early in the day, while they are still fresh.

You’ll also see a lovely older lady selling filled, rolled tortillas on her street cart for a few pesos. You’ll also find a great selection of taco stands and other street food delights when the sun goes down.

Listen to some Local Live Music

There are several opportunities to listen to live music when in San Pancho. During the high season in particular you’ll find live music events most nights of the week happening somewhere in town.

The most well-known events are Friday Salsa Nights at El Gallo as well as Open Mic at Buena Vida. Many other restaurants and bars also have live music events through the busier months of December through April.

Getting out and listening to some local musical talent is definitely one of the best things to do in San Pancho Nayarit.

Visit the Entreamigos Community Center

For those looking for what to do in San Pancho to give back to the community, this is the perfect place.

In the two months I spent living in town, I spent quite a bit of time at the Entreamigos Community Center in San Pancho. This center is the beating heart of the community and where the community gathers for meetings, socials and special events.

The town’s core values are reflected here; a deep commitment to sustainability and education and the community center is all about these. It’s a place for families in town to reunite, and foster friendships but also discuss ways to make the town a better place for all.

Children and adults can attend workshops and classes on different subjects such as English or yoga.

Inside Entreamigos you’ll find a large book library, an art gallery, a communal kitchen, a garden and the town’s very own recycling center. They’ve also set up bins around town where locals and visitors alike can bring their sorted recyclables to keep the town clean.

The community center also organises regular beach-clean ups which is one of the reasons why Playa San Pancho is so clean compared to many other beaches in the area.

If you’re spending a longer period of time in San Pancho and you have a special skill you want to share with the community then you’ll be pleased to know they welcome volunteers. If you’re a yoga teacher, English, Art, science teacher or an expert in just about any other subject you might want to check out some opportunities.

Go Shopping

Although San Pancho is compact, it offers numerous shopping prospects. You’ll discover ample opportunities to indulge in Mexican delights within the town, along the shoreline, and just beyond it.

Many of the more popular boutiques in Sayulita are opening second stores in San Pancho so it is the perfect place to shop for textiles, arts and crafts and more. I highly suggest leaving some space in your luggage for these cute, additional purchases.

So, where to shop in San Pancho?

Here’s a list of some of my favourite stores in San Pancho, ones that you can’t miss for crafts, art, textiles and clothing too. Note that some stores close for a few hours at lunchtime, so the best time to shop is in the morning or the last afternoon.

Visit the San Pancho Mercado Artesanal

On the subject of shopping, one of the best things to do in San Pancho is to pop into the San Pancho Tuesday Handicrafts Market. If you’re in San Pancho on a Tuesday of course, make sure to pop by Plaza del Sol where you’ll find the local crafts market.

Each week many local crafts sellers come here to sell their creations. You’ll find lots of textiles made by locals, jewellery, artisanal products and handicrafts all made in San Pancho or in nearby communities.

I personally really loved the colorful jewelry and art made by the Huichol people which can also be purchased at stands by the entrance to the beach.

There’s also an open-air farmers market selling delicious organic produce from the nearby community farmers. If you’re staying in San Pancho for longer and you’re renting an Airbnb or local apartment this is one of the best places to shop for organic fruit and veggies.

Get Behind the Grupo Ecologico de la Costa Verde

In San Pancho, you’ll find the Riviera Nayarit’s most prominent turtle conservation initiative, the Grupo Ecologico de la Costa Verde. The effects of the Group to help the turtles in his area are immense and it’s definitely worth visiting them to see what you can do and how you can get behind their initiatives.

One thing they do however is public sea turtle releases which you can easily watch and get behind. They typically occur in June or July and November or December, aligned with the nesting cycles.

If your time in San Pancho aligns with these dates, seize the opportunity to partake in releasing these little hatchlings! Watching them scuttle across the sand into the ocean at sunset is an unforgettable spectacle.

Unfortunately, our stay in February/March just meant we were unable to do it.

Visit the Alianza Jaguar San Pancho

The Alianza Jaguar San Pancho is another non-profit organisation which you can visit on your trip to San Pancho. They work closely with jaguars in the area, doing what they can to support conservation efforts.

You can visit their office on Avenida Tercer Mundo, San Pancho’s main street and find out more about their initiatives.

Visit Sayulita

If you’re staying in San Pancho for a while, you’ll no doubt want to explore the area. Just south of San Pancho, you’ll find Sayulita, a chic, larger, touristier and rowdier version of San Pancho.

While Sayulita isn’t everyone’s cup of tea (I think it’s exploded in popularity in recent years meaning it’s super crowded and touristy) it might be worth visiting for the day.

Sayulita has some splendid eating options to check out, a few gorgeous beaches like Playa Los Muertos and Playa Carricitos and brilliant local shopping.

If you’re in the mood for a bit of partying you’ll also find it here in Sayulita.

Read more: 26 Things to Do in Sayulita Mexico: The Complete Travel Guide

Take a Day Trip

Apart from Sayulita, which is fairly close to San Pancho, there are also many other day trips to take on the Riviera Nayarit and beyond. Below are just some ideas from around the area that make perfect day trips or even better- weekends away from San Pancho.

Make sure to read all the full guides on each spot to discover them better- we’ve written extensively about this area of Mexico.

Puerto Vallarta – I’m not the biggest fan of the city itself for extended periods, but it’s definitely worth visiting for a day. They have some of the best restaurants around and great things to do in Jalisco.

Southern Puerto Vallarta Beaches – The beaches south of Puerto Vallarta are stunning. Take a bus from Puerto Vallarta to Boca de Tomatlan and continue south on foot, beach-hopping your way down to Playa las Animas. It’s an incredible coastal walk and you’ll discover some beyond picturesque beaches.

Punta Mita – Just south of Sayulita, Punta Mita is the place to visit for golf, luxury resorts, a lovely beach and friendly vibes.

Yelapa – A gorgeous bay village, completely off the beaten path. Make sure to go now before it gets too popular.

Lo de Marcos – Just a few kilometres north of San Pancho, Lo de Marcos is another lovely beach town worth a visit.

Where to Stay in San Pancho

Given San Pancho’s small size, there are many lovely places to stay in San Pancho. You won’t find any large resorts here but instead, simple guesthouses and eco-friendly, chic, boutique hotels.

Things in San Pancho are changing quickly and no doubt there will be quite a few more hotels popping up in the near future but for now, these are the ultimate chic stays in San Pancho.

Marii Hotel Costero – Marii Hotel Costero is one of the best eco-chic stays in San Pancho. Here you’ll find just a handful of rooms and suites all grouped around a central swimming pool. Surrounded by greenery, each room has an outdoor terrace where you can truly relax and take in your surroundings.

Breakfast is served in a lovely, half-open dining room to the sound of birdsong and you’ll also find a small yoga shala on site too. It is a dreamy stay in the heart of San Pancho. Check rates and book here.

PAL.MAR Hotel Tropical – Pal Mar is another similar, jungle-chic, boutique option for where to stay in San Pancho. This small hotel has several rooms, suites and even a fully equipped apartment where you can base yourself for a couple of nights or long-term.

Clean, bright and beautifully designed, it perfectly fits into the vibe of the town. Check availability and book.

Hotel Cielo Rojo – For a more traditional stay, choose Hotel Cielo Rojo. This wonderful option has beautifully designed rooms with traditional Mexican art and decor, as well as a large outdoor pool to relax in.

Staying here also means you’re right next to their Bistro which is one of the best restaurants in San Pancho for breakfast and brunch. Make sure not to miss it. Find out more and book here.

Wellness in San Pancho

Some of the best things to do in San Pancho revolve around wellness, so you bet we’re also going to include them.

San Pancho is a great place for doing some morning yoga, pilates or just getting a relaxing massage after a day of exploring.

Yoga & Pilates

El Estar Yoga and Healing Center stands as the go-to yoga hub in San Pancho, where we indulged in several morning yoga classes. The setting is stunning—an open-air studio beneath a palapa, exuding an atmosphere of utter serenity.

Daily classes cater to various preferences, easily accessible by dropping by or consulting their monthly calendar. Additionally, the studio provides an array of meditation sessions and other wellness classes like sound bathing.

Beyond El Estar, alternative studios host extended yoga retreats periodically, while external wellness organizations utilize San Pancho as a hub for their rejuvenating retreats. If you’re in town you might want to also check out the yoga sessions at Tierra Tropical. Marii Hotel also has a daily yoga schedule and shala.

Given the ambience, it’s the quintessential location for such practices—completely understandable why it’s embraced as a wellness haven!

Spa and Massage

There aren’t too many spas as such in San Pancho. You’ll get the best spas in Puerto Vallarta rather than in San Pancho. However, there are a few stand-out options. Angelical Spa right on Calle America Latina, is the place to go for massage, facials and reflexology.

Another great spa option is Nirvanna Spa in San Pancho, also a favourite for massage therapy.

El Estar Yoga and Healing Center also does many different types of massage therapy from Swedish Massage to Thai.

Where to Eat in San Pancho

Again, for such a small town, the eating options in San Pancho are so plentiful. From street taco joints to more fine dining spots, there’s something on the menu for everyone here.

The culinary focus in San Pancho is on traditional Mexican food as well as fresh seafood. Given its hippy vibe, there are also plenty of plant-based and vegetarian restaurants in town.

Many of the restaurants in San Pancho Mexico embrace local, organic produce and source sustainability from the local fishermen and farmers.

We have written an entire guide on the best restaurants in San Pancho Mexico so make sure to check that out for the full list. However, places to eat in San Pancho, I’ll keep coming back to again and again are:

Ikan Cocina Marina- Make a reservation here and dine on beautifully presented tacos, grilled octopus and tuna tostadas. It’s one of the finer dining spots in San Pancho but well worth it for the stunning food.

Barracuda – One of San Pancho’s best restaurants for seafood, make sure to try their tuna tostadas and the mahi mahi or tuna carpaccio. It’s heavenly.

Taqueria Los Arbolitos – Easily one of the best, simple, local taquerias around town. Order tacos, quesadilles and volcanes here. They are all mouthwateringly good.

Yasmina’s Itzalanyasayan – One of the top mostly plant-based restaurants in town (there’s the option of adding fish to mains), using local, fresh ingredients. The spot has a zen-like vibe and the menu is colorful and creative. A must-eat when in town.

Maria’s – A local spot where the food and service are consistently so good. We ate here dozens of times, especially for breakfast where the chilaquiles and huevos are just too good.

Miscelanea San Pancho– We discovered this wonderful cafe and brunch spot in Sayulita and they now have another location in San Pancho. Come here for superb brunches and breakfasts- they have a solid menu full of pancakes, avocado toast, french toast and smoothie bowls.

Check out the full Where to Eat in San Pancho guide for all the other top San Pancho restaurants.

Final Things to Know Before You Go to San Pancho

Dogs

San Pancho is ruled by the local street dogs. Stay long enough and you’ll meet quite a few of them. Because the dogs roam around freely, you’ll need to take care to not step in dog crap. Moreover, take care when driving or cycling in town.

The dogs are mostly super-friendly and you won’t have problems with them but they might beg for food when eating in outdoor restaurants or follow you to the beach. Don’t worry they just want to hang out!

Money & ATMs

While most of the larger businesses take credit cards, cash is still king in San Pancho and you’ll need some when staying here. I recommend bringing some with you, from the airport or Puerto Vallarta to begin with because even though there are ATMs in San Pancho, they don’t always work.

As for casas de cambio– you won’t find any here so if you have currency to change, you’ll need to do it in Puerto Vallarta.

One ATM is located right by the beach next to Las Palmas restaurant. There’s another ATM at the hospital. There are also ATM machines in Kiosko and El Indio Minimarkets.

Wifi and Cell Reception

Wifi and cell service aren’t the best in San Pancho. For the most part, it’s good enough for calls/messages/emails but it’s spotty. It’s not unusual for wifi and cell service to suddenly go out for a few hours.

Wifi is mediocre but it depends on where you go. Some places have better wifi than others and fibre-optic wifi is slowly starting to arrive in San Pancho. If you rely on wifi for work, you might need to check ahead if your hotel/apartment has good decent wifi.

San Pancho Mexico Safety

San Pancho is a very safe place and crime is virtually non-existent. We hope it stays this way for a long time to come.

Are you ready to visit San Pancho, Mexico? Let me know all your questions and comments below. I’d be happy to answer them.