San Pancho (San Francisco, Nayarit) is a small beach town just 15 minutes away from popular Sayulita. While Sayulita is known for its beaches, surfing and party energy and crowds, San Pancho offers travellers a quieter alternative, with wide beaches and a wellness focus.
For travellers bulding their Riveriea Nayarti itinerary from Puerto Vallarta (just over an hour away) San Pancho is an easy and rewarding add on, especially for those looking to experience and relaxed and slow travel vibe away from the busier tourist hubs.
If you are wondering if San Pancho is worth visiting this guide will break down the best things to do, where to eat, the best cafes and how to get around.
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Quick Answer: Is San Pancho Worth Visiting?
YES if you want quieter beaches, boutique hotels, a surf town atmosphere with a wellness vibe, good food and a slower travel pace.
NO if you want nightlife, a big resort style scene or non-stop activities.
Where Is San Pancho?
San Pancho is located on the Riviera Nayarit, only 15 minutes from Sayulita and just over an hour from Puerto Vallarta. It is easily reached from its nearest airport, Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) via bus, shuttle or taxi.
How to Get to San Pancho From Puerto Vallarta
It is really easy to get to San Pancho from Puerto Vallarta. You have a few options I will outline here so you can decide which is most suitable for you and your budget.
By Bus
This is the cheapest option and still really easy. If you land at the Puerto Vallarta airport you just head straight out towards the OXXO and turn left, cross the air bridge and jump on the bus that says Sayulita. It will cost about 60MXN per person. Then once at Sayulita get on the next bus to San Pancho for 30MXN. It will take about an hour and a half. Buses leave for San Pancho from Sayulita regularly.
By Rental Car
You can rent a car at the airport and drive yourself to San Pancho. This is a great idea if you are planning to do some day trips far from San Pancho but unnecessary if you intend to stay around the local area. Even going between Sayulita and San Pancho is simple on the bus.
By Shuttle
Book a shuttle from the airport if you want the easiest pre-arranged option.
By Taxi/Uber
A Taxi or Uber from the airport will be the fastest but most expensive option. You will not be able to book an Uber back to the airport as they do not work & don’t get picked up in the San Pancho area.
Why San Pancho Became So Popular
San Pancho has become increasingly popular with digital nomads and travellers looking for a slower pace of travel, wellness tourism and surf culture. The draw of a quiet bohemian vibe with boutique hotels has attracted those looking for a quieter alternative to Sayulita.
17 Best Things to Do in San Pancho, Mexico
There is a surprising amount of things to do in San Pancho, if you take it slowly you will be able to enjoy each fully.
Relax at Playa San Pancho
Relaxing on the long sandy beach at Playa San Pancho is a must do. The panoramic beach is perfect for long beach walks, incredible sunsets and surfing, all while being less crowded than Sayulita.
Watch Sunset on the Beach
San Pancho’s main beach is known for dramatic sunsets couple this with the relaxed beach atmosphere and a sunset drink makes it a perfect evening.
Take a Surf Lesson
San Pancho is a great spot to learn or practise your surfing. The waves are beginner to intermediate abd the local surf schools will help you feel confident in the water. If you are looking for board rentals or lessons check out Nativa Surf Shop.
Eat at the Best Restaurants in San Pancho
The food scene in San Pancho is good, high quality and relaxed. These are some of the best to check out.
Ikan Restaurant is great for seafood and sunset dinners.
Habibi has excellent Mediterranean food and is perfect for a couples dinner.
San Pancho Marino Restaurant and Bar head here for beachfront food.
There are also lots of cheap taco stands, a strong coffee culture and smoothie bowls to enjoy.
Best Cafes in San Pancho for Coffee & Breakfast
Some of the best cafes in San Pancho that are known for their excellent coffee, smoothie bowls and breakfast culutre are San Pan, Café Floresta, The DoughJoe, Amaryya, Café Why Not? and Organika Bakery & Coffee.
Explore the Murals & Street Art
San Pancho is known for its artistic vibe which is evident with the many colourful murals around town. We found lots of different photography spots and loved discovering them while walking the town.
Visit Puente Primavera (Rainbow Bridge)
Another iconic landmark in San Pancho only a short walk from the centre of town is the Puente Primavera rainbow bridge. This makes a great stop for photos as well as being a functional bridge.
Visit EntreAmigos Community Centre
San Pancho has a real bohemian identity which can really be felt at the EntreAmigos Community Centre. Here you will find art, sustainability measures, local cultural celebrations, workshops and that strong community feel that San Pancho is famous for.
Circo De Los Ninos
This was one of the most exciting discoveries we made in San Pancho. The co-founder of Cirque du Soleil and his wife created this circus school for children in San Fransisco, where they could train and learn different skills from circus, acrobatics to business and finance and finally put on a performance with these skills. The centre is incredible and you can support them by sponsorship or if you are lucky enough to be nearby when they have a concert you can buy tickets, although be warned they do sell out. We discovered this days before a performance and it was already sold.
Experience a Turtle Release (Seasonal)
You can take part in a turtle release with the San Pancho Turtle conservation group. They happen seasonally so checking their facebook page is the best way to keep up to date. The hatchling releases happen at 7:15pm and it is a family friendly activity.
Go to the Fruit Store
We stayed in Sayulita and visited San Pancho twice, both times we purchased our fruit and veg at the fruit store in San Pancho. They had the cheapest avocados, great paw paw and a really good selection of chilis. We snacked on fruit and made guacamole to enjoy on our balcony in our hotel. It was so good we had to come back to stock up on more.
La Tallerera
An artisan community centre which offers a collective space for artists and creating, classes are available also. Artisans can work here to create clothing, pottery, woodwork and metal work to name a few. It was a really interesting place to get to chat to one of the artisans and so exciting to see art being created.
Visit the San Pancho Bird Observatory
Another family friendly activity is visiting the San Pancho Bird Observatory for some birdwatching. This community organised, eco-tourism is a nature based quiet activity centred around bird conservation.
Visit the San Pancho Market
Every Friday morning there is a market held across from the church and it is buzzing and alive with locally produced food, crafts and jewellery. This is the perfect place to showcase the artisan culture of San Pancho. It really reminded me of the Byron Bay Markets in Australia. We loved this market for the authenticity, it didn’t feel like everyone was selling the same things over and over again.
Hike the Jungle Trail Toward Sayulita
There is a scenic trail you can hike that goes to Sayulita, however you don’t have to hike the whole way. There are jungle views and gorgeous coastline, it is an adventure activity so some would prefer to go with a group. You can do a hike & yoga class from Sayulita if you prefer to stay with someone who knows the way!
Day Trip to Sayulita
A day trip to Sayulita is a must, it is only a very easy bus ride. It takes about 15 minutes and 30MXN to get there, we were really surprised how well the bus system works and how easy it is to use. Heading to Sayulita if you are looking for some nightlife or more shopping options is a great way to see both areas. Check out our things to do in Sayulita guide to plan your day trip there.
Do a Tequila Tasting on an Agave Farm
One of the most memorable tours we did near the San Pancho area was this Agave Farm Distillery experience. The tour walks you through the growing and distilling process by the people that actually do it, making it feel more authentic than a simple tasting. The farm itself is beautiful and the cocktails and food some of the best we had in the Riveria Nayarit. Transport from San Pancho is easy by taxi, and because groups are small it’s worth planning ahead during busy periods.
Where to Stay in San Pancho: Best Hotels for Every Budget
The accommodation in San Pancho is mostly boutique hotels, these are our favourites.
Best Boutique Hotels
PAL.MAR Hotel Tropical This is one of the best rated hotels in San Pancho, it is a very cool boutique hotel with intimate spaces. Perfect for couples or anyone who loves a special stay. The pool area is lovely and the atmosphere is relaxed. If you want one of the most stylish stays in San Pancho, book this early — it’s one of the most popular boutique hotels in town.
Witari Hotel Boutique – lovely hotel with breakfast included. Great location and relaxed coastal aesthetic.
Casa Di Giulio– central location but quiet hotel, well designed with pool and courtyard.
Best Hotels for Couples
Hotel de Asis– a couple of blocks from the beach and in the town, quiet and pleasant hotel.
Ciyé Hotel– Downtown but with ocean views this is a great hotel for couples, gorgeous roof top pool and immactulate rooms.
Casa Cora– Super popular hotel with couples and digital nomads. There is a pool and pool table, rooms are excellent. This is a highly rated boutique hotel.
Best Digital Nomad Hotels
Hotel Casa San Pancho– a really popular hotel, great breakfast and location. Perfect for families and digital nomads. This is a really good mid-range hotel.
Best Beachfront Hotels
Casa De Vigil Beachfront Oasis Ocean Views Pool– convenient location to the beach and town, great for families.
LaJOYA luxurystay – This hotel looks incredible, it is set on the hill overlooking the ocean.
Best Budget Hotels
Akali House– great affordable option for backpackers, budget or solo travellers, clean rooms, helpful hosts.
Habitaciones Samy – clean comfortable and 5 minutes walk to the beach. Perfect for budget or solo travellers.
Best Restaurants in San Pancho You Shouldn’t Miss
These are some of the best restaurants to try in San Pancho. They have the highest ratings and are really popular.
- Trattoria Toscana San Pancho
- Casa Chucho San Pancho
- Bistro Orgánico
- Su Pancha Madre
- Mutua
- Arigato Bake & Brew
- Miralo Gastrobar And Patio
How Many Days Do You Need in San Pancho?
Spending 2 days in San Pancho is enough for a relaxing weekend getaway when you need a quiet break from the busier tourist towns.
In 4–5 days you can experience the quiet, slow pace in San Pancho and begin to see the community spirit in the town.
If you area a slow travel fan or a wellness traveller then spending 1+ weeks in San Pancho will be perfect for you. Experience the peace and tranquillity, appreciate the small things, the community and fully recharge.
Best Time to Visit San Pancho
During November to May is the dry season, perfect for sunny days and warm weather. The rainy season is June to October, think high humidity and thunderstorms. Ideal surf conditions can be found during May to October with consistent south/southwest swells and warm waters and big waves. Smaller waves are found during the winter months, Nov-April. To avoid crowds April to May is a shoulder season that is usually quieter and the best time for whale season is December to March, with tours leaving from Sayulita.
Is San Pancho Safe?
San Pancho is quite safe, there is a relaxed atmosphere and it is community minded. Both the beach and town felt safe, I would be aware of the possibility of opportunistic type petty theft and be aware of your belongings and use your usual safety precautions.
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San Pancho vs Sayulita
Although San Pancho and Sayulita are only 15 minutes apart they do have quite a few differences. This is where you need to compare them to decide which would suit you best. To briefly compare them, Sayulita is bigger, busier and has a nightlife scene and more infrastructure for tourists. San Pancho is smaller, quieter and a little less connected. To really dive into the differences check out our full comparison guide to decide which is best for you.
Is San Pancho Good for Digital Nomads?
San Pancho has facilities that will suit digital nomads such as wifi, cool cafes. There is a new co-working space called Coworking Todo that offers free water and coffee has starlink for $199 USD per day.
Costs in San Pancho
San Pancho is similar in pricing to Sayulita, there are fewer choices of hotels but you can still find a range of options ~$60-250USD. There is cheap food stalls with tacos for ~30MXN and smoothie bowls for ~150MXN. Restaurants can be around ~S100USD for a proper 2 person meal. Taxi prices may be a little higher as it is slightly further away but local buses start at 30MXN to get to Sayulita. On the whole there is not a huge amount of difference between the pricing in Sayulita and San Pancho. We found lots of affordable options, the fruit market is the best and cheapest one in the area!
FAQs
Is San Pancho worth visiting?
Yes San Pancho is definitely worth visiting, if not to stay then for a day trip. We came twice and loved it. If you are only coming to San Pancho for one day make it a Friday so you can catch the market.
Is San Pancho better than Sayulita?
San Pancho is slightly different to Sayulita as it is smaller and quieter. This lends itself to creating a different atmosphere and vibe. It is more relaxed and less busy. The pace is slower and if you prefer the ‘get lost in the bohemian chilled out vibe’ then this is the place for you.
How far is San Pancho from Puerto Vallarta?
San Pancho is about 45km and 1 hour from Puerto Vallarta. It is easily reached by bus, taxi or shuttle.
Can you swim at San Pancho beach?
Yes, it is a big expansive beach. The waves can be a little bigger here though.
Is San Pancho expensive?
San Pancho is quite similar in pricing to Sayulita. They are both higher than Puerto Vallarta as they are smaller but both have cheap options available.
How many days do you need in San Pancho?
You can spend as little as 2 days in San Pancho but an ideal number would be around 4-5 to soak up the relaxed atmosphere.
Is San Pancho safe?
In general yes, San Pancho is safe. Always use your regular travel safety precautions as I would be most concerned about petty theft if anything. We walked from the bus stop on the highway in to and throughout the town and beach and really weren’t very concerned at all.
Final Verdict: Is San Pancho Worth Visiting?
San Pancho is absolutely worth visiting if you love a town that you can get lost in, where time stands still and where you can fully relax. This is a town full of a chilled out bohemian vibe, beach atmosphere and authentic community feel.
If you love boutique beach towns with a creative atmosphere, slower mornings, perfect sunsets and a slow pace of life that entices you to stay longer, San Pancho may become your favourite stop in Riviera Nayarit.
Plan your trip:
👉 Read next: Sayulita or San Pancho, which is best?
👉 Plan your trip: Mexico Travel Guide
👉 Don’t miss: 3 Days in Sayulita, Mexico: Beaches, Marietas Islands, San Pancho & Where to Stay (2026)
Want to see it all in action? Watch our full Mexico series on YouTube (subscribe to our channel to stay up to date with our travel guides) and follow along on Instagram @passport_nomads and @kelly___buckley for real-time travel tips, guides, and behind-the-scenes moments.
