stunning beaches

San Pancho’s broad, sandy beach will sit just 2 minutes away. The north end of the beach is more secluded and quiet, yet also hides the beautiful Tierra Tropical beach club. The south end serves as the launching pad for the local fishers, who come in an out with the waves on their traditional pangas. In between is a beautiful stretch of sand that serves as the nesting ground for local sea turtles, a constant wave for local surfers, and always faces the most amazing sunsets.

A woman walking along a sandy beach at sunset, carrying a pair of shoes, with footprints behind her, tropical trees in the background, and a boat on the water.
Small baby sea turtles on the sandy beach near the ocean at sunset.
A person walking on a dirt trail through dense tropical jungle, carrying a backpack and holding a camera, surrounded by green palm leaves and thick foliage.

lush jungle

San Pancho boasts a lush tropical geography defined by the Pacific Ocean, Sierra Madre foothills, rainforests, and rich estuaries. This creates a warm, humid climate with distinct seasons, perfect for supporting abundant life. Its location on the Riviera Nayarit offers a variety of terrain, from pristine beaches and mangroves to jungle trails, supporting diverse flora and fauna - including the elusive jaguar.

vibrant culture

San Pancho’s story is rooted in its indigenous history. The Wixárika (Huichol) and Naayeri (Cora) nations are the original inhabitants of this coastline and their culture and art shapes daily life in San Pancho.

The built environment took shape in the early 1970s when then president Luis Echeverría dedicated time to developing it into a self-sufficient village that could serve as a international model of development. He funded numerous projects, including a teaching hospital, and fruit, dairy and fish processing factories.

Many of Echeverria’s projects continue to serve the community, albeit in different ways than intended. His factories have since been reimagined by community groups as a circus school, a community center, a gymnasium, a theater and a collaborative art studio - spaces that contribute to San Pancho’s reputation as the Cultural Capital of the Riviera Nayarit.

Colorful residential buildings with pink, yellow, and orange facades, decorated with colorful hanging papel picado flags, palm trees, and potted plants on a street under a blue sky.
Colorful mural featuring two large human faces, a woman dressed in traditional indigenous clothing, and various geometric and cultural symbols. Decorations include colorful paper banners hanging from the ceiling.
People practicing yoga in a bright, open-air studio with a thatched roof, wooden beams, and large windows showing lush greenery outside.

wholistic, welcoming experiences

More than most small Mexican towns, San Pancho offers an array of modalities to experience. From traditional Temazcal rituals to circus performers on the street, San Pancho is full of little gems and surprises.

Visitors notice how welcoming it feels to be in San Pancho. It is an exceptionally open culture, with a strong LGBTQI+ community, which draws in people from around the world.

A close-up of a taco topped with shredded meat, diced vegetables, microgreens, and a drizzle of green sauce, served on a white and blue plate.

exquisites tastes

San Pancho is quickly establishing itself as a destination for people who seek unique flavors and make bold choices. For a relatively small town, it boasts an amazing array of restaurants and stores that cater to all tastes. From traditional to experimental, you’ll find plenty to eat and buy here to excite your senses and have you only wanting more.

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