"This is the Life - San Pancho, Nayarit" Estado de Nayarit by karenincalifornia

Estado de Nayarit Travel Guide: 147 reviews and 348 photos

Wide sandy beach of San Pancho, MX - Estado de Nayarit

aka San Francisco - the "Other Frisco"

I am sitting here at my desk looking out the window at the cold, overcoast, miserable weather of San Francisco, CA in April 2006. I can't help but dream of the "other San Francisco", the pretty quaint town in the State of Nayarit in Mexico. We went there for a short 5 day visit just after the New Year and I want to go back. I want to leave cold, dank, damp, overcast, rainy San Francisco CA and veg out in sunny, warm, peaceful San Francisco MX.

Two names are better than one

Poolside view overlooking the Pacific Ocean

San Francisco MX has another name, which is San Pancho. In Spanish, Pancho is the nickname for Francisco. So, even though the town has two names, the names refer to the same saint. Thanks, jjroblesg! . I was told the locals refer to SF as San Pancho, but I heard both names, San Francisco and San Pancho, used equally. No problem - it wasn't that confusing. You go with the flow in Nayarit, MX. I was just glad the town didn't have 10 names.

Where is this town of two names?

The town itself - San Pancho, MX

San Pancho/San Francisco is a sleepy, quiet beach village about 90 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta. It has none of the huge mega hotels, tour bus excursions, and lavish buffet dinners of Puerto Vallarta. You can't even get a drink with a fancy umbrella in San Pancho. San Pancho is low key, and not yet contaminated by mass tourism from USA. Aside from a few large and expensive homes built on the hillsides by gringos, San Pancho looks very much like it must have 100 years ago. Cobblestone streets, donkeys commonly used as transportation, tiny tortilla factory. If you want to relax, stay near a beautiful beach and meet the locals, San Pancho is the place to come.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Quiet, quaint, charming, beautiful beach, fantastic weather in January, GEORGEOUS
Cons:None, but I hear it is hot in the summer
In a nutshell:Please never let this town be spoiled!!!!

Last visit to Estado de Nayarit: Jan 2006
Intro Updated May 11, 2006
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Reviews (22)

Beach camping at San Pancho Beach - Estado de Nayarit

Pitch a tent Hotels (2)

Stake out your little plot of land and put up your tent on the beach. I don't even think you need to pay a fee. You'll... more travel advice

Beach in the jungle in Nayarit, MX - Estado de Nayarit

Bungle in the Jungle Off The Beaten Path (1)

The area around San Pancho is a lush jungle. Lots of palm trees, coconut trees, and other typical jungle vegetation.... more travel advice

Lunch at Don Pedros in Sayulita, MX - Estado de Nayarit

Lunch under la palapa in Sayulita Restaurants (4)

Looking for a place for lunch in Sayulita right on the beach? Try Don Pedro's. This restaurant has a large outdoor patio... more travel advice

Town center of Sayulita, MX - Estado de Nayarit

No E Means Do Not Park Here Warnings Or Dangers (3)

Sayulita can get crowded, which means parking right in the town center is tough. If you see the international red NO... more travel advice

Travelogues (4)

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Comments (5)

Upintheair May 18, 2007 at 6:09 PM Report Abuse

We recently stayed there. A wonderful house and town, even nicer than Karen's great descriptions. BUT there is another house being built next door, construction noise from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. until at least mid-2008 and partly blocking the view afterwards.
mtncorg May 8, 2006 at 3:12 PM Report Abuse

Nice parking job ;-] And those unmarked topes will get you every time! Still, what a great alternative to the PV /Cancun madness!
850prc Apr 28, 2006 at 1:38 PM Report Abuse

Hey Karen...if I got a job as a commercial fisherman in Mexico, how long would I have to work in order to purchase a high-powered telescope? Loved the page as always.
VdV Apr 26, 2006 at 9:22 PM Report Abuse

Great photos & tips Karen! You inspired my trip to San Miguel de Allende, now I want to go to San Pancho! And, January would be doable for me...my bday is usually around MLK weekend & I get my bday off as holiday from work!
Nemorino Apr 26, 2006 at 7:23 AM Report Abuse

I guess my place in history is now assured since I was the first one to look at your new SF2 page. Good that you put in a severe warning tip to prevent hoards of tourists (well, us) from descending on this nice little town.