A WARM WELCOME WITH A TASTE OF THE LAND
My first stop was Prieta Café, a cozy space adorned with artisanal details and lush greenery, creating a calm and welcoming atmosphere. I tried San Pancho’s signature coffee, made from high-quality local beans. The flavor is deep and earthy, with soft notes that reflect the care of those who grow and roast it.
It’s the kind of place where you sit without rushing, simply observing, breathing, and starting your day right.
PURE OCEAN ENERGY
After coffee, I walked to the beach and joined the community of surfers who hit the waves every morning. San Pancho’s waves are friendly for beginners, yet still challenging enough for the more experienced. The scenery makes it all worthwhile: lush jungle behind, a wide beach, and the feeling of absolute freedom as you glide over the water.
My session was with Santa Madre Surf School & Adventures.
EXPLORING AT A RELAXED PACE
A fun and comfortable way to explore the town is by renting a golf cart from Carrillos Rentas y Experiencias. It allowed me to navigate the cobbled streets effortlessly and discover hidden corners that might go unnoticed on foot.
San Pancho is best experienced slowly, taking time to notice the details.
THE TOWN’S SOUL PAINTED ON WALLS
What stands out most in San Pancho are the murals. Every street bursts with color, reflecting the town’s identity. Many were painted by local and international artists, depicting scenes of daily life, nature, animals, spirituality, and Huichol culture.
It’s like walking through an open-air art gallery.
FRESHNESS WITH A CONTEMPORARY TOUCH
When lunchtime came, I chose IKAN, a modern yet relaxed restaurant. Its menu highlights local ingredients—mostly from the sea—presented with contemporary techniques. I ordered a fresh, well-seasoned, and beautifully plated dish.
Here, food is a sensory experience, not just nourishment. Chef Mario welcomed me with the following dishes:
A NATURAL SPECTACLE
San Pancho is famous for its sunsets, and now I understand why. I returned to the beach in the evening and watched the sky transform into a living painting: shades of orange, pink, and purple reflected on the waves.
The warm sand beneath my feet, the sound of the ocean, and the salty breeze created a magical, unforgettable moment.
HONEST FLAVORS IN AN INTIMATE SETTING
Dinner was at MUTUA, an intimate restaurant with soft lighting and a culinary approach rooted in local, authentic flavors. Each dish I tried had the perfect balance of taste and technique. It’s the perfect place to end the day with good food and great conversation.
Chef Lacho prepared:
RESTING BETWEEN JUNGLE AND SEA
I spent the night at Witari Hotel, a comfortable boutique stay with natural design touches, located in a quiet area of town. You fall asleep to the sound of crickets and wake up to soft light seeping through the curtains. Rest is real here.
I stayed in the “Serpiente” room—perfect view of the pool and terrace, a peaceful interior, and upstairs, a rooftop terrace to enjoy San Pancho’s incredible sunset.
CHILAQUILES WITH A HOMEMADE TOUCH
Waking up to breakfast in bed was a gift. From MUTUA’s kitchen, I received red chilaquiles with eggs—crispy, flavorful, and full of that comforting, homemade taste. Enjoying them without leaving bed, with natural light pouring in, was the perfect way to start another day of discovery.
JUNGLE ADVENTURE
Later, I hiked through a jungle trail to reach Playa Clavellinas, a secluded and nearly untouched beach. The path itself is an adventure: lush trees, birdsong, and butterflies all around. Once there, I found a peaceful bay—ideal for swimming or snorkeling among the rocks and discovering marine life.
A JOURNEY OF MEDITERRANEAN FLAVORS
Back in town, I had lunch at Habibi, a restaurant blending Mediterranean cuisine with Mexican touches. The menu features colorful dishes, rich spices, soft textures, and elegant presentation. It’s the kind of place where each bite transports you. Chef Erick treated us to:
ELEGANCE AND EQUESTRIAN TRADITION
In the afternoon, I visited La Patrona Polo Club, one of San Pancho’s most surprising spots. Surrounded by green landscapes, it hosts polo matches in a refined, family-friendly setting. I had the chance to watch a game between local teams—it was fascinating to witness the coordination between horse and rider. A unique experience that adds a whole new dimension to your visit.
DRINKS BY THE SEA
In the afternoon, I visited La Patrona Polo Club, one of San Pancho’s most surprising spots. Surrounded by green landscapes, it hosts polo matches in a refined, family-friendly setting. I had the chance to watch a game between local teams—it was fascinating to witness the coordination between horse and rider.
A unique experience that adds a whole new dimension to your visit.
SUNSET & THE “TOSTADA SAN PANCHO”
Next, I headed to Olivas, a restaurant that blends coastal cuisine, a great atmosphere, and a stunning view. There, I tried their famous Tostada San Pancho, made with fresh seafood and a dressing that brings every flavor to life. All of it enjoyed while the sunset painted the sky in vivid colors.
ART, COMMUNITY AND LOCAL TALENT
The night led me to one of the most moving experiences of the trip: Circo de los Niños, a social and artistic project where local youth develop circus and performing arts skills. The show blends acrobatics, dance, music, and storytelling. More than just entertainment, it’s a testament to the power of community.
A FLAVORFUL FINALE
I ended the trip with dinner at Limbo, a restaurant known for its creativity, fresh ingredients, and signature cuisine that surprises with every bite. The atmosphere is intimate, the service impeccable, and each dish a small work of art. It was the perfect closing to two magical days full of sea, flavor, and unforgettable experiences.
San Francisco, Nayarit, is a destination that awakens all the senses. This charming beach town offers adventure, unforgettable flavors, sea-side relaxation, and a deep connection to a community that honors its environment and its people. Without a doubt, it’s a place you’ll always want to return to.
