Nearby Towns & Beaches

A list of beaches/towns near San Pancho that you might wish to visit:

South of San Pancho:

SAYULITA

A lively surf town, 5 kms south of San Pancho. The main beach in Sayulita can have calm waters good for beginner surfing, an array of shops & beach restaurants.

PLAYA NEGRA

If you are looking to do a little exploring, maybe take the kids on an adventure, Punta Negra is a great place to go. You will need to bring beach equipment as there are no restaurants set up with chairs. Go back on Highway 200 south torward Sayulita/Puerto Vallarta. Take the turn off to Sayulita and stay straight, do not turn right toward Sayulita. Continue on for a ways a few miles until you get to the town of Higuera Blanca and stay straight. After a few speed bumps you will pass the entrance to the Litibu Golf Course and continue on through the roundabout. Get in the right lane and prepare to take a right after the golf course. You will be passing a lot of street lamps on your left side. Look for the cement utility box in the photo bellow that says “CONDO BUGAMB” and turn right on the dirt road. It can be easy to miss because it is a narrow dirt road. Continue down that all the way and you will hit a parking area and beautiful beach for snorkeling. On your way back, stop at KM 5 Surf Bar for some great local food!

EL ANCLOTE

Very flat beach with a lot of beachfront restaurants – about ½ hour drive. Take Highway 200 south and get off at La Cruz de Huanacastle. Stay on that road and follow all of the signs to Punta De Mita, go all the way to the end of the road and it will turn left and go down to the beach, plenty of parking. Good beginner waves to surf here!

North of San Pancho (there is a time change to MST):

LO DE MARCOS

A quiet, little Mexican town, 10 kms north of San Pancho. Very few shops or restaurants but two nice beaches at the south end of town. Follow the signs to Playa las Manitas and Playa los Venados. NOTE: There is a PEMEX gas station on the right hand side of the highway at Lo de Marcos.

PLAYA LOS AYALA
A small Mexican town about 10 – 15 minutes north of Lo de Marcos. Very flat beach, safe for swimming, palapa-style beach restaurants. The new restaurant, Vista de Guayabitos, is located high on the hillside on the right hand side of the road to Playa los Ayala. Great view!

RINCON DE GUAYABITOS
Another very busy, very Mexican town, just north of los Ayala. Lots of shops & restaurants. Flat beach. The new Bavarian Restaurant is located on the right hand side of the highway at the intersection to Rincon de Guayabitos.

LA PENITA DE JALTEMBA
A bustling, busy Mexican town 10 minutes north of Rincon de Guayabitos. Many visitors, many shops, many restaurants. La Penita has a very active tianguis (Market) downtown on Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

CHACALA

Turn in at the next set of fruit stands and drive 5 – 6 kms. to the town and beach of Chacala. Small bay, flat beach, great for swimming, lots of beach restaurants. Wonderful beach for a day trip!

PLEASE REMEMBER TO ALWAYS PULL OFF THE HIGHWAY TO THE RIGHT BEFORE PROCEEDING LEFT ACROSS THE HIGHWAY. PROCEED ONLY WHEN SAFE TO DO SO.