Current Weather Report
 

.
.
.
Puerto Vallarta Photo
.
.
.
.
.
 
.

FROM THE NORTH SHORE

  

San Francisco, Nayarit [San Pancho]
By Nora Hernández & Jesus de Avila | Photos by Jesus de Avila |
Translation by Eduardo Rincón-Gayardo – August 2008

San Pancho —as known by locals— located on the slopes of the exuberant Sierra de Vallejo, bathed by its river, decorated by its lagoon and estuary, and caressed daily by its majestic sea, is presently what we can call an authentic and picturesque Mexican town; while working to preserve its rural environment as one of its main attractions, you can also perceive the influence of other cultures, which among other things, are generating equilibrium in its constant growth as well as benefits to all sectors of its population.

sanpanchoUp until 1970 San Pancho was a village where fishermen lived a simple life in houses made from palm trees and without basic services like electric power. Some say the first masonry houses were those belonging to Ángel Ayala and Herminio.

It was during the period of 1970 to 1976, that the regime of President Luis Echeverría was attracted to this town with the purpose of establishing a self-sufficient third-world model town, with the construction of a fisheries research center, schools and a modern and fully-equipped hospital; back in those days a most unique facility with unusual characteristics, which continues to operate offering: general surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, gyneco-obstetrics, traumatology, general practice, emergencies, dentistry, preventive medicine, laboratory, X-rays, pharmacy and hospitalization.

sanpancho The soil of San Pancho is quite fertile, that is why cultivating corn, beans and tobacco was part of its economic structure, and there were families in which the father, besides cultivating those crops, also participated in the harvest of oil coconut. Through some anecdotes such as those of 83 year-old María Gil, we now know that back then, in order to restock their pantries, locals would visit the Ranch at Sayulita. There they would get their blue card punched in exchange for soap, coffee and beans, among other foodstuffs and goods.

Despite the arrival of the XXI century and the great development of the region, life at San Pancho remains calm and surrounded by natural beauty, which visitors, mainly from the United States and Canada always expect to find south of the border. This significantly contributes to the town becoming a strategic point with great investment potential for Baby Boomers, with the very special attribute that amidst great investments and attractive projects, thanks to its inhabitants’ commitment, the town preserves its rural essence and its picturesque colorfulness.

sanpancho The town now has all the basic services and features various lodging alternatives, among them bungalow rentals, houses and villas on the beach, in the town or on the hills with dramatic views of the jungle and sea. Considering that demand that grows year after year, advance reservations are recommended. It is a great place for relaxation though its unmatched location and topography make it a must to take an ecologic stroll or horseback excursion through its spectacular surroundings.

Other activities you definitely should not miss out on are surfing, kayaking and snorkeling the rocky shallows south of town.

sanpancho San Pancho also presently offers an exquisite gastronomy, influenced by the arrival of new residents from Italy, Spain, Greece, Germany, the United States and Canada, among other corners of the world; this, complemented by live music performed by renowned international artists who, fascinated by the place, have decided to live there either seasonally or permanently. In San Pancho there is always something to discover and enjoy. A special note should be made to let you know that events and activities are continuously organized to benefit the town and its inhabitants, mainly the children.

Its magnificent weather, its strategic location approximately forty minutes from Puerto Vallarta’s airport, its lush jungle surroundings, its long golden sand beach bathed by the vigorous ocean, its large waves, its cobble-stone streets, its colors, its enviable tranquility, its clear and bright night sky, its cleanliness, its safety and, most of all, the simplicity of its people with their commitment to preserve San Pancho, are definitely the main factors converting it into what many consider the tropical destination of the Riviera Nayarit, more attractive for relaxation, to be in contact with nature, and invest for your retirement. Email to a friend

• To visit the Riviera Nayarit Photo and Images Gallery please click here

Jesús de Avila
E-mail: editor@pvmirror.com

Feedback about this Article

Previous Articles
Puerto Vallarta Photo Gallery
Riviera Nayarit Photo Gallery

.
 
 
 
PVMIrror.com is an Electronic Monthly Travel Magazine covering Puerto Vallarta and Bay of Banderas. All our information may be copied, used and published through and by any other news media whether printed, televised and/or electronic by national or international means, respecting all its contained text and images (including this declaration), as well as acknowledging PVMirror.com as its original electronic source of information where to a link must be activated.

PVMirror.com – E-Puerto Vallarta Travel Magazine
“True Transformation of Diffusion – June 2003 - 2006"

.