San Pancho, or San Francisco as it’s more formally known, is an eco-conscious and laid back beach town about one hour north from Puerto Vallarta. San Pancho is quieter, mainly for those seeking a more tranquil atmosphere, however, with its art galleries, restaurants, artists and writers collectives and environmental organizations, not to mention annual music and art festivals, it encourages short or long-term visitors, national and international, to get as involved with the community as they choose.
It takes a leisurely 20-minute stroll to cover the town from Carr. 200 North to the beach along its main street. Along the way, an increasing number of restaurants, shops and galleries can be found, along with the town’s community centres, built in abandoned warehouses which have been recently reclaimed. Golf carts seem to be the preferred mode of transportation, however, as they are ideal for running errands about town.