We
are staying in the Marina area of Puerto Vallarta
however there are many local towns and villages along
the coast of Banderas Bay. One of these is a small
village of San Pancho. It is often referred to as
San Francisco as well on some maps. As far as we
are aware, you cannot take a local bust San Pancho,
however it is easily driven to by car. Tourists can
take a bus to Sayulita and then hire a cab for the
remaining 15 minute ride to San Pancho. San Pancho
has not been discovered by the tourists in a big
way and still retains its small village feel.
There
are several beach restaurants were you can enjoy
authentic Mexican food along with beer or tequila.
It is not uncommon to see horseback riders on the
beach. This horseman was drawing palm fronds to the
beach to build a thatched hut for shade for his family.
. 
This
is a nice quiet little beach, a few people swimming
or surfing on the waves. This unspoiled beach is
an ideal place to kick back and relax, swim, walk
the beach or just get a tan!
.
.
Paul
& Katie with the beach and ocean shown in the distance
in the left hand picture. Not sure what the vultures
are waiting for, however there was a large flock
near the river that empties into the ocean near San
Pancho.
.
One
of the big advantages of this beach is that there
are few people selling trinkets, blankets etc. This
constant parade at some of the busier beaches can
be a bit trying at times, so a visit to San Pancho
provides a welcome relief from the constant interruptions
from these people. Also as with most locations in
Puerto Vallarta and surrounding beaches, bathrooms
are hard to come buy and are definitely not up to
North American expectations. Bring some extra toilet
paper just in case.
.