Travel
Travel Note
When Arriving in Puerto Vallarta Airport
When you arrive in Puerto Vallarta, you’ll clear immigration, collect bags, and pass through customs. You’ll then walk through a busy indoor corridor with people offering rides, tours, and even margaritas. Do not stop. Ignore everyone and exit through the sliding doors. All official transportation waits outside with signs and will never approach you inside. This is normal for PVR and many coastal airports, but we want everyone to feel confident and prepared.
Travel Note
Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) to San Pancho
Why We Chose San Pancho San Pancho (officially San Francisco) is a small, family-oriented beach town on the Riviera Nayarit. It’s quiet, walkable, and full of charm - colorful streets, great food, friendly locals, and unforgettable sunsets. Getting There Fly into Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR). San Pancho is about 45 km (28 miles) north of the airport and takes roughly one hour by car. At the Airport (See above) Transportation Options For the easiest and most comfortable experience, book a private shuttle or driver in advance. Many reputable companies provide direct, door-to-door service to your hotel or rental. Official airport taxis are also reliable and fares are regulated. In Town San Pancho is very walkable, with everything - beach, restaurants, markets, pharmacies - within minutes of each other. ATMs are available, and most restaurants accept cards, though smaller shops may prefer pesos. Bottled water is a must and easy to find, and the overall vibe is relaxed, welcoming, and family-friendly. Stay Connected - WhatsApp is KEY! Download WhatsApp before traveling - it’s the primary way locals communicate in Mexico, and most drivers, restaurants, and rental contacts will respond faster there than by email. It’s free, uses your regular U.S. phone number, and is the best way to coordinate transportation, confirm reservations, and stay in touch. Wi-Fi is widely available in town, and international coverage works great here. Most service vendors for transportation, rentals, etc. have great English. When in smaller shops in San Pancho, try your Spanish!
Travel Note
Transportation - Pre-Arrange your Transport from the the Airport
Getting from Puerto Vallarta (PVR) to San Pancho - Expect roughly an hour from the airport to San Pancho We encourage our family and friends to communicate about flights and transportation to split costs. Many of the vans and suburbans have a per vehicle fee instead of per person, so taking advantage of a shuttle or suburban that fits 7+ people and bags is a great way to share travel. The easiest and most reliable way to get from PVR to San Pancho is to pre-arrange a private shuttle or transfer. It’s the smoothest option after a long travel day and avoids the crowds and long taxi lines at the airport. Private transfers and shuttles are highly recommended. Many options come with friendly bilingual drivers and complete door-to-door service. Viator is a great website to browse transportation companies and read real traveler reviews before booking. Travel tip: Transportation companies in this region communicate primarily through WhatsApp. It’s the best and fastest way to stay in touch with your driver, confirm pickup logistics, and share location pins. Once you exit the airport, ALL official transportation services will be waiting outside with signs, and your preferred provider will guide you the rest of the way to your private shuttle, car, or suburban.
Travel Note
Places to Stay in San Pancho (also the same as San Francisco, Nayarit)
San Pancho has a mix of boutique hotels, beachfront homes, and unique vacation rentals. It’s important to note that this is not a resort destination or an all-inclusive area. Part of the charm is its laid-back, nature-oriented vibe. Expect a little give-and-take with things like jungle surroundings, local wildlife, and the relaxed pace of town. Here are the best ways to find the right spot for your stay: Airbnb + Vrbo Perfect for groups, families, or anyone who wants a private villa or house. There are plenty of beautiful rentals close to the beach and walkable to town. Expedia + Boutique Hotels If you prefer hotel-style accommodations, Expedia and similar travel sites have listings for smaller boutique hotels and intimate properties throughout San Pancho. Witari Hotel Boutique www.witari.mx/en +52 322 140 8008 Hotel Casa San Pancho www.casasanpancho.com +52 311 258 5022 PAL.MAR Hotel Tropical www.palmartropical.com +52 322 158 3579 Ciye Hotel www.ciyehotel.mx/home-english +52 311 129 3359 Marii Hotel Boutique Book through Expedia +52 322 172 4447 San Pancho Realty If you want help directly from local experts, the team at San Pancho Realty can match you with a vacation rental and villas that aren’t always online. www.sanpanchorealty.com +52 311 258 4066 They have a great instagram as well where they regularly post great rentals: @sanpanchorealty Backup Option Sayulita is a short drive away and offers more hotel and rental options if availability becomes limited.
Travel Note
Quick note on payments + tipping
We recommend bringing some pesos with you during your stay. While almost all places accept cards, small shops, taxis, beach vendors, and local restaurants often prefer cash. It just makes things easier and avoids any surprise fees. NOTE: IVA on Mexican checks is tax. Also, tipping 15-20% is customary for Bobby and I in Mexico for transportation, drivers, restaurant service, bartenders, and luggage help. A little goes a long way, especially for great service. Having a few bills on hand will make travel smoother, friendlier, and stress-free.
Travel Note
Golf Carts?!
Most places are in San Pancho are walkable, but for anyone with littles or wanting to really explore a bit, we recommend pre-booking a golf cart in advance. This is a very accepted way of travelling around in San Pancho. Highly recommend booking this as far in advance as possible to ensure that the local golf cart vendors have enough carts. Reputable golf cart vendors: San Pancho Golf Cart Rentals www.sanpanchogolfcart.com WhatsApp: +52 322 117 7974 Kaliva www.kalivasayulita.com WhatsApp: +1 530 721 9790 Mexico Golf Carts www.mexicogolfcarts.com Book Directly Online
Travel Note
Taxis - Recommended for short trips
While we don’t recommend taxis for longer transfers, they’re perfect for quick trips around town or nearby destinations like Sayulita or Punta Mita. Taxi fares in this area are set and regulated by zone, so prices are fixed and there’s no need (or option) to negotiate. It makes everything simple and straightforward.
Travel Note
Quick note on Mexico Plumbing
San Pancho is a small coastal town, and the plumbing infrastructure is different from what many of us are used to in the U.S. Toilet paper should not be flushed. There will always be a trash bin next to the toilet for paper and other bathroom waste. This is completely normal in this area and helps protect pipes and the local septic systems. It may feel different at first, but it’s part of how the town preserves its charm and keeps things running smoothly. Most rentals and hotels will include daily housekeeping.
Travel Note
Water
Water & Safety One quick safety note from us: the tap water in this part of Mexico isn’t always treated the same way as in the U.S., so we recommend sticking to bottled. We just want everyone to stay healthy and hydrated so you can relax and enjoy the trip.