IMG
© Luis Morales

San Francisco (San Pancho) area

20.90107 , -105.41253

Mexico

San Francisco (locally known as San Pancho) is a small coastal community along the central Nayarit coast just 1 hour driving north from Puerto Vallarta in the neighboring state of Jalisco.

San Pancho is within the Sierra de Valllejo mountains, which is considered a "center of genetic origin" for many species of plants and vertebrates due mainly to to biogeographical factors:  1) its unique orientation running perpendicular to the main biological corridor of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains and 2) its location still within the moderately protected ocean condition of southernmost range of the Gulf of California. As a result we find the northernmost semi-deciduous middle forest of the continent with a mixture of low-deciduous forests, mangroove forest and coastal lagoons.

The village of San Pancho has various public and private preserves with plenty of birds and wildlife to observe. The town of San Pancho has a cultural scene and is the home of multiple environmental groups dedicated to wildlife conservation.

Delete exact location

The introductory text should contain general information about the site, which may include for instance:
• geographic/ biogeographic location
• habitat and vegetation
• typical bird species/bird communities
• protection status
• land use and history
• importance for birdwatching

Site name was changed by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) into "San Francisco (San Pancho) Area" (2021-08-05 15:35:21 )

Coordinates were set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) : 20.9011/-105.4125 (2021-01-24 22:03:07 )

Site name was set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) as "San Francisco (Nayarit) Area" (2021-01-24 22:03:07 )

Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-08-05 15:35:41
San Francisco (locally known as San Pancho) is a small coastal community along the central Nayarit coast just 1 hour driving north from Puerto Vallarta in the neighboring state of Jalisco. San Pancho is within the Sierra de Valllejo mountains, which is considered a "center of genetic origin" for many species of plants and vertebrates due mainly to to biogeographical factors:  1) its unique orientation running perpendicular to the main biological corridor of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains and 2) its location still within the moderately protected ocean condition of southernmost range of the Gulf of California. As a result we find the northernmost semi-deciduous middle forest of the continent with a mixture of low-deciduous forests, mangroove forest and coastal lagoons. The village of San Pancho has various public and private preserves with plenty of birds and wildlife to observe. The town of San Pancho has a cultural scene and is the home of multiple environmental groups dedicated to wildlife conservation. Birding San Pancho Ecotours has unique birding opportunities in San Pancho and other parts of the region including the Marietas Islands, San Blas, San Sebastian del Oeste and the Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens and Macaw Preserve Rancho El Santuario.
Edited by Luis Morales on 2021-08-04 17:44:22
San Francisco (locally known as San Pancho) is a small coastal community along the central Nayarit coast just 1 hour driving north from Puerto Vallarta in the neighboring state of Jalisco. San Pancho is within the Sierra de Valllejo mountains, which is considered a "center of genetic origin" for many species of plants and vertebrates due mainly to to biogeographical factors:  1) its unique orientation running perpendicular to the main biological corridor of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains and 2) its location still within the moderately protected ocean condition of southernmost range of the Gulf of California. As a result we find the northernmost semi-deciduous middle forest of the continent with a mixture of low-deciduous forests, mangroove forest and coastal lagoons. The village of San Pancho has various public and private preserves with plenty of birds and wildlife to observe. The town of San Pancho has a cultural scene and is the home of multiple environmental groups dedicated to wildlife conservation. Birding San Pancho Ecotours has unique birding opportunities in San Pancho and other parts of the region including the Marietas Islands, San Blas, San Sebastian del Oeste and the Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens and Macaw Preserve Rancho El Santuario.

  • Top species

List up to ca. 25 species that:
• have a limited distribution range and/or are rare on a global level
• are most sought-after by birdwatchers at this site
• and are relatively easy to see at this site (year-round or seasonally)

Citreoline Trogon (Trogon citreolus)
Elegant Trogon (Trogon elegans)
Lilac-crowned Parrot (Amazona finschi)
Mexican Parrotlet (Forpus cyanopygius)
Black-throated Magpie-Jay (Calocitta colliei)
Red-breasted Chat (Granatellus venustus)

Elegant Trogon (Trogon elegans) was added by Luis Morales (2021-08-04 23:41:18)

Black-throated Magpie-Jay (Calocitta colliei) was added by Luis Morales (2021-08-04 23:40:45)

Red-breasted Chat (Granatellus venustus) was added by Luis Morales (2021-08-04 18:24:21)

Lilac-crowned Parrot (Amazona finschi) was added by Luis Morales (2021-08-04 18:23:50)

Mexican Parrotlet (Forpus cyanopygius) was added by Luis Morales (2021-08-04 18:23:15)

Citreoline Trogon (Trogon citreolus) was added by Luis Morales (2021-08-04 18:22:42)

  • Timing and strategy

There is good birding and something to enjoy all year round, however to see the largest diversity the best months are January through March, the weather is also very enjoyable during the winter.

The early morning and late evening are the best time for the estuary and marine birds. Bird activity in the jungle and light availability normally start about 45 minutes after sunrise and decreases by 11 am and starts to pick up 2-3 hourse before sunset which can be anytime between 6:30 - 9:15 pm depending the time of year.

The estuary is normally well covered in about an hour and can be done by foot. The town has a variety of public and private jungle trails that can be accesses by foot or driving. There are some public acces roadas such as the backroad to the new polo club area, the road around the Las Huertas Golf Course and the dirt road to Tranquilandia are all great areas to enjoy birding.

Give recommendations for making your visit as productive as possible.
This may include for instance:
• best season
• best time of the day
• how much time to spend at the site
• best means of locomotion within the site
• recommended routes / areas within the site
• guiding

Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-08-05 15:31
There is good birding and something to enjoy all year round, however to see the largest diversity the best months are January through March, the weather is also very enjoyable during the winter. The early morning and late evening are the best time for the estuary and marine birds. Bird activity in the jungle and light availability normally start about 45 minutes after sunrise and decreases by 11 am and starts to pick up 2-3 hourse before sunset which can be anytime between 6:30 - 9:15 pm depending the time of year. The estuary is normally well covered in about an hour and can be done by foot. The town has a variety of public and private jungle trails that can be accesses by foot or driving. There are some public acces roadas such as the backroad to the new polo club area, the road around the Las Huertas Golf Course and the dirt road to Tranquilandia are all great areas to enjoy birding. Birding San Pancho Ecotours is the most experienced and sustainability oriented company in the area.
Edited by Luis Morales on 2021-08-04 18:13
There is good birding and something to enjoy all year round, however to see the largest diversity the best months are January through March, the weather is also very enjoyable during the winter. The early morning and late evening are the best time for the estuary and marine birds. Bird activity in the jungle and light availability normally start about 45 minutes after sunrise and decreases by 11 am and starts to pick up 2-3 hourse before sunset which can be anytime between 6:30 - 9:15 pm depending the time of year. The estuary is normally well covered in about an hour and can be done by foot. The town has a variety of public and private jungle trails that can be accesses by foot or driving. There are some public acces roadas such as the backroad to the new polo club area, the road around the Las Huertas Golf Course and the dirt road to Tranquilandia are all great areas to enjoy birding. Birding San Pancho Ecotours is the most experienced and sustainability oriented company in the area.
  • How to get there

Explain from where and how to get to this site with private and public transport.

Not available yet

Provide information on how to enter this site, which may include:
• entry points
• entry permits / entry tickets and fees
• opening hours / opening season
• other restrictions

Note that this section should only contain information on how to ACCESS (= enter) a site. Info on how to REACH a site should be added to "How to get there" section.

Not available yet
  • Other attractions

During the summer and fall visit or volunteer at the local sea-turtle conservation program. 

Besides the beach and the amazing array of restaurants to visits there are biking tours, spa´s, yoga and medidation centers as well as an active cultural life. The Orquidiario Lo de Perla is a private preserve with a well preserved forest.

Something unique during the winter and spring months is enjoying a sunday brunch at La Patrona polo club.

Add information about other attractions at this site, including
• wildlife (apart from birds)
• sights (natural, cultural, archaeological, etc.)
• activities (e.g. for non-birding companions)

Edited by Luis Morales on 2021-08-04 18:28
During the summer and fall visit or volunteer at the local sea-turtle conservation program.  Besides the beach and the amazing array of restaurants to visits there are biking tours, spa´s, yoga and medidation centers as well as an active cultural life. The Orquidiario Lo de Perla is a private preserve with a well preserved forest. Something unique during the winter and spring months is enjoying a sunday brunch at La Patrona polo club.

There are nearby public bathrooms at the maleacon boardwalk (10 pesos entry) as well as at a variaty of local restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Recommended restaurants: Kokonati, La Taza de Café, Las Palmas, Marías restaurante, La Chalupa.

Recommended sites for accomodation:

Casa Papelillo San Pancho

Hotel Marii

Hotel Cielo Rojo

Hotel Casa San Pancho

Hotel Maraica

Provide information about what type of facilities are available at
or near this site, including:
• information centers / information points
• catering
• accommodation
• hides and watchtowers
• restrooms / toilets

Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-08-05 15:32
There are nearby public bathrooms at the maleacon boardwalk (10 pesos entry) as well as at a variaty of local restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Recoemnded Recommended restaurants: Kokonati, La Taza de Café, Las Palmas, Marías restaurante, La Chalupa. Recommended sites for accomodation: Casa Papelillo San Pancho Hotel Marii Hotel Cielo Rojo Hotel Casa San Pancho Hotel Maraica
Edited by Luis Morales on 2021-08-04 18:22
There are nearby public bathrooms at the maleacon boardwalk (10 pesos entry) as well as at a variaty of local restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Recoemnded restaurants: Kokonati, La Taza de Café, Las Palmas, Marías restaurante, La Chalupa. Recommended sites for accomodation: Casa Papelillo San Pancho Hotel Marii Hotel Cielo Rojo Hotel Casa San Pancho Hotel Maraica

Are there any security issues or other annoyances at this site? For
instance, these may include:
• offenses like robbery or theft
• natural hazards
• dangerous or annoying animals or plants (mosquitoes, leaches, thorn bushes, etc.)
• noise pollution

Not available yet
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Reports

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San Francisco (San Pancho) area - Orniverse