FROM THE NORTH SHORE

San Pancho Article
By: Elvia & Geno Lamphiear – April 2008

This paradise called San Francisco (San Pancho) is surrounded by jungle, mountains and ocean.  The area is bathed by the rainy season from July to October with a temperature of around 85 degrees Fahrenheit with cooler weather from December to May.

Founded in the early 1900’s, "San Pancho", as the locals call San Francisco, is one of the most beautiful towns on the Pacific coast in the state of Nayarit, only 30 minutes north of International Airport in Puerto Vallarta. 

In the mid-seventies, then Méxican President Echeverria fell in love with this area – and San Pancho was his favorite pueblo.  President Echeverria spent a lot of time here and would land his helicopter on the beach at least once a week.  He would pass time sipping coffee with the locals, sharing stories and eating hand made tortillas as the ladies happily clapped them.

San Pancho is a clean, cozy fishing village popular with visitors who come here to enjoy a peaceful setting and incredible year round ocean sunsets!  We have friendly people who take pride in their culture and love to share their customs with all who are interested.  We also have a gorgeous, pristine, un-crowded surfing beach (this is where SurfMagazine comes for some of their photo shoots).  Other activities include; swimming (if the waves are too big on any given day out front you can simplywalk the short 5-10 minute hike to the south end of the beach where we keep our fishing boats – there it is protected from the big waves by a point of land and your children may swim there in complete safety almost 365 days a year), mountain biking, kayaking, snorkeling, whale-watching, horseback trips, hiking, jungle canopy zip-line tours, visits to the Turtle Conservation Project - and of course fishing!!   All activities are designed to enjoy the abundant nature of our area.  San Pancho is also one of the world's best nesting areas for two threatened species of sea turtles.

In the spring of 1992, Frank Smith and the other founding members of the Grupo Ecológico de la Costa Verde, A.C. (Group) organized and built the first marine nursery.  Frank is a retired forest ranger from the U.S. Forest Service, a great friend, a man with a passion for nature, integrity, totally dedicated to his mission of sixteen years protecting the marine turtles.  It is common to see Frank and / or the volunteers patrolling the beaches in the yellow dune buggy or releasing the baby turtles (usually at sunset) shortly after they hatch.  Once again… our ocean sunsets are year round and are simply incredible!!!  It is a big tradition for locals and visitors alike to meet on the beach for sunset to socialize and take in the amazing colors!!

The guided tour of our Marine Turtle Nursery is suitable for all ages.  When available, visitors can view the process of getting hatchlings ready for their journey to the sea.  Time:  6 to 9 pm every evening except Thursdays.  Location:  North end of America Latina in San Pancho. 

Releasing Hatchlings and Viewing Nesting Turtles:
This guided beach walk is suited for ages seven and older.  When available, they will release hatchlings to the sea and view adult turtles nesting.  Time:  9 pm on Thursdays after the 7 pm slide show at Gallo’s Pizza Restaurant.

All of these activities are free of charge.  If you would like to help support this group in their amazing efforts to save the turtles, you may purchase T-shirts with the groups’ logo at Gallo’s Pizza Restaurant or at the Oasis Gift Shop (also on the main street of San Pancho).  Donations, of course, are gratefully accepted as well.

For more information on the above activities – or how you can help, please call Frank Smith at:  01 (311) 258-4100 or email at <grupo-eco@project-tortuga.org>.

Mango Tropical Fruit  (Family Terebintaceas)
The mango season is rapidly approaching and with it also comes the unmistakable smell of this delicious fruit.  I enjoy looking at the mango blossoms as they add so much to the scenery.   Soon there will be all kinds of manguitos hanging everywhere.  Mango is one of my all-time favorite trees and fruit.  It is believed that the mango was recently brought from the Veracruz area in the Gulf of Mexico.  Even though is a tropical fruit, the elders of San Pancho only recall banana and palm tree plantations in years bygone.
 
The mango has played an interesting role in the San Pancho way of life.  Twenty-nine years ago the people were encouraged to plant mango everywhere.  The CONASUPO (the factory at the entrance of San Pancho) was originally built to process products to be distributed all over México in stores with the brand name “Conasupo”. 

This was a government program to sell to Méxican families at a very reasonable price. 

We have one Conasupo store still in San Pancho, right next to the park.  Fernando now runs it.  With the Conasupo factory, people had a place right in town to sell their mango harvest.  But things changed - and six years later there went the mango dreams of many people with the closing of the factory due to lack of interest from the new administration. When the factory was open, mango jellies were made and they also canned mango.  One of the best tasting milks was distributed by the factory - along with jalapenos, wooden boxes and more.  Sad but true, the mango grower is not well paid in Mexico and we have so much left unsold that in season a lot of it simply rots away.  The mango season lasts for approximately 3 months and during that time we breathe and eat mango all day long.  The mango is well known for its properties as a laxative, but mango enzymes are good for stomach ulcers as well.  The future of many mango orchards seem to be in doubt as a lot of them are being cut down for new housing or replaced for new products that have a better reward in the market.

Is common to see different types of mango.  We know of five kinds of the round ones Heidi, Tomy, Ken, Sensacion and Pear.  Another two that are long and skinny are the Manila and Ataulfo (which is a Manila hybrid).  We also know of the Mango Creole (or ordinary mango) which is one of the favorites.  Elvia seems to remember two more that are not as well known, but she cannot remember their names (old age I guess).  But if you can imagine that just in San Pancho alone we have ten different types, it makes one wonder how many more types of mango are out there.  Round or skinny, ordinary or not, the mango is simply delicious.  It is common to see at almost every house a mango tree.  They give great shade and at the park we have some gigantic manila mango trees that are about 20 meters high.   If you are searching for shade of a mango tree, be careful during the mango season as you could be the victim of a mango falling on your head.  Some of them weight about a kilo apiece.  Never give up an opportunity to try a “new-to-you” type of mango – you just might like it!

Coconut oil
Walking from the beach to the restaurants, from the plaza to the tortilleria, perhaps to the pharmacy, or anywhere you wish, everything is within a short walking distance in San Pancho.  San Pancho a special place to enjoy while you walk, smelling the ocean breeze and the green of the jungle.

Sometimes while watching everyday life, it is hard to believe that San Pancho pioneers used to make a living by collecting and breaking the little coconuts for oil (which were generously supplied by our lush, green jungle).  For over 50 years (1920 until the 1970’s) this was the main source of income - and for those of us who were here, we know how true this is. 

The coconut palm grows naturally here.  After the coconuts fall on the ground they dry in a couple of months and then are ready to be cracked to get the little nut out.  On a flat rock base we used to place the nut and hit it with another rock - one by one until we gathered kilos and kilos of the seeds.  This precious cargo was then picked up by boat at the shores of San Pancho (there were no roads or cars to speak of) to be taken to Tepic to produce suntan lotion, soap or cooking oil.  (The highway construction did not start until the late 50’s).
 
One of Elvias´ favorite memories is of seeing men and women standing on the beach with their sacks full of oil coconuts seeds while the buyers’ boats approached them. 

Today, we can still see the majestic coconut palm groves that help to make this place even more spectacular.  With their branches stretched out embracing each other like lovers arms moving to the rhythms of the wind as the palm branches make the familiar and relaxing rustling sound as wind moves through them. 

The coconut oil is still used for the above mentioned products - but it is also used in many typical desserts and candy such as coala and cocadas.  They are sooo good…  you must try them!

Colors of Casas:  A few years ago San Pancho used to be a “plain white house” kind of town.   But lately, color has arrived on the scene.   House colors can range from a soft, orange hue all the way to a strong, bright, crimson red.  We seem to be in some kind of “mild frenzy” where everyone is painting and planting - presenting the town with colors almost impossible to ignore.   Here you may enjoy great, colorful gardens that simply add to the beauty of the casas.  

Polo In San Pancho (Rancho La Patrona)
The sport of Polo originated in Pakistan.  They used to play with one hundred players against one hundred players!!  It was the English who made polo the “Sport of Kings”.

San Pancho is a place that motivates people to create and now innovated polo is here! 

Ivan and Gabrielle Echeverria are a young and attractive couple.  He is Mexican from Mexico City and she is Swedish from Zurich, Switzerland.  They found San Pancho eleven years ago and decided that here they will make their dreams come true. Their dreams were having a beautiful home by the beach and to fulfill the passion they both shared since they were children - the love for horses and the sports that revolve around them.

Gabrielle started riding horses at the age of four years. Gabrielle was a champion of fox hunting in Switzerland and has practiced jumping and participated in many competitions. 

Ivan was national champion in the children leagues of the Charros Association.  In the United States he was state champion of cebu riding (Brahma Bull riding).  Ivan also participated jumping his whole life and obtained second place in Polo in the competition Agua Alta in 2003 in Mexico City against Europeans teams from Italy and Germany.

Six years ago Ivan and Gabrielle started their noble project of creating a training center where polo players can come and have a place where they can practice when in Mexico and also to promote the sport in general to people unfamiliar with polo. 

Ivan thinks that Mexicans can be great polo players because they are great riders (but Ivan is willing to teach anyone interested – even if they are not locals).  He also stated that the sport demands a lot of discipline.  Many different things have to be coordinated very precisely to make the fun of the game safe. 

Ivan and Gabrielle are surrounded by great people where everyone is involved.  “We are a big family” he said.  “That is the only way to succeed”. 

For the past four years Ivan and Gabrielle have selected about 35 horses and have interaction with polo players from all over the world - Ireland and Canada to mention a few.  They have also trained people from Vallarta, Mexico City and, of course, San Pancho.

In the center of the ranch they have a cage where beginners can come and practice the different polo swings on a wooden horse. 

If you would like to know more about this sport, you may visit San Pancho and learn all about it.  Ivan says this project is growing and is looks very promising. 

“It is an ambitious project which requires a lot of effort - but it is well worth it” Ivan added.  Polo is his favorite sport and he wants to dedicate the rest of his life to promoting the sport.  We are very proud of this addition to San Pancho.  We believe this undertaking will bring a lot of good to San Pancho and the area.  Gabrielle and Ivan Echeverria are great, down-to-earth people… generous and kind to everyone.

Summer is one of our favorite times of the year...  let us try to explain why: Some of the reasons we love summer (to name a few) is that when we look outside our kitchen window in the mornings we can see many different kinds of hummingbirds – Calandrias (black & yellow birds) feasting on the banana trees – and the hundreds of multi-colored butterflies fluttering from point to point!  There are also many, many other creatures with wings flying about as well.  We can see the raindrops still shimmering on the banana trees from the nighttime rains we have.  Towards evening, we enjoy the spectacular sunsets and their colors playing over the clouds.

Butterflies of many different colors and shapes are quite something to see… thousands and thousands of butterflies gliding all around!!  It is truly a thrilling experience!  One time we were in the jungle and were covered with butterflies all around us!  We tried to take a photo to share with you but all that came out were blurred dots of colors in the air… still a beautiful photo though.

San Pancho is evolving nicely into a remarkable cultural center with many great local artists and musicians (and also from around the world) sharing their wonderful talents with all!  We have class-act art and music festivals that will simply amaze you!!

An art gallery named Galeria del Nayar is located on the corner of the main street of San Pancho and Calle Cuba – one block from the beach.  Galeria del Nayar is the brainchild of Ariel Sainz.

Ariel Sainz studied painting and acting at the National Center of the Arts in Mexico City where he was born.  Ariel has now lived in San Pancho for the last six years.  Ariel was one of the main organizers of the Annual San Pancho Art Festival which started back in December 2006.  Ariel will be showing hispaintings and more at Galeria del Nayar in San Francisco (San Pancho), Nayarit.  Ariel favorite scenes are the horizon by dawn or dusk.  Ariel loves the way the light and color are at those times of day and feels he can see “beyond that”.  Ariel adds, “I've always been confronted by the world and the human condition - from a line in the sky to the political hurricanes.  I have performed with different theater companies around the world and have, through my paintings, been discovering in the white canvas an endless path of knowledge through which to grasp the invisible”.

Galeria del Nayar is a relatively new art project in San Francisco (San Pancho), Nayarit.  Galeria del Nayar shows the art work of Ariel Sainz, an artist who has worked as a performer in different companies and directors around the world.  Ariel Sainz work shows a contemporary vision of landscapes and horizons, oils, acrylics and watercolors.  A series of wooden sculptures called "Totems" using different wood from the region like "Parota", "Amapa" and "Primavera".  Elegant and modern Lamps made out of fabric and paper with translucent stones and crystals that gives a very special atmosphere to the space.

Galeria del Nayar is a space that wants to promote local and international artists, painters, sculptures, photographers and jewelers. at the same time Galeria del Nayar will feature outdoor Music and Performance.

Contact Info:
Email: <GaleriaDelNayar@gmail.com>
Phone:  (311) 258-4462

Las Tres Marias (Clothing Store)
Last year, Las Tres Marias (a beautiful, new clothing store) opened its doors for the first time to the public!  Las Tres Marias is located just a few steps from the beach on the main street of San Pancho - right next to the entre amigos Community Center lead by Nicole Swedlow.

The concept of Las Tres Marias was created by Maria “Elvia” Garcia Palomera.  Elvia says; “I myself have enjoyed the great feeling of wearing free-fitting, comfortable, easy breathing cotton for years now and simply wanted to share it with others.” 

Las Tres Marias has nice, elegant clothing designs for both men and women.  For the man in your life, you will find pants, shirts and shorts - and for you women - you name it… ; dresses, scarf’s, pants, shorts, Bermudas, blouses, purses, wooden jewelry accessories and the world famous San Miguel de Allende Shoes - all in a variety of sizes to fit everyone!

This colorful store was created with the idea in mind to provide the people of San Pancho beautiful, quality clothing from such exotic places as Mexico City and Guadalajara (and also to save our clients an exhausting shopping trip to Puerto Vallarta…). Elvia doesn’t believe much in imitating ANYBODY… - but in this case she could not resist designing Las Tres Marias as a combination of three of her favorite clothing shops in Puerto Vallarta!  If you are a local, a regular visitor - or just happen to be in the neighborhood - don’t miss the opportunity to see this shop!  You will love it!!  Say hello to Elvias´ partner and manager, Maria “Rosa” Garcia.  Rosa is very helpful (and nice).  Rosa runs the store, buys all these wonderful fabrics and takes care of all those details that turn an ordinary shop into something special.  She would love to meet you! Phone: 011 52 (311) 258-4286

A blend of unique characters, both locals and foreigners, lend San Pancho its’ charm.  You will be able to meet (and know) most of them (and everyone else as well) within a week or so if you so choose!   The unique personalities of the people here can GREATLY enrich your life - if you allow the experience!!

Here you can enjoy the most simple taco cuisine to the sophisticated European dining experiences.  There are many great restaurants to enjoy in San Pancho!!

Walk with natives as they perform their simple daily routines such as taking children to school, preparing their boats for fishing, paying a visit to the hospital, or just plain walk, walk and walk…

Are you curious about how you can secure a piece of paradise for yourself and your children - or just for a short or long term investment?  Elvia and I can guide you through the selection, buying - and even the building processes (should you do choose to build) with our superior knowledge and excellent service in the real estate industry here!  This is what we do!  As certified AMPI members we go to school, seminars, pay our fees and dues, and attend regular AMPI meetings to ensure we are kept up to date with current laws and regulations here in Mexico!!

Regarding AMPI… What is happening with the real estate business in Mexico?  AMPI is making it easier, more secure and - more professional.

AMPI is the only internationally recognized real estate association in Mexico and is an affiliate of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in the United States.

AMPI was formed in 1956 and now includes more than 4,000 members throughout Mexico.  More than 100 AMPI members provide professional real estate agent services in the Bay of Banderas region.

AMPI primary goals for its members:

• Full cooperation between AMPI agencies
• Professional standards
• Compliance with code of ethics
• Continuous training

Until next time,

Elvia & Geno
E-mail: genolamphiear@hotmail.com

Feedback about this Article |

* This information is provided by María Elvia Garcia Palomera & Geno Lamphiear, owners of Calandria Realty in San Francisco (San Pancho), Nayarit, Mexico

Previous Articles