Living in San Pancho, Mexico and Finding Our Dream Life
- International Property Alerts
- October 23, 2025
In the tucked-away coastal town of San Pancho, Mexico, there’s an unwritten rule: keep this paradise a secret. Its golden beaches, vibrant community, and soulful energy are treasures meant to be guarded. But Dan Camacho and Talula Casillas can’t help but share the magic of this hidden gem. For many expats and investors, San Pancho has also become a desirable spot for those exploring international property opportunities.
“There’s a unique spirit in San Pancho,” Dan says, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. “It’s a rare energy that wraps you up and makes you feel at home. This is the community we’ve been searching for our whole lives.”
A Journey to San Pancho
Dan’s story begins in 2008 when he left the frenetic pace of New York City for a month-long escape to a friend’s condo in Puerto Vallarta. At the time, Puerto Vallarta was a quaint fishing village, far from the bustling tourist hub it would later become. Captivated by its charm, Dan stayed, immersing himself in various colonias (neighborhoods) and eventually becoming a permanent resident of Mexico.
For nine years, he called Puerto Vallarta home, but as the town grew into a cosmopolitan hotspot, Dan yearned for the quieter, more authentic vibe he first fell in love with. “I started moving north,” he explains. “First to Bucerías, then to La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. But it wasn’t until two months ago that Talula and I found our true home in San Pancho, about an hour north of Puerto Vallarta.”
San Pancho, formally known as San Francisco, is a small coastal village in Nayarit, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and lush, jungle-covered hills. Its centerpiece is a sprawling golden-sand beach lined with rustic restaurants, beach clubs, and vibrant palapas. “You can plop your chair right in the sand, sip a cold drink from a beach shack, and feast on oysters pulled straight from the sea,” Dan says with a grin.
The town is small, lacking big-box stores or chain supermarkets, but it thrives with local markets and delivery trucks that supply fresh produce, fish, meat, and homemade goods. “San Pancho is a one-horse town in the very best way,” Dan adds. “It’s intimate, but never dull. It’s got soul.” Many are also drawn here because the cost of living in Mexico makes enjoying this lifestyle more accessible than in many other parts of the world.
Rediscovering Community
For Dan, San Pancho recaptures the sense of community he felt when he first arrived in Puerto Vallarta. “Back then, PV had this tight-knit, welcoming vibe,” he recalls. “San Pancho has that same magic, but it’s even deeper. There’s a spiritual pulse here, everyone seems to be exploring something meaningful, whether it’s art, healing, or connection.”
Talula, Dan’s partner, felt an immediate connection to San Pancho’s energy. Born in Tepic, a city two hours inland, Talula has always had a profound bond with Mexico’s land, people, and spiritual traditions. “She’s a natural-born healer,” Dan says proudly. “The real deal. She has this gift for guiding people to connect with themselves and the world around them.”
Picabu: A Mezcal Haven
Dan and Talula’s move to San Pancho wasn’t just a lifestyle choice, it was sparked by a business venture. In the heart of town, they found a small corner spot perfect for their passion project: Picabu, a mezcal bar and tasting room named after the childlike wonder they both embrace.
“When we saw the space, we knew it was meant for us,” Dan says. The landlords, part of one of San Pancho’s founding families, welcomed them warmly. “We connected with the abuela who lives behind the bar and her grandson, a renowned local chef. They’ve told us how much they love what we’ve done with the space.”
Initially, the couple planned to commute from La Cruz, 25 minutes away, to run Picabu. But as they built the bar, they were drawn into San Pancho’s orbit. Neighbors stopped by, curious about the project, and Dan and Talula eagerly shared their vision. “Our slogan, ‘Sharing the Spirits,’ says it all,” Dan explains. “It’s about the joy of mezcal and the transformative power of the agave plant.” For many expats, settling here also sparks interest in buying property in Mexico, as living closer to their ventures and the community becomes part of the dream.
The Sacred Spirit of Mezcal
Mezcal, an agave-based spirit, holds a sacred place in Mexican culture. For centuries, indigenous communities, including the Aztecs, used agave (pulque in its fermented form) in religious rituals and healing practices. Curanderos, traditional healers, revered the plant for its cleansing and restorative properties.
At Picabu, Talula incorporates mezcal into her work as a healer. “Mezcal has a way of uniting people with their deeper selves,” she says. “It’s not just a drink, it’s a bridge to connection, reflection, and even transformation.” The bar’s intimate setting, adorned with local art and warm lighting, invites guests to slow down, savor the spirit, and share stories.
A Serendipitous Home
As Dan and Talula poured their hearts into Picabu, they realized San Pancho was more than a workplace, it was where they belonged. One day, while driving to the bar, the realization hit them: “Why are we commuting? We love this town. We should live here.”
That same day, fate intervened. As they left Picabu, they spotted a “For Rent” sign on a charming yellow house they now call the Yellow Submarine. At $1,240 a month, it was a steal in a town where rentals are scarce. “We stopped, called the number, and closed the deal the next day,” Dan says. “It felt like the universe was telling us this was our place.”
A Simpler, Richer Life
Now settled in San Pancho, Dan’s days have a rhythm that feels both timeless and fulfilling. “I feel like a shopkeeper in a 19th-century village,” he laughs. “I open Picabu, chat with neighbors, and share mezcal with visitors. It’s a simple life, but it’s so rich.”
For Talula, San Pancho is a sanctuary where she can fully embrace her gifts as a healer. “There’s an energy here that inspires you to grow, to be better,” she says. “It’s a sacred place, and we’ve never felt more connected to a community.”
San Pancho may be a secret to some, but for Dan and Talula, it’s a dream come true, a place where mezcal, community, and spiritual connection intertwine to create the perfect life. If you’re curious about making San Pancho part of your own journey, feel free to contact us to learn more.
FAQ
1. What is San Pancho, Mexico, known for?
San Pancho, or San Francisco, is a small coastal village in Nayarit known for its pristine golden-sand beach, vibrant community, and spiritual energy. It’s a haven for artists, healers, and those seeking a quieter, more authentic Mexican experience.
2. What is Picabu, and what makes it special?
Picabu is a mezcal bar and tasting room in San Pancho, founded by Dan Camacho and Talula Casillas. It’s a space dedicated to sharing the cultural and spiritual significance of mezcal, with a focus on community and connection.
3. Why did Dan and Talula move to San Pancho?
Initially, they came to open Picabu, but they fell in love with the town’s energy and sense of community. A serendipitous rental opportunity sealed their decision to make San Pancho their home.
4. What is mezcal, and why is it significant?
Mezcal is a traditional Mexican spirit made from agave. It has deep cultural roots, used for centuries in indigenous rituals and healing practices for its cleansing and transformative properties.
5. Is San Pancho a good place to live or visit?
San Pancho offers a small-town vibe with access to beautiful beaches, local markets, and a tight-knit community. It’s ideal for those seeking a peaceful, soulful escape, though rentals can be hard to find.
6. How can I visit Picabu?
Picabu is located in the heart of San Pancho. Check local listings or social media for hours and events, as the bar often hosts mezcal tastings and community gatherings.
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