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When John Huston directed Liz
Taylor and Richard Burton in Night of the Iguana, they couldn't resist
the charm of Puerto Vallarta at that time. They built primitive and romantic
getaway homes and enjoyed the company of the Mexican people. This is how I feel
about San Pancho, which, I believe is more charming and romantic than Puerto
Vallarta was even then.
Approximately 1100 people call
San Pancho home and of these, 200 are foreign nationals who are probably there
to stay. The population is somewhat diverse with citizens of France, Germany
and Belgium living with the Americans and Mexicans.
The city was originally
conceived to be a university town; The University of the Third World. Mexico's
el presidente' at the time, Echeveria, envisioned San Pancho as a socialist utopia, where
running water, sewers and cobblestone streets were manifest. The nearby mansion
at the beach served as his "Camp David" to host visiting dignitaries such as
Breshnev, Castro and even Americans such as Kissinger. He also built schools and
a hospital in town.
If you
know of San Pancho you may have visited Costa Azul, an adventure resort
that has been here for many years and has traded in the fame of the sea
turtles that return to nearby beaches to lay their eggs.
While life
here has a
rustic feel there are civilized amenities as well as adventures. If you
prefer salt water aerobics, yoga, massage, manicure/pedicure, live music
and many other activities, you will find it here. San Pancho is a beguiling mix
of old, new and everything between. Vegetable vendors, sidewalk
taquerias and horses share the street and walks with wonderful
restaurants. You will not
find high density development of any kind.
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