• HOME
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
  • WORK WITH ME
  • COURSE
  • Nav Social Icons

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
  • WORK WITH ME
  • COURSE
  • Mobile Menu Widgets

    Connect

    Search

Bucketlist Bri

Bucketlist Bri

Adventurous Slomad Travel

  • Start Here
  • Destinations
  • Bucket List
  • Digital Nomad
  • Slow Travel
  • Van Life

10+ Treasures of the Mercado Artesanal in San Pancho

Last Updated: November 3, 2021 · Mexico, Riviera Nayarit

Share
Pin
Tweet
Share
Share
22 Shares

One of the many reasons why we love living in San Pancho is because of the local artisanal market every Tuesday on the Plaza del Sol (10 am-2 pm). What’s so special about the farmer’s market in San Pancho?

For one, the vibe is refreshing, authentic, and welcoming. For two, San Pancho has a homegrown, down-to-earth community whose talents are on full display at the mercado so it’s a must-do activity when in San Pancho. And three, you might come as a stranger, but you’ll likely leave as a friend. 🙂

As you might guess, the Mercado Artesanal San Pancho is more than just a place where you pick up a few goodies.

I could easily spend my morning or afternoon there admiring the hand-crafted jewelry and hand-picked gemstones, snacking on Colombian arepas and red or blue-corn quesadillas, or listening to the vibrant live music from a nearby shady bench.

Here are just 10 amazing examples of the treasures you’ll find at the Mercado San Pancho!

san pancho outdoor market with musicians

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you decide to click through and make a valid purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thanks so much for your support!

10. Mexican Souvenirs & Handicrafts

As you approach the market, you’ll immediately notice a handful of stalls with umbrellas selling typical, colorful Mexican handicrafts. From blankets, rugs, and throws, to dangly pom-poms and ceramics, you can pick up a variety of touristy souvenirs from Mexico at a decent price.

You just might get a great deal if you go early or late and if you can haggle a little, but don’t worry about your Spanish skills. Most vendors speak English perfectly well.

9. Groovy Live Music

At the heart of the market is the live band, who plays all sorts of regional music. The music brings the market alive in a vibrant, happy way. You can’t help but smile. Take a moment to watch from the sidelines or jump in and get to dancing!

8. Handmade Jewelry with Love

The Mercado San Pancho is chock-full of vendors selling their own unique, handcrafted jewelry. No two tables are the same, with each varying in both style and craft. Some have more minimal touches, while others are covered in jewelry designs of all shapes and colors.

If you get the chance, stay and chat with the vendors to learn about their story. All of them have something to teach and it’s super interesting to learn about their own techniques and knowledge of gemstones and jewelry-making.

7. Healthy Bites

My first stop at the farmer’s market in San Pancho is always at Gaia’s – a food stall selling healthy, homemade vegetarian and non-veggie dishes.

They whip up the food fresh in their small hole-in-the-wall restaurant in downtown San Pancho before bringing it to the market. You can pick and choose what you’d like on your plate, but if you choose the full meal with everything, it’ll cost you a mere 110 pesos (or ~$6). It’s delicious, filling, and so yummy!

I find that Gaia’s sells the most healthy, wholesome lunch at the market, but there are dozens of other food stalls which I’ll talk about just below.

6. Guilty Pleasures

Empanadas, fresh-made quesadillas, Colombian cheese-stuffed arepas, pizzas, sausages, you name it! These I call “guilty pleasures” because they tend to be more ooey-gooey than a plate of healthy roots and veggies!

Arepas

Paul and I always make a beeline for the Colombian arepa stand. Ever since I lived in Bogotá, I cannot help but chase after any arepa I can get my hands on. The vendor is from Bogotá herself, so it’s always nice saying hi. Plus, one arepa costs only 40 pesos!

Quesadillas

In addition to an arepa, we always get one quesadilla each. The stall is right next to the arepa stand. You cannot miss it because there’s a sweet lady hand-packing the quesadilla mix and pressing it into tortillas. You can choose from red, green, or blue tortillas. Red is made from red corn, blue from blue corn, and the green is yellow corn with cilantro.

Then, for your filling, you choose from chicken, pork, or veggies (mushrooms). Each is served with a hearty helping of cheese! They have spicy and mild sauces at your convenience but heed my warning and go easy on the chile sauce! Last time I put too much and thought I was going to faint! The price for a quesadilla is also affordable, at 40 pesos.

Empanadas

Tasty and lightly fried! The handmade empanadas at the San Pancho market are a must-try. They are easy mouth-poppers, great for a lunchtime appetizer or snack! Don’t forget to add the yummy homemade sauce inside.

Pizza & Sandwiches

The “pizza place” in the back corner of the market is where you’ll find delicious, homemade pizzas! I have only ever had the zucchini pizza, but it was creamy and delicious (and cheap at only 50 pesos!) Paul opted for the sauerkraut and spicy chorizo sausage sandwich for 100 pesos. Both were scrumptious and we filled up fast!

Sweet Treats

If you want something sweet, head to the Mexicolate table where you can stock up on organic cacao nibs, raw honey, and learn more about their unique story.

You also shouldn’t miss the chance to try Patagonia’s Argentinian dulces. Sweet banana bread, tartelettes, and cakes make this table very appealing to the hungry, sweet-toothed traveler.

5. Fresh Juice, Bread, & Queso!

The fresh juice, bread, and cheese stands I felt deserved their own title. The tangerine juice is made of dreams and costs just $30-60 pesos for a small or large bottle.

The bread is from a local bakery (Casa Gourmet) which is located in both San Pancho and Sayulita. The mercado San Pancho is the perfect place to stock up on your bread needs for the week. Especially since San Pancho doesn’t have a supermarket where you can get tasty bread like that.

As for the cheeses, they are freshly made with pure cow’s milk and are 100% artesanales and organicos. Choose from Oaxaca cheese, goat cheese, cheddar, queso fresco, and more!

4. Homemade Medicinal Soaps, Incense, & More…

The homemade soaps stall might be the answer to our prayers since it’s quite the challenge to find natural beauty products in town. We do our best to buy eco-friendly, sustainable products when available.

The medicinal soaps are simply made with only glycerin and coconut oil. Choose from oatmeal and honey to clay, to lavender, you name it.

Joaquin, the owner of the stall, also sells natural deodorants, incense, peyote cream, 100% pure bee honey, and loads more. I’ll have one of everything, please. 🙂

3. Locals’ Art, Paintings, & Sculptures

Touring the San Pancho farmer’s market is more than just food and jewelry. You might be surprised to find local artist’s paintings, sculptures, glasswork, and more! There is really a beautiful array of displays at the market.

I go almost every week and I still need to take my time to get a good look at everything!

2. Eco-friendly Menstrual Products

My friend Martha manages a stall at the mercado that I’m happy to share about here. All the items on display are eco-friendly products for women’s reproductive and menstrual health.

Available for purchase are reusable menstrual cups, pads, and tampons, in addition to natural oils (such as marigold flower oil) to promote natural, healthy ways for women to proudly experience womanhood!

1. Organic Produce from a Local Farm

One of the last gems of the San Pancho market is the ability to purchase your organic produce from a local, sustainable farm: The Ranchito Del Mar. Get fresh, organic, seasonal vegetables here for a great price.

The mercado San Pancho encompasses so much of why we love this town. Local, crafty, artsy, handmade, community, lively, organic, eco-friendly, down-to-earth… Need I say more? 😉

Remember to bring your reusable bag for shopping at the farmer’s market in San Pancho to help reduce plastic waste!

Also Read:

40 Awesome Things to Do in San Pancho, Mexico
20+ Best Restaurants in San Pancho, Nayarit

  • Share on Twitter Share on Twitter
  • Share on Facebook Share on Facebook
  • Share on Pinterest Share on Pinterest
  • Share via Email Share via Email

By: Bri · In: Mexico, Riviera Nayarit

you’ll also love

tulum street artTulum Street Art: Exploring the Pueblo’s Muralism Culture
drone view of Papaya Playa Project hotel in Tulum Mexico9 Best Eco Boutique Hotels in Tulum
Crossing the Mexico-US border by Van: Complete Guide // BUCKETLIST BRIDriving From Puerto Vallarta, Mexico to US Border

Join the List

Stay up to date with the latest adventures and travel guides.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Krista Lucas says

    February 6, 2019 at 10:17 pm

    I cant wait to come and see this market. I will be arriving the 3rd week of April ’19; is it still on at this time of year? I know the Forever Spring Market in Bucerias will be closed by this date. I enjoyed reading your “10 Treasures” article of the San Pancho Market.

    Reply
    • Bri says

      February 7, 2019 at 10:27 pm

      Hey Krista, awesome!! It MIGHT be still here! I think you will get in the last 2 weeks of it. We arrived last April 22nd ’18, and there were only 1-2 Tuesdays left and then it closed for low season. I hope you’ll get there right in time to stock up on a few local goods. 🙂

      And thanks so much for commenting, I really appreciate it! See you around San Pancho!

      Reply
      • Krista Lucas says

        February 14, 2019 at 3:56 am

        Thanks for your reply Bri! I’m sooo excited to be squeezing this Market into my travels before the season comes to an end. Maybe I’ll see you at the market or main street or the beach, who knows.

        Reply
        • Bri says

          February 14, 2019 at 7:02 pm

          When I go to the market next, I’ll ask and see if anyone knows the exact end date and I’ll keep you posted. Most definitely! If you recognize me, feel free to stop me and say hi! xoxo

          Reply
          • Krista Lucas says

            February 17, 2019 at 1:43 am

            You are such an Angel. Thank-you!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Post >

What to Do in Tepic, Nayarit in a Weekend

Primary Sidebar

hello!

I’m Bri, an adventurous digital nomad living abroad full-time since 2015. It is my hope to inspire you to live a life of adventure, seek out meaningful experiences, and travel slowly and mindfully!

About Me

Connect

join the list

Featured Posts

Story Guide to Kolkata, India | Bits of Bri

3 Days in Kolkata, India — The City of Joy

mountain range with girl in field canada | bucketlist bri

The Ultimate Road Trip Across Canada: From Newfoundland to British Columbia

Hiking the Narrows in Zion National Park

A Beginner’s Guide to Hiking the Narrows in Zion

QUICK LINKS

  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
  • WORK WITH ME
  • COURSE

Search

Follow Our Adventures

@bucketlistbri

National Park Week has got me feelin’ a serious National Park Week has got me feelin’ a serious case of nostalgia for our 2-week Southwest USA road trip! 🏜

The NP’s we visited on this trip:

📍Arches National Park
📍Canyonlands National Park
📍Zion National Park
📍Bryce Canyon National Park
📍Grand Canyon National Park (North & South Rims)
📍Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

+ Valley of Fire State Park, Red Rock State Park, & Monument Valley Navajo Park!

Head to my blog bucketlistbri.com for the full 2-week itinerary plus detailed guides & itineraries to each NP!*

*except for BCotG

.
.
.

#nationalparkweek #utahrocks #zion #bryce #southwestusa #roadtripusa #desertvibes #archesnationalpark #moab #canyonlands #roadtripamerica #grandcanyonnationalpark
"From Santa Catarina Palopó" 💜 I saw her gigg "From Santa Catarina Palopó" 💜

I saw her giggling and chatting with a friend from across the street and, despite my shyness, waltzed over to ask if I could take her photo. 

She was simply radiating sitting there; an amateur portrait photographer's dream. Except I don't even own a portrait lens and this was only the second time ever in my life that I whisked up the courage to ask for something that feels so... intimate. 

But without hesitation, she gazed into my lens and pierced my heart. It was like being drawn to a joyous light that I just couldn't resist. So I dared to ask. 

As soon as she said yes, I hurriedly clicked a few shots; rushing so as to not waste her time. After showing her portraits to her, she gave me a big nod and said softly, "de Santa Catarina Palopó" with immense pride.

I think her sweet smile & kind eyes speak for themselves... ✨ 

You can read more about the indigenous Kaqchikel Maya and the colorfully painted town of Santa Catarina Palopó, Guatemala on my blog @bucketlistbri 💜
10 years together 💛😱 It’s not our annive 10 years together 💛😱 

It’s not our anniversary (it was technically last month, depending on who you ask) and we're not even celebrating Valentine's Day today, but...

I just wanted to remind the internet that I have a pretty badass partner (& not to mention the best cat dad) who puts up with both my silly madness and my need to live around the world in pursuit of adventure. 

If I have any advice for love and long-term relationships, it's this:

Keep choosing each other;
again, and again, and again,
over everything else, no matter what you go through. 

❤️❤️❤️

Can you guess which one of us first "friend-requested" the other all those years ago? 😉

#internationalcouple #ourlove #travelcouplegoals #10yearstogether #digitalnomadcouple #adventuretogether
On every adventure, I’ve thought of you. I am On every adventure, I’ve thought of you. 

I am the granddaughter of a guiding light, a woman so lovely and gentle and spiritual and strong that she attracted to her all walks of life. 

I was the butterfly enamored by her glow. The ship lost at sea that found safety at her shores. 

On every adventure, I’ll think of you. On every adventure, you’ll be with me. 

🦋 ✨
Add this hike to your Caribbean bucket list! ☀️ 

Guadeloupe is rich in breathtaking, diverse landscapes — La Pointe des Châteaux is no exception! Magnificent rocky pillars jut out of the ocean & create a magnificent view that’s best experienced at sunrise from atop Morne Pavillon, the hill marked by the large cross on its summit.

TIPS FOR VISITING:

🚗 Like everywhere in Gwada, you'll need a rental! Parking is free.
☀️ Sunrise and sunset are around 6am and 6pm
🥾 The hike itself only takes 15-20 minutes and is easy!
🦀 Watch for wildlife and other critters (this is a protected heritage site!)
🌊 Plenty of beaches are nearby, including a nude beach and a private beach with cool wave splashing action called "La Douche" (meaning shower 🚿) 

Read more about this epic spot + other must-see places in Guadeloupe on the blog @bucketlistbri 🌴

.
.
.
#guadeloupeislands #caribbeanisland #pointedeschateaux #wanderlusttravel #caribbeanlife #caribbeanvibes #gwada #hikingtheworld #islandphotography #travelaesthetic
I'M READY FOR YA, 2022 ✌️ HERE'S WHY: ✍️ I'M READY FOR YA, 2022 ✌️ HERE'S WHY:

✍️ 2022 is going to be the year I become a published author. 

💛  It's the year I celebrate 10 years of love & adventure with my best friend. 

💻  It's the year I register my LLC and level up my business. 

🌎  It's the year I hit my bucket list of "slow living in 10 countries" as a nomad and the year I travel and discover even more destinations. 

And some folks will think (do think), "overnight success." But the reality is (as my sweet friend @redwhiteadventures reminded me), it's been about putting one foot in front of the other -- just like on a hike up a mountain (or in this case, to the cliffsides overlooking the Caribbean and Atlantic!). 

2022 is going to be the view from the top!! (Sure, I may get there, and see another summit I want to climb. But I'm so ready for the challenge(s), the journey, & the adventure!) ⛰ 

What are you excited about in 2022?! 

📍Hell's Gate / Porte d'Enfer, Guadeloupe (click the link in my bio to read about this hike!)
Follow My Adventures

Footer

On the Blog

  • Start Here
  • Destinations
  • Bucket List
  • Digital Nomad
  • Slow Travel
  • Van Life

Info

  • Work With Me
  • My Course
  • Shop
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

adventures await x

Copyright © 2022 · Bucketlist Bri | All Rights Reserved