Things To Do
in San Blas
San Blas is a charming coastal town located on the Pacific coast of Mexico. It is known for its beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and rich history. Visitors can enjoy surfing, bird watching, and exploring historical landmarks such as the La Contaduria fortress.
The town also offers delicious seafood and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for relaxation.
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
- "Hasta luego" - See you later
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $25
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $4
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $40 - $80
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting the beautiful beaches of San Blas. Enjoy the sun and take a refreshing swim in the ocean.
Have lunch at a local beachside restaurant and indulge in fresh seafood. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the sand or beachcombing.
As the sun sets, take a leisurely beach walk. Enjoy dinner with ocean views at a seaside dining spot.
Begin with a guided tour of the nearby jungle, spotting exotic wildlife and admiring lush flora. Enjoy a hike that invigorates your senses.
Continue your exploration with a visit to the El Borrego beach. Spend some time snorkeling in the warm waters to discover marine life.
Return to town and enjoy a meal featuring local cuisine. Soak in the relaxed ambiance of San Blas at a quaint outdoor café.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters
- Rich cultural heritage and indigenous communities
- Affordable cost of living and travel
- Less commercialized compared to other tourist destinations
- Opportunities for outdoor activities such as snorkeling and hiking
- Limited access to modern amenities and infrastructure
- Potential language barrier for non-Spanish speakers
- Some areas may be prone to tropical storms during certain seasons
- Limited medical facilities in remote areas
- Potential safety concerns in certain regions of Mexico
Best Activities in San Blas
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the vibrant marine life and coral reefs around the islands of San Blas. Snorkeling tours are available that take you to the best spots.
Paddle through the calm waters and mangroves of San Blas. Kayaking allows you to get up close to nature and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Experience sport fishing in the rich waters of San Blas. Charter a boat for deep-sea fishing or try your luck off the coast.
Visit nearby islands such as Islas Marietas and Isla de Mexcaltitan. Each island offers unique landscapes and opportunities for exploration.
San Blas is a hotspot for bird watchers, with a diverse range of species found in the area, particularly in the mangroves and wetlands.
Catch some waves at local surf spots like Las Islitas. San Blas offers both beginners and experienced surfers a place to ride the surf.
Explore the lush tropical landscapes and scenic views by hiking in the surrounding areas, such as Cerro de la Campana.
Enjoy a night under the stars by camping on the beach or nearby nature reserves, providing a unique way to connect with the great outdoors.
Tours
Uncover the best of San Blas with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in San Blas
Visit one of these nice places.
A beautiful island offering stunning views of the ocean and the coastline, perfect for sunset photography.
A lookout point that provides panoramic views of the surrounding area, ideal for capturing the natural beauty of San Blas.
Rich in biodiversity, this park features scenic walks and boat tours that offer fantastic photo opportunities of wildlife and lush landscapes.
Known for its picturesque beach scenery, this location is perfect for capturing idyllic beach sunsets and vibrant ocean colors.
An historic fort that overlooks the bay, providing a unique perspective for photos of architecture and sweeping views of the sea.
Food in San Blas
San Blas Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A refreshing dish featuring raw shrimp marinated in lime juice, chili, and cilantro. A must-try for seafood enthusiasts. Available at Mariscos El Chivato.
Must-Try!
These savory tamales are filled with shrimp and steamed in banana leaves, offering a unique taste of local flavors. Look for them at Mercado Municipal or local street food vendors.
A grilled fish specialty marinated in a savory sauce, typically served with fresh tortillas and salsas. Best enjoyed at Marisquería El Terrible.
Unique Experiences
Get to know San Blas better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market is a treasure trove of local delicacies, including fresh produce, spices, and street food stalls offering a variety of tacos, ceviches, and antojitos.
A vibrant street lined with food vendors offering an array of snacks and meals, from empanadas to grilled corn on the cob. Don't miss the aguas frescas for a refreshing drink.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Before visiting San Blas, familiarize yourself with local customs and traditions. This includes understanding the significance of certain rituals, dress codes, and social etiquette. Showing respect for these customs helps you connect with the community.
When interacting with locals, always use polite language and greetings. A simple 'Buenos días' (Good morning) or 'Gracias' (Thank you) goes a long way in showing respect and appreciation for their culture.
Engage with local artisans, markets, and eateries to support the community's economy. When purchasing goods or services, approach transactions with kindness and gratitude to foster positive relationships.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of San Blas with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in San Blas
Ensure a smooth experience
In San Blas, Mexico, it is customary to tip service workers such as waitstaff, taxi drivers, and hotel staff. A typical tip ranges from 10% to 20% of the total bill, depending on the quality of service received. Tipping is often appreciated in restaurants and bars, as many servers rely on tips as a significant portion of their income.
Payment practices in San Blas vary by establishment. While cash is widely accepted, especially in small local businesses, many restaurants and larger establishments also accept credit and debit cards. It is advisable for visitors to carry some cash, as smaller vendors and markets may not have card facilities. Pesos (MXN) are the local currency, and currency exchange services are available in the area.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into San Blas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
This is the peak tourist season due to pleasant temperatures and low humidity, making it ideal for beach activities. Expect warm days and cooler nights, with a mix of sunny skies and occasional rain.
Spring offers warm weather, and visitors can enjoy blooming flora and bustling local festivals. Expect higher temperatures and minimal rainfall, making it great for outdoor activities.
During summer, the temperatures rise significantly, and humidity levels increase. This season also marks the start of the rainy season, with occasional tropical storms. It’s less crowded, making it a good time for those seeking tranquility.
Fall sees mild temperatures and fewer tourists post-summer season. September can be rainy due to hurricanes, but it transitions to clearer skies and pleasant weather by November, making it a good time to visit without the crowds.
San Blas at Night
Hiking in San Blas
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A challenging hike that rewards you with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It's located a short drive from San Blas and features diverse flora and fauna.
An accessible hike that leads to a hilltop offering panoramic views of San Blas and the coastline. Ideal for families and those looking for a moderate trek.
This national park offers various trails through lush forests and stunning landscapes. Hikers can explore different routes depending on their skill level and enjoy the local wildlife.
A scenic trail that follows the coastline, providing beautiful ocean views and opportunities to spot marine life. Perfect for a leisurely hike and enjoying the sunset.
Further afield, this is the highest mountain in Mexico, offering an adventurous hike for experienced hikers. It provides a unique and breathtaking experience with challenging routes.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into San Blas through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach San Blas by plane.
Located in Puerto Vallarta, approximately 90 miles from San Blas, this international airport serves various domestic and international flights.
Located in Tepic, the capital city of Nayarit, it is about 60 miles from San Blas and offers limited domestic flights.
Situated in San José del Cabo, it is around 220 miles from San Blas and serves numerous international destinations, mainly in North America.
Located in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, approximately 150 miles from San Blas, this airport offers both domestic and international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in San Blas, comprising the mixed-race population of Spanish and Indigenous ancestry.
Includes various indigenous groups such as the Nahua, with a rich cultural heritage and traditions.
A smaller demographic group, whose ancestors were brought to Mexico as part of the transatlantic slave trade.
Includes expatriates and tourists, particularly from the United States and Canada, who contribute to the local economy.
The Soul of San Blas
Discover the essence of San Blas through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
San Blas is known for its excellent surfing conditions, attracting surfers from around the world due to its consistent waves and beautiful beaches.
Sport fishing is very popular in San Blas, with the region being known for its rich marine biodiversity, making it an ideal location for both amateur and professional anglers.
Soccer is a widely played sport in San Blas, with local teams and leagues forming an important part of the community's culture and sporting events.
Beach volleyball is enjoyed by both locals and tourists on San Blas's beaches, providing a fun way to stay active while enjoying the sun.
The surrounding natural areas offer numerous hiking opportunities, attracting outdoor enthusiasts to explore the diverse landscapes.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting San Blas.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Mexican cuisine heavily features meat and seafood, many eateries in San Blas offer vegetarian and vegan options, such as grilled nopales (cactus), enfrijoladas (tortillas in bean sauce), and fruit-based aguas frescas.
Though gluten is prevalent in many Mexican dishes, some restaurants are accommodating to gluten-free diets. Opt for corn-based dishes like tamales and tacos, and communicate your dietary needs to the staff for a tailored dining experience.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of San Blas with these cultural adventures.