With its flat geography and compact size, San Pancho is an ideal place to slow down—exploring the town on foot, taking yoga classes, and weaving them in between ceviche, tacos, and sunsets.
Tropical beach towns and yoga go hand in hand. It’s an opportunity to get away from the chaos of the city, unplug from my everyday routine, and turn my attention inward. The sunshine helps me get out of bed earlier. Yoga and tropical beach towns go hand in hand for me—and San Pancho, also known as San Francisco, is no exception. This small, sleepy town sits about an hour north of Puerto Vallarta and offers a condensed, far mellower version of nearby Sayulita.
What Is It Like to Practice Yoga in Mexico
In touristed towns like San Pancho or Sayulita, adding yoga classes to your visit is easy. With drop-in rates and flexible class packages, commitment is low and prices are noticeably lower than in the U.S. Most importantly, class fees include mats and props, so there’s no need to travel with your own mat.
Instructors teach classes in English and always offer modifications to suit your needs or how your body is feeling that day. While it’s wise to choose a class based on skill level when indicated, instructors are skilled at offering adjustments and meeting students where they are, regardless of experience.
Yoga Studio in San Pancho
While San Pancho is a popular destination for yoga retreats, only a handful of studios offer regular drop-in classes, all within easy walking distance and set in tranquil spaces.
- Address: Calle América Latina 32, 63729 San Francisco, Nay., Mexico
- Phone: +52 322 104 4161
- Website: elestar.org
- Instagram: @elestaryogasan
What Services Are Offered?
El Estar is a locally owned wellness studio offering a wide range of services. In addition to yoga styles like Hatha, Kundalini, Yin, Vinyasa, and Slow Vinyasa, they also host meditation, Aikido, Feldenkrais, Ecstatic Dance, sound baths, and breathwork. An extensive bodywork menu includes several massage styles, cupping, reiki, and a sweat lodge experience.
The space itself is unpretentious, inviting, and deeply tropical, with thatched-roof structures and lush plants growing from every corner of the property. There’s a comfortable sitting area to relax before or after class, as well as a small merchandise section featuring locally made beauty products and flowy clothing—perfect for a beach stay.
Location
El Estar is located on América Latina, right next door to Pal.Mar Tropical Hotel. Centrally situated, it’s easily accessible from anywhere in town, and a five-minute walk will land you on the beach.
Hot Tip: For a strong and delicious Americano before or after class, stop by Prieta—just around the corner on Egipto.
Where Are Classes Held?
Classes take place in a large, high-ceilinged, screened palapa.It was still dark when class began, so I practiced to the sound of roosters calling as the sun rose, emerging afterward to see the property fully illuminated by daylight.
A dedicated altar sits at the front of the palapa—the sacred space we faced during practice. I love seeing altars in yoga studios; they serve as a gentle reminder that yoga is about far more than physical exercise. Despite the early hour, the humidity was palpable, and powerful overhead fans kept the space comfortable. Mats, blocks, bolsters, and blankets were neatly organized at the back of the room.
How Much Do Classes Cost?
The drop-in rate at El Estar is 200 MXN pesos (just under $12 USD). Class packages are also available: five classes for 900 MXN or ten classes for 1,500 MXN. Payment is cash only, and all mats and props are included. They offer several meditation sessions each week on a donation basis.
The Practice
While each instructor brings their own style, the Vinyasa class I took with Yvonne was challenging yet accessible. Grounded in breathwork, the slow and intentional pace was a welcome challenge. She offered hands-on assistance for those who wanted it and suggested individualized modifications, meeting each student at their ability. Her cues were clear and encouraging, nudging us toward our edge without ever feeling pushy or judgmental.
Do I Need to Book Ahead?
El Estar does not support online booking for yoga classes, but reserving a spot isn’t necessary. The palapa comfortably accommodates about 20 students, so unless you’re arriving with a group, dropping in without notice is perfectly fine.
- Address: Egipto 11, 63729 San Francisco, Nay., Mexico
- Phone: +52 55 2087 7457Website: alineasanpancho.com
- Website: alineasanpancho.com
- Instagram: @alinea.sanpancho
What Services Are Offered?
Alinea is a full-service wellness center offering yoga classes in a wide range of styles, along with massage, energy work, physiotherapy, ice baths, and special events. Yoga offerings include Hatha, Vinyasa, Slow Vinyasa, Power Vinyasa, Yin, Restorative, and Pilates. Specialty classes—such as breathwork, Kirtan, meditation, and ice-bath experiences—are also available, sometimes at different drop-in rates.
Upon entering the property, you’ll find a café and coworking space to the left, with the class spaces located toward the back.
Location
Alinea is located on Egipto, just around the corner from El Estar. Its central location makes fitting in a class or wellness service during your stay incredibly easy.Hot Tip: Cross the street to Prieta for my favorite Americano of the entire trip. I know I won’t shut up about this place—but I truly wish I’d gone there on day one.
Where Are Classes Held?
Classes meet in a long, screened-in structure at the rear of the property.
Overhead fans keep the space breezy, and mats, blocks, and blankets are available near the sliding-door entry.
How Much Do Classes Cost?
Drop-in classes at Alinea cost 250 MXN pesos. Class packages are also available: five classes for 1,100 MXN or ten classes for 2,000 MXN. Mats and props are included.
The Practice
Teaching styles vary by instructor, but the Vinyasa class I took with Vicky was intuitive and thoughtfully paced. After gauging the experience level of the group, she gently increased the intensity. She taught in both English and Spanish, cueing clearly and offering encouragement throughout.
After grounding the class with breathwork and gentle stretching, we moved into more challenging postures. The practice put my balance to the test. Vicky was kind, humorous, and skilled at recognizing each student’s physical limits—encouraging us to explore just a bit deeper without pushing too far.
Do I Need to Book Ahead?
Booking yoga classes ahead of time isn’t necessary. The space comfortably holds about 15 students, and I was one of just three attendees in a Sunday morning class during peak travel season. For other services like massages, ice baths, or special events, booking ahead is recommended.
- Address: America Latina 777, 63729 San Francisco, Nay., Mexico
- Phone: +52 322 158 3579
- Website: palmartropical.com
- Instagram: @pal.mar_sanpancho
Pal.Mar Tropical Hotel is not a yoga studio, but they host a weekly yoga class on their rooftop palapa every Friday at 10 a.m. This beautiful perch overlooks América Latina and has mats and blocks available for use.
For hotel guests, the palapa is always open and also features hammocks and a small lending library. The weekly yoga class costs 200 MXN pesos and is open to the public.
Yoga Retreats in San Pancho
If you’re seeking a more immersive yoga experience, a retreat may be a better option. With lodging, meals, and classes handled for you on a structured schedule, retreats are ideal for those who prefer a more hands-off approach to planning.
Upcoming Retreats (2026)
- Tailwind Jungle Lodge – Surf & Yoga Retreat (April 7- 12, 2026)
- Revitalize – Wellness Weekend (April 23-26, 2026)
Where to Stay in San Pancho
San Pancho is small, so no matter where you stay, you’ll be close to the yoga studios mentioned above. That said, a few accommodations are especially convenient if you want your commute to class to be extra easy.
To be transparent, I only stayed at Pal.Mar during this visit, but I’m including additional nearby hotels I’d love to try in the future—based on research, walking the grounds, and plenty of daydreaming during daily strolls.
Pal.Mar Tropical Hotel
Pal.Mar Tropical Hotel ($–$$; doubles start around $100/night) offers, in my opinion, the ultimate access to yoga. In addition to rooftop yoga on Friday mornings and mats and blocks available at all times for guests, it’s literally next door to El Estar, with Alinea just a two-minute walk away.
I stayed here with my husband for five nights and was completely smitten. Opened in the last few years, the hotel offers modern comforts like air conditioning and high-speed Wi-Fi, alongside a thoughtful commitment to sustainability—including in-room filtered water taps and composting and recycling in the kitchenette. This stunning boutique hotel has just 15 uniquely designed rooms, each with handmade Mexican décor and a private balcony or patio.
(For more details, see my full review of Pal.Mar Tropical Hotel.)
Where I’d Like to Stay Next
- Hotel Cielo Rojo ($–$$; from $85/night): Gorgeous open-air boutique hotel with nine rooms and an on-site organic bistro. Pet-friendly.
- Agua de Luna ($$–$$$; from $150/night): Adults-only boutique hotel with 15 unique rooms, a rooftop oasis, and attached café Amar y Ya.
- Marii Hotel Boutique ($$–$$$; from $150/night): Beautiful eight-room sustainable hotel with private patios and an on-site restaurant, Café Floresta.
Final Thoughts on Practicing Yoga in San Pancho
El Estar and Alinea are both excellent options for continuing your yoga practice while visiting San Pancho. Rooted in whole-person wellness, these classes were a welcome reminder to think about movement far beyond the basics of “exercise.”
If you’re looking for hustle-culture, corporate “workout” yoga, these studios may not be for you. But if you’re hoping to move mindfully, challenge your strength and balance, and connect more deeply with yourself—while still working up a sweat—San Pancho offers some truly special options.
More Yoga Close to San Pancho
Sayulita is just a five-minute drive south of San Pancho and offers even more yoga studios and retreat centers. Like San Pancho, it’s a popular retreat destination but also home to several studios offering drop-in classes. It’s a quick 5 minute drive south by car or taxi, and buses are always an option too
- Rose Room Yoga (inside Don Bonito Hotel)
- Yoga at Hotelito Los Sueños
- Alchemize House
For a deeper dive, check out my full review of yoga in Sayulita, where I outline how I created my own personal yoga retreat—at a fraction of the cost—while keeping full control over my schedule, meals, and accommodations (and without sharing a room with a stranger).
