Major city · Mexico
San Blas
Go for 2 nights if you want mangroves, empty surf beaches and a slow plaza town; skip if you need resort comfort or hate sandflies.
San Blas is a Pacific port town of about 10,000 people in Nayarit, 64 km west of Tepic and roughly 160 km north of Puerto Vallarta. It is a Pueblo Mágico with a colonial fort, a working pier, mangrove boat tours and surf breaks along Matanchén Bay. It never became a resort: the beach has biting no-see-ums, so tourism stayed small-scale. Two nights covers the fort, La Tovara and one beach day.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- MXN
- Best months
- Nov–Apr (dry season, cooler nights)
- avoid Jul–Oct (rain, humidity, mosquitoes)
- Airports
- TPQ · PVR
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Mexico ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Mexico's National Migration Institute (INM) or your nearest Mexican consulate; keep proof of your entry (stamp or digital record) until you leave.
- Mexico ↗Security advice differs by state: some governments advise against travel to parts of several states. Check your own government's advice for each region on your route.
- Mexico ↗Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water and ice from reliable places.
- Mexico ↗Foreign visitors to Quintana Roo (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, Holbox) pay the state VISITAX online at visitax.gob.mx only; lookalike sites add fees.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for San Blas911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about San Blas, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Mexican peso (MXN, $).Mexico-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelcel has the widest coverage; AT&T and Movistar are cheaper in cities.Mexico-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; garrafón (20-litre jugs) and filtered water in hotels.Mexico-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurants: 10–15%; check the bill for an included 'servicio'.Mexico-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 127 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Mexico-wide
- SafetySan Blas is a small, low-crime town and the centre is fine on foot after dark.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPut paper in the bin, not the toilet, in most places; public toilets charge MXN 5–10 (≈ under US$1).Mexico-wide
- Emergency numbers911 All emergencies · 078 Tourist assistance (Angel Verde / 078)
- Sundays & holidaysMost museums and many archaeological sites close on Mondays; banks close on public holidays.Mexico-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckTPQ Tepic International Airport (Closest airport, about 1 h by road; limited flights — check schedules).
- Getting aroundThe centre is walkable: plaza, pier, fort and beach are all within about 20 minutes on foot.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeM$30–60
- Beerbottle at a palapa / six-pack at a shopM$40–70M$100–150
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi in townM$50–100 (check)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekM$200–400
- Budget bedHostel or cabina bed, a night, per personMX$250 (≈ US$14)
- Mid-range bedHotel double room, a night, per roomMX$1,200 (≈ US$65)
- High-end bedHotel double room, a night, per roomMX$2,500 (≈ US$140)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget MX$700 (≈ US$40) · Mid MX$1,400 (≈ US$80) · High MX$2,600 (≈ US$150)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- TPQ Tepic International Airport (Closest airport, about 1 h by road; limited flights — check schedules) · PVR Puerto Vallarta International Airport (More flights; about 2.5–3 h by road via Tepic or the coast)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Feb
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Mar
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Apr
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
May
not flagged
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Jun
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jul
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Aug
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Sep
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Oct
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Nov
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Dec
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Best: Nov–Apr. Avoid: Jul–Oct. Month by month →
Warmest Jun (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jan (15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C) low), wettest Aug (16 rain days), driest Mar (0). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
San Blas: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
1 rd
Feb
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
1 rd
Mar
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
0 rd
Apr
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
0 rd
May
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
1 rd
Jun
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
8 rd
Jul
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
15 rd
Aug
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
16 rd
Sep
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
15 rd
Oct
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
6 rd
Nov
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
2 rd
Dec
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
1 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is walkable: plaza, pier, fort and beach are all within about 20 minutes on foot. Local buses run to beach towns along southern Nayarit, some as far as Puerto Vallarta. Taxis and pangas cover Matanchén Bay and Las Islitas. A car helps for early surf sessions and La Tovara.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
La Tovara nature reserve
goDoor to door: About 3–4 h round trip
Taxi or car to the Matanchén bridge, then a guided boat
Boats leave when enough passengers gather; bring water and repellent. Spring-fed pool stop included.
Tepic
cautionDoor to door: About 1.5 h each way
Bus from the Central Camionera on Sinaloa street, hourly
Useful for connections and errands, not a sightseeing day.
Sayulita
overnightDoor to door: About 2–2.5 h each way
Bus or car south along the coast via Tepic or Las Varas
Too far for a comfortable return day; sleep there instead.
Islas Marías
cautionDoor to door: Full day or overnight
Ferry from the muelle; book ahead on the official site
Former penal colony, limited sailings — check dates before planning.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Centro / Plaza
Walk to the plaza, market stalls and most restaurants; 5–10 min walk to the beach.
Playa el Borrego and Playa del Rey
Beachfront palapas and cabinas; quieter at night, more insects.
Playa las Islitas and Matanchén Bay
Surf and seafood palapas, 15–25 min south by car; you need a vehicle or taxi.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- M$700–1,200 excl. bed
- Mid
- M$1,200–2,200 excl. bed
- High
- M$2,200+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel double room1 × 2 nights × MX$1,200 | MX$2,400 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × MX$1,400 | MX$5,600 |
| La Tovara boat tour2 × MX$160 · check | MX$320 |
| Taxi around town1 × MX$80 · check | MX$80 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × MX$250 | MX$500 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | MX$890 |
| Trip total≈ MX$2,448 per person per day, bed included | MX$9,790≈ US$550 |
2026 estimate in pesos; long-distance transport excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | M$30–60 |
| Seafood plate at a palapa | M$150–300 |
| Beer: bottle at a palapa / six-pack at a shop | M$40–70 / M$100–150 |
| La Tovara boat tour | M$160+ (check) |
| Taxi in town | M$50–100 (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | M$200–400 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Sandflies (no-see-ums) bite on the beach, especially at dusk: bring repellent and cover up.
- Mosquitoes and crocodiles in the mangroves: stay in the boat except at the marked spring pool.
- Summer heat and rain from July to October; some beach businesses close.
- Surf breaks are reef and point breaks with strong currents: ask locally before paddling out.
- Bring cash; not every palapa or cabina takes cards.
Emergency numbers
- All emergencies
- 911
- Tourist assistance (Angel Verde / 078)
- 078
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
San BlasSan Blas
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- All emergencies911
- Tourist assistance078
Embassy
No embassies in San Blas; the US, UK and Canadian consulates are in Puerto Vallarta, embassies in Mexico City — check addresses.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Bus San Blas → Tepic: about M$100–150, 1.5 h (check)
- Taxi plaza → Playa las Islitas: M$150–250 (check)
- La Tovara boat: M$160+ per person (check)
Say or show
- Disculpe — Excuse me / Sorry (dees-KOOL-peh)
- Gracias — Thank you (GRAH-syahs)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (KWAN-toh KWES-tah)
- ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? — Can I pay by card? (PWEH-doh pah-GAR kon tar-HEH-tah)
- ¿Dónde está la playa? — Where is the beach? (DON-deh es-TAH lah PLAH-yah)
- La cuenta, por favor — The bill, please (lah KWEN-tah por fah-VOR)
Cash is king in palapas and cabinas; withdraw in Tepic or use the town ATM if it is working.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for San Blas. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Apr (dry season, cooler nights) · avoid Jul–Oct (rain, humidity, mosquitoes) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for TPQ and PVR: last bus and taxi fallback, plus a Tepic transfer rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: plaza and pier, fort hill, Playa el Borrego, Matanchén Bay.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (fort, La Tovara, pier) and eat pages with last orders.
- Wet-season and insect-hostile fixtures so gates A–D can go green.