2026 - Visited San Pancho - Debbie Lackey (Swift)

Joe and I had the pleasure of visiting San Pancho from March 2–14, 2026.

We were graciously hosted by our relatives, the wonderful Marylou and Don, at their very comfortable home on Nicaragua.

After a day of travel, we needed a walk before sleep, so we headed down Tercer Mundo toward the beach. Along the way, we took in the colorful flags strung above the street and the musicians playing at restaurants where diners sat at tables in the street. The weather was comfortably warm, and as we approached the beach, the sound of the ocean helped us relax while building anticipation for the weeks ahead.

We quickly found that San Pancho has a lot of character. The people we encountered seemed genuinely happy to be there—whether locals working or visitors enjoying their vacation.

One thing that stood out to us was the dogs—off leash everywhere. Sometimes they were clearly following their owners, and sometimes it was hard to tell. Either way, they seemed healthy and well-behaved for the most part. We also enjoyed the everyday sights and sounds of other animals—roosters, chickens, goats, cats, and birds. Hearing roosters in the early morning was surprisingly joyful, even as it occasionally competed with the sound of a loud vehicle passing by.

It was also fun to see the many different ways people get around town. We saw golf carts, ATVs, motorcycles, bikes—and even a horse and a donkey. It all just seemed to fit the easygoing nature of San Pancho.

There is a great variety of restaurants, shops, entertainment, and street vendors—truly something for everyone.

Some of our favorite memories include reconnecting with family, meeting wonderful people, and experiencing the natural beauty of the area—beautiful beaches, sunsets, jungle walks, and guided tours. Highlights included Rolando’s whale watching, fishing, and snorkeling tour, as well as Luis Morales’ guided bird-watching tour.

On our last night in San Pancho, we experienced something truly special—the release of sea turtle hatchlings.

It was an amazing experience, and we are so grateful to Karen and Brian for letting us know about it.

Would we return?

YES! Absolutely.

Thank you, Don and Marylou!