Area Map

Casa Melissa is located forty minutes north of the Puerto Vallarta airport. The property is less than a mile from the town of San Francisco (San Pancho). San Pancho is a quiet fishing village, much like Puerto Vallarta was 40 years ago. The town is famous for its beach and amenities.

The wide, sandy beach in San Pancho is more than a mile long, stretching from the Tierra Tropical beach club at the north end, to President’s Point at the south. President’s Point was the vacation home of Mexico’s President Echeverria during the 1970’s. You can explore the coast by kayak or experience the jungle by horseback or bike.

Farther to the south, about three miles, is the town of Sayulita, famous for its surfing and fishing. Past Sayulita, you’ll reach the Four Seasons Resort, Punta de Mita, a new resort featuring fine dining and championship golf courses. The town of Punta de Mita also offers great snorkeling. And then there’s Puerto Vallarta – world famous for its nightlife, food and shopping.

To the north, the mountains give way to coastal plains and the historic town of San Blas. There you can take a jungle river boat ride past yawning crocodiles and magnificent birds. Historical San Blas was a key port for Spanish galleons bringing riches from the Pacific. It’s bell tower inspired the famous poem by Longfellow, “The Bells of San Blas”.

Inland from San Blas, surrounded by lakes and volcanoes, is the city of Tepic. The Huichiol Indians set up stalls around the plaza where they make and sell their world famous beaded artwork – amazingly colorful and intricate jaguars, birds, scorpions and religious symbols.