A Simple Stay in San Pancho: Life at Tailwind Jungle Lodge 🌿
Some places gently invite you to slow down — and then quietly insist on it.
Our stay at Tailwind Jungle Lodge, just outside the small coastal town of San Pancho, Mexico, was one of those rare experiences where simplicity became the luxury. Tucked into the jungle and known as Mexico’s first certified eco-lodge, Tailwind is intentionally unplugged. No Wi-Fi. No distractions. Just jungle sounds, ocean air, and time that feels like it stretches.
Enjoying Our Ocean View Patio at Tailwind Jungle Lodge
And honestly? That was the gift.
Life Without Wi-Fi (and Why We Loved It)
With no internet pulling us in different directions, our days found their own rhythm. Morning jungle walks and yoga. Fresh fruit and slow breakfasts. Long swims in the sea. Afternoons spent reading, playing games, or simply resting.
In the evenings, we wandered into town, where life spills naturally into the streets. Tables set right in the road. Music drifting through the air. Delicious food enjoyed slowly while dogs, cats, and chickens wandered freely past us. Conversations lasted longer. Laughter came easier. Presence became the priority.
Hibiscus Flower
Tailwind itself is simple, beautiful, and deeply grounding. Nature reminds you that you’re a guest here — yes, even with the occasional bug visitor — but that reminder felt humbling rather than inconvenient. It was a gentle nudge toward something we often forget: abundance doesn’t come from having more, but from needing less.
Jungle Hikes & Secluded Beaches
One of our favorite parts of the stay was the access to jungle hikes leading to secluded beaches. These weren’t crowded tourist paths — they felt wild, quiet, and untouched. The kind of places where you arrive breathless, not from the hike, but from the beauty and stillness.
Los Muertos Beach all to ourselves
It’s the perfect destination for travelers who crave nature, movement, and space to breathe.
Where We Ate in San Pancho 🍽️
San Pancho has a laid-back but surprisingly great food scene. A few favorites and recommendations:
• Arigato – Amazing Japanese food (a must-visit)
• Arbolitos – Casual, delicious tacos for super cheap
• El Rinconcito – Traditional Mexican flavors done well
• Sunset – Our go-to spot for breakfast and lunch
• Habibi – Known for good Italian food
Juevos Rancheros and Chilaquiles at Sunset Restaurant
💡 Tip: Bring cash and exchange for pesos — many places prefer it, and you’ll have an easier time overall.
Getting There Using Points (and Saving Big) ✈️
One of the best parts? We made this trip incredibly affordable using points and miles.
• Flights:
We booked a direct Alaska Airlines flight for the tree of us from San Diego (SAN) through the Chase travel portal for 82,000 points total with no additional taxes — a savings of about $450 in taxes, not a fabulous redemption but worth it for no out of pocket cost.
• Car Rental:
We booked our rental car through the Chase portal as well — just 6,000 points with Alamo. No additional insurance was required, the process was smooth, and pickup/drop-off was very efficient.
Want to get started learning more about miles and points, check out the FREE resource from 10Xtravel, they have been super helpful in helping me navigate this journey. If you are ready to get started, the Chase Sapphire Credit Card is a great travel card and earns flexible currency, making the points extremely valuable.
This is a great example of how even simple, off-the-radar destinations can be made accessible with the right travel strategy.
Strangler Fig around a Palm Tree
Final Thoughts…
San Pancho and Tailwind Jungle Lodge in particular, reminded us how nourishing it is to step away from constant connectivity and return to a slower, more intentional pace of living. To walk among trees. To listen to the ocean. To eat good food, move our bodies, and be fully present with the people we love.
It’s the kind of place you don’t just visit — you feel it long after you leave.
If you’re dreaming of a similar escape — whether a quiet eco-lodge stay, a family reset, or a points-powered adventure — this is exactly the kind of travel I love designing.
Sometimes all it takes is less Wi-Fi… and a little more jungle.