Pop-Up Life, Mexico

November 6 to December 4

SAN PANCHO, NAYARIT

Few places we’ve been ring with as much energy and colour as Mexico. Rich with tradition and pride, perhaps the most delicious cuisine on earth and a thrilling design scene built on eons of care for craft and quality, Mexico is a place we truly feel alive. Oh, and the surfing’s good too 😉.

SAN PANCHO, Nayarit

Perhaps Mexico’s most perfect beach village, San Pancho (officially San Francisco) has been our gold-standard for a welcoming tropical seaside hang since we were first introduced in 2016 (thanks Ivan and Pam 😘). Not much has changed in our six years of visits. The friends we’ve made are still here and we suspect they’re not planning to leave anytime soon. La Señora still rolls out her churro cart in front of the hardware store as the day nears its end. The locals still wave hola as our kids skate barefoot down the long, smooth street that ends, where else, at the beach. The town organizes around this one paved road, lined with cafes, some boutiques and a couple of surf shops.

The cobbled streets named for countries and continents hint at the ethos of this town: no matter where you’re from, you’re welcome in San Pancho. For decades, locals and newcomers have worked together to create a uniquely integrated community. Three women from Mexico, Chile and the US turned an abandoned warehouse into a world-class community center with the area’s first recycling program. A Cirque de Soleil founder started the local circus arts school. Cooks from Mexico City come to San Pancho with a few pesos and a dream to do something really special, and the community rallies around them. At the end of each day, a slow stream of locals, long-term transplants and the newly arrived moves together towards the beach to watch and applaud as the sun sets on another beautiful day.

Each week will have four scheduled days for the kids, including nature immersion, circus arts, Spanish study and classes with local makers and artists. The Entre Amigos community center will be our homebase, with forays to the jungle, the beach and a nearby maker space. For those who are interested, adults and kids, we can coordinate surf lessons and trips to nearby waves, horseback riding, cooking classes, yoga and movement classes… the community here is rich with inspiring people who love sharing their projects.

Family Day will see us exploring together, a jungle trek, a hike to the clay beach, a day trip to nearby Sayulita with its buzzing plaza and killer tacos or a visit to one of the area’s legendary surfing beaches.

And the rest of the time we’ll enjoy this amazing town as a community of friends. We’ll meet up at the Tuesday farmer’s market or gather at the beach for sunset. We’ll swap secrets on the best taco spots and perfect our mezcal cocktails. We’ll watch the kids come together like siblings.

COST $1000 usd per adult, $2500 usd per child. Children four and under are too young to participate in the learning program, but can attend for free.

We’ve always believe the right people end up at our Gatherings. If this is you but the cost is standing in the way, reach out and we will do everything we can to make this possible. Seriously ;).

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

-Four Learning Program days each week. Includes lunch, transportation and all materials.

-Excursions for the kids, adults are welcome to attend. Chocolate making, art workshops, and more.

-One beach day each week. Feel free to join or just send the kids if you need some extra time to work.

-Welcome Dinner.

-A donation to the local Community Center in San Pancho; our contribution to their transformative role in this community.

-Participation in the Entre Amigos fundraiser, a day of fun and barbecue with the local community.

-Farewell Dinner.

-Concierge Service! Our assistance throughout the month and as you prepare. If you have questions on travel planning, lodging, transport, healthy travel, etc, we will make ourselves available. A month in a new place can bring a lot of questions, and we are here to help.

-Community! Over the course of this month we’ll come together, like family. There’s no better environment for discovery and learning than in the safety and comfort of a group of likeminded people. We’ll also happily introduce you to the friends we’ve made in Mexico, who can share their unique window into family life in this remarkable country.

-Our Field Guide to the area, with the practical info you need and introductions to the good stuff, favourite surf spots, best restaurants, best local partners, secret beaches, etc.

NOT INCLUDED Lodging, meals except where noted, flights, airport transfers and any extras or additional excursions.

WHO IS THIS FOR? This one’s for the artist, the foodie, the surfer. If you’re curious about Mexico, new learning models or global family life, this is for you. If you want to experience something new with your family and to capture more meaningful time with your kids, this is for you. If you appreciate quality over quantity and balance, this is for you. If you’re a humble traveller and a life-long learner, this is for you. If you love a killer taco, this is for you.

WHAT IF I CAN’T COME FOR A WHOLE MONTH? For a two-week option, please get in touch.

MORE QUESTIONS? Visit our FAQ page HERE.

TO JOIN, or if you have FURTHER QUESTIONS, send an email to martin@quartiercollective.com