FAQs
Reservation Information
How do I reserve my stay?
Please e-mail info@tailwindjunglelodge.com for information on how to reserve your stay in the jungle. Advanced reservation is required. Large groups in particular should reserve many months in advance in order to ensure availability of all units. Tailwind is a small lodge and we fill up quickly, particularly in the high season. For individual reservations we require a 50% payment for reservation with the remainder due 1 month prior to your stay. Please inquire about retreat reservations and policies.
Activities
What is there to do at the Tailwind Jungle Lodge?
A joke around the Tailwind headquarters is that “there is so much not to do!”. Whether you’re looking to lounge in the hammock or hit the waves, there’s something for everyone!
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Take a dip in the pool and sunbathe -
Hike (range from 20 min. to 2 hours) -
Visit the orchid plantation (30 minute hike from the lodge) -
Yoga class* (feel free to stretch and do your own yoga on the platform anytime!) -
Massage* -
Bird watching tour* -
Watch the wildlife, there’s a lot to look at! -
Hike to San Pancho (3 miles into town)
What else is there to do in the San Pancho area?
Popular Towns near San Pancho?
Sayulita (nightlife, surf break, trendy/hippy style town), Puerto Vallarta (restaurants, boardwalk, shopping), Yelapa (town accessed only by boat), San Blas (crocodiles, bird watching, culture), Lo De Marcos (mellow beach community) and Punta de Mita (surfing and island tours).
Location & Transportation
Which airport do I fly into?
You’ll want to fly into the Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR), which is in the state of Jalisco, Mexico.
Are San Pancho and San Francisco the same place?
San Pancho and San Francisco are the same town, San Pancho is the nickname for San Francisco.
Where is the Tailwind Jungle Lodge in relation to the airport?
We are located approximately 30 miles north of Puerto Vallarta, just outside of the town of San Pancho—about a 1 hour drive north on Highway 200. We are just outside of Bahia de Banderas (Bay of Flags) in the state of Nayarit. Once your reservation is confirmed we will send you detailed directions. You can check out our interactive map here.
Where is the Tailwind lodge in relation to San Pancho?
The lodge is located 3 miles north of San Pancho (official name San Francisco). The jungle road is a beautiful, winding, dirt road that parallels the coastline. This road takes approximately 10 – 15 minutes to drive or 1 hour to walk. If you’re feeling energetic it’s a lovely hike or run! A rental car is recommended for getting in and out of San Pancho. Taxi service is also available.
What is the best method of transportation?
a) Rent a vehicle.
Facilities Information
How many people maximum can the Tailwind Lodge accommodate?
Visit the “
Lodging” page of our website for more information on our variety of accommodations.
What is the difference between a bungalow, a casita and a palapa?
Are Tailwind’s facilities suitable for young children?
This is a jungle, and as with any wild place there are always risks for young children. Our units have high decks and our property is quite steep with many steps. However, there have been many children of all ages who have stayed with us and loved it! We love having families here. Please inquire about which of our accommodations are best suited for your family’s needs.
Does Tailwind have electricity?
Yes, we have electricity here. All of our accommodations have electrical lights and standard outlets. You will be able to charge any personal electronics. We try to minimize electricity use as much as possible. It is a good idea to bring a headlamp or flashing for additional light when navigating the path to your bungalow, palapa or casita at night.
Does Tailwind provide towels?
Yes, we provide each of our guests with one beach and one bath towel for their stay. Guests only receive one set of towels and sheets per guests each week (to minimize water usage).
Cleaning Service?
For small groups the maid will come through every few days (daily maid service is available by special request). For larger retreats and groups a maid comes every other day between 9 am – noon.
Is there a place to keep my valuables at Tailwind where they will be safe?
Each of our units have either locking closets or chests for you to store your valuables during your stay.
Do the rooms all have ceiling fans or AC?
Yes, ceiling fans in many rooms, floor fans in some. However, they’re not generally needed from December – April. Nights are cool (a cozy blanket feels good) and days are shaded in the jungle. Hot on the beach in the sun!
Food & Dining
What to eat?
What is a kitchenette and what does it include?
Restaurants in San Pancho?
San Pancho has a lovely range of restaurants, from tasty taco stands to fine dining. We highly recommend eating out in San Pancho at least once during your stay! Enjoy a sunset cocktail on the beach and then decide what kind of food you fancy! Definitely ask us about our favorite San Pancho restaurants.
Popular Questions
How far is the lodge from San Pancho?
We are located approximately 3 miles north of the charming town of San Pancho (official name San Francisco). We are at the end of a lovely jungle road that parallels the coastline. It takes about 10 minutes to drive into San Pancho, or an hour to walk.
Transportation?
There are several transportation options. We strongly recommend that you rent a car either through www.geckorentcar.com or online through the Puerto Vallarta airport. Alternatively, you can use a local taxi service (www.divatours.net). Of course, if you have your own car you’re welcome drive here!
Do we need to bring our own drinking water?
Water out of the tap in Mexico is not drinkable. However, you do not need to bring your own drinking water. We will provide you with 5-gallon water jugs in your room. We do recommend that you bring a reusable water bottle with you to refill and take with you to the beach.
Does Tailwind provide food?
All of the Tailwind Jungle Lodge accommodations include kitchenettes (except Palapa Gecko). Cooking up taco feasts in the jungle can be a lot of fun! There is a good little grocery store in San Pancho, wonderful weekly farmer’s market, fresh fruit/veggie stand and fresh fish market. If you would prefer not cook there is wide variety of restaurants in San Pancho, from tasty taco stands to fancy 4 star restaurants with exquisite cuisine. For groups of 6+ we have an excellent chef available to cook for you in the jungle. Please inquire about this option. Great for retreats and special events.
Are there bugs?
People are always amazed to arrive in the jungle and find that there are very few bugs! From October – May the jungle is dry and pretty much bug free. This is why we love this place! Regardless, all of the beds have cascading bug nets for sleeping (optional). We close in the summer months, June - September when the bugs come out to play.
How far is the lodge from the beach?
From the lodge it’s about a 20 minute walk along a lovely jungle trail to a secluded beach that will take your breath away (our favorite beach in the world!). White sand, lush jungle and a special kind of therapeutic mud (bentonite mud) that is great for the skin!! Sunbathe, swim, picnic and enjoy a natural spa treatment . . . bliss, yup! It’s definitely worth the short hike.
Is the jungle safe for kids?
We’ve had many children of all ages visit the jungle and they’ve loved it! There are many steps and railings so children should be cautious and supervised. We love having families in the jungle!
What activities are available at the Tailwind jungle lodge?
We offer a variety of adventure tours including: sea kayaking, sailing, hiking, surfing and Stand Up Paddle boarding (SUP). These are fantastic ways to explore this spectacular coastline, read more here. Advanced reservation required. Yoga classes and massage are available by request.
Is there Wifi?
It’s crazy, but yes, we do have limited wifi in the jungle! That said, we hope that you will take this opportunity to disconnect and enjoy a technology detox.
Climate & Jungle Life
What are the seasons like in the Mexican Pacific jungle?
The rainy season (hot, humid, wet) is from June to early October. This part of Mexico sees very little rain from Nov. through April. Though the occasional rain storm may come through, the sun generally shines on the jungle all through the wintertime. During this time, daytime temperatures are around 80 -90 ºF. Evening temperatures can be 65 º- 70 º F. A sweater and pants in the evenings feels good, especially after a day of sun.
How are the mosquitoes?
We're lucky because this is a wonderfully tame jungle with very few bugs, particularly in the dry season (the dry season is from November to June when the Jungle Lodge is open for guests). Occasionally around sunset you may see a couple of bugs, but not many. People who are sensitive will want to have bug spray handy just in case. Also, when hiking along jungle trails bug spray is a good idea. That said, bugs are not much of a factor at the Tailwind Jungle Lodge. However, for your comfort, we have cascading bug nets to surround all beds so that sleeping is carefree.
What about the wildlife?
The jungle is home to many species of wildlife: birds, iguanas, geckos, tejones (kind of like monkey/raccoons), squirrels, frogs, armadillos, and insects. These animals are friendly, but are very curious about your food. Proper food storage is essential! Food needs to be locked away in designated areas. Guests should also be aware that scorpions are around, but they are very rare and there is no need to fear. The scorpions in this area are not deadly.
What do I pack?
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Biodegradable soap (Dr. Bronner’s type recommended) shampoo, conditioner, dody wash . . . anything that goes down the drain waters the plants so make it biodegradable!!!
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Insect repellent (insects are not a problem unless you go hiking through narrow jungle trails, always good to have repellent just in case)
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Flashlight/headlamp (our trails are minimally lit at night)
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Sturdy walking shoes for walking and hiking around the area
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Sunscreen, the sun is strong here and sunscreen is very expensive in San Pancho
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Warm clothing for cool nights (pants and sweater in Dec./Jan/Feb)
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Ear plugs (if the birds are too loud for you!)
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Binoculars (if you’re into that kind of thing)
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Tevas or chaco sandals
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A rash guard (if you have one and want to surf)
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Don’t forget your camera!
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Bring your own reusable mug, containers and bags. Trade disposable for reusable whenever possible. Avoid single use cups, bottles, utensils and plates.
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Bring your own straw. Metal and glass straws are a great substitute for plastic. When eating out in town remember to ask for "no popote" (popote = straw).
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See more on our sustainability page.
Services
Is Wifi & Cellular Service available?
Is there an ATM in San Pancho?
What time zone?
San Pancho (in the state of Nayarit) is in the same time zone as Puerto Vallarta (state of Jalisco). Please note that a few years ago, San Pancho switched from the mountain time zone to the central time zone. Your devices that connect to the cell phone network will definitely be confused! Please set your clock to central time and turn off automatic updates. If you are scheduled for kayaking or SUP we appreciate your promptness.
Safety and emergency medical situations?
San Pancho has a very clean and efficient hospital right in town. Hospital is open for emergencies 24/7. Ambulance service is also available. San Pancho is a very safe community, however we always recommend being a smart traveler—don’t carry valuables with you, don’t walk alone at night, etc.
Retreat Leader Info
How do I get started with planning my retreat?
Will you help me promote my retreat? Will you be able to add our retreat to your website as soon as we have all the details finalized?
How many people maximum can the Tailwind Lodge accommodate?
Please visit the “
Lodging” page of our website for interactive property map.
What is the breakdown/layout of your rooms? Do they all have bathrooms?
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Bungalow chiche: 2 twins or 1 king (private bathroom with composting toilet) -
Palapa Parota: 2 twins or 1 king (private bathroom with composting toilet) -
Casita Tejone upstairs: 2 twins or 1 king (shared bathroom with composting toilet) -
Casita Tejone downstairs: 2 twins or 1 king (shared bathroom with composting toilet)
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Casita Pumita upstairs: 2 twins or 1 king (private bathroom with flush toilet) -
Casita Pumita downstairs: 1 queen and 1 twin (private bathroom with flush toilet) -
Palapa Tigre: 1 queen (private bathroom with flush toilet) and 1 couch bed (not generally recommended for groups as it is a very central social space). -
Palapa Gecko: 1 queen (private bathroom with flush toilet)
How do I create a per/person pricing for my retreat?
Retreat leaders rent the lodge and then set their own rates. We have a simple spreadsheet and pdf guide that will help you calculate per/person pricing (standard and upgraded option). Please inquire about this resource.
What is the timing on reservation payments?
For retreat reservations, we require a 25% deposit to reserve, 25% due 3 months prior and a final deposit of 50% due 1 month prior.
If we have a large group, are their nearby accommodations for rent?
What kind of outlets do you have?
Tipping- what at the guidelines here?
How much does a taxi cost to get to San Pancho? Sayulita?
What do you suggest for meals?
Is the chef’s food vegan or vegetarian?
What do the kitchenettes in each room include?
How much does the kayak tour cost per person? Sailing? Surfing?
Does the yoga studio have a sound system or way to play music?
Do you have yoga props?
Community
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