Ecolodge Mexico FAQ: Your Top Questions About Staying in the Jungle
- Jungle Family
- Jan 15
- 6 min read
Updated: Jan 21
If you’re dreaming about a stay at our ecolodge in Mexico, chances are you have a few questions — and after 20 years of hosting guests in the jungle, we’ve heard nearly all of them. From wildlife and comfort to travel logistics and what daily life actually feels like here, this Ecolodge Mexico FAQ will help you get oriented before your adventure begins.
Below you’ll find honest, friendly answers to the questions we hear most often at the Tailwind Jungle Lodge — a nature-focused ecolodge in San Pancho, Nayarit, on the Mexican Pacific.
Top 10 questions:
Are there monkeys?
Is there WiFi?
Are there bugs?
How “jungly” is the jungle?
How far is San Pancho?
Which airport should I fly into?
How close is the beach?
Is Tailwind a good choice for families?
What should I pack?
What happens if I need something during my stay?
Ecolodge Mexico FAQ
1. Are there monkeys at your ecolodge in Mexico?
We don’t have classic monkeys here, but we do have tejones (also called coatis) — curious, monkey–raccoon–type creatures that are part of our jungle community. They’re nocturnal, they often travel in groups, and while they’re very interested in food, they’re not dangerous to people. As long as food is stored properly (which we guide guests to do), coatis simply pass through, offering a fascinating glimpse of local wildlife and a reminder that you’re truly staying in the jungle. Many other creatures call this jungle home as well: tropical birds, iguanas, geckos, armadillos, squirrels, snakes (very few!)...ask us about the wildlife, we're happy to tell you more!
2. Is there WiFi at the ecolodge?
Yes — we have fast, reliable WiFi at the office, and guests are welcome to connect there anytime. We do not offer WiFi in the rooms, and that’s intentional. Many guests tell us it’s one of their favorite parts of staying here: the chance to unwind, disconnect from screens, and enjoy a natural digital detox in the jungle. There is no cell signal at the lodge but there is good signal in San Pancho and the surrounding region.
3. Are there bugs?
One of the things we love about this region is that there are relatively few bugs during the dry season. This is still the tropical jungle, so insects are part of the landscape, but most guests are pleasantly surprised by how little they see. That said, this is the jungle and bugs are part of it. And, everyone is different, if you’re sensitive to bugs, we always recommend bringing bug spray. For comfort and peace of mind, we provide bug canopies over all beds, along with thoughtful open-air design that keeps sleeping areas breezy and enjoyable.
4. How “jungly” is the jungle?
This is relatively friendly jungle — but it’s still the jungle! Tailwind is an ecolodge in a true wilderness environment, set on a wild coastline with abundant natural life, palm trees, and forested trails. We keep our footprint light and do our best to minimize our impact on this beautiful place. Our palapas and casitas are open-air, which means you’ll regularly share your space with geckos, tropical birds, and the sounds of the ocean drifting through the trees. The experience is immersive, natural, and surprisingly comfortable — a gentle invitation to live a little closer to the wild.
5. How far is San Pancho?
We are about a 10-minute drive from the town of San Pancho (San Francisco, Nayarit). San Pancho is a vibrant, artistic community with excellent restaurants, cafés, surf schools, shops, and a beautiful beach. Guests love spending a morning or evening in town before returning to the peaceful jungle for the night. We're about 3 miles from town, it's a nice 1 hour walk on the jungle road (many runners, bikers, etc.). Taxis are available anytime to bring you to/from town. Or rental car is a great option if you think you'll want to go into town often.
6. Which airport should I fly into?
Fly into Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR). From there, the drive to our ecolodge in San Pancho is typically 1 hour depending on traffic. We’re happy to share taxi or rental car recommendations.
7. How close is the beach?
There are several beaches nearby. From the ecolodge, a rugged coastal trail leads to the wild beach of Playa De Barro/Mud Beach (Los Muertos). It's a truly special natural paradise that is perfect for exploring, picnicking, and watching for whales in season. The hike is approx. 20 - 30 minutes depending on your pace. There are also many other beaches within a short drive (we're happy to recommend our favorite spots depending on what the ocean/swell is doing). The popular San Pancho, Sayulita and Lo De Marcos beaches are also a short drive away for swimming, surfing, and sunset dinners.
8. Is Tailwind a good choice for families?
Yes — especially for adventurous families who love nature. Kids of all ages thrive here: exploring trails, spotting wildlife, boogie boarding, and swinging in hammocks with the ocean as their soundtrack. Families often tell us that staying at our ecolodge in Mexico was one of their most memorable vacations.
Note: Our property does have many stairs and railings, and because we’re in a natural, open-air environment, young children need to be closely monitored for safety. With mindful supervision, families find this to be a beautiful and enriching place to explore together. We recommend the Casita Pumita or Palapa Tigre for families with children under age 3.
9. What should I pack?
Light, breathable clothing. Comfortable walking shoes or sandals. A headlamp or flashlight (nights get dark!). Refillable water bottle. Eco-friendly sunscreen and bug repellent. A good book for hammock time. A sense of adventure. Our detailed pre-arrival guide includes more suggestions.
10. What happens when I need something during my stay?
Part of what makes Tailwind special is the sense of community. When guests need something — a pair of scissors, cinnamon, an extra diaper or a bandaid — they simply knock. Since the office is also our home, we're always available and our kids are usually the first to answer. They love seeing who it is, hearing about wildlife sightings, and helping guests feel even more at home in the jungle.
Bonus Questions:
Should I rent a car?
Either a rental car or taxi service works well, depending on the type of trip you’re planning. If you think you’ll want to explore the area more widely or more often, a rental car will give you the most freedom. We recommend booking with Gecko, a trusted local rental agency that takes excellent care of our guests.
If you’d prefer to keep things simple and stay more local, taxi service is a great option. Our local taxi driver, Giovanni, and his team can pick you up at the airport, bring you safely to the lodge, and take you to San Pancho anytime you’d like.
Is it safe?
We understand that travel alerts can feel unsettling, and many guests reach out with questions about safety in this region. What we can share is our lived experience: three generations of our family live on-site at the Tailwind Jungle Lodge, and we truly feel safer here — in the jungle and in the community of San Pancho — than anywhere else we’ve lived. We love it so much we have called this home for 20 years. This is a small, welcoming town with a strong sense of community — Mexican, American, and international — and it’s a place where people look out for one another. Our kids attend a local Waldorf-style jungle school, and my parents (in their 70s) play pickle ball with a local club and watch football on Sundays. It’s truly a place where life feels grounded, connected, and safe.
The nearby city of Puerto Vallarta is like any large city, and we encourage travelers to use the same common-sense precautions they would anywhere. We always recommend our trusted taxi service and vetted local rental car agencies, so your arrival experience is smooth, safe, and supported by people we know personally.
Once you’re here, you’ll feel the embrace of the jungle and our family is here to support you anytime. And if you have any worries ahead of time, feel free to reach out to me personally with any concerns you may have; I’m always happy to support you and do my best to make your travel experience smooth throughout.
Why Choose our Ecolodge in Mexico?
Staying at an ecolodge isn’t just an accommodation choice — it’s an experience. Our guests come for:
Nature immersion
Open-air living
Whale watching in winter
Quiet wild beaches
Eco-conscious design
Space to breathe, rest, and reconnect
Proximity to San Pancho - lots of action in town, then wonderful to return to nature
Tailwind has been part of the San Pancho community for 20 years, and our mission remains the same: to share the magic of the Mexican Pacific in a way that honors the land, the community, and the wild beauty that surrounds us.
Thinking of staying with us?
We’d love to welcome you. Explore our cabañas, palapas, and upcoming retreats.
Your jungle home is waiting.
With love,
Tamara
Founder & Co-owner Tailwind Jungle Lodge
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