October 24, 2026 · Based on Spanish-language reporting
Heavy surf and coastal erosion have severely damaged the beachfront Punta Paraíso condominium development in San Pancho, Nayarit, prompting evacuations and renewed concern over the safety of the buildings and the surrounding beach.
The development stands beside the beach in San Francisco, better known as San Pancho, in the municipality of Bahía de Banderas.
Waves exposed the foundations
Earlier this month, municipal Civil Protection director José Santos Salas Hernández told Tribuna de la Bahía that waves had washed away material beneath two towers, exposing their supporting piles and creating a cavity approximately four metres deep. Seawater had reached ground-floor rooms. Authorities closed the property on October 2 and evacuated 13 Canadian and American visitors, according to that report. Read the Spanish report from Tribuna de la Bahía.
Partial collapse reported
The situation worsened later in October. On October 21, Meganoticias reported a partial collapse and said Mayor Héctor Santana had requested urgent intervention from Mexico’s environmental authorities, Profepa and Semarnat. Residents also raised questions about how debris would be removed if more of the structure fell onto the beach or into the sea. Read the Spanish report from Meganoticias.
Reporting differs on the precise extent of the collapse. La Jornada’s October 21 account described serious structural deterioration and an imminent risk of collapse, with the two seaward towers suffering the greatest damage. It reported that environmental and Civil Protection officials were coordinating an emergency response. These accounts should not be read as confirmation that the entire complex has fallen. Read the Spanish report from La Jornada.
A longstanding shoreline dispute
The emergency also brings renewed attention to a longstanding dispute over construction on the shoreline. In an October 23 report, N+ quoted Profepa chief Mariana Boy as saying the development’s concession did not authorize the construction carried out there. The same report included the developer’s position that it had the necessary permits. Read the N+ report and watch its coverage in Spanish.
For visitors to San Pancho
For visitors, the immediate concern is the affected property and adjacent shoreline. Respect barriers and instructions from Civil Protection, and avoid approaching the damaged buildings for photographs. Anyone with a reservation at Punta Paraíso should contact their accommodation provider before travelling.
This account summarizes Spanish-language reporting available as of October 24, 2026. The extent of the damage and the authorities’ next steps may change.