Your COMPLETE Travel Guide to Chacahua, Oaxaca in Mexico!

Chacahua is a magical island nestled on Oaxaca’s pristine shoreline of Mexico, one of many few locations which nonetheless protect its native essence and isn’t completely taken over by tourism! The Chacahua Village is situated on the southern tip of Chacahua Lagoons National Park, round 3 hours from Puerto Escondido (door to door).

Here you’ll discover nothing aside from actual pure magnificence, unspoiled seashores, wildlife, good waves (the primary motive I got here right here), and a VERY chilled vibe… life right here could be very easy however has the whole lot you could make you cheerful!

If you wish to go to Chacahua, to begin with, congratulations… you gained’t remorse it! Secondly, it’s good that you just discovered this put up as a result of there’s little or no data on the web because of its untouched nature.

In this journey information about Chacahua, Mexico, one can find some helpful suggestions that may assist you take pleasure in this small city to the fullest and to come back already ready for some shortages the island has (that I want I knew earlier than!).

P.S: I’m additionally somewhat jealous of you, this place is actually a dream with out time and house! Well, sufficient speaking…

Let’s soar proper in!

1. How to get to Chacahua, Mexico

Just so you recognize, it will undoubtedly be the “hardest” a part of all of your trip in Chacahua. Due to its location off the overwhelmed path, the journey to Chacahua is type of a trouble, however it’s an expertise itself and I personally loved it!

But the place precisely is Chacahua? Chacahua, (on the web one can find it below “Parque Nacional Lagunas de Chacahua”) is situated on the Pacific coast of Oaxaca, about 60 km west of Puerto Escondido. 

For this motive, Puerto Escondido is probably the most handy place to begin to get to Chacahua city.

NOTE: in the event you verify google maps, don’t confuse this Chacahua (situated on the Chacahua Lagoon) with the small city southeast of Puerto Escondido, close to Mazunte, which can also be referred to as Chacahua! 

Getting to Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido hosts a small airport that receives home flights. The best strategy to get right here is to fly internationally to Mexico City, after which take a home flight to Puerto Escondido. It will take you 1 hour and value you about US$50.

Otherwise, in the event you’re in Oaxaca City, you possibly can take a small bus (colectivo) for about 8 hours, which can value you $35 as there aren’t any direct flights to Puerto Escondido.

Traveling from Puerto Escondido to Chacahua:

1. Take a colectivo (small vans that journey a particular route) from Puerto Escondido metropolis middle, simply near the primary bus terminal of ADO, to the Rio Grande. You have to get off on the intersection with El Zapotalito: the journey will take you round 1 hour and value 55 pesos (US$3).

2. Once you get off the minibus, take a taxi to El Zapotalito, the place you’ll discover all of the boats going to Chacaua. You gained’t have any drawback discovering it: the white and inexperienced taxis will already be there ready for you as this can be a frequent route! The journey will take you not even 5 minutes and value you 20 Pesos (US$1).

Once you get to El Zapotalito shores, you’ll have 2 decisions to lastly get to Chacahua:

3a. Take a direct boat (they name it “lancha”) to Chacahua’s important sq.: it would take you 45 minutes and round 200 Pesos (US$10). With this selection, you’ll spend longer on the Lagoon waters and fewer on the highway, and other people instructed me the scenic journey is gorgeous. 

I personally didn’t take this selection, however it’s most likely extra gratifying than the second choice so I’d counsel doing that.

or

3b. Take the short boat to Chacahua Island (10 minutes, 50 pesos/ US$2) + a colectivo from the dock to Chacahua city (45 minutes, 50 pesos). This is the native transportation, so you’ll share each rides with native individuals and all their merchandise (groceries, fish, and so on.).

The first boat journey is definitely fairly good, passing via some mangroves and supplying you with wonderful views of the Lagoon waters. What is just not so good is the second journey on a bumpy grime highway… and if there are too many individuals chances are you’ll even should do all of it standing!

NOTE: The lancias (boats) and colectivos throughout the island begin operating round 6.30 a.m to five.30 p.m. (don’t anticipate finding any data about this on the web), whereas the colectivos to and from Puerto Escondido run at any hour of the day!

Once in Chacahua

Chacahua village is VERY small, so that you’ll be capable to stroll all over the place (barefoot). 

The island has two important sides: the seashore, going through the ocean, and the opposite aspect going through the lagoon (a part of it). If you wish to go from the seashore to the lagoon, you’ll should go via the primary sq., simply in the course of them and that’s just about the entire island in a nutshell! 

2. Things to do in Chacahua, Mexico

When you get to Chacahua, you’ll instantly really feel its distinctive and particular vibe, and you’ll loosen up in a matter of minutes. This means you’ll most likely wish to simply chill all day on its lengthy white sand seashore… and you need to!

But there are numerous different issues to do when the laziness goes away, and the good factor is that all of them contain being involved with nature: exploring the lagoon, occurring a ship tour, browsing, swimming within the bioluminescence… and far more! Let’s see them one after the other:

2.1 Simply benefit from the seashore!

As I discussed earlier than, the primary Chacahua seashore is itself an attraction, stretching for miles and permitting you to have limitless walks with breathtaking ocean views. 

But in the event you don’t really feel like strolling, simply lay down on the white sand, swim, get a therapeutic massage (one can find them from the numerous indicators on the seashore), or take a break from the new solar within the numerous beachfront native bars… and get a “coco frio” -fresh coconut- it would deliver you life!

PRO TIP: Whether you’re chilling or strolling, maintain at all times your eyes on the ocean, you might spot whales and dolphins at any time… and so they swim very near the seashore! Sometimes at evening, you might even see large turtles coming to the shores to put their eggs!

Another cool (and harmful in the event you’re a foodie) factor on the seashore is that there are soo many meals distributors coming to you at any time of the day providing you extraordinarily scrumptious snacks: platano frito (fried plantains), empanadas, recent juices, wholesome power balls… How are you able to say no?

2.2 Take a tour of the Chacahua Lagoons National Park 

As you may know by now, Chacahua Village lies within the Chacahua Lagoon National Park (Lagunas de Chacahua), so having a ship tour via its unbelievable wild nature is certainly a should!

If you haven’t already caught the lengthy boat journey on the way in which to the island (verify part #1) you possibly can discover the numerous elements of the Laguna de Chacahua with a ship tour. From crocodiles (sure, you heard it proper!), to charming mangroves and hen watching… There’s loads to see right here!

To discover a tour, you simply should stroll across the small (and solely) important sq. of Chacahua, a couple of minutes strolling from the start of the seashore, and ask one of many many males promoting excursions of the lagoon. 

NOTE: There’s no tour middle you possibly can go to, the whole lot is organized by speaking, and locals not often communicate English so that you might need to follow your Spanish expertise earlier than asking!

Another choice is to go to the Chacahua Lagoons National Park as a day journey from Puerto Escondido, particularly in the event you don’t have a lot time to remain on the island. 

Check out this boat tour: a neighborhood information will take you to all 5 lagoons of the park, mangroves, a hen sanctuary, and Corral island for US$90!

Price: 

• Tour with locals: 250 pesos (US$13)
• Day journey from Puerto Escondido:  US$90

2.3 Surf Surf Surf!

In Chacahua I can actually say that I discovered probably the greatest seashores for browsing I’ve ever skilled in my entire life!

Here the (proper) waves are lengthy, delicate, and so they break at completely different factors so there’s loads for anybody (even when typically it will get fairly crowded).

The waves kind are good you probably have simply began browsing or if you wish to enhance your expertise, and there are actually waves ALL day, no matter if the tide is excessive or low (however in the event you can, it’s higher to surf doing low or mid tight)!

There are additionally waves all yr spherical, however they may get somewhat too large for you in the course of the wet season (from May to September), until you’re a professional surfer… then you definately’ll have lots of enjoyable!

If you don’t have your individual board, no worries: a lot of the beachfront eating places, aside from being additionally lodging (we’ll see this additional on), hire surfboards and provides classes for affordable costs.

The greatest place to be taught browsing for inexperienced persons is Chacahua Surf Camp: one can find it by strolling for about 10 minutes from the start of the seashore (the place the pier is).

Price:

• Surf leases: 100 pesos (US$5) for 1 hour / 250 pesos (US$13) for 24-hours 
• Surf lesson: 500 pesos (US$25) for a 2-hour lesson

2.4 Watch the sundown at el Faro (the lighthouse)

Across the lagoon, proper on the opposite aspect of Chacahua Village, there’s one other island internet hosting a hill with a lighthouse on prime, referred to as “el faro”. 

This is the very best spot to take pleasure in among the most gorgeous sunsets you’ll ever see, whereas from Chacahua seashore you possibly can see spectacular sunrises, however not sunsets.

To get to the island the place the lighthouse is, you could catch a ten peso/$0.50 boat from the primary sq. (it would take you actually 1 minute) with a neighborhood, after which have a 15-minute steep and sweaty hike as much as the lighthouse! Once there, effectively… simply sit and benefit from the unforgettable sea views!

PRO TIP: ensure you get there round 1 hour earlier than the sundown so you possibly can safe your self a spot. This place is thought in Chacahua and will get fairly crowded. Ah… and don’t neglect the mosquito repellent!

Another choice in the event you don’t really feel like going as much as the lighthouse, when you get off the boat you possibly can head right down to the opposite seashore, the place you may as well see the solar disappearing under the horizon with fewer individuals than on the lighthouse!

2.5 Swim with the Bioluminescent Plankton 

One of the very best issues you are able to do not simply in Chacahua however in your entire life is swimming within the bioluminescence water (a plankton current within the water which makes it glow at evening) of Chacahua National Park!

In order to do that you’ll want to affix a evening tour of round 1 hour which can take you to the center of the lagoon by boat. The locals know a spot the place you possibly can greatest see the Bioluminescent Plankton shining.

Once there, you possibly can dip into the water and begin shifting: you’ll really feel like you’re swimming within the stars! I do know what you’re considering however don’t fear, there aren’t any crocodiles in some areas of the lagoon and locals know what they’re doing.

Since there aren’t any tour businesses on the island, once more you have to to discover a native to deliver you on his boat, however that gained’t be an issue: more often than not they arrive to you on the seashore providing bioluminescence excursions.

Otherwise, simply go to the primary sq. on the day and ask your self, ask for the “Lagunas de Chacahua” tour!

PRO TIP: It is healthier in the event you can see the bioluminescence throughout a brand new moon when will probably be tremendous clear, and DON’T try this with a full moon, otherwise you won’t be capable to see something!

Price: 100 pesos (US$5)

3. Where to remain in Chacahua

One of the issues I like about Chacahua is that it doesn’t have any fancy resort chains ruining the pristine seashores.

Apart from one single resort, the city simply hosts cabanas run by locals and campings!

And don’t anticipate finding any data on the web, to seek out lodging right here you simply should go there and ask individuals: there are many decisions! But let’s speak about all of the choices extra intimately:

Cabañas 

Cabañas (fundamental homes) are the primary lodging choice in Chacahua and one can find most of them on the seashore or going through the lagoon. 

You can resolve to hire a room or the entire Cabaña: probably the most fundamental room and not using a bathroom begins from 400 pesos (US$20 {dollars}) an evening, however costs will be a lot increased for a room with extra services and house.

As I mentioned earlier than, it’s mainly not possible to seek out them on the web, so what I counsel you do is stroll alongside the seashore and ask the numerous beachfront bars/eating places: all of them provide Cabañas and tenting choices till you discover what you’re searching for. 

PRO TIP: If you possibly can go to Chacahua with only a backpack or small baggage… strolling on the seashore (and crossing the lagoon on a small boat) with an enormous suitcase is just not a really nice expertise!

I stayed in Terra tipi: it has among the greatest shared loos and showers (however don’t count on something fancy) and is without doubt one of the solely eating places on the island with wifi… and the meals is nice!

Even although not a lot is on-line, I did handle to seek out 3 properties on Booking.com (together with the one resort in Chacahua).

NOTE: You will discover that these choices aren’t rated as excessive as those we usually suggest, however I added them right here for these of you who wish to have the safety of reserving prematurely, or in case your Spanish expertise should not the very best. 

• Hotel Sanmara – This wonderful 4-star resort is correct on the seashore and has the whole lot for a quiet and comfortable keep! Here you’ll discover an outside swimming pool, air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi (every with a personal lavatory), and a solar terrace. 
• Cabañas La Isla – This property is actually a 1-minute stroll from the seashore and affords rooms with a personal lavatory, free wifi, a fan, and even a terrace… plus among the greatest views of the ocean and islands!
• Cabañas las Palmas Chacahua – These Cabañas are good in the event you come to Chacahua with mates or household, providing quadruple rooms with good AC, a pleasant lavatory, and a balcony. Plus the homeowners are very pleasant!

Camping 

The most cost-effective manner of staying in Chacahua is tenting (or sleeping in hammocks), an excellent common choice, particularly amongst surfers! Again, to seek out the campgrounds you simply should go there and ask.

You will discover all of the camps on the seashore, provided by the beachfront bars/eating places or by the Chacahua surf camp. If you’re up for tenting, you have got 3 choices:

• Camp with your individual tent: the most affordable and most suitable choice, it would value you 60 pesos (US$3) per evening
• Rent a tent: in the event you don’t have a tent, some locations (not all) provide the choice to hire it, even supplying you with a mattress and mattress sheets in the event you want them. Renting a tent will value you round 100/150 pesos (US$6) relying on the camp.
• Hammocks: actually any tenting may even provide the choice to sleep in a hammock for round 50 pesos (US$2.50) an evening… simply deliver some heat garments or a sleeping bag, at evening it will get fairly chilly and humid!

4. Important issues to learn about Chacahua

Chacahua is kind of wild and undeveloped, so there are some belongings you most likely take without any consideration however gained’t discover right here (or, quite the opposite, belongings you wouldn’t count on). 

Check out this record of information so you possibly can come ready throughout your go to to Chacahua: 

• Cash is king – on the island they settle for solely money in eating places, outlets, or lodging so ensure you deliver sufficient with you
• ATMs – don’t anticipate finding ATMs in Chacahua, there’s solely a grocery store in the primary sq. the place you possibly can withdraw cash however they cost you a fee of 10%.
• Internet – in Chacahua there isn’t any cellphone sign, however yow will discover some eating places (like Terra Tipi) or cabanas that supply wifi in the event you pay. Anyways, the wifi yow will discover is kind of patchy, so get able to disconnect throughout your go to to Chacahua!
• Water – as in virtually all of Mexico, DON’T drink water from the sink, and, in the event you can, additionally wash your enamel with bottled water… you possibly can actually get sick (in case there’s a hospital)!
• Beach Bugs – sundown is the worst second in the case of mosquitos and sand flies (an virtually invisible insect of the sand). They actually eat you alive and the bites are itchy for days… so put on pants and lots of bug repellent as quickly because the solar goes down!
• Bartering – As in all of Mexico, you possibly can at all times barter right here if you wish to however actually, locals already provide you with fairly truthful costs and I didn’t really feel the necessity 
• Use sunscreen and sun shades – the solar is extraordinarily sturdy from 10 a.m to five p.m
• Bring abdomen medicines – there are few pharmacies on the island the place yow will discover them, but it surely’s at all times higher to be ready… particularly with the water difficulty

5. Where to eat in Chacahua

In Chacahua a lot of the locations serving meals are situated both on the primary Chacahua seashore or on the lagoon aspect, and so they provide roughly the identical issues: lots of fish, tlayudas (an enormous quesadilla with veggies or meat), Mexican breakfast, and so on. 

I gathered right here my favorites, the place the standard of meals is healthier than common:

• Terra Tipi – this beachfront restaurant has a really huge number of dishes, together with some vegan choices, and so they’re all good. Try the scrumptious wraps and the cheesecake for dessert… it’s to die for!
• Dos Hermanos – this is without doubt one of the greatest eating places on the island if you wish to eat fish, so costs are somewhat increased than on the remainder of the island however nonetheless affordable. You can have an enormous grilled fish (tremendous recent) for 150 pesos (US$8).
• Sabato Pasta – this isn’t a correct restaurant, however just a few chairs and tables below an enormous tent-top. Here some mates of mine prepare dinner a scrumptious (and vegan) Italian pasta each Saturday evening (it’s type of an occasion) whereas in the course of the week a neighborhood woman serves the very best lentil soup ever, with a platano inside!

Frequently requested questions on Chacahua, Mexico

Conclusion

Congrats! You reached the tip of this journey weblog about my beloved Chacahua, an island within the Oaxaca space of Mexico, about 3 hours from Puerto Escondido. 

Whether you’re going to Chacahua to surf its good waves, chill on the seashore, or take pleasure in its wild nature, you’ll love this place.

I hope my expertise and suggestions will assist you to spend the very best time on this magical island, and you probably have any questions on it please depart them within the feedback… wanting ahead to answering you!

Have the very best time!

Elena