Chacala, one of Mexico’s best kept secrets...
Off the beaten tourist path just 60 miles (100 kilometers) north of Puerto Vallarta, lies Chacala– a picturesque beach town set in a small cove on the Pacific coast of Mexico in the state of Nayarit. Chacala means “where there are shrimp” in Nahuatl. Here, on the coastline known as Riviera Nayarita, visitors fall into the easy rhythm of the slow pace of village life for a true Mexican experience. Chacalenos are friendly people. Traditions bind the community and the locals’ livelihood stems from the fishing trade and tourism.
Chacala, with its secluded bays and surrounding lush green jungles, offers visitors the tranquility of underdevelopment away from the hustle and bustle of larger vacation destinations. You won’t find fancy hotels in Chacala, but cozy tourist accommodations where you can get first-hand advice about how to best experience this laid-back fishing village and the surrounding area.
Chacala has a population of about 300. That number swells to approximately 1,000 during the high tourism seasons of winter, Christmas and Easter. Fishing is good periodically during the winter, spring and fall.
The Chacala Experience
Leave your cares and your dress up clothes behind. There is no need to worry about what you look like in Chacala. Sip on margaritas and dine on fish tacos at a beach café in your bathing suit. In Chacala, your spirit will be refreshed and your body rejuvenated by the laid back atmosphere, warm sunshine, ocean breezes, friendly people, and the many activities you may choose to participate in. Chacala visitors are seeking a retreat from their hectic lives.
Guided Tours (and pricing)
Tours will be further discussed and organized during day #1 of orientation (i.e., there is no need to pre-purchase of any of these packages). Everything will be done in Chacala. Payment may be made by cash (US Dollars or Pesos) or by credit card. All prices below are per person in US Dollars. All prices below are subject to change.
1. La Caleta /Surf Break (2-3 hours)
- $40 USD per person (4 person minimum)
- 2 miles north of Chacala, access by boat.
2. Chacala Bay Tour (2 hours)
- $40 USD total (Up to 5 people max)
- Option to be dropped at Chacalilla, Las Cuevas beaches for Lunch. Swimming/Snorkeling are available at an additional cost including return pickup. This tour price is for whole group not per person.
3. Whale Watching (2 hours) *Seasonal*
- $30 USD per person (4 person minimum)
4. Alta Vista Petroglyphs (4 hours)
- $30 USD per person (4 person minimum)
- Engraved images in volcanic stone over 2000 years old. Important religious center for the Huichole Native Americans.
5. AltaVista Nuevo Ixtlan Aguas Termales (½ day)
- $30 USD per person (6 person minimum)
- Hot springs near Guayabitos
6. Jamurcca Hot Springs (Near las Varas) (2-3 Hours)
- $20 USD per person (4 person minimum)
- Near Las Varas/La Cuata short 30 minutes from Chacala
- Pools at different temperatures , picnic lunch areas.
7. La Penita Market (Thursdays) (4+ hours)
- $30 USD per person (4 person minimum)
- Extensions available to stay for lunch at both these market locations
8. Guayabitos Market (Mondays) (4 + hours)
- $30 USD per person (4 person minimum)
- Vendors exhibit all year at both of these markets, but there are more artisan-type vendors during the high season from November through Mid April.
9. Isla de Coral Snorkeling (½ Day) (Boat from Chacala)
- $40 USD per person (6 person minimum)
- A protected nature reserve just a 30 minute boat ride from Chacala. Great snorkeling for all levels. Snorkeling equipment is included.
10. Compostela (½ Day)
- $35 USD per person (6 person minimum)
- Tour the historic City of Compostela and its surrounding areas including a visit to Nayarit coffee farm specializing in the production of Organic Coffee.
11. La Isla de Mexcaltitan (Full Day)
- $60 USD per person (6 person minimum)
- Known as the Mexican Venice, La Isla de Mexcaltitan is a community on a man-made island surrounded by a lake and canals.
12. Tequila (Full Day)
- $70 USD per person (6 person minimum)
- Visit Tequila, Jalisco, where you will explore the Agave plantations that make some of the world's most renowned Tequilas. Tasting is available at all locations. Adults 18 and Over for this trip.
13. San Pancho (½ day)
- $30 USD per person (6 person minimum)
- Visit the sea-side artists colony of San Pancho
14. Sayulita (½ Day)
- $30 USD per person (6 person minimum)
- Visit the sea-side surf capital the Nayarit Coast
15. La Tovara Jungle Boat Ride/San Blas (½ Day)
- $40 USD per person (6 person minimum)
- Visit these extensive mangrove forest in a protected animal reserve. Tour the region's only crocodile reserve where you will learn about these amazing creatures as well as exotic birds and tropical fish. Includes beach lunch.
16. Santa Maria Del Oro (Full Day)
- $60 USD per person (6 person minimum)
- Beautiful town with large Crater Lake, artisan shopping, and restaurants along the lake front.
Other Information:
Bottled drinking water is provided for free on all of the tours.Alcohol (beer or champagne) may be available at a modest charge.
Activities in Chacala (on your own)
Choose to do nothing but lounge by the infinity pool surrounded by lovely gardens at the Chacalitas Resort Villas or venture out to enjoy all that Chacala has to offer. Your Chaclaitas Resort host or hostess will help you make the most of your visit.
The Beach
The main beach provides a beautiful walk along the ocean and the children’s beach is 30 yards away. Caleta Bay is a great place for surfing.
Boating
The marina is just two minutes from the main beach. Owners of the local panaga boats will take you snorkeling, whale watching, turtle watching, fishing, and on sightseeing excursions as porpoises swim along side.
Fishing
Fish for delicious dorado (mahi-mahi) and snapper. Fire up the outdoor grill at Casa de Tortugas and prepare your catch of the day!
Whale Watching
The humpback whales come to the calm waters of Chacala to give birth from December to March. Take a whale watching cruise. In Chacala, it is said that there is one boat for every 10 whales!
Surfing
Take a day trip to Sayulita for surf school. While you are there, take a ride on the zip line.
Hiking
Hike in the mountains above Chacala. Hike around a crater, through orchards to a hidden beach while overlooking the coastline and Bay of Chacala.
Birding
Over 170 species of exotic birds inhabit Chacala. Be sure bring your binoculars.
Jungle Ride
Just one hour north of Chacala, you can take a two-hour Tobarra jungle ride. Enter the mangroves by boat and discover all the wildlife from birds to snakes to crocodiles.
Shopping
Take a van to the nearby marketplace in La Penita where once a week you can shop for Mexican artwork, artifacts, clothes, food, plants, and fresh produce.
Hot Springs
Soak in natural hot springs that are only a short car ride away.
Petroglyphs
A local guide will take you to an archeological site to see 2300-year-old carvings.
Nightlife
If you yearn for a little nightlife, head to more developed Sayulita or Guayabitos for music and dancing.
Volunteering
There is a great opportunity for volunteerism through Mar de Jade who runs a school for children. Bring your favorite project, donate school supplies or visit and assist teachers for a day. Mar de Jade has also started an organic gardening project for the locals and you can spend an afternoon helping to plant, weed and harvest.
Chacala Restaurants
Chacala is a small fishing village. Fresh Fish is always available to buy or purchase at the open air restaurants on the beach. Chacala has good, clean food with lots of fresh fish and fruits, beans, rice, salads, traditional breakfasts, chai, lattes etc.Most of Chacala’s palapa-covered restaurants are located along the beachfront and feature the best in seafood from the local area. Savor freshly caught or harvested lobster, shrimp, mahi-mahi, oysters, or other local favorites. New restaurants located away from the beach offer a bit of a different cuisine. Your Chacalita Villa host or hostess will steer you to in the right direction to suit your tastes. Go casual. There is no need to dress up in Chacala.