Chacahua: The Pacific’s Hidden Paradise
How to Get to Chacahua from Puerto Escondido:
To truly appreciate Chacahua, you must be a nature lover. The area offers little in terms of conventional activities; instead, it invites you to connect deeply with nature, be present in the moment, and unwind by the serene Pacific Ocean.
Accommodation in Chacahua is limited, with no large buildings in sight. The majority of options consist of cozy cabins, popular among surfers and couples seeking tranquility, as well as some campsites. However, there are also a few boutique hotels available for a more comfortable stay.
By car
Drive to Zapotalito: From Puerto Escondido, take the coastal highway (Highway 200) towards Río Grande. The trip is approximately 1.5 hours, covering about 55 kilometers until you reach the village of Zapotalito.
Boat Ride: Once in Zapotalito, you’ll need to take a boat (lancha) across the lagoon to reach Chacahua. The boat ride takes around 30-45 minutes and offers scenic views of the mangroves and wildlife.
By Public Transportation:
Collectivo or Bus to Rio Grande: Head to the main highway in Puerto Escondido and catch a colectivo or bus heading towards Río Grande. The ride takes about 1.5 hours.
Taxi or Moto-taxi to Zapotalito: From Río Grande, take a taxi or moto-taxi to Zapotalito. This leg of the journey is about 20 minutes.
Boat to Chacahua: In Zapotalito, hire a boat to cross the lagoon to Chacahua.
What to Expect:
Beaches:
Chacahua is famous for its long stretches of pristine, uncrowded beaches. The waves are great for surfing, especially for beginners.
Sunrise & Sunset watching
Walks
Lagoons:
The lagoons are the highlight, home to a diverse array of birds, crocodiles, and other wildlife. You can take boat tours through the mangroves to see the natural beauty up close.
Bioluminescence:
At night, the lagoons sometimes glow with bioluminescent plankton, offering a magical experience.
Local Villages:
The small villages in the area offer a chance to experience local culture and enjoy freshly caught seafood.
Turtle Release
Hatching Season: The best time to participate in turtle releases in Chacahua is from July to January, with peak activity generally from August to November. This is when the turtles are most likely to hatch and be released into the wild.
How to Participate:
Contact Local Groups: Upon arriving in Chacahua, inquire with local tour operators, guesthouses, or conservation organizations about scheduled turtle releases. They can provide details on how to join and what to expect. I saw one randomly one day at a beach for free.
Surf Lessons
Where to stay
Other accommodation option if you have a car
We discovered an untouched treasure—an expansive, stunning beach where we were the only ones there. It's similar to Chacahua's main beach but with absolute solitude. From this secluded spot, you can easily take a day trip to Chacahua and return, but you'll need a car to get there.
I’ve never heard anyone mention this place before—it's absolutely heavenly. However, it’s essential to come prepared with food and water, as there are no amenities. Also, be cautious of the powerful currents and large waves.
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