Explore Chacala | Las Palapas Chacala Mexico

Explore

Chacala is a small fishing village with a lot to do. On-property you have everything you need for a full beach day. Step outside the gate and you'll find fun local restaurants, snorkeling, boat trips, hiking, and a handful of worthwhile day trips to nearby towns. Excellent surf breaks are a paid boat ride away. Here's a guide to making the most of your time here.

On the Property

Swim & Lounge

The bay in front of the house is calm and sheltered — great for swimming. The protected beach is especially gentle and ideal for kids. Massages are available at the house, contact Nidia on WhatsApp to schedule.

Infinity Pool & Swim-up Bar

Your home base for most of the day. The pool looks right over the ocean, and the bar is stocked and staffed until 7pm.

The Beach

Three kayaks, three SUP boards, and boogie boards are included. Paddle down the coast to the restaurant in Chacala at Baby Beach for breakfast or lunch — it's a fun morning outing. Enjoy standup paddleboarding in the bay or along the coast.

Masks, snorkels, and fins are available on-site (5 sets). The water is clear and the bay is calm.

Tennis & Clubhouse

The Marina Chacala complex includes tennis courts and a pickleball court, plus a clubhouse with a full and lap pool available to guests.

On the Water

Whale Watching

The Chacala area is one of the best spots on the Pacific coast for humpbacks from November through early March. The ratio of boats to whales is dramatically better here than in Puerto Vallarta.

Surfing

La Caleta, a left point break just 2km from Chacala, draws surfers from across the region. It's a short boat ride away. WhatsApp Nidia to arrange a boat and how to pay.

Paddleboarding

Three SUP boards are available at the house. The water is calmest before 11am, making mornings the best time to head out. Paddle to Chacala's Baby Beach for breakfast or continue down the coast toward Las Cuevas.

In and Around Chacala

Walk into the Village

Chacala is a 10-minute walk. The main beach has five palapa beach restaurants, a great taco stand two blocks east of the main intersection, and a Saturday morning market from 8am–1pm.

Volcano Hike

A relatively easy hike from the village to a crater summit at about 400 feet of elevation. The 360-degree views of the coastline, mountains, and bay are worth it. Go early and bring water. On the All Trails app, look for Playa Chacala – Volcan Duron Ivanna. Just hike the volcano, don't go all the way to Las Cuevas beach (it's too far).

Birding

The Riviera Nayarit is home to over 350 bird species across mangroves, jungle, and coastline. Early mornings are best. Chacala hosted its first annual bird festival in 2023. Nidia can provide guides.

Wildlife

Keep an eye out for pelicans, frigatebirds, large sea turtles, iguanas, racoon like tejones, and the occasional dolphin!

Day Trips

Sayulita

~$60/cab | Surf town with great restaurants, shops, and a lively beach scene.

San Pancho

~$60/cab | Quieter than Sayulita, beautiful beach, strong local food scene and fun shops.

La Penita

~$50/cab | Thursday morning market day is the main draw. Good spot for gifts and local finds.

Alta Vista

~$60/cab | Pre-Columbian petroglyphs on a trail near a jungle stream. Unique half-day trip.

Puerto Vallarta

~80 min south | Day trip for shopping, fine dining, or the Malecón.

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