Chacahua Mexico: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

TRAVELING TO CHACAHUA OAXACA?

You’re in the right place to discover everything you need to know about visiting Chacahua. How do I know? I’ve been to Chacahua several times since 2018, and I’m sharing all my best tips with you in this article.

Chacahua town has transformed from a small, quiet fishing village to a sought-after destination for travelers seeking a true escape. This unique town boasts a blend of Afro and Mexican cultures, creating a one of a kind atmosphere.

Looking for the best Chacahua tour?

This Puerto Escondido to Chacahua Day Trip has a perfect Five Star rating.

Visitors are greeted with a wealth of untouched coastlines and peaceful surroundings, making Mexico Chacahua the perfect place to escape city life and enter a world of infinite tranquility.

If you are looking for the ultimate Mexican beach escape and one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets, look no further than the hippie paradise of Chacahua.

Chacahua Oaxaca Guide

Coming from Oaxaca City to Chacahua?

You’re in luck because it’s pretty easy to get to Puerto Escondido from Oaxaca City, and you can check the article for a deep dive into all your options.

Coming from Puerto Escondido to Chacahua?

So then how do you get from Puerto Escondido to Chacahua? Once you arrive in Puerto Escondido, it’s easy to get to Chacahua.

You can rent a car in Puerto Escondido (or scooter) and drive to Zapotalito to catch the boat to Chacahua. You can also take public transportation to Zapotalito, or just join this Chacahua tour and let them coordinate it all for you.

Chacahua Getting there

One of the most hassle-free transfers is booking a Chacahua day trip like this Chacahua tour from Puerto Escondido.

This tour takes you to the main highlights, including a visit to Chacahua Village, Corral Island, and a bird sanctuary. At the end of the tour, you can stay in Chachua instead of returning to Puerto Escondido immediately.

Chacahua Oaxaca Guide

Puerto Escondido to Zapotalito

Getting from Puerto Escondido to El Zapotalito (usually just called Zapotalito) is the first leg of the journey. Here are your three options:

1️⃣ The fastest and easiest way to get to Zapotalito Oaxaca is your Puerto Escondido rental car. You can park your car at the El Zapotalito dock until you get return from Chacahua.

2️⃣ Another popular way of getting to Chacahua from Puerto Escondido is through public transportation. Head to Terminal TUR and hope on a colectivo (shared van) heading towards Rio Grande Oaxaca.

Let the driver know you’re heading to Chacahua, and you’ll be dropped off at the intersection outside El Zapotalito. The bus ticket per person will be around $55-70 pesos ($3-4 USD). The trip is approximately 1 hour long.

3️⃣ Another option is to take a taxi from Puerto Escondido to Zapotalito, and there are many taxis that take people to and from El Zapotalito throughout the day. The cost of the cab is about $300-500 pesos (about $15-30 USD).

Chacahua Oaxaca Guide

El Zapotalito to Chacahua

Once you get to the small town of El Zapotalito Mexico, you have two options:

1️⃣ A combination 10-minute boat trip with a 40-minute camioneta ride on a very bumpy dirt gravel road. This option costs about $100 pesos ($5 USD), which is $50 for the boat and $50 for the camioneta pick-up truck.

2️⃣ A direct boat into town will take 45-60 minutes. Prices depend on your bargaining ability and the number of people on the boat, but you can plan for your fare to be between $200-$1,000 pesos ($10-50 USD).

And there you go, that’s how to get to Chacahua from Puerto Escondido. It sounds easy, doesn’t it? Well, it is, although there are a few steps.

Chacahua Oaxaca Guide

Top 5 Best Chacahua Hotels

Planning on staying in Chacahua Mexico? …or just wondering where to stay in Chacahua Oaxaca? Well, you have a few options which we’re going to show you below.

Once you arrive to Chacahua, one of the first things you’ll probably be looking for is accommodation. So what are some Chacahua places to stay? Let’s check them out — and if you want, you can even book your Chacahua hotel now.

When choosing a more remote accommodation option for Chacahua, remember that you’ll need to walk everywhere as there are no taxis or public transportation. Everything is within walking distance though.

Cell phone signal is also pretty limited, so choose a hotel that offers WiFi if you want to stay in touch with the outside world.

Chacahua Oaxaca Guide

1. Hotel Sanmara: Best Hotel in Chacahua ($$$)

A 4-star beachfront location, Hotel Sanmara is one of the more luxurious options in Chachua. The hotel offers guests an outdoor swimming pool, terrace, and restaurant.

Each room is equipped with air conditioning, free WiFi, and a private bathroom. The staff is friendly, and the hotel offers a clean and modern vibe around a 10 minute walk from the town center.

If you want modern amenities in a rustic town and don’t mind splurging a little, Chacahua Hotel Sanmara is perfect. It offers privacy and a lot of amenities.

Chacahua Oaxaca Guide

2. Cabañas Alta Mar Chacahua ($$)

For gorgeous balcony views of the ocean, including breathtaking sunrises, the Cabañas Alta Mar has all this and much more. 

Located just a short walk down the beach to the central area of town, this hotel offers clean, comfortable, and sizable rooms with amenities like a private bath with complimentary toiletries. Many of the units also feature a sea view. 

Look no further than Cabañas en Chacahua Alta Mar for a central beachfront location that is still in a quiet area.

Chacahua Oaxaca Guide

3. Casa Gitana Chacahua Oaxaca ($$)

Another upscale Chachua accommodation option, Casa Gitana (Gypsy House), offers a beachfront location and gorgeous modern rooms, some of which have sea views.

The hotel also has free WiFi, which is surprisingly fast for the area, and the property has high-ceiling and spacious rooms, friendly staff, and direct access to the beach. 

As the town is around 20 minutes away, Casa Gitana is an excellent option if you are looking for a place to enjoy the sun and the Chacahua surf Mexico.

Chacahua Oaxaca Guide

4. Cabañas La Isla Chacahua ($$)

The first time I visited Chacahua in 2018, Cabañas La Isla Chacahua (Chacahua Island Cabins) was the only Chacahua beachfront hotel, so I chose it by default. For such a rustic place like Chacahua, I was pleasantly surprised.

Run by a Chacahua local named Christian, this hotel is just steps from where the boats drop you off in Chacahua. It has good WiFi, comfy beds, hot showers, a private balcony or terrace, spacious rooms, and direct beach access.

I have stayed at Cabañas Chacahua more than once, in both the room facing the beach and the room facing the lagoon. I found the lagoon side a bit nicer because you’re facing away from the main beach.

However, both the beachfront room and lagoon room were great. There are numerous restaurants next to these cabañas, and you’re also close to the convenience stores in Chacahua, and everything else on the island.

Chacahua Oaxaca Guide

5. Porã Chacahua Glamping Tents ($)

⭐️ Rating: 9.1 out of 10 Stars | 🏝️ Location: Lagunas de Chacahua Beachfront |🏨 Check Rates & Availability

For a more unique and remote option that still has everything you need (and more), there’s no better place than Porã Chacahua.

The rooms are individual tipis, which offer sea views, an outdoor dining area, and basic amenities like linen and a fan. The bathrooms are shared, as is the kitchen.

Offering more of a communal-type of vibe, Porã Chacahua also has chip-in dinners and a chilling area, perfect for a bonfire and a couple of beers. It also serves an a la carte daily breakfast with vegetarian and vegan options. 

Clean bathrooms, super friendly staff, and a gorgeous beachfront location are reasons why people love to stay here. And, although the hotel is a 40 minute walk from town, you can always take a colectivo, which runs every hour.

Chacahua Oaxaca Guide

A Few Other Cahcahua Accommodation Options

There are many different types of Chacahua Mexico accommodation options that can fit various budgets, including Chacahua camping options and Chacahua Oaxaca hostels. Some other options include:

1. Playa Cósmica Chacahua Eco Camping (Rated 9.9 out of 10 Stars)
2. Private Chacahua Beach Bungalow (Rated 9.5 out of 10 Stars)
3. Nattivo Ecoglamping Chacahua
4. Cabañas el Piojo Chacahua
5. Cabañas los Delfines Chacahua
6. Casa Tata Chacahua

Be aware that some of these will not be bookable online through a booking system like Booking.com. Many informal accommodation options can be booked through Facebook or WhatsApp. 

Top 7 Best Things to Do in Chacahua Oaxaca

1. Explore Chacahua Lagoons National Park via Private Boat Tour

If you are still interested in visiting the Chachoua Lagoons but are limited in time, opt for this Chacahua National Park Mexico Day Trip from Puerto Escondido.

On this tour, you’ll explore the Chacahua Lagoons National Park and the Afromestizos culture on a day or evening boat tour from Puerto Escondido. 

This tour takes you through the five lagoons of the park, mangrove forests, and bird sanctuary, with a stop at the village of Chacahua and Corral Island.

You’ll also learn about the history of the La Costa Oaxaqueña region and enjoy a swim in a bioluminescent lagoon. The evening tour includes visiting the Chacahua lighthouse, a beach campfire, and a sunset experience.

This is also a great option if you’re looking for a hassle-free transfer to Chacahua from Puerto Escondido that includes all of the region’s main highlights. Round-trip hotel transport from Puerto Escondido is also included.

Chacahua Oaxaca Guide

2. Go Surfing in Chacahua Oaxaca Mexico

Chacahua surfing is a popular activity for both beginners and experienced surfers. The waves are frequent and suitable for those looking to improve their skills, with waves available all day and year round. 

During the rainy season (May to September), the waves may get too big for beginners but are perfect for pro surfers. Most beachfront restaurants also offer surfboard rentals and lessons for reasonable prices. 

🏄🏼‍♀️ Curious about other surf towns in Mexico? You’ll find some of the best surf spots in Mexico in Sayulita, Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas, Todos Santos, Mazatlan and Troncones.

Chacahua surf rental typically costs $100 pesos ($5 USD) for 1 hour, or $250 pesos ($15 USD) for 24 hours. Lessons are also available, with prices varying depending on the length and instructor. 

One of the best places to learn is Chacahua Surf Camp, located 10 minutes from the rocky pier at the beginning of the beach. Local Chacahua surfer Sunny will show you the ropes, and provide your board.

Going to surf Chacahua Mexico is a great option to catch some waves and improve your skills. Note: It’s a good idea to check the Chacahua Oaxaca surf forecast to get an idea of what the Chacahua waves will be like during your visit.

Chacahua Oaxaca Guide

4. Release Baby Turtles in Chacahua

Visitors to Chacahua Beach can participate in releasing baby turtles hatched from nests on the beach. Three species of turtles, Olive Ridley, Leatherback, and Green or Black turtles, nest their eggs on the sand of Playa Chacahua Oaxaca. 

Chacahua turtle project, Campamento Tortuguero Bahía de Chacahua, organizes the release. Unlike other baby turtle experiences, visitors do not get their own turtle, but can observe as they make their way to the ocean.

Another option is to accompany the volunteer team during the collection of eggs at night. Either way, if you’re Googling “Chacahua what to see,” no list is complete without this top option.

Chacahua Oaxaca Guide

5. Chacahua Crocodile Zoo (Cocodrilario de Chacahua)

The Cocodrilario de Oaxaca Chacahua is a crocodile reserve located in the inland half of the Chacahua village.

It houses more than 200 crocodiles and is part of a program aimed at saving the local wild croc population from extinction due to poaching. 

Although not explicitly set up for visitors, anyone is welcome to drop by. You can take a local lancha (motorboat) across the channel to visit the Cocodrilario Crocodile Zoo in Chacahua.

Chacahua Oaxaca Guide

6. Chacahua Bioluminescence Tours

Laguna Chacahua Oaxaca is known for its stunning bioluminescence. Although best seen during a new moon, the bioluminescence can still be observed by heading out on the water before the moonrise or after the moonset. 

With no tour agencies on the island, visitors can find a local Chacahua boat owner willing to take them on a tour to see the Chacahua bioluminescence for about $100 pesos (about $5.50 USD) per person.

Visitors may also see the bioluminescent plankton from the shores of Playa Chacahua or the mouth of the lagoon during a new moon.

Chacahua Oaxaca Guide

7. Unplug & Relax at Chachua Playa (+ Get a Massage)

The main attraction of Chacahua beach is its peaceful and serene atmosphere, where you can unplug, relax and enjoy endless walks on its pristine white sand. 

Break from the sun by lounging on the beach or swimming in crystal clear waters. If you’re in the mood for a massage, you can easily find one with the many signs on the beach offering services. 

There are also local bars that you can visit and enjoy a refreshing cold coconut. With a very local atmosphere, you can fully immerse yourself in the tranquility of Chacahua Playa (meaning, Chacahua Beach).

Chacahua Oaxaca Guide

Where to Eat in Chacahua Oaxaca

Most restaurants serve typical Mexican dishes, seafood, Oaxacan foods, and some simple international options. And there is also an Afro influence in the cuisine. But the main star of the show is seafood. 

One popular dish you should try is pescado empapelado, a slow-cooked fish dish in foil or paper with spices and vegetables. Also, don’t miss the Oaxacan tlayudas and memelas, two staple foods in Oaxaca Mexico.

Some of the best restaurants Chacahua offers are Terra Tipi, Lia del Mar Chacahua, and Restaurant & Chacahua Cabañas Jamy.

These numerous beach-side food stands serve fresh seafood options like whole fried fish, grilled fish filet, tlayudas, ceviche, veggie burritos and/or shrimp burgers.

One thing to note is that while food prices are quite affordable, the Chacahua region relies on food deliveries once or twice a week. You may see some scratched-out items on menus from time to time.

Chacahua Oaxaca: Frequently Asked Questions

🗺️ Lagunas de Chacahua Map

Here are some additional geographic markers to keep in mind when understanding where Chacahua is located:

• Puerto Escondido to Chacahua distance: 70 miles (113 km)
• Huatulco to Chacahua distance: 133 miles (214 km)
• Oaxaca City to Chacahua distance: 188 miles (298 km)
• Mexico City to Chacahua distance: 438 miles (705 km)

Although it is technically not an island, as it is connected to the mainland of Oaxaca, many see it as one because most visitors take a boat to reach the town. The fastest way to get to Chachua is by boat.

Chachua is part of the larger Lagunas de Chacahua National Park, which means “Lagoons of Chacahua.” This parks encompasses a variety of ecosystems, including lagoons, mangroves, and white-sand beaches.

Some Chacahua hotels and restaurants offer Wi-Fi, but it’s best to check with your accommodation beforehand. 

Having a local SIM card with data can also be a good option for staying connected while on the island.

It’s important to note the current before that swimming in the lagoons. If you want to cross the lagoon, that may require a guide or boat due to a strong current.

Chacahua Beach is also known for its year round waves, with the rainy season offering bigger waves for experienced surfers.

Before you go, check the Chacahua surf forecast or a local Chacahua surf guide to get an idea of what the waves will be like during your visit.