Chacala
Understand
Chacala, a village 100 km (60 miles) north of Puerto Vallarta on Mexico's Pacific Coast, is built around the beach, a handsome half-mile crescent of jungle-adjacent sand. At the southern end of the beach, gentle surf murmurs over black volcanic rocks. In the middle of the crescent, a half-dozen palm-shaded restaurants serve fresh fish and shrimp (and keep a machete on hand for those new-fallen coconuts). To the north, two dozen battered fishing boats are tied to a modest dock.
Get in
Chacala lies on Mexico's Pacific Coast, about 100 km north of Puerto Vallarta and six miles off Highway 200. From the Puerto Vallarta airport, visitors can rent a car (most major agencies are represented) or take a taxi, which costs about US$90 for the 90-minute ride.
Get around
See
Do
- Chacala Escapes, Islas Marías, ☏ +52 327 219-4018. arranges snorkeling, surfing, fishing, whale watching and other trips at US$10-35 per person..
Buy
Eat
- Majahua, On the beachfront, ☏ +52 327 219-4055. no roof and a pebble floor, but it's the fanciest restaurant in town, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Main courses US$6-13..
- Las Brisas, beachfront. favorite with English speakers. Main dishes US$5.50-18..
- Mauna Kea Cafe, Los Corchos, just off Islas Marias, ☏ +52 327 219-4067. a breakfast spot (8-10AM). Prices US$4.50-7..
- Chac Mool (vino deli cafe), islas canarias 7, ☏ +52 3272194097. Attractive terrace cafe serving breakfasts and European style food, along with gourmet coffees and artisan bread, run by Mexican/English couple.
Drink
Sleep
- Majahua, On the beachfront. Four 'suite' units in a pair of buildings on a jungle slope down to the beach. Uneven paths make it risky for children and anyone with mobility problems, but the secluded setting and spa attract yoga groups and other escapists. Breakfast included. US$110-300 per suite nightly..
- Mar de Jade, On the beachfront, ☏ +52 327 219 4000. Thirty units, neighbored by garden, pool and beach. Units have no phones or TVs, and most are fan-cooled. Family-friendly. Spa facilities. Three kayaks. Meals included in rates. High-season rates US$110-135 per person based on double occupancy, or US$135-180 for singles..
- Casa Chacala, Golfo de Mexico street. Six units and a pool. Has air conditioning (a rarity). Doubles begin at US$50.
- Techos de Mexico (Roofs of Mexico). Most include kitchenettes and terraces with ocean views; all are within five minutes' walk to the beach, but housekeeping, telephone access and billing practices vary. Little English spoken. Among the houses in the Techos de Mexico program, rooms are priced at US$22.50-60 nightly..
- Chacala Vacation Rentals, ☏ +52 327-102-0864. Several houses in the gated Marina Chacala development are available for short-term rental. From US$150 (for a one-bedroom unit) to US$625 per night (for Villa Tesseri, which sleeps 10 to 12 and has a swimming pool)..