Chacala Nayarit: Your Go-To Guide for the Perfect Mexican Escape
Chacala is a beach in the state of Nayarit, north of Guadalajara, in a small fishing village on the Pacific Ocean, nestled between Puerto Vallarta and San Blas.
It is one of the most beautiful and tranquil beaches along the Riviera Nayarit.
The name “Chacala” means “where there are shrimps” in Nahuatl, and it is considered one of the hidden treasures of the Mexican Pacific.
Chacala has a warm and sociable atmosphere. As you walk through its narrow streets, you’ll feel a sense of community, as though all the residents know one another.
You’ll encounter homes with traditional facades, artisan workshops, and cozy restaurants where you can enjoy a variety of traditional and international dishes.
In Chacala Nayarit, you can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and visit the beach, where you’ll often see families, friends, and couples soaking in the peaceful surroundings.
You can play in the sand or swim in the sea, savoring delicious food and drinks from one of the palapas.
One of the highlights of Chacala is its identity as a coastal community with fascinating historical anecdotes.
It’s definitely worth considering a stay in the small tropical paradise of Chacala for a few days.
5 Top Things to Do in Chacala Nayarit
The town of Chacala holds many stories and anecdotes.
Discovered in 1524 by Captain Francisco de Cortés de San Buenaventura, its beaches have seen visits from Dutch pirates and Father Kino, a missionary who traveled along the coast on various missions.
As you walk along Chacala Beach, you’ll encounter many intriguing sights.
For instance, you may see a massive tree where a woman once lived to prevent it from being cut down.
It’s also common to see families searching for tiquiliches—crustaceans similar to shrimp that are washed ashore by the waves.
1. Enjoy the Beach
Playa Chacala in Mexico is a standout destination, known for its stunning landscapes of palm trees and lush vegetation that make it one of the most picturesque spots in the country.
The beach is 300 meters long and 40 meters wide, featuring golden sands with a fine texture and powerful waves.
All of Chacala’s beaches are excellent for snorkeling, and locals offer a variety of beach equipment for visitors to rent, including snorkeling gear, umbrellas, beach chairs, and more.
The most popular beaches are Las Cuevas, Chacalilla, and La Caleta. Las Cuevas is known for its rough surf, Chacalilla for its calm waters, and La Caleta is particularly popular with surfers.
With a short, straight coastline, turquoise water, and golden sands, Playa Chacala has a smooth entry into the water, so no special footwear is needed.
This beach is ideal for a wide range of visitors—solo travelers, relaxation seekers, families with children, and older adults.
During the high season, it becomes moderately crowded. A campsite is also located nearby for those wishing to stay close to nature.
The coast of Playa Chacala Nayarit is open to everyone, offering amenities such as hammocks and umbrellas, a beach bar, and restrooms.
During the season, the beach is monitored by a lifeguard. In addition to swimming and sunbathing, visitors can enjoy activities like stand-up paddleboarding and sea kayaking.
You may want to read: Rincon de Guayabitos, Mexico: A Tranquil Paradise for Beach Lovers
For those interested in exploring the area further, an excursion to San Blas and Tequila is highly recommended.
2. Chacala Nayarit Fishing Port
Chacala Nayarit has a small marina where fishing boats dock.
Locals refer to it as “Boat Beach” since it’s also where cruise ships arrive. Playa Chacala is a popular destination, especially during the winter season.
3. Las Cuevas Beach
South of Playa Chacala lies Las Cuevas Beach, often called the “Hidden Beach.”
This secluded spot, known for its strong waves, is accessible by a 4×4 vehicle, but most visitors reach it on foot or by hiring a local fisherman for a panga boat ride.
To the north of Playa Chacala is Las Caletas, the main surfing beach.
You can walk there or take a local boat. Here, you’ll find boutique hotels offering spectacular ocean views and spa services, as well as homes owned by locals that are available for tourists to rent.
4. Chacala Cultural Market
Another attraction is the Cultural Market, which opens every Saturday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, from November to March (the high season).
This market is located in a small area of the town, where you can find food, art, crafts, traditional sweets, organic products, and fresh vegetables.
Sometimes, the Chacala community, represented by a group of volunteers from various countries, professions, and backgrounds, organizes free Music and Arts Festival.
You may want to read: 7 Best Things to Do in San Pancho, Mexico
The event features performances for children, local graphic artists, bands, soloists, dance groups, and even theatrical performances.
5. Experience the Mar de Jade Resort in Chacala Nayarit
Mar de Jade is a Wellness Resort & Yoga Retreat Center nestled between the tropical jungle and the pristine sandy beach of Chacala, Nayarit.
Their staff is dedicated to offering retreats that nurture, transform, and inspire lives.
With over 30 years of experience hosting retreats, you will find a welcoming environment, professional services, and logistical know-how to help you lead a life-changing retreat.
How to get to Chacala Nayarit
The nearest international airport to Chacala is Puerto Vallarta.
Chacala is about 78 km south of San Blas and 31 km north of Rincón de Guayabitos.
To reach Chacala by car from the south, take the left exit approximately 1500 meters before entering the town of Las Varas.
From Highway 200, follow the signs indicating that Chacala is 9 km to the west.
If you are driving from Tepic, take Highway 200 to Compostela, then continue to Las Varas, which is about 37 km away. From there, drive another 9 km west to reach Chacala Beach.
For bus travel, services such as Futura, Oriente, Pacifico, and Nayar operate routes from both the north and south.
Regardless of your direction, you must first reach Las Varas, where you can take a taxi or small bus for the remaining 10 km to Chacala.
Chacala Nayarit: Summary
As you have seen today, Chacala and its surroundings offer a variety of attractions, including jungle hikes, surfing, whale watching, boat rides, and ancient petroglyphs.
Visitors can also enjoy the simple pleasures of playing in the soft sand and swimming in the warm ocean waters year-round.
On a side note: Since Chacala is a tiny bay surrounded by hills, the waters are usually very calm, which makes them suitable for children.
Chacala boasts the most pristine and picturesque bay in the Riviera Nayarit, with golden sand, coconut groves, and palapa (thatched-roof) restaurants lining the coast, all set against the backdrop of lush tropical jungle hillsides.
For nature lovers and those seeking breathtaking scenery, Chacala Nayarit is an ideal destination.
This region is home to a wide variety of bird species, such as magpies, gulls, and pelicans.
Therefore, it is recommended to bring a good camera to capture the stunning beauty of the area when visiting the Nayarit coast.
