Welcome to Chacala in Riviera Nayarit
Chacala is a beach town in the state of Nayarit some 8 miles from the city of Las Varas. It is located in Riviera Nayarit, a 180 mile long stretch of coast in the state of Nayarit on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, which includes Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerías, Sayulita, Lo de Marcos< La Penita and other great beach towns and tourist destinations.
Chacala is located on the coast some 62 miles north of Puerto Vallarta and has a population of around 300 inhabitants, which can triple during Christmas and Easter and high season which is during the winter months.
The locals are all very kind and inviting and will not make an issue out of you not speaking the language, they’ll be very willing to share their culture despite that limitation.
Chacala’s inviting warmth will follow you as the sun sets on this Nayarit beach, where it is common to see everyone just relaxing. Stop by the beach for some delicious seafood and an awesome view. You’ll be tempted to play in the sand or just cool off with one of their refreshing tropical drinks!
What to do
The town is a very picturesque and true Mexican fisherman village surrounded by the sea and rainforest. It offers exuberant wildlife. The calm bay is bathed by gentle waves, ideal for swimming, you can also enjoy fishing, snorkeling, hikes, horseback riding and more. The area is also fabulous for enjoying nature and bird watching.
A tour of the beaches of Chacala Mexico will bring you to a giant tree that was once inhabited for quite some time by an indomitable woman determined not to let it be cut down.
You might also see a family watching the ebb and flow of waves as they wait eagerly to catch some “tiquiliches“, crustaceans similar to shrimp. These small invertebrates can be found washed ashore after rough seas or high tide; their meat makes up part of traditional dishes from this region like ceviche mixto (a mixture including raw seafood).
It has a cultural style market on Av. Chacalilla 3 in Chacala itself.
Chacala is also a starting point to get to some of the best surf locations in the area and the state. You can either hike or take a boat to, for example, La Caleta a local favorite and enjoyed by those in the know.
Las Cuevas, Chacalilla and la Caleta are three of the most popular beaches in this destination. Las Cuevas waves can be strong at times but they’re great for adrenaline junkies looking to get their fix! Chacalilla is a calm oasis in the middle of tumultuous water. La Caleta offers surfers an ideal spot to ride waves without being pounded by its power, making it popular among those who want more than just fun but also challenge from their activity.
Surfing in Chacala
If you hit it right, the south end of the main beach at Chacala offers a rideable barrel (left and right), but only available at the beginning and the end of a swell period. It is not so good at a peaking swell because they close out quickly onto the sandy bottom.
This is a great place for learning to surf and is always good for boogie boarders. Something special about this main beach is that it has been awarded the coveted “Clean Beach” certificate for 2 years running. The beauty of the surrounding lush green jungle that greets the sand and sea makes for a great beach day out, no matter what your level of experience is.
North of Chacala, further up into Riviera Nayarit, there are many more breaks with some of the longest waves in the world, if you catch the correct swell.
How to get to Chacala
You can get to Chacala taking a left (when coming from the south) one mile before entering Las Varas, there is a widening of the highway there and there are signs saying Chacala 9 kilometers, 5.5 miles off Federal Highway 200 to the W by the sea, 48 miles south of San Blas and 20 miles north of Rincón de Guayabitos.
For more information on Chacala, please contact the team and Galvan Real Estate and Services via email at Director@GalvanRealEstateandServices.com of call +1 52 327 275 0233.
