Beach towns of the Central Pacific Coast: Chacala

Most of Chacala's short crescent beach has gently sloping sand. Only on the south end does it become more rocky. We have visited Chacala a number of times over the years and its serenity and rustic charm has made it one of our favorites. The little beach town is a bit like Sayulita, before that place got "loved to death" by the folks with money and became overrun with expensive beach homes, condos, and boutique shops. 

Chacala may have (so far) avoided this fate because it is relatively remote from Puerto Vallarta. Thus, it has largely escaped the notice of those who jet in from afar, seeking resort destinations that have all the comforts and conveniences of home. Perhaps Chacala will undergo changes similar to Sayulita in the future. For now, it retains the slightly down-at-the-heels quality and off-the-beaten-track charm that Carole and I like.  

Chacala's nearest neighbor of any size is the town of Las Varas. The coast road between Rincon de Guayabitos and Chacala stretches 29.8km (18.5mi), about a 40 minute drive. Just before reaching Las Varas, look for a sign that says "Playa Chacala" and then turn left at the Oxxo convenience store. A well-paved two-lane road winds through 11.8km (7.3mi) of coastal jungle and enters Chacala from the south.

The town's two main streets parallel the shore and are bisected by several short streets. Walking at a brisk pace, you could probably cover the whole "downtown" in 15 minutes or so. There are a number places selling nicknacks and other shops that sell or rent gear for swimmers, snorkelers, divers, and those favoring boogie or surfboards. 

The southern portion of the beach is scattered with large rocks. However, near the waterline, the sand is smooth and walking is easy. Only a couple of people strolled the beach during the late morning when I took this shot. You'll likely encounter more folks than this at the northern part of the crescent, but it would still be a stretch call that area crowded. 

Where the southern end of the shore turns out toward the point, the beach mostly disappears and the steep jungled slope comes right down to the water. In the upper left quadrant of the photo you can see a light colored structure built into the cliff (just above and slightly to the left of the figure on beach). That is the subject of my next photo.

One of the more unusual homes you will find in Chacala. The builder constructed the house as a series of steps from the rocky shore up the mountainside. Whoever lives there had better have good knees! Also, since the Pacific Coast of Mexico is subject to the occasional tsunami, the occupant had better hope s/he is in one of the upper levels when the wave arrives.

Most of the hotels and rental bungalows are located in the town. Few if any structures here have more than four stories. This provides a welcome relief from the glass and steel towers that dominate Puerto Vallarta. The structures along the beach are called palapas. Roofed with palm-fronds, their floors are beach sand. One of the main reasons we find Chacala so attractive is its human scale.

An RV park nestles in a palm grove just south of town. I'm not sure what hook-ups or other services are available here. Since I don't own an RV, I didn't think to inquire. However, this being Mexico, I'm pretty sure the charges are modest and whatever is not available here can be obtained a short walk down the beach. The folks who own the vehicle above seem to have settled in nicely.

Another alternative: sleep on your sailboat. We saw several sailboats in the small bay. This one was anchored next to the line of boulders that marks the shoreline along the northern point of the crescent. There is no beach along here, since the steep hill comes right down to the water. Some people have built houses along the top of the point, but they are relatively secluded in the vegetation.

 

What to do in Chacala?

Boogie boarders frolic in the surf. Chacala has gentle surf and the water is usually calm. Big-wave surfers should probably look elsewhere. However these conditions are great for boogie boarders, swimmers, snorkelers, and those who just want to get wet to cool off. 

Playing in the sand can also be entertaining. Beach sand seems to have a special attraction for small children and dogs. This little girl has nestled herself into some cool moist sand as she considers her next move. 

Running, jumping, and digging in loose sand are among the favorite activities of canines, as well as kids. I have seen dogs vigorously digging on the beach just for the sheer joy of making the sand fly.

Rocks along the shore inspire those with artistic inclinations. Got time on your hands on a slow day? Here's an entertaining possibility that only requires a bit of patience and imagination and no cost at all. You may even find your masterpiece enshrined in a blog like mine.

There's always seating available under these open-air palapas. While there are restaurants on some of the streets in town, the best dining experience--in my opinion--will be found in the large palapas that line the northern section of the beach. With the surf gently rolling in a few yards away, you can eat fresh seafood and sip on a cold margarita.

And, speaking of margaritas... It's hard to beat the cool shade of a beach palapa on a hot afternoon. As you gaze out over the blue Pacific toward the far horizon, you may find yourself "Wastin' away in Margaritaville". Jimmy Buffet would feel right at home here. My guess is, you would too.

This completes my posting on Chacala and my series on Mexico's Central Pacific Coast beaches. I hope you have enjoyed it. If so, please leave any thoughts or questions in the Comments section below or email me directly. If you leave a question, please include your email address so that I can respond.

Hasta luego, Jim