Chacala

Articles on each town, by Christina Stobbs, originally published in Mexico Connect

Chacala – An Unspoiled Mexican Beach Town

Another splendid, tropical beach, located about 20 minutes north of La Peñita, and just a few minutes south of the town of Las Varas. You know you are heading somewhere very special indeed, as you drive along the winding road set amidst yet another lost jungle leading to Chacala, which means, “Where there are Shrimp”.

It is said that Chacala used to be a hideout for pirates and the romance of the wide palm- lined beach, interspersed with mahogany palms and fig trees is dazzling. The beach does not disappoint and is wide, with soft, shimmering, nearly- white sand, blue pacific waters with gentle waves, and is almost a mile long and lined with hundreds of tropical palm trees. A great swimming and walking beach and on calm days the snorkelling on the far north end and south ends of the beach is not bad.

Chacala is small but the relaxed ambiance is also its charm. The seafood is excellent and it is a wonderful thing indeed to park yourself at one of the hillside or beachside palapa restaurants and dine on blackened whole fish, lobster, shrimp, mahi-mahi, tuna, red snapper, fresh oysters and jumbo prawns, fresh from the sea, accompanied by a large piña colada, margarita or cold beer.

Adventurers may want to rent a boat to nearby Playa de las Cuevas for some great snorkelling and to spend the day at yet another, exquisite, secluded beach. Another nearby beach worth exploring is La Caleta, where, when in season, it is common to sight humpback whales.

Chacala is incredible.