Lagunas de Chacahua National Park

Thatched hut in a mangrove swamp at Chacahua

Lagunas de Chacahua National Park (Parque Nacional de Lagunas de Chacahua) is on the Pacific coast of the Oaxaca State in Mexico, about 54 km west of Puerto Escondido, near a village called Zapotalito. Chacahua is a small fishermen town and growing surf spot that attracts a few tourists looking for a laidback beach village.

Understand

Landscape

The park encompasses 132.73 km² (51.25 sq mi), about 30 km² of which is taken by various lagoons such as the "Laguna de Chacahua", "Laguna de La Pastoria", "Laguna Las Salinas" and various smaller lagoons that are connected by narrow channels. The rest of the park consists of dry land.

The park has 10 different types of vegetation: selva espinosa, swampland, deciduous, sub tropical broadleaf, mangroves, savannah, bosque de galleria, tular, palm trees and coastal dunes. 246 species of flowers and 189 species of animals have been documented so far in the park. Birds such as storks, herons, wild ducks, blue-winged teals, pelicans, and spoonbills can be found here. Three species of turtles also visit the park to lay their eggs.

Climate

Mostly hot through the year, with maximum temperatures reached around late spring. Rainy season is from June to October-November.

Get in

To get to the park and to the village of Chacahua you will have to take a small boat from El Zapotalito.

By boat

There are 2 options

• Take a shared boat to cross the shortest part of the lagoon (M$50) and then a pick up car ride to do the road to the village (M$50) (Price as Nov.23)

• Take a direct boat to the village (M$300). This options could be considered as a boat tour since you see more of the lagoon and also go through the chanel part where you can see the mangroves and some birdlife (or even a crocodile). It is recommended to do it on your way in or out especially if you not planning on doing a Mangrove tour during your stay.

By car

From Puerto Escondido you drive west on Highway 200 and take the exit for El Zapotalito from where you can take the boat.

By public transport

From Puerto Escondido

From the city you can take a collectivo going towards Rio grande and Santa Rosa de Lima and tell the driver you want to go to Chachua he will drop you off at the Zapotalito crossing (M$75) from where shared taxi (M$25) will be waiting to drive passengers to the boat (Nov 2023).

Fees and permits

There is no entrance fee.

Get around

The main tourist village of Chacaua is small and walking is the only option - almost everything is located directly on the beach.

To cross the lagoon to get to the western side of the village you can cross with the boat for a few pesos.

See

• Bioluminescence Tours for seeing the Bioluminescence can bee book almost everywhere. It is best done during new moon as the darker the better it is. Price is around M$250 (Dec.23)

• Sunset at the lighthouse Located on the other side of the lagoon. it is a quick hike up to watch a beautiful sunset - bring drinks snacks and mosquito spray.

Do

• Surfing is the main things that attract tourists in Chacahua. Even though the spot is gaining more surfers every year it never as crowded as neighbouring Puerto Escondido. The waves break around the jetty and give some really long rights. Bigger waves occurs during summer. You can rent surf board for M$300 a day and classes are also available with local teachers.
• Tours are available and can be arranged from your accommodation. Exemple of tours : bioluminescence, fishing, mud bath, birdwatching, hike to some ruins, Etc.
• Hammock swinging is the most popular activity during hottest hours. Bring books music or other chilling activities you like and enjoy the views of the ocean.

Buy

There is no ATM in Chacahua. Bring enough cash to cover all your needs.

There are a few shops in town selling fresh food and basic products but do not expect any big supermarket or a wide selection. Prices are higher than usual for Mexico. Some shop accepts card and money can be withdrawn at heavy 10% commission, this seems to just apply to tourists.

There is also a pharmacy further down the street before the police station.

Eat

The town has many restaurants serving classic Mexican and Oaxacan food (tacos, tlayidlas, etc.) and international classics (burgers, pizzas, pastas) with a few vegetarian and vegan options. Fish and seafood are available fresh and can be prepared in many varieties.

• 1 Restaurante Bertitha. Small family restaurant serving lovely Mexican dishes with a bigger selection for vegetarians and vegans. Open for breakfast and lunch. M$100-250. (updated Dec 2023)
• 2 El punto. Beachfront restaurant serving good Mexican cuisine and international dishes. Open from breakfast to dinner. M$100-350. (updated Dec 2023)

Drink

Most drinking occurs in the restaurants. There is not really a bar anywhere in town but you might find some locals drinking a few beers in front of some shops.

Sleep

There are a lot of rooms for rent on the beach for around $M500 but price can be negotiated if staying for a few days. You can just walk around and ask to see the rooms before making your decision.

Further down on the beach there is a few more fancy rooms for a higher price. Many places offers also camping spots or hammocks to rent at a cheap rent. In some places you could evem camp for free if you eat at the restaurant once a day.

• 1 Cabañas Rojo Amanacer, One of the first one on the beach close to village. Family owned business having clean rooms with fan and bathrooms. Has a common fridge a possibility to ask to use for a bit their kitchen if needed. Rent surfboard as well M$400-600. (updated Dec 2023)

Stay safe

The village is really safe and walkikg around even at night should not be an issue.