Chacala

by SS - March 23, 2003.

Chacala is a small and beautiful beach cove surrounded by tall palm trees. It is another destiny off the beaten path, and one of my favorites. Take a look at the pictures and you will know why.

It was discovered in 1524 by the Spanish explorer Francisco Cortés de Buenaventura, the nephew of Hernán Cortés, conqueror of Tenochtitlán. According to local history during colonial times Chacala was a haven for pirate ships.

Its waters are known for their abundance of shrimp, in fact some claim that the name of Chacala means, “where shrimp live” in Nahuátl.

The beach of Chacala is approximately 300 yards long and 40 yards wide, has golden sand and strong waves and offers a variety of water sports and seafood palapa restaurants.

You can enjoy Chacala by simply spending a day at their restaurants, or camping at the beach, exploring the surrounding jungle or staying at a hotel, like Mahajua (offers horse ride tours to Altavista) Mar de Jade, or the local rooms for rent and bungalows.

At the end of the bay, you will find Mar de Jade, a unique inn that offers summer camps for children, yoga, meditation and a variety of seminars and retreats, and is also responsible for community medical aid programs for the inhabitants of surrounding areas.

Another attraction of the Chacala area are the nearby archaeological zones of Altavista (30 minutes by car) and Zacualpan a little bit further (9 km North of Las Varas) which are prehispanic sanctuaries known for their petroglyphs (inscriptions in stone) that nowadays are still visited by the Huichol Marakames or shamans for religious purposes.

Chacalilla is another interesting nearby attraction (1 km north of Chacala); a small fishing beach with clear waters where you can enjoy nature and relax. It is also recommended for diving. Chacalilla was populated in prehispanic times, since metal, stone, and clay artifacts were found there.

Getting There: Chacala is located 9 km West of Las Varas. From Puerto Vallarta take highway 200 to Tepic, once you pass La Peñita de Jaltemba, you will find the 9 km paved road that takes you there.

Accommodation: Majahua, Mar de Jade (you can find them at the web), and local rooms for rent and bungalows.

SS
An art restorer and currently manager of Villa Bella
B&B Inn in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle.
Email: eli@hispanolink.zzn.com

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