How to Get to Lagunas de Chacahua + 3 Day Itinerary & Things to do
If you’re wondering about how to get to Chacahua and things to do in Chacahua once you arrive – you’ve landed on the right blog post. In this guide I’ll give you a 3 day Chacahua itinerary and outline everything you need to know about visiting the magical Lagunas de Chacahua on Oaxaca’s beautiful coast.
Lagunas de Chacahua – not to be confused with Oaxaca’s “other” Chacahua near Mazunte – is a quiet beach town with a relaxed vibe. It’s the perfect place to escape the noise of Mexico and enjoy lagoons, mangroves, wildlife, and epic surf.
There are a few helpful things to know prior to planning you trip to Chacahua, so in this post I’ll give you all the nitty-gritty details like travel tips, transportation info, lodging details, and more in order to make your trip to Lagunas de Chacahua a hit.
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Downloadable Mexico Google Map
Get all my Mexico travel recommendations saved directly to your phone – a digital guide available at your fingertips!
My Mexico map has recommendations for:
- Places: beach towns, mountain villages, backpacker hotspots, and magic towns
- Outdoors: beaches, hikes, waterfalls, hot springs, volcanos
- Restaurants: street food, healthy options, local favourites, international eats
- Experiences: holy sites, excursions, holistic experiences/retreats, turtle releases, photo-ops
- Planning: bus stops, lodging, public washrooms, tedious details (like laundromats/grocery stores)
What is Chacahua
Once considered “off-the-beaten-path,” the magical Lagunas de Chacahua is starting to make a name for itself in Mexico’s backpacker community. The good surf, quiet atmosphere, dreamy beach, and unique nature make Chacahua the perfect addition to any Oaxaca coast backpacker itinerary.
Chacahua is unique as it has a mix of lagoon and mangroves right next to the ocean. This means there’s a variety of things to do in Chacahua from surfing and swimming to bioluminescence and crocodile spotting tours – all of which you can do in the same day (or in the loaded 3 day Chacahua itinerary I have at the end of this post).
Daily life in Chacahua is slow and quiet – there’s no nightlife in Chacahua and most visitors come to simply surf OR relax and do nothing. Although in this post I list plenty of things to do in Chacahua if you’re looking to make your trip a bit more exciting!
Unlike visiting other spots in Mexico, planning a trip to Chacahua requires some prep work. Be sure to read the Chacahua travel tips I have posted below before you go.
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Taylor ♡
Where is Lagunas de Chacahua
Not to be confused with the “other” Chacahua which is located near Mazunte. Lagunas de Chacahua is north of Puerto Escondido.
Chacahua is on the Pacific coast of southern Mexico, in the state of Oaxaca. More specifically, it’s located within the Lagunas de Chacahua National Park. It’s approx 2.5-4hrs (depending on traffic and transfers) from Puerto Escondido and is accessed via the town of El Zapotalito.
Chacahua is a great addition to any Oaxaca coast backpacking trip. Although it’s a bit time consuming to reach and there’s a few steps in between it’s a well travelled path which means the journey is easy to navigate.
How to get to Chacahua from Puerto Escondido
If you’re searching for info regarding how to get to Chacahua I’m sure you’ve realized it’s a little more difficult to access than other destinations in Mexico. Getting to Chacahua requires a mix of shared vans, colectivos, and boats. On average it takes around 2.5hrs to get from Puerto Escondido to Lagunas to Chacahua.
Most travellers begin their journey to Chacahua from Puerto Escondido. If you’re coming from Mazunte or Zipolite make your way to Puerto Escondido first, then follow the directions below.
ps – I have all the transit stops mentioned below marked with detailed notes in my Mexico map for planning convenience
Step 1: Puerto Escondido to El Zapotalito
The first step for how to get to Chacahua is to make your way to the “Terminal TUR” (GPS) in Puerto Escondido. If you’re coming from La Punta or Zicatela this will involve a quick colectivo ride for 12 pesos.
The shared vans (white vans with “Corporativa” in orange written on the side) from the TUR terminal to Chacahua run every 15 minutes until 5:00pm so you don’t need to worry about timing your arrival to the station. I would however recommend taking the van to Chacahua earlier in the morning to avoid any “hiccups” along the way. The shared van to Chacahua takes around 1hr and costs 70-100 pesos (depending on the driver).
You’ll want to exit the van where the highway intersects with the main road going into the town of El Zapotalito (exact location marked on my Mexico map). If you tell the driver “Lagunas to Chacahua,” they’ll know where to drop you off.
ps – I always pin these obscure locations on my map while I have wifi and keep Google Maps pulled up to track my location along the way.
Step 2: El Zapotalito to the Boats
You’re about halfway through the journey to Chacahua once you reach El Zapotalito. Once you exit the shared van cross the highway and use the taxis or colectivo trucks to get to the boats. They both cost the same – 35 pesos per person.
Step 3: Boat Taxi to Lagunas de Chacahua
It’s important to know which boat you’re taking to Chacahua before you arrive so you know where to tell the colectivo driver to drop you off. If you opt to take the shared colectivo boat to Chacahua you’ll need to walk about 5 mins further down the road from where the colectivos stop. If you’re in a taxi they’ll bring you right to the shared boat.
Both boat options to Chacahua don’t necessarily run on an exact schedule so you may need to wait a while or you may leave straight away.
Option #1: Direct Mangrove Boat Tour
This is the more expensive, scenic option which takes you on a tour through the mangroves on your way to Chacahua. This boat leaves from “Turismo Lagunas de Chacahua” and costs 1,500mxn which is split evenly between all travellers on the boat (300mxn each). It requires a minimum of 5 passengers, but if more show up you may be able to negotiate a cheaper rate than 300mxn each.
This boat to Chacahua takes around 45 minutes and drops you off on the lagoon side of Chacahua (exact location marked on my Mexico map).
This is a great option if you’re looking to do a mangrove tour as it bundles transportation and a tour all-in-one. If you’re planning to do a separate mangrove tour I’d recommend taking the colectivo option instead.
Option #2: Shared Colectivo Boat & Truck Combo
This option involves a quick 10 minute boat ride followed by a 30 minute colectivo truck down a dusty road to the centre of Chacahua. The trucks wait directly where the boat drops you off. The boat + truck both cost 50mxn – totalling 100mxn per person.
These boats run when full or if the drivers have a lot of cargo so there’s no saying how long you’ll need to wait to go. For myself it was short – only about 10 minutes.
These boats leave from “Lanchas Colectivas” (exact location marked on my Mexico map) which is just down the road from the mangrove boat tour dock. The last boat typically departs around 7:30pm so try to be there an hour ish before that to ensure you can catch a ride.
Return Journey from Chacahua to Puerto Escondido
The return journey from Chacahua to Puerto Escondido follows the exact same steps as the arrival process. In order to get a van transfer back to Puerto you’ll need to flag down a shared van on the side of the highway – this is easy as the drivers are used to picking people up in this spot. I used the same company (“Corporativa”), however I was told by a local that there are plenty of vans running this same route. Just ask the driver “Puerto Escondido?” and they’ll let you know if that is the right bus or not. There will also be destination signs in the window.
If you take the Corporativa bus back to Puerto you’ll be dropped off in a small parking lot just around the corner from where you initially boarded the van.
Tips for Getting to Lagunas de Chacahua
- Start your travel to Chacahua early in the morning to maximize your time (especially if you’re only taking a quick trip)
- Bring some smaller change for the colectivos and boat taxis
- Bring snacks and water (there’s a small stand where you can buy food/water right before the boat taxi)
- Know exactly how you’re getting to Chacahua before you go and mark the locations on your Google Maps app – there’s limited (if any) cell service along the way to Chacahua
- Ensure you’re at the boat taxis before 7:30pm as this is their final departure of the night
Tours & Transportation to Chacahua
If you’re short for time or don’t want to deal with Chacahua’s rustic accommodations, this day trip to Chacahua from Puerto Escondido is the perfect addition to your Oaxaca coast itinerary. The tour includes transportation (hotel pickup/drop-off), a mangrove tour, and snorkelling in the lagoon.
Tips for Visiting Chacahua
- Withdraw plenty of cash before you go to Chacahua – there are no ATMs in the town and everything is paid strictly in cash.
- Chedraui – a large supermarket near the TUR terminal – has all kinds of ATM machines. This is a great spot to withdraw cash.
- Leave your extras in Peurto Escondido – many hostels and hotels are happy to hang onto your bag while you’re away.
- Getting to Chacahua + walking around with an extra bag can be cumbersome.
- Chacahua is HOT during the day, but can be chilly if you’re sleeping on the beach at night. Bring appropriate clothing.
- Pack lots of sunscreen and bug repellent. You can purchase these in Chacahua but obvsiouly selection will be limited and the cost will be much higher.
- DO NOT DRINK THE TAP WATER. This is a given, but the water in Chacahua is even worse than in other areas of Mexico.
- Pack your own food from Puerto Escondido if you don’t want to eat out constantly.
- Shared kitchens generally don’t exist in Chacahua (Porã Chacahua being the exception) so I opted to pack canned tuna, nuts & seeds, plus some fruit and veg form Chedraui.
- There are small tiendas in town selling the basics + limited fruit and veg – tienda locations are marked on my Mexico map
- Cell service essentially does not exist in Chacahua and wifi is spotty/limited.
- Download movies/podcasts/musics, or bring books and games for some entertainment.
When to Visit Chacahua
The best time to visit Lagunas de Chacahua is during the dry season – from November to April. During this timeframe there’s a calm ocean and good surf, the best chance to see bioluminescence, there’s low humidity and cooler nights, plus consistently sunny skies.
It’s possible to visit Lagunas de Chacahua during the rainy season – May to October – but be prepared for hotter, more humid weather and more frequent rain. Mosquitos are also more active at this time of year and the road into Chacahua can be a bit muddy and unpredictable.
If you’re hoping to see sea turtles in Chacahua, July to December is nesting season.
Downloadable Mexico Google Map
Get all my Mexico travel recommendations saved directly to your phone – a digital guide available at your fingertips!
My Mexico map has recommendations for:
- Places: beach towns, mountain villages, backpacker hotspots, and magic towns
- Outdoors: beaches, hikes, waterfalls, hot springs, volcanos
- Restaurants: street food, healthy options, local favourites, international eats
- Experiences: holy sites, excursions, holistic experiences/retreats, turtle releases, photo-ops
- Planning: bus stops, lodging, public washrooms, tedious details (like laundromats/grocery stores)
Where to stay in Chacahua
The thing I disliked the most about Chacahua were the “rustic” accommodations. They were among the worst I saw while backpacking the Oaxaca coast.
In my experience I paid 300mxn for a private room at a place that had no running water (ie. bucket showers, bucket-flush toilets, and no sink to wash my hands). Granted the room was directly on the beach which made catching sunset, sunrise, and some rays easy.
Most Oaxaca coast backpackers opt to wait until they arrive in Chacahua to book hotels/camps as most are not readily listed online. If you’re not one to wander around in the midday heat aimlessly searching for accommodations, the following are some of the best places to stay in Chacahua. If I returned the Chacahua in the future I’d 100% book these opposed to booking something on arrival.
Cabanas La Isla Chacahua: cute bungalows with wifi and a terrace.
Porã Chacahua: Ideal for travellers wanting comfort with a rustic feel, this eco-conscious spot offers stylish teepees and tents. Enjoy a veggie/vegan breakfast and access to a shared kitchen. It’s about a 30-minute beach walk from town, or you can take a colectivo.
Casa Uwu: Likely the priciest option around, these beachfront villas are undeniably gorgeous, with sleek design and a bougie Tulum vibe. The deluxe villa even comes with a private plunge pool.
Often these accommodations book out so it’s best to book online in advance.
Most Oaxaca coast backpackers opt to sleep in hammocks on the beach in Chacahua which usually costs 50mxn/night but don’t come with a blanket, mosquito, nets, or secure luggage lockers. This is a turnoff for some – especially due to the lack of mosquito nets considering how bad the bugs are in Chacahua.
Private rooms (some with air conditioning) are also available in Chacahua however I found they were very overpriced for what you get. If you plan to stay in Chacahua longer than a couple nights I’d recommend wandering the streets away from the beach as they’ll have better rates and likely offer slightly better quality rooms/amenities.
I have budget beachfront hammock options, camps, and cheap(er) cabanas I personally saw or was recommended by other travellers pinned in my downloadable Mexico map.
Things to do in Chacahua
These are the best things to do in Chacahua. Whether your Chacahua itinerary is a quick few days or you’re staying for an extended period, I’d recommend squeezing in all these activities as they are indeed worth the hype.
Go Surfing in Chacahua
Chacahua has great waves for those new to surfing as well as experienced surfers so it’s no surprise that surfing is one of the best things to do in Chacahua. Most hotels and surf camps along the main beach offer both board rentals and lessons. Take a stroll and pick your favourite spot.
Hit the Beach – or Lagoon – in Chacahua
The main beachfront in Chacahua is 12kms long which means there are plenty of places to go for a swim or hit the surf (beware there is a current here, although not as strong as the one in Zipolite). Additionally if you’re one for long walks on the beach – Playa de Chacahua is your spot. Both sunrise and sunset are magical and I’d highly recommend waking up early at least 1 morning during your Chacahua itinerary to see the sun rise above the beach.
If you’re looking for a beach even more secluded than the main beachfront in Lagunas de Chacahua you can visit El Faro which requires a quick boat taxi and hike. For me the main beachfront was plenty quiet enough so I didn’t bother visiting Playa El Faro.
If you’re looking to avoid the ocean waves and find some calm water for swimming, you can hit the lagoon. This spot by the docks is a favourite among locals. It’s busy so you needn’t worry about any crocodile run-ins during the daylight hours.
Hike to El Faro for Sunset
This is one of the most iconic things to do in Chacahua and a must-add to your Chacahua itinerary. Take a 20 peso boat taxi across the lagoon from here. You’ll want to walk through the restaurants to the main road and hang a right. You’ll see signs for El Faro on your left shortly after stepping onto the main road.
The trail up to El Faro takes around 10-20 minutes and is surprisingly steep – a few hand holds are required along the way. It’s easily doable though and the view is impeccable.
Go on a Lagoon Tour in Chacahua to see Crocodiles
I’m not one to usually pay for tours when I travel, however a boat ride through the mangroves is definitely something I recommend adding to your Lagunas de Chacahua itinerary. The boat tours offer a high chance of seeing various bird species and crocodiles. Plus cruising through the tight mangroves is an epic experience.
Many Chacahua locals offer tours on their personal boats through the mangroves. I recommend taking a stroll through town and chatting with them – the hotels and surf camps are a great places to start as many of them operate as lodging/tours/restaurants all-in-one. Oftentimes the locals approach you and offer their mangrove services. My friends and I paid 500mxn for the 3 of us to go out which was a pretty epic deal, but I think generally paying more than 300 pesos per person is a bit scammy.
Morning seems to be the best time of day to take the mangrove tours in Chacahua however evening/sunset is a dreamy time too.
Go on a Bioluminescence tour in Chacahua
Another tour I highly recommend adding to your Lagunas de Chacahua itinerary is the bioluminescence tour. This was one of my favourite things I did in Chacahua! It’s best seen during the new moon in the winter season (November to March).
Again you’ll want to wait until you arrive in Chacahua to talk with the locals to book your tour. 200mxn per person seems to be the price across the board.
Yoga on the Beach in Chacahua
Palma Real offers yoga classes right on the beach. This is a tranquil activity to add to your Chacahua itinerary – the perfect way to start your morning.
Do a Temazcal in Chacahua
If you’re looking for a more authentic Mexican experience you can opt to do a Temazcal in Chacahua – I saw a sign for Temazcal approximately here.
Temazcals are offered all over Mexico so if your time in Chacahua is limited I’d recommend doing this elsewhere.
Go Kayaking in Chacahua
Perla Negra and 420 coffee shop Chacahua offer kayak rentals and tours. I’m no crocodile expert, but taking a tour would probably be wise opposed to paddling out on your own in croc-territory.
Where to Eat in Chacahua
Chacahua has a surprising amount of restaurants considering it’s such a remote, small community. Unsurprisingly seafood is widely available here. A few of the best spots to eat in Chacahua are the following.
ps – I’ve pinned all these restaurants in my downloadable Mexico map with descriptions to make finding on-the-go easy.
Cafes in Chacahua: 420 Coffee Shop and Cafe (also has kayak rentals and volleyball).
Healthy dishes in Chacahua: Crude & Co (only open at night) and Los Gatos Locos.
Notable seafood spots in Chacahua: Lia del Mar (larger portions), Bar-Restaurant El Canar, and Nanu Restaurant (healthier, good reviews).
Traditional Mexican food in Chacahua: Fondita La Costenita (closest thing to street food) and Isela Restaurant.
Local favourite: Restaurante sopa de lentejas for the 50mxn lentil soup.
Other options: Chacahua wings (burgers, fries, wings).
There are plenty of restaurants back along the more residential roads, however if you’re looking for quick options and a wide variety of foods the main “downtown” area where the colectivo truck drops you off has lots of different restaurants.
Where to Buy Groceries in Chacahua
There are a handful of small tiendas in Chacahua where you can buy water and drinks along with some basics like oil and pasta as well as a very limited selection of fruit and vegetables. I have all the grocery shops and fruit stands in Chacahua marked on my Mexico map.
Note – there are limited shared kitchens in Chacahua. If you want to cook you’ll have to bring your own stove kit or stay at Porã Chacahua which has the only shared kitchen I’ve heard of in Chacahua.
I personally recommend packing food that requires no cooking to bring to Chacahua if you don’t fancy eating out all the time. I stocked up on canned tuna, avocados, and nuts & seeds at Chedraui in Puerto Escondido prior to going to my trip which was perfect for the few days I was there.
3 Day Lagunas de Chacahua Itinerary
This 3 day Chacahua itinerary is a speed tour of the best things to do in Chacahua. It spans 2 nights, 1 full day, and 2 half travel days. It’s easily enough time to see everything in the area however if you want some down time to relax on the beach or more time to surf I’d recommend adding an extra night or two to the itinerary.
Day 1 in Chacahua
- The main focus is getting to Lagunas de Chacahua from Puerto Escondido (start early to maximize your time in Chacahua)
- Once you arrive find a place to lodge or book one of the options above. I recommend Cabanas La Isla Chacahua, Porã Chacahua (shared kitchen), or Casa Uwu.
- Grab a bite to eat and find a local to set up your mangrove/bioluminescence tours for the following day
- Take the boat taxi across the lagoon and hike up to El Faro for sunset
Day 2 in Chacahua
- Depart for your morning tour of the mangrove and lagoon
- Walk around the main town to grab lunch
- Enjoy some time relaxing on the beach or swaying in a hammock
- Go on a bioluminescence tour in the evening
Day 3 in Chacahua
- Wake up early to see sunrise and go for a long walk along the 12km beach
- Enjoy some time relaxing on the beach
- Optional: take a surf lesson or yoga class
- Leave anywhere somewhere between 12:00pm-3:00pm to return to Puerto Escondido
Chacahua FAQs
These are the most common questions travellers and backpackers ask prior to planning their trip to Lagunas de Chacahua.
Is Chacahua good for backpackers?
Chacahua is a great spot for backpackers. There’s a strong backpacker scene here and it’s easy to meet people.
Is Chacahua cheap to visit?
Chacahua can be cheap to visit if you opt to sleep in hammocks and pack your own food. I found staying in an actual room and eating out made Chacahua quite an expensive place to visit considering the quality you get.
Is there cell service in Chacahua? Is there wifi in Chacahua?
There’s no cell service in Chacahua and wifi is very spotty/limited.
How much money should I bring to Chacahua? Is there an ATM in Chacahua?
Bing LOTS of money to Lagunas de Chacahau as there’s no ATM in town. You’ll need to pay for your accommodations, food, activities, and transportation in cash.
How long should I spend in Chacahau?
I personally spent 2 nights in Chacahua and have posted the corresponding 3 day Chacahau itinerary above. You can easily spend more than 2 nights in Chacahua however the heat and “rustic” accommodations made 2 nights the perfect amount of time for me.
How long does it take to get to Chacahua?
It takes anywhere from 2.5-4hrs to get to Chacahua from Puerto Escondido (most commonly 2.5hrs but it can vary due to traffic or waiting for the vans/boats). The journey to Lagunas de Chacahua requires a combination of shared vans, colectivos, and boats.
What is there to do in Chacahua?
Surfing, lagoon tours, bioluminescence, and beach lounging are the best things to do in Lagunas de Chacahua.
Is there a grocery store in Chacahua? What are the restaurants in Chacahua like?
There are small tiendas in Chacahua where you can buy basic grocery supplies and a limited amount of fruits and veggies. The restaurants in Chacahua offer all kinds of food from Mexican classics and seafood to healthy dishes.
Are there shared kitchens in Chacahua?
The only shared kitchen in Chacahua I know of is at Porã Chacahua. I recommend packing food that does not require cooking like canned tuna, nuts & seeds, and fruit & veg so you don’t have to eat out all the time. I grabbed groceries at Chedraui in Puerto Escondido right before I caught the shared van to Chacahua.
How can I book lagoon/bioluminescence tours in Chacahua?
Talk with the locals! Many hotel/camp operators as well as any local who owns a boat will take you out on a mangrove or bioluminescence tour.
Is it worth it to backpack Chacahua?
It’s definitely worth visiting Chacahua. I personally love the quiet atmosphere Chacahua offers as quiet in general can be hard to find in Mexico.
Can you sleep in hammocks in Chacahua?
Yes there are oodles of camp/hotel operators on the beach who rent out hammocks for 50mxn per night. Beware mosquito nets and blankets are often not provided so you’ll have to bring your own.
What are the accommodations like in Chacahua?
Rustic is a nice way to put it. I find the majority of accommodations (private rooms) in Chacahua are often basic and dirty. Plus overpriced for what they offer.
Where are the boat taxis in Chacahua that cross the lagoon to El Faro?
The boat taxis in Lagunas de Chacahua are located here. They cost 20mxn each way and only take a couple minutes.
and that concludes my Lagunas de Chacahua backpacker guide. Enjoy your trip!
Downloadable Mexico Google Map
Get all my Mexico travel recommendations saved directly to your phone – a digital guide available at your fingertips!
My Mexico map has recommendations for:
- Places: beach towns, mountain villages, backpacker hotspots, and magic towns
- Outdoors: beaches, hikes, waterfalls, hot springs, volcanos
- Restaurants: street food, healthy options, local favourites, international eats
- Experiences: holy sites, excursions, holistic experiences/retreats, turtle releases, photo-ops
- Planning: bus stops, lodging, public washrooms, tedious details (like laundromats/grocery stores)
Quick Mexico Travel Guide
Travel Insurance: ALWAYS purchase reliable travel insurance before your trip. This insurance is trusted by backpackers and adventure sport enthusiasts around the world. You can also use my link to receive 5% off SafetyWing policies. Here’s a blog post with more trustworthy travel insurance options you can compare.
Best time to visit: December to April has cooler temps and sunny skies. Hurricane season is from June to November.
Currency: Mexican peso, displayed as “$.” Cash is king in Mexico so it’s best to always have some on-hand. Small bills and change are always helpful for transportation and tipping. Most ATMs have service fees so try to withdraw larger amounts at once.
Local transportation: varies from trams and buses in bigger cities to colectivos in smaller beach towns. Local transportation is cheap, but if you’re looking to travel long distances you’ll need to utilize pricier night buses or fly.
Phone: SIM cards can be purchased at Oxxo. Data plans are generally cheap.
Language: Spanish. In popular backpacking spots you can often get by with English, however having basic Spanish or Google Translate is necessary elsewhere.
Safety: Mexico’s safety varies greatly from place-to-place.
Purchase my Mexico map: which is downloadable to Google Maps on your phone and has all my Mexico recommendations & travel tips constantly available at your fingertips.
Packing Guide: here’s my ultimate packing guide/travel essentials.
Happy adventuring!
Taylor ♡
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About the Author
HI, I’m Taylor – the voice behind The Holistic Backpacker.
After moving to Banff National Park in 2020 I became an outdoor adventure enthusiast and vowed to never stop exploring.
I now spend my days travelling the world, climbing mountains, and spending nights under the stars in the Canadian Rockies backcountry.
I created The Holistic Backpacker so I could share my adventures and help connect people like you with the same amazing experiences.
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