How to Visit Chacahua, Mexico: The Ultimate Guide

Interested in visiting the off-grid island of Chacahua? You’re in the right place! This travel guide to Chacahua covers everything you should know before coming here!

I traveled around Mexico for 2.5 months, and everywhere I went, I heard the same thing: “You have to go to Chacahua, it’s the most peaceful place on earth.” So, when I finally arrived in Puerto Escondido for my six-week stay, I beelined it to Chacahua the first weekend I could. 

Chacahua is a tropical island with no cars, no paved roads, barely any wifi, and stretches of nothing but wild beach. It’s a place where your phone takes a backseat and your main decisions revolve around which hammock to nap in. But planning a trip here isn’t exactly straightforward. That’s where this guide comes in.

Whether you’re visiting for an overnight trip or staying a week, we’ll walk through exactly how to get there, where to stay, what to do, and everything else you need to know in our travel guide to Chacahua!

Where is Chacahua and why visit?

Chacahua (pronounced cha-cah-wah) is on the Pacific coast of Oaxaca State. It is inside Lagunas de Chacahua National Park, which is a protected area made up of beaches, mangroves, and lagoons. The closest city is Puerto Escondido, and most travellers to Chacahua come from there first.

Most people refer to Chacahua as an island (I still do), because you have to take a boat journey to get there. However, it is technically attached to the mainland through the national park. The combination of the boat to get there and the feeling that Chacahua is detached from the rest of the world gives it a distinctly off-grid island feel. 

Although it is increasing in popularity and some hotels are popping up, Chacahua still feels untouched. The sunsets are incredible, the beaches are the best you’ll find in Mexico, it’s a surfer’s paradise, and the strong sense of local culture hasn’t yet been diluted by tourism.

It’s small, with most of the little guesthouses and restaurants within a 10-minute walk of each other on the same strip of beach. There is a lagoon on one side with freshwater to swim in, and the wide open ocean on the other side.

You may also enjoy reading: My guide to spending Two Weeks on the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico!

How to get to Chacahua:

To get to Chacahua, you need to start from Puerto Escondido. Technically, you could come from Mazunte or other towns along the coast first, but that would require a lot of travel. Plus, you’d have to stop in Puerto Escondido anyway (unless you pay for a taxi straight there). 

There are a few variations you can take to get to Chacahua. All of them require you to get to El Zapotalito to take a boat ride to the island. To not get too complicated, let’s break it down by land transportation and then boat transportation options.

Getting to El Zapotalito (Land Transportation):

1. The easiest and quickest way: 

Take a taxi to the dock in Zapotalito from Puerto Escondido. The drive takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. This is obviously the more expensive option compared to public transport, but if you split the taxi with friends, it’s not too bad. 

We squeezed 5 people into a taxi on our way there, so the extra cost felt worth it. Make sure to negotiate the price with the driver in advance. In 2024, it cost us 2000 pesos one way, which worked out to 400 pesos each (about $21 USD).

2. The cheapest way: 

Step 1: Take a colectivo from Puerto Escondido’s Terminal Tur. 

It is right near the ADO bus station. Get on a colectivo that goes towards Rio Grande (none of them will actually say El Zapotalito). Ride the colectivo for about an hour and then get off here. This is the intersection that connects to Zapotalito. You can tell the driver when you get on that you are going to Chacahua and they’ll know to stop. This first ride will cost around 55 pesos. 

Step 2: Take a second colectivo to El Zapotalito. 

There is a colectivo stand right across the street from where the first van lets you off. The cars wait until they are full and then take about 10 minutes to get to the dock. The cost is about 20 pesos. If you don’t want to wait for the colectivo, there are also taxis waiting around this area, and you can just take one to the dock instead. This will cost more than the colectivo, but it’s only 10 minutes, so not too expensive. 

Getting to Chacahua by Boat:

Once at the docks in Zapotalito, you have boat options to get to Chacahua. They are:

1. The easiest and quickest way: Private direct boat

Pay for a private boat to take you there right when you arrive. We waited for about 20 minutes, and when others still hadn’t shown up for the shared boat, we just paid the extra to go right away. It cost us 1500 pesos for the 5 of us.  

This option goes directly to Chacahua’s main beach. The direct boat gives you 45 minutes on the water, riding through the scenic mangroves. The drivers also turn it into a bit of a tour, stopping to see crocodiles and birds along the way.

2. The second easiest and mid-priced way: The collectivo direct boat

Wait for the colectivo boat to fill up and go directly to Chacahua. This costs about 300 pesos per person. Sometimes you barely have to wait at all before the boat fills. Other times, you might have to wait for an hour. It really depends on the day and other travelers showing up. 

3. The cheapest way: Shorter boat ride and truck combo

Take the short colectivo boat to a nearby dock. It takes about 10 minutes. From there, you’ll find a camioneta truck waiting (or coming soon). The ride from there into Chacahua is about 40 minutes on dirt roads. 

We opted for this non-direct option on our return. It cost us 100 pesos per person (50 for the truck and 50 for the boat), and it was really straightforward. 

FAQ’s About Getting to Chacahua:

When do boats stop running?

Boats stop running from Zapotalito by about 4-5 pm. Schedules are super lax in Mexico, though, so I’d try to arrive a solid hour or two before that to avoid any hiccups. 

Can you drive yourself to Zapotalito?

Technically, yes, but also not really. What I mean is that you can drive to El Zapotalito just fine, but there isn’t really a safe place where you could leave your car. It is better to take public transport or a taxi.

How many days in Chacahua?

You need at least 2 days for Chacahua. Many people ask if they can do it as a day trip from Puerto Escondido; however, with the transportation requiring so many steps, it is not doable. I recommend spending at least 3 days there. You could easily spend up to a week there. 

Chacahua is a place to relax, so if you don’t love the idea of lounging and surfing your days away long term, then I’d say 3 full days, 4 nights is the sweet spot. 

Where to stay in Chacahua

Chacahua has several guesthouses, surf houses, small hotels, and even camping. 

Hotel Options in Chacahua:

• Surf House – This is where my friends stayed, and it was lovely. It’s a basic accommodation with 4 clean and spacious rooms. There is also a shared kitchen with a fridge and drinking water. The best part about Surf House is the staff, who are incredibly friendly. They immediately integrated us into what was happening on the island, asking if we wanted to sign up for the famous Friday pizza night. They also offer surf lessons and board rentals and have hammocks out front. You book through WhatsApp.

• Casa Gitana – This is one of the higher-end hotels on Chacahua. It has a rooftop pool with views of the ocean and stylish rooms that are an open-air concept. The downside is that it’s an 18-minute walk from the main area with the surf houses and restaurants. Although most of the larger, nicer hotels are in this area.

• Pora Chacahua Glamping – If you want to do camping style without bringing your own gear, you can do glamping! This spot is owned by three siblings from Guadalajara and has a cozy community. You can do a tipi or a larger glamping tent. They are basic but clean to sleep in. They have shared showers and bathrooms, hammock hangout spots, and a bar.

• Cabanas Chacahua Terra Tipi – Terra Tipi and its restaurant used to be one of the only spots you could get wifi on Chacahua. While others have Starlink now, Terra Tipi’s wifi is strong and reliable. They have comfortable guest rooms next to their restaurant for a great price. They are basic but clean and have great balcony views. You book by messaging them on WhatsApp.

Camping/Hammocking in Chacahua:

A lot of people camp when they go to Chacahua. The downside is that you need to bring your own equipment. Some places have camping equipment for rent, but it’s not overly reliable. If you have your own equipment, you only need to show up, and there will be spots available. You don’t need to reserve or even know where to camp in advance. You just wander the main beach and will see where others are camped out.

The other option is to sleep in a hammock! This is what I did. The camping places and even just restaurants have dozens of hammocks outside on the beach, and they rent them out for about 50 pesos and a minimum spend of 150-200 pesos at their restaurant each day. 

You don’t need to (and can’t) reserve this in advance. You just ask. I even got there after closing the one night, slept in their hammocks, and then paid them in the morning once they opened. 

Tons of people do this, and it’s honestly one of the coolest adventures I’ve done. The downside to this is that you wouldn’t want to bring many valuables. The ones you do have, you should keep on you at all times. 

Do you need to book accommodation in advance? 

No. I was there in March, and there was a lot of accommodation you could simply walk up and reserve once there. I’d only recommend booking in advance if you want to make sure you have specific amenities and the most comfortable place, or if you like the peace of mind of advance booking. My friends booked their spot in a surf house the day before we arrived by messaging the owner on WhatsApp. 

Is there Wifi in Chacahua?

A few years ago, the answer was a hard no. It was really rare to find wifi, and the only place that had it was a bit spotty. 

Now, Starlink has taken hold around Mexico, especially in Oaxaca, I found. There are a few hotels and restaurants that now offer Starlink. They’ll have signs posted outside advertising this. The most reliable spot is Terra Tipi.

Some of the restaurants, like Terra Tipi, give out the password for free if you eat there. However, most places, especially cheaper accommodation, will charge about 50 pesos per day to use it. 

Is the wifi strong? Surprisingly, yes. I was able to video call on Terra Tipi’s wifi. My friend was able to do a work call from there too. 

Where to eat in Chacahua

Chacahua is not necessarily known for its food, but there are a few decent spots that have a great vibe and good food. 

• Terra Tipi – I ate here a few times, and the food is quite good. They have super strong wifi, so that’s a plus if you want to reconnect while you eat. Their Tlayudas are huge and really tasty. 

• Friday Pizza Night – Every Friday night, there is the famous pizza night that almost everyone staying on the island attends. It is run by an Italian guy who lives there and flew in all the parts for his pizza oven from home. The pizza is delicious, and it’s a really fun vibe.

• The small restaurants with plastic chairs in Chacahua’s central square – Chacahua has a central square right beside the lagoon. In it, there are a few small restaurants with plastic tables and chairs, and the grill right in the open. The food there is honestly the best and most authentic Mexican you can get on Chacahua. 

• Palapa Yaki – Right next to Surf House, this is a smoothie stand. They also sell food, but their smoothies are the best. 

Vegan/Vegetarian eating in Chacahua

It’s very easy to eat vegetarian in Chacahua. Every restaurant you go to, with a few exceptions, will have vegetarian options. 

There are not a lot of vegan options available. Most vegetarian dishes involve cheese or eggs. However, you can make some adjustments and get by. I’d recommend booking a place like Surf House that has a kitchen so you can cook most of your meals. There are small markets that sell the basics on the island like beans, tortillas, bread, produce, etc. 

BEST Things to Do in Chacahua

1. Surfing 

Chacahua is huge for surfers, with many people spending their days in the water and their evenings drinking in hammocks. Yet, despite its popularity there, the waves remain completely uncrowded. 

I surfed in Puerto Escondido and had to worry about the lineup, not dropping in on other people’s waves, and running over others. In Chacahua, there was almost no one close to me. 

There are surf houses all along the beach where you can book a lesson or rent a board. I highly recommend a lesson if you’re a complete beginner. Most of the instructors only speak Spanish, but there are a few who know some English. The waves can be super friendly for beginners. 

2. Relax in a hammock 

A huge reason to visit Chacahua is to simply relax. Hammocks are everywhere at many restaurants and accommodations. You can sway gently over the sand, listening to the waves crash close by. I spent most of my time reading or napping in hammocks.

3. Play beach volleyball 

Right beside the lagoon, there is a beach volleyball net set up. Every evening you can find a game going. You can just ask whoever’s playing to join in! The net is also set up in the perfect spot to play at sunset.

4. Restaurant hop 

A huge portion of your day can be spent just hopping between restaurants and cafes, swinging in their hammocks, and relaxing with a smoothie. 

5. Bioluminescent lagoon tour 

There is bioluminescence in Chacahua’s lagoon, and there are many boat tours that will take you out to see it! If you can’t find any signs posted offering tours, simply ask the boat drivers by the lagoon because many of them offer it. You will need to do this tour after dark for the best chance of spotting the bioluminescence!

This guided tour from Puerto Escondido departs at 4:30 pm and includes all transfers to the island as well as a guided boat tour to see the bioluminescence. It’s a great price at $70 USD per person – and it’s a good option if you don’t have time on your itinerary to spend the night on the island!

6. Party 

I wouldn’t exactly call Chacahua a party destination, but there are definitely parties happening here on the weekends. The fun part about these parties is that they are held on the beach and reggaeton music is typically played.

7. Hike around the coast across from the island 

From the lagoon in Chacahua, you can see across to another portion of land. Most of the visitors to that side are local tourists. Pay a boat driver 20 pesos per person to transport you across. You can swim on that side and grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants there. However, the best thing to do is to hike along the rocky coast. 

Head left once you get over there (facing towards this side of the land). After 10 minutes, you’ll come to a rocky portion where the coast bends around a corner. Traverse the rocks that way and enjoy! It’s insanely stunning, and if you visit close to sunset, the golden light makes it even more scenic. 

8. Visit the rock arch for sunset 

The best thing we did in Chacahua was head across to the other piece of land, hike a short 10 minutes to the opposite side of it to a large rock arch. The arch is stunning, and the sunsets here were the best I experienced in all of Mexico. Many others make their way here for sunset, so it feels like a beautiful human moment of people coming together to enjoy nature.

9. Take a yoga class 

There are a couple of places that offer yoga in Chacahua. They will have signs posted outside clearly showing their times. The yoga class is incredibly peaceful with the added sounds of the ocean nearby.

When to visit Chacahua:

The best time to visit Chacahua is in the dry season between November and May. The ocean swells will be great for beginner to intermediate surfers, the weather is clear, and the atmosphere is more lively.

If you are a hardcore surfer, the rainy season (from May to October) offers bigger and more consistent waves. 

What to Pack for Chacahua

1. Cash – there are no ATMs on Chacahua that are reliable, and you need cash to pay for pretty much everything here. So, make sure to bring enough Mexican pesos with you.
2. Sunscreen and bug spray – sometimes this is hard to come by in stores, so make sure you bring enough. 
3. Tampons/Pads – these are hard to find on the island.
4. Waterproof bag – if you want to keep your electronics super safe during the boat ride. 
5. Sweater and pants – If you plan to hammock or camp, unsurprisingly, you should bring a long-sleeved layer top to wear. I was living in Puerto before heading to Chacahua, where I sweated myself to sleep every night, so I thought, “No way do I need warm clothes.” However, sleeping in the hammock, I was actually cold at night! Maybe it’s something about the ocean breeze, but bring a warmer layer. Something light would suffice.
6. Power bank – especially if you plan to camp/hammock.
7. Books – I spent many days here reading on the beach (One of my favorite things to do on vacation).

Need-to-Know Travel Tips for Chacahua

Is there cell service and electricity?

Yes to electricity, no to cell service! There is zero cell service, even with local SIM cards on Chacahua. You’ll have to rely on wifi if you want to use your phone. 

Can you work remotely from here?

It depends. Now with Starlink, you could in theory, work from Chacahua. However, if your job isn’t overly flexible, I’d worry that the wifi could be a little too unreliable for longer-term work. There is no cell service as a backup.

Do You Need to Know Spanish?

The boat drivers, taxi drivers, and most of the people on Chacahua will only speak Spanish. Some hotel owners speak enough English to get by in simple conversation, but not many. I spoke zero Spanish, but I had friends who spoke enough. I do think you could manage using translation apps, but be prepared for it to be a little extra work to barter for boat prices. 

Is Chacahua Safe?

Yes! I travelled with friends but spent a lot of time walking around alone and felt very safe in Chacahua. It’s such a small area with tons of people around that even walking at night wasn’t a problem. If your accommodation is far out and requires you to walk the dirt roads, I’d say make sure you aren’t alone. But that’s like anywhere in the world.

Can You Swim in Chacahua?

There are many places along Mexico’s Pacific coast where swimming is tough. Chacahua’s ocean is similar, with big waves crashing onto shore. However, strong swimmers can swim close to shore.

There is also the lagoon with fresh water just around the corner, with no waves and a gentle current. The swimming there is really lovely!

Combining Chacahua With Other Destinations

Puerto Escondido:

As mentioned, almost all visitors to Chacahua start from Puerto Escondido. I highly recommend spending at least a few days in Puerto Escondido before making your way to Chacahua. I loved it so much that my three-week stay turned into six! There are dolphin boat tours, baby sea turtle releases, amazing food, salsa dancing, surf-skateboarding community, and immaculate vibes. 

Oaxaca City:

Oaxaca City is just three hours from Puerto Escondido. It is one of Mexico’s most authentic cities to visit. The streets are cobblestoned with pastel-coloured buildings and hundreds of flags fluttering above. Their food markets are the best in the world, there is one of the world’s two petrified waterfalls nearby, and dozens of day trips around Oaxaca to explore ancient ruins, mezcal tastings, and more! 

Mazunte :

Mazunte is about an hour east of Puerto Escondido. It’s similar to Puerto with its incredible beaches, but it is smaller and has a more hippy vibe. There is a big focus here on wellness, with yoga, meditation, and chakra classes. 

Final Thoughts on Visiting Chacahua

Chacahua is one of those rare places that still feels secret. It’s raw, quiet, and unplugged from the world in a way that forces you to slow down.

If you love empty beaches, starry skies, and real peace and quiet, you are going to fall in love like I did. So if you go, go prepared. Bring what you need, expect a slower rhythm, and be open to the kind of adventure that doesn’t always fit neatly into a plan.

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Last Updated on June 22, 2025 by snaphappytravel