Major city · Mexico
Chacala
Spend 2 days in Chacala: one day for beach, surf‑boat trips and town walk; second day for a nearby archaeological site or a day‑trip to Compostela.
Chacala is a small beach village on the Riviera Nayarita with a half‑mile crescent of sand, a few restaurants, modest lodging and easy access to surf spots and the Altavista petroglyph site. Because the town is tiny, two days cover the main activities without feeling rushed.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- MXN
- Best months
- Nov–Apr (dry season, cooler evenings)
- avoid May–Oct (heavy afternoon thunderstorms)
- Airports
- Puerto Vallarta (PVR) · Guadalajara (GDL)
- Nights
- 2
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Mexico ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Mexico's National Migration Institute (INM) or your nearest Mexican consulate; keep proof of your entry (stamp or digital record) until you leave.
- Mexico ↗Security advice differs by state: some governments advise against travel to parts of several states. Check your own government's advice for each region on your route.
- Mexico ↗Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water and ice from reliable places.
- Mexico ↗Foreign visitors to Quintana Roo (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, Holbox) pay the state VISITAX online at visitax.gob.mx only; lookalike sites add fees.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Chacala911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Chacala, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Mexican peso (MXN, $).Mexico-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelcel has the widest coverage; AT&T and Movistar are cheaper in cities.Mexico-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; garrafón (20-litre jugs) and filtered water in hotels.Mexico-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurants: 10–15%; check the bill for an included 'servicio'.Mexico-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 127 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Mexico-wide
- SafetyGenerally safe; watch for strong currents at surf spots and uneven paths at some lodgings.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPut paper in the bin, not the toilet, in most places; public toilets charge MXN 5–10 (≈ under US$1).Mexico-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police · 078 Tourist assistance
- Sundays & holidaysMost museums and many archaeological sites close on Mondays; banks close on public holidays.Mexico-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckPVR Puerto Vallarta International Airport (Gustavo Díaz Ordaz) (About 100 km (62 mi) south; taxi to Chacala about US$90, 90 min (check).PVR Puerto Vallarta International Airport (Gustavo Díaz Ordaz) (About 62 mi (100 km) south; taxi to Chacala about US$90, 90 min (check).
- Getting aroundWalk the town centre; hire a pangá (small boat) for surf spots (≈15 min).
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at beachfront café$2–4 (≈ under US$1)
- Street or quick mealSeafood taco$3–6 (≈ under US$1)
- BeerBeer (bottle)$2–3 (≈ under US$1)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi within town (5 km (3.1 mi))Taxi within town (3.1 mi (5 km))$8–12 (≈ under US$1)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personMX$250 (≈ US$14)
- Mid-range bedMid‑range hotel double, a night, per roomMX$1,300 (≈ US$75)
- High-end bedMid‑range hotel double, a night, per roomMX$2,000 (≈ US$110)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget MX$600 (≈ US$35) · Mid MX$1,100 (≈ US$60) · High MX$1,800 (≈ US$100)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- PVR Puerto Vallarta International Airport (Gustavo Díaz Ordaz) (About 100 km (62 mi) south; taxi to Chacala about US$90, 90 min (check). Most major rental agencies are represented at the airport.) · GDL Guadalajara International Airport (About 250 km (155 mi) east; drive via toll highway MEX-15D, then free MEX-15, about 2 h (check).)PVR Puerto Vallarta International Airport (Gustavo Díaz Ordaz) (About 62 mi (100 km) south; taxi to Chacala about US$90, 90 min (check). Most major rental agencies are represented at the airport.) · GDL Guadalajara International Airport (About 155 mi (250 km) east; drive via toll highway MEX-15D, then free MEX-15, about 2 h (check).)
Map of Chacala
Where it is, and the guides within about 120 km.
- Chacala
- Basic guide
Directions in Google Maps · Apple Maps
Guides nearby
- La Peñita de Jaltemba · 14 km straight line
- Rincón de Guayabitos · 16 km straight line
- Lo de Marcos · 27 km straight line
- Compostela · 35 km straight line
- San Francisco · 35 km straight line
- Sayulita · 40 km straight line
- San Blas · 42 km straight line
- Bucerias · 47 km straight line
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Feb
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Mar
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Apr
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
May
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jun
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Jul
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Aug
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Sep
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Oct
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Nov
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Dec
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Best: Nov–Apr. Avoid: May–Oct. Month by month →
Warmest Jun (34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)), coolest Jan (18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C) low), wettest Jul (13 rain days), driest Jan (2). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Chacala: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
2 rd
Feb
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
2 rd
Mar
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
3 rd
Apr
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
5 rd
May
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
9 rd
Jun
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
12 rd
Jul
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
13 rd
Aug
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
13 rd
Sep
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
12 rd
Oct
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
8 rd
Nov
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
4 rd
Dec
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
2 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Walk the town centre; hire a pangá (small boat) for surf spots (≈15 min). Taxis are scarce; arrange rides through hotels or rentals.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Altavista Ceremonial Complex
goDoor to door: ≈30 min total
Taxi or rental car from town, 15 min drive
Petroglyph site, check opening hours.
Compostela (Nayarit)
goDoor to door: ≈1 h
Drive north on MEX‑15, 30 min
Historic town, market and beach.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Majahua
Beachfront suites, $110–300 per night, breakfast included.
Mar de Jade
Beachfront units, $110–135 per person, family‑friendly.
Casa Chacala
Air‑conditioned doubles from $50.
Techos de Mexico
$22.5–60 nightly, kitchenettes, 5 min walk to beach.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $30–45 (≈ US$2–3) excl. bed
- Mid
- $45–80 (≈ US$3–5) excl. bed
- High
- $80 (≈ US$5)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid‑range hotel double1 × 2 nights × MX$1,300 | MX$2,600 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × MX$1,100 | MX$4,400 |
| Taxi from Puerto Vallarta airport (90 min)2 × MX$1,800 · check | MX$3,600 |
| Surf‑boat trip to La Caleta2 × MX$300 · US$10–35 per person | MX$600 |
| eSIM data (1 week)2 × MX$400 · check | MX$800 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | MX$1,200 |
| Trip total≈ MX$3,300 per person per day, bed included | MX$13,200≈ US$750 |
2026 estimate in MXN; flights not included.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at beachfront café | $2–4 (≈ under US$1) |
| Seafood taco | $3–6 (≈ under US$1) |
| Beer (bottle) | $2–3 (≈ under US$1) |
| Taxi within town (5 km) | $8–12 (≈ under US$1) |
| Surf‑boat trip | $10–35 (≈ US$1–2) per person |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Road to Chacala includes a toll segment (MEX‑15D) then a free highway; check road conditions after rain.
- Surf spots have volcanic rocks and sea‑urchins – wear foot protection.
- Accommodation paths can be uneven; not ideal for mobility‑impaired travelers.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 911
- Tourist assistance
- 078
Pocket card
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ChacalaChacala
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police911
- Tourist assistance078
Embassy
US consulate in Guadalajara; Mexican embassy in Mexico City.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Taxi Puerto Vallarta → Chacala (90 min): about $1,800 MXN (≈ US$100), check
- Bus Guadalajara → Las Varas → Chacala: ≈ M$300, 2 h, check
Say or show
- Disculpe — Excuse me / Sorry (dis‑kul‑pe)
- Gracias — Thank you (gra‑see‑as)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (kwan‑to kwes‑ta)
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the bathroom? (don‑de es‑ta el ba-nyo)
- ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? — Can I pay with a card? (pwe‑do pa‑gar con tar‑he‑ta)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Chacala. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Apr (dry season, cooler evenings) · avoid May–Oct (heavy afternoon thunderstorms) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 2 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add a car‑rental guide for toll‑road MEX‑15D.
- Include surf‑boat booking tips.
Sources
Ask about Chacala
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