Getting to Chacahua

The journey is part of the adventure

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There is NO ATM in Chacahua. Bring all the cash you need.

Overview

Chacahua is about 70km west of Puerto Escondido on Oaxaca's Pacific coast. There are no roads directly to the village — you'll need to take a boat across the lagoon. Most travelers fly into Puerto Escondido (PXM) and make their way from there.

Pacific OceanLagoonPuerto EscondidoAirport (PXM)ZapotalitoChacahua~1.5hr colectivo~30min boat~30 kmN

Airports

PXM

Puerto Escondido International Airport

~70km from Chacahua

Best option. Direct flights from Mexico City (Volaris, VivaAerobus), Oaxaca City, and Guadalajara. From here, take ground transport to Zapotalito then boat to Chacahua.

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OAX

Oaxaca City Airport (Xoxocotlán)

~300km from Chacahua

Alternative if no direct flights to PXM. You'll need to take a 6-7 hour bus or van to Puerto Escondido or Zapotalito.

Search flights to OAX
MEX

Mexico City Airport (AICM)

~500km from Chacahua

International hub with connections worldwide. Fly domestic to PXM (~1hr) or take overnight bus to Puerto Escondido (~12hrs).

Search flights to MEX

Routes to Chacahua

From Puerto EscondidoRecommended

2-3 hours total
1

Puerto Escondido to Zapotalito

Colectivo (shared van) · 1-1.5 hours · 80-100 MXN
Pemex Gas Station, Bajos de Chila

Main highway (Carretera 200), across from Pemex gas station in the Bajos de Chila / La Crucecita area. Look for white vans gathering near the station.

15.8612° N, 97.0731° WGoogle Maps
What to look for

White Nissan Urvan or similar passenger vans

Look for signs saying "RÍO GRANDE", "ZAPOTALITO", or "CHACAHUA" on the windshield

Capacity

12-15 passengers, leaves when full

Schedule
First:6:00 AM
Last:5:00 PM
Frequency:Every 20-30 minutes when full

More frequent in morning, less after 3pm

Tips
  • Tell the driver "Zapotalito" or "embarcadero para Chacahua"
  • Sit up front if prone to motion sickness (curvy roads)
  • Have exact change ready (80-100 MXN per person)
  • Keep your bag on your lap or at your feet
2

Zapotalito to Chacahua

Lancha (boat) · 30-45 minutes · 50-80 MXN shared / 300-500 MXN private
Zapotalito Boat Dock (Embarcadero)

The colectivo drops you at the main road. Walk 2 minutes toward the water to reach the dock. Look for the covered waiting area with boats lined up.

15.9747° N, 97.4089° WGoogle Maps
What to look for

Open motorboats (lanchas) with bench seating

Capacity

6-10 passengers per boat

Space for backpacks, surfboards need private boat (extra 100-200 MXN)

Schedule
First:6:00 AM
Last:5:00 PM (latest 6:00 PM in high season)
Frequency:Shared boats leave when full (usually 20-40 min wait)

Private boats leave immediately

Pricing Options
Shared boat
50-80 MXN/person· Wait for 6-8 passengers
Private boat
300-500 MXN total· Leave immediately
With surfboard
+100-200 MXN· Private recommended
Contact
Lancha Cooperative:+52 954 XXX XXXXWhatsApp
Tips
  • Enjoy the scenic ride through the lagoon and mangroves!
  • Keep electronics in waterproof bag (spray possible)
  • Apply sunscreen - no shade on the boat
  • Life jackets available but rarely worn by locals

From Oaxaca City

8-10 hours total
1

Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido

Bus or Van (Suburban) · 6-7 hours · 300-450 MXN
ADO Bus Terminal or Second-Class Terminal

First-class ADO buses leave from the main terminal. Faster shared vans (suburbans) leave from the second-class terminal or near the Abastos market.

17.0621° N, 96.7269° WGoogle Maps
Vehicle

ADO bus (comfortable) or Suburban van (faster)

Capacity

Bus: 40+ seats / Van: 9-12 passengers

Schedule
First:6:00 AM (multiple departures)
Last:11:00 PM (overnight buses available)
Frequency:Buses every 2-3 hours, vans when full

Book ADO in advance at ado.com.mx during holidays

Pricing Options
ADO First Class
350-450 MXN· Book online, scheduled
Suburban Van
300-350 MXN· Leaves when full
Overnight Bus
350-400 MXN· Saves a night's accommodation
Tips
  • TAKE MOTION SICKNESS MEDS - extremely winding mountain roads
  • Sit in front of the van for less nausea
  • Bring snacks and water
  • Mountain views are stunning - try to travel by day once
2

Puerto Escondido to Chacahua

Colectivo + Boat · 2-3 hours · 130-180 MXN
Tips
  • Same route as from Puerto Escondido - scroll up for details
  • If arriving late, stay overnight in Puerto and leave early next day

Return Journey (Chacahua → Puerto Escondido)

Don't get stranded! Plan your departure.

Chacahua to Zapotalito

Boat

First boat: 6:00 AM / Last boat: 4:00-5:00 PM

Arrange with your accommodation the night before for early departures

Zapotalito to Puerto Escondido

Colectivo

First colectivo: 6:30 AM / Last: ~6:00 PM

More frequent in mornings. After 4pm, wait times increase significantly.

If catching a flight from PXM, leave Chacahua by 10 AM latest for afternoon flights. For morning flights, stay in Puerto the night before.

Travel Tips

  • •Start early — last boats leave Zapotalito around 5-6pm
  • •Bring small bills for colectivos and boats (50s and 100s)
  • •Download offline maps before leaving Puerto Escondido (Maps.me or Google Maps offline)
  • •Pack light — you'll be carrying bags on/off boats
  • •Waterproof bag essential for boat ride and rainy season
  • •No reservations needed for colectivos or boats
  • •Spanish helps but not required - point and say "Chacahua"
  • •Locals are friendly - ask if confused!

What to Bring

Essential

  • ✓Cash (MXN) — enough for your entire stay (NO ATM!)
  • ✓Flashlight/headlamp — limited street lighting at night
  • ✓Mosquito repellent — essential, especially at dusk
  • ✓Reef-safe sunscreen — protect the lagoon
  • ✓Reusable water bottle — refill stations available
  • ✓Basic first aid supplies — pharmacy is limited

Recommended

  • ○Light, quick-dry clothes
  • ○Sandals and water shoes
  • ○Rain jacket (wet season May-October)
  • ○Dry bag for electronics
  • ○Spanish phrasebook/app (Google Translate offline)
  • ○Portable phone charger — electricity can be unreliable

Travel Insurance

Chacahua is remote with limited medical facilities. We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers:

  • Medical evacuation (nearest hospital is Puerto Escondido)
  • Trip cancellation (weather can affect boats)
  • Lost luggage
  • Adventure activities (surfing, etc.)
Get Travel Insurance