The Lagoons of Chacahua

There’s very little to be said about the lagoons of Chacahua. You have to experience them for yourself.

The launches rent for $3,000 pesos and can carry up to 10 people. (That comes to only $300 pesos a head for a group of 10.) The excursion includes a trip through the islands of mangroves for approximately an hour and a half. Then a few hours at the beach for a leisurely lunch and swim, followed by the 30-minute return trip.

Hidden among the mangroves is the fishing village of El Corral. Its 80 residents are descendants of a community that was established before Chacahua became a national park in 1937. The launches do not stop in El Corral unless you request it.

We had the best robalo and pargo ever at a restaurant where the lagoon reaches the sea. These fish start out in the ocean and then are drawn by the tides into the lagoon which contributes to their special flavor.

Chacahua is an hour drive from Puerto Escondido. Take Hwy. 200 west, the turn-off for Zapotalito, Chacahua is just past Río Grande and is clearly marked. You can also take a van from Puerto heading to Pinotepa Nacional. There are taxis waiting at the turn-off to take you to the embarcadero.

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