Day trips

Day trips from Chacala

Because Chacala gives you so little to fill a second or third day, the day trips matter more here than in most beach towns. All of these are easiest with a rental car.

Sayulita — about 40 minutes south. Worth it.

The busy, colorful surf town everyone knows: boutiques, bars, street food and a proper crowd. It’s the exact opposite of Chacala, which is why a half-day there and a return to the quiet cove works so well. Go for lunch and shopping, don’t stay for the traffic.

San Pancho (San Francisco) — about 35 minutes south. Worth it.

Sayulita’s calmer neighbor. A walkable town with good restaurants, a wide beach and a low-key art-and-food scene without the crush. A gentler day out than Sayulita.

San Blas — about an hour to 90 minutes north. Worth it if you like nature.

Old port town known for its La Tovara jungle boat tour through mangroves, with birds, turtles and crocodiles. A genuinely different day. Go early, and bring serious bug repellent; the area’s sand flies are notorious.

Las Varas — about 15 minutes. Practical, not scenic.

The nearest real town, and where you’ll find ATMs, a proper grocery store and the highway bus stop. Not a “trip” so much as the errand run you’ll probably make anyway. Combine it with a stock-up.

Honest note

Without a car, day trips mean highway buses plus local taxis and a lot of waiting. If exploring the coast is your plan, rent a car for the whole stay; Chacala alone won’t fill more than a couple of days.