Chacahua Lagoons
Country: Mexico.

"No, mate, in the seventh day of the creation, God slept here, and from his bag he dropped all these beautiful things" Carlos told me, with whom I stay whenever I go to Chacahua, moving his arm in a circle, embracing the landscape that surrounded us. I turned my body around, contemplating the sunset, from the lighthouse up on the hill. I could almost see the entire National Park Lagoons of Chacahua; I didn't respond, but I could see, in the reflection of his eyes filled with the sea, the happiness that embraced me.

Chacahua is located on the coast of Oaxaca, approximately two hours away from Puerto Escondido; to arrive there it is necessary to either travel by car or bus (this former transportation arrives at Río Grande where you will take transportation) up to Zapotalito, a riverside population of the Lagoon of Chacahua, once there, take a boat "colectiva" that crosses the whole lagoon to the bay and the village of Chacahua if it's high season, or a "colectiva" that crosses a small lagoon portion until the recently built "carretera" (dirt road) where you can take one of the two trucks (don't expect a bus) that give the service of transport to the village. This itinerary implies an adventure in itself, and although the times of waiting are long, one can enjoy the surroundings and the great biodiversity of the lagoon.

The main attractions of the place consist on the variety of landscapes and its respective uniqueness: the bay is the one that frames the concept "beach & sun", where the villagers as European, "downunders" and North Americans go surfing. The lagoon offers the concept "nature" with its dense mangroves inhabited by a large quantity of birds, fish and crustaceans. The "hill" encompasses the concept "extreme sports" where one can practice rock climbing and from its summit a place to contemplate the evening. The open sea on the other side of the lagoon offers the concept "conservation" because there one can find a cocodrile reproduction center, as well as a protected area for turtles to spawn and the hatchery of iguanas. All of them have a special charm.

It should be said that the activities one can carry out depend in great measure of the traveler's adventurous impulse, because none of the before described, are formally planned. In the "spiritual" level, Chacahua provides a good opportunity "to recharge batteries", because the nature, the human warmth of its inhabitants and the "atmosphere" in general are perfect for it. One lives in a place with its own rythmn, leisurely... coastal... primeval... This has been observed previously and the place is several creators' residence.

The lodging is in the "enramadas" (palm leaves huts) that the villagers have built, you can camp or sleep in "cabañas" (cabins), the food is basically "fruits of the sea", it is recommended to arrive with Carlos, the husband of Martha (a vital reference), he's trustworthy, save and reasonably priced. The required budget implies about $3,000.00 for one week going from the Mexico City.

In summary Chacahua is a paradise, idyllic place that at the present time is threatened by the impetuous power of "progress" that threatens with converting it into a touristic mega-development. The visit to this place is a turning point in the perception of a sensible person's life and in the worst case scenario it offers unforgettable vacations.

Ecoturismolatino.com thanks our new found friend for the information and photographs, the photographer Rodolfo Candelas