Parque Nacional Lagunas de Chacahua
A national park of mangrove lagoons on Oaxaca's Pacific coast, about 54 km west of Puerto Escondido. Go for boat trips, birds and nesting turtles.
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Lagunas de Chacahua National Park is in Oaxaca state on Mexico's Pacific coast, in the Municipality of Villa de Tututepec de Melchor Ocampo. The park was created in 1937 and sits about 54 km west of Puerto Escondido, near the village of Zapotalito. Of its roughly 132.73 square kilometers, about 30 are lagoons, mainly Laguna de Chacahua, Laguna de La Pastoria and Laguna Las Salinas, with smaller lagoons linked to them by narrow channels. The rest is dry land.
The park has ten vegetation types, including mangroves, coastal dunes, savannah, swampland, palm trees and dry tropical forest. About 246 flower species and 189 animal species have been recorded here so far. Boat tours run along the shores and mangroves to watch fish-eating birds, and storks, herons, pelicans and spoonbills are among the birds you may see. Three turtle species come to lay their eggs. You can reach the park by Federal Highway 200 or by boat from Puerto Escondido.
Parque Nacional Lagunas de Chacahua in five
- Start at the Zapotalito boat launchMost visits begin at the lagoon town of Zapotalito on Highway 200, where boats cross to Chacahua village. Confirm the return boat time before you leave the dock.
- Book a tour or a taxi from Puerto EscondidoTours usually bundle transport, the lagoon boat and lunch. Going on your own is cheaper but needs a colectivo or taxi to the launch, so leave early.Puerto Escondido
- Stay one night to see the lagoon at dawnSimple palapa cabins in Chacahua village let you see birds at first light and the sunset on the beach, after the day boats have left. Bring cash and expect basic comforts.
- Keep your distance from wildlifeThe lagoons are home to crocodiles and many birds. Swim only where local guides say it is safe, and follow their directions when the boat stops.
- Pack for sun, water and no signalBring sun protection, drinking water, insect repellent and cash. Mobile signal and card terminals are patchy, and shade on the beach is limited.
Things to do in Parque Nacional Lagunas de Chacahua
See all attractions in Parque Nacional Lagunas de ChacahuaNeed to know
- Airport
- Puerto Escondido (PXM), about 1 hour 30 min by road
- Getting there
- Road to Zapotalito, then a boat to Chacahua village
- Getting around
- Boat on the lagoons; walking on the beach
- Best base
- Chacahua village for an overnight
- Time needed
- A long day, or 1 to 2 nights
Weather by month
- Rainy days
- Days with storms
- Best
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryClear2 rainy daysHigh29°Low22°Dry, calm lagoonJanuaryClear
Best
- High
- 29°
- Low
- 22°
- Precipitation
- 11 mm
- Rainy days
- 2
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Dry, calm lagoon
- FebruaryClear2 rainy daysHigh30°Low23°Dry, birdsFebruaryClear
Best
- High
- 30°
- Low
- 23°
- Precipitation
- 6 mm
- Rainy days
- 2
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Dry, birds
- MarchClear1 rainy dayHigh31°Low23°Dry, hotMarchClear
Best
- High
- 31°
- Low
- 23°
- Precipitation
- 5 mm
- Rainy days
- 1
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Dry, hot
- AprilClear2 rainy daysHigh32°Low24°Hot, humidAprilClear
Best
- High
- 32°
- Low
- 24°
- Precipitation
- 5 mm
- Rainy days
- 2
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Hot, humid
- MayPartly cloudy11 rainy daysHigh32°Low25°Rains beginMayPartly cloudy
Mixed
- High
- 32°
- Low
- 25°
- Precipitation
- 115 mm
- Rainy days
- 11
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Rains begin
- JuneRain23 rainy daysHigh30°Low25°Rainy, muddy roadsJuneRain
Poor
- High
- 30°
- Low
- 25°
- Precipitation
- 334 mm
- Rainy days
- 23
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Rainy, muddy roads
- JulyRain21 rainy daysHigh31°Low24°Rainy, humidJulyRain
Poor
- High
- 31°
- Low
- 24°
- Precipitation
- 212 mm
- Rainy days
- 21
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Rainy, humid
- AugustRain23 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh30°Low24°Rainy, humidAugustRain
Poor
- High
- 30°
- Low
- 24°
- Precipitation
- 301 mm
- Rainy days
- 23
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 1
Rainy, humid
- SeptemberRain25 rainy daysHigh29°Low24°Peak rainSeptemberRain
Poor
- High
- 29°
- Low
- 24°
- Precipitation
- 451 mm
- Rainy days
- 25
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Peak rain
- OctoberRain21 rainy daysHigh29°Low24°Storm riskOctoberRain
Poor
- High
- 29°
- Low
- 24°
- Precipitation
- 317 mm
- Rainy days
- 21
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Storm risk
- NovemberClear8 rainy daysHigh29°Low23°Dry, quietNovemberClear
Best
- High
- 29°
- Low
- 23°
- Precipitation
- 34 mm
- Rainy days
- 8
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Dry, quiet
- DecemberClear3 rainy daysHigh29°Low22°Dry, holidaysDecemberClear
Best
- High
- 29°
- Low
- 22°
- Precipitation
- 11 mm
- Rainy days
- 3
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Dry, holidays
Average daily high and low in Parque Nacional Lagunas de Chacahua, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.
Right now in Parque Nacional Lagunas de Chacahua
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
30
- Feels like
- 35°
- Humidity
- 72%
- Wind
- 23 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 0%
Parque Nacional Lagunas de Chacahua
06:22 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today34°23°0%Monday: Partly cloudy. High 34°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Tue34°24°0%Tuesday: Fog. High 34°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Wed32°24°75%Wednesday: Thunderstorms. High 32°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 75%.
- Thu32°24°17%Thursday: Thunderstorms. High 32°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 17%.
- Fri32°23°44%Friday: Thunderstorms. High 32°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 44%.
- Sat33°23°22%Saturday: Thunderstorms. High 33°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 22%.
- Sun32°22°24%Sunday: Drizzle. High 32°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 24%.
Updated 02:42 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 18.81 MXN
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Puerto Escondidoabout 1 to 1.5 hours by roadThe surf town and the usual base for Chacahua day trips.Read the guide
- Puerto Ángelabout 2.5 to 3 hours by roadA quieter fishing village on the same coast.Read the guide
- Oaxaca Coastvaries by stopMore beaches, villages and surf towns along the highway.Read the guide
Before you go to Parque Nacional Lagunas de Chacahua
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Rules for Parque Nacional Lagunas de Chacahua, checked
- Confirm whether your passport needs a Mexican visa and whether you must complete an FMM immigration form. Look up the current rules at the official site before you book.Source
- Do not touch turtle nests or collect eggs. Three turtle species come to the park to lay eggs, so keep your distance from nests on the beach.
- Do not feed the crocodiles at the nursery or try to handle them. Follow the guide's instructions while you are there.
- Carry pesos for boat tours, local food and village shops, and ask your tour operator whether they take cards.
Plan around Parque Nacional Lagunas de Chacahua
Beaches, colonial cities, ruins and highlands
Read the guidePuerto EscondidoThe surf town and the usual base
Read the guideOaxaca CoastMore beaches and villages along the coast
Read the guidePuerto ÁngelA quiet fishing village to the east
Read the guideGetting around MexicoBuses, vans and rental cars
Read the guideParque Nacional Lagunas de Chacahua FAQ
Is Chacahua worth visiting?
Yes for a quiet lagoon-and-beach day away from the surf towns. Expect basic facilities and a long road, so go for the boat ride, birds and the beach, not for polished resorts.
How do you get to Chacahua from Puerto Escondido?
By road west to Zapotalito, then by boat across the lagoon to Chacahua village. Tours bundle the trip; independent travelers can use a colectivo or taxi to the launch.
Can you swim at Chacahua?
The ocean beach has strong surf and currents, so wade rather than swim far. In the lagoons, follow your guide's advice, as crocodiles live in the park.
Do you need to stay overnight at Chacahua?
No. A day tour covers the boat, birds and beach. Stay one night if you want sunrise on the lagoon, a quiet evening and no rush back along the road.
When is the best time to visit Chacahua?
November to April is dry and sunny, with calmer travel conditions. May to October brings heavy rain and muddy roads, and the sea can be rough. Check local transport before you go.