PACIFIC MEXICO | BEACHES
Tour tips for visiting Playa Chacala, Mexico
THE BEST WAY From LAX, nonstop service to Puerto Vallarta is offered on Delta and Alaska; connecting service (change of planes) is offered on America West, Continental and Mexicana. Restricted round-trip fares begin at $278.
Chacala lies on Mexico's Pacific Coast, about 60 miles north of Puerto Vallarta and six miles off Highway 200.
From the Puerto Vallarta airport, visitors can rent a car (most major agencies are represented) or take a taxi, which costs about $90 for the 90-minute ride.
GOOD TO KNOW
Although Puerto Vallarta and Jalisco state are two hours ahead of Los Angeles, Chacala is just across the line in Nayarit state, which is one hour ahead of Los Angeles. Local businesses typically take dollars and presume an exchange rate of 10 pesos per dollar. Also, because Chacala is so small, beachfront properties have no conventional addresses. Properties off the beach are identified by their street (most are on Golfo de México, Islas Marías, Océano Atlántico or Avenida Chacalilla) but rarely by number.
TELEPHONES
To call the numbers below from the U.S., dial 011 (the international dialing code), then 52 (the country code for Mexico), then 327 (the Mexican area code that includes Chacala) and the local number.
WHERE TO EAT
Majahua, 219-4055, has no roof and a pebble floor, but it's the fanciest restaurant in town, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Call by 4 p.m. to reserve a table for dinner. Its breakfasts, lunches and dinners (Mediterranean salad and lemon pie are houses specialties) are offered on a shaded hillside patio that overlooks the sea. Main courses $6-$13.
Las Brisas, beachfront, is a favorite with English speakers. Main dishes $5.50-$18.
Mauna Kea Café, on Los Corchos, just off Islas Marías; 219-4067, is a breakfast spot (8-10 a.m.) on the roof of the Casa Pacífica, a former bed-and-breakfast (now monthly rental) just outside the gates of Marina Chacala. Specialties include Belgian waffles, French toast and smoothies. Prices $4.50-$7.
ACTIVITIES
Chacala Escapes (on Islas Marías, 219-4018) arranges snorkeling, surfing, fishing, whale watching and other trips at $10-$35 per person.
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