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Lagunas de Chacahua National Park

Photo credit: andrellv / Foter / CC BY-SA
Lagunas de Chacahua National Park
  • (worth a detour)
  • 10+ km
  • Easy
  • Low
  • full day
  • 2 2

An ecological park with breathtaking lagoons and endless coastlines

Bamboo bungalows inside the park can be hired for as low as 100 pesos per night

Parque Nacional Lagunas de Chacahua (Chacahua Lagoons National Park) is located in the southern coast of Mexico in the state of Oaxaca. It remains one of the few undiscovered and unspoiled places in Oaxaca, perfect for those looking to get off-the-beaten track. It is a must for backpackers, naturalist, adventurists and those who enjoy water sports, especially surfing. Chacahua is also a heaven for birdwatchers, as it is a migratory path for many species.

 

The park encompasses 55 square miles and it is composed of five lagoons, the five rural fishing village around them (Chacahua, El Azufre, Zapotalito, Charco Redondo, and El Corral, an island community), and miles and miles of unspoiled beaches on the coast.

 

Turtles

In the lagoons, Leatherback turtles live, which are an endangered species and for that reason, the locals make an effort to protect thousands of them by helping them get from their eggs to the sea.

 

Crocodile Sanctuary

Crocodiles are also protected species, and the locals help them multiply in the park. Many are in captivity for breeding, while many other exist in the remote areas of the lagoons. The Crocodile Sanctuary is located between the lagoon and the ocean and you can give the place a visit to see hundreds of crocodiles, some of which are 15 feet in length!

 

The Bay

The beautiful coastline located in the park will not disappoint. While here, you might spot whales, turtles, manta rays, dolphins and more. The best time to see Humpback whales on their way north to Baja California is during November and December and you might also get lucky and spot some if visiting during January and February. Snorkelling and scuba diving are also possible here.

 

Lagoons

The five lagoons located inside the park are: Laguna Chacahua, Laguna Salina, El Mulato, Palmarito and Pastoria.

How to get there

From Puerto Escondido, you can take a bus to Zapotalito. From Zapotalito, you can either take a collectivo boat to the park or hire your own (30 minutes)

Another option (much faster), is to simply take a taxi from Puerto Escondido directly to the park, which should cost you about $700 pesos.

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