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Are you dreaming of a peaceful, low-key place in Mexico where life moves at a slower pace? Somewhere you can wake up to ocean views, stroll through quiet streets, and enjoy your coffee without any rush? If you’re tired of noisy tourist zones and are craving simplicity and peace, then Chacala might be just the spot you’ve been looking for.
Chacala is a small town on Mexico’s Pacific coast in the state of Nayarit. It has everything you need for a relaxed tropical lifestyle without all the chaos of bigger cities or resort towns. In fact, only around 300 to 400 people live here full-time. Even during peak times like Christmas and Easter, it still manages to keep its relaxed vibe.
Let’s explore what it’s really like to live in Chacala; from housing and weather to healthcare and shopping.
What Does Chacala Feel Like?
Chacala is cozy, charming, and deeply connected to nature. It started as a fishing village, and that history is still alive today. You’ll see local boats head out every morning, and you’ll eat some of the freshest fish you’ve ever tasted. People are friendly here. The beach is calm. And the whole place feels welcoming in a way that’s hard to describe until you visit.
Many expats say they feel safer here than they did back home. There’s a strong sense of community and calm. No one’s in a hurry, and that relaxed energy is contagious.
What’s the Weather Like in Chacala?
If you’re coming from a place with cold winters or gray skies, you’ll love the tropical climate in Chacala. Most of the year, it’s warm and sunny. The average temperature is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
From November to May is the dry season — think blue skies, no rain, and perfect beach days. It gets up to 85 during the day, then cools down to around 60 at night. Perfect sleeping weather.
From June to October, you’ll get more rain, but usually just in the afternoon or evening. Mornings stay sunny, and the rain helps keep the landscape green and lush.
Humidity is part of life here, but most people adjust quickly. If you love spending time outdoors, this weather lets you enjoy it all year long.
Where to Live in Chacala
Chacala is small, so there aren’t many “neighborhoods” in the way you might expect. But there are two main areas you can choose from:
Chacala Pueblo
This is the main village area. If you want a local experience, this is where you want to be. You’ll be close to the beach, small stores, and local restaurants. Most rentals here are traditional houses or small furnished apartments. Expect to pay around $300 to $400 per month.
These homes often come fully furnished, so moving in is easy. Just note that these places usually aren’t listed online. The best way to find a rental is to walk around town, ask locals, and look for signs.
Marina Chacala (Chacalilla)
This is a more modern area with larger homes and villas. It has a gated community feel and offers more upscale options. Rentals here range from $2,000 to $4,000 per month, especially in high season. If you’re planning to stay long term, try negotiating directly with property owners during the low season for better deals.
Are Utilities and Internet Good in Chacala?
You might expect a small town like Chacala to struggle with services, but it doesn’t. Electricity, water, gas, and internet are all reliable. Here’s a basic breakdown of what you can expect to pay:
- Electricity: Around $75 to $175 every two months, depending on how often you use air conditioning
- Water: Between $8 and $18 per month
- Gas: Refills cost about $20 to $30 and last around a month
- Internet: Plans start around $25 and go up to $160 depending on speed
Bills are easy to pay at stores like OXXO or Kiosko. Overall, a couple can live comfortably here for under $2,000 a month. If you go for a more luxurious home or eat out often, you might spend closer to $2,500.
Keep in mind, if you’re planning to live here long term, you’ll need to meet Mexico’s visa requirements. For the latest details, check out our free residency guide linked in the description of our Chacala video.
Where to Shop in Chacala
Chacala is not a town with malls or big stores. But you’ll find everything you need for daily life. In the town center, small grocery shops sell fruits, vegetables, tortillas, and cleaning supplies. Look for places like Abarrotes El Tapatío or Abarrotes Lupita.
There’s also Kiosko and OXXO for snacks, drinks, and bill payments. Some shops even have fresh tortillas made daily.
Need something more? Drive 15 minutes to Las Varas for a store called Aurrerá. For imported goods or more variety, head to Bucerías, about an hour away, where you’ll find La Comer and Chedraui.
How to Get Around
Everything in Chacala is walkable. Locals also use bikes or ATVs to get around town. Roads can be rough, so you won’t see many golf carts or motorcycles.
The closest airport is in Puerto Vallarta, about an hour and 20 minutes away. A private ride for four people costs around $100. Or, you can save money by taking a $5 bus to Las Varas, then a $10 taxi to Chacala.
Inside town, there’s no public bus system. But shared vans called “combis” travel between Chacala and other nearby towns like Sayulita, La Cruz, or Nuevo Nayarit. Each trip costs under $5.
There’s no Uber or Didi here, so if you want more flexibility, consider renting a car.
What About Healthcare?
Chacala has a small local clinic for everyday issues. For anything more serious, you’ll want to go to Bucerías or Sayulita. Hospitals like CMQ and Saint Luke’s offer emergency services, lab work, and have bilingual staff.
You’ll also find pharmacies in town like Farmacia 23, which carry most basic medicines and let you pay your utility bills with a card.
If you plan to live in Chacala full-time, it’s a good idea to get a private health insurance plan that covers the hospitals in Nayarit. Many expats also carry a small medical folder with their health info just in case of emergencies. It’s a smart step when living in smaller towns.
What Can You Do for Fun?
Chacala is perfect if you love nature and the ocean. Spend your days on the wide beach, swim in the calm waters, or relax in a hammock with a coconut in hand.
Feeling active? Hike up Volcán del Mono for stunning views. It takes about two hours and is best done with a local guide.
Want to connect with others? Head to San Pancho, about 45 minutes away. A community space called Entreamigos offers volunteer programs where you can help kids, support local kitchens, and join local events.
Downsides of Living in Chacal
Even paradise has its challenges. Some roads are still unpaved, and internet or cell service may be spotty at times.
There are no ATMs in Chacala, so you’ll need to visit Las Varas to get cash. Some shops accept cards, but it’s good to carry pesos.
During the off-season in summer, some restaurants and stores close or reduce their hours. And if you enjoy nightlife or 24-hour services, you won’t find those here.
Finally, if you’re expecting a luxury lifestyle, Chacala might feel too simple. But if you love the idea of peace, nature, and real community where you may feel right at home.
Is Chacala Calling You?
Chacala is a beautiful secret. A place where you can slow down and breathe again. It offers ocean views, friendly neighbors, and a relaxed lifestyle that’s hard to find elsewhere.
It’s not for everyone. But if your heart feels a little lighter just thinking about it… maybe Chacala is calling your name.
If you’re ready to start planning your move to Chacala or anywhere in Mexico, we can help. Our Chacala Private Relocation Tours are a great way to get boots-on-the-ground guidance from trusted locals who is bilingual. You’ll explore housing, transportation, healthcare, and more; with someone by your side the whole way.
And don’t forget to check out our Complete Mexico Relocation Guide. It’s packed with trusted service providers, up-to-date visa info, real cost of living examples, and expert advice to help you move with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
