![Chacahua beach. Photo: María Larsson](images/lagoons-1.jpg)
The Lagoons of Chacahua
There’s very little to be said about the lagoons of Chacahua. You have to experience them for yourself.
The launches rent for $3,000 pesos and can carry up to 10 people. (That comes to only $300 pesos a head for a group of 10.) The excursion includes a trip through the islands of mangroves for approximately an hour and a half. Then a few hours at the beach for a leisurely lunch and swim, followed by the 30-minute return trip.
Hidden among the mangroves is the fishing village of El Corral. Its 80 residents are descendants of a community that was established before Chacahua became a national park in 1937. The launches do not stop in El Corral unless you request it.
![Restaurante. Photo: Ernesto J. Torres](images/chacahua-1.jpg)
We had the best robalo and pargo ever at a restaurant where the lagoon reaches the sea. These fish start out in the ocean and then are drawn by the tides into the lagoon which contributes to their special flavor.
![Restaurante. Photo: Ernesto J. Torres](images/chacahua-2.jpg)
Chacahua is an hour drive from Puerto Escondido. Take Hwy. 200 west, the turn-off for Zapotalito, Chacahua is just past Río Grande and is clearly marked. You can also take a van from Puerto heading to Pinotepa Nacional. There are taxis waiting at the turn-off to take you to the embarcadero.
Our guide was Rigoberto Cosme, Coop Paraiso Escondido, Zapotalito. 954 559 8440