Service Clubs

Service clubs looking to make a difference internationally, will find Chacala to be the perfect pueblo. The Chacala Project Committee, led by Trini Moya, has created a list of projects that will directly benefit the children and students and indirectly benefit the entire pueblo. Chacala has a proven project history of success and accountability. Rotary clubs have included: Berkeley, El Cerrito, Rio Vista and Santa Cruz, California; Omaha, Nebraska; and Shawnee, Kansas; Oriental, North Carolina and Kalispell, Montana. Education with a View, Alaska; Berkeley YMCA and St. Andrews Church, Pittsburg are a few of the youth groups that interact with our scholarship students.
The service clubs provide the funds. Often some of their members come to work side by side with the Chacaleons. An advance team sometimes comes to review and select the project. The service club, Trini, her committee and a local North American work together in the planning of the project. Reservations for lodging, meals, excursions and transport are all handled locally. The volunteers are met at the airport and brought to Chacala. The workday starts at the Mauna Kea Café for breakfast. The volunteer workers arrive at the job site, tools are distributed at the tool lending library. Most of the workers hang up their tools at about 1:00 pm. Then they are off to rest, swim, take a hike, relax on the beach or visit. Often they gather at sunset for margaritas. A dinner is served at different restaurants each night, sometimes with entertainment. The last day of work is followed by a lunch served by the townspeople and an interactive live theater presented by our children.

The Nayarit Coastal town of Chacala is unique: year round velvet green jungles and mountains, white sandy beaches, clean blue ocean water, lush and varied plant life, ecological convergient birding zones, twelve months of surfing, and abundant fishing and snorkeling. The majority of properties offer sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean. North Americans are leaving the city of Puerto Vallarta and exploring north. They are tired of areas like Puerto Vallarta and now even Sayulita. Chacala does not share the traffic, noise, crowds, pollution, and high prices of many areas to the south.In the exodus north, the small towns of Bucerias and Sayulita have been the first to be “discovered”. Now their streets are noisy and congested with the price of real estate and the cost of construction virtually the same as the United States. More and more visitors, retirees, investors, and expatriates are pushing out to the northern towns like Chacala. Chacala sits overlooking secluded Chacala Bay, surrounded by palm trees dotted with palapa restaurants. There are only about 400 residents. The attraction is both the seclusion and quiet but also the future potential. Real estate prices are climbing, though more on the realistic side than the ridiculous. Marina Chacala, a devlopment located between Chacala and Chacalilla Bay has a wide variety of lots and homes for sale. The town of Chacala offers vacation rentals and numerous services as well.One can obtain all necessary information and make reservations through this website as we offer a full range of concierge services. See Contact Us to resolve any questions you may have. Once arriving in Chacala, the visitor will be able to gather person-to-person information at the Chacala Information Center (CIC). It is located in downtown Chacala. CIC offers information about real estate listings, vacation rental listings, services and referrals. The visitor can make reservations for: transportation (land and sea), excursions, Spanish lessons, and guides. See our Activities page. Real estate, property, vacation rentals and services in Chacala accommodate the budget to high-end traveler, visitor, retiree and investor.

Marina Chacala, Luxury Gated Community

There is in Chacala a gated community called Marina Chacala. The development offers a good selection of lots and homes. Its southern border runs along Chacala Bay, curving into the Pacific Ocean, which leads into Chacalilla Bay. Marina Chacala is a planned community offering view and waterfront lots and homes. It has 24 hour security, a beach club with three pools, a tennis club, walking paths and best of all, a white sandy beach with coconut trees swaying in the breeze nesteled within Chacalilla Bay.
Some of the property in Marina Chacala is for sale as individual lots. Some of the property is for sale as planned homes and lots. There is a team of professionals to meet the buyer’s needs. Financing is done from the buyer’s side. The CC&Rs are available in English as is a sample of the purchase contract.

To learn all about Marina Chacala go to CasaPacificaChacala.com

Living In Chacala

Banking – The larger banks: Bancomer, Bital, Banamex, etc. offer familiar services such as checking, savings accounts, wire-transfer services, currency exchange, loans, etc. Many U.S. citizens living in Mexico use Lloyds which offers deposit accounts that are interest bearing. Lloyds also offers additional services to their customers such as insurance coverage on homes, cars, and health care.
Insurance – A Homeowner’s Policy for cars, boats, and homes can be secured through Lloyds Bank in Puerto Vallarta. Coverage is available for fire, theft, wind, flooding and earthquake damage.
Health Insurance – Medical care in the larger Mexican cities is comparable to care in the U.S. – at one quarter the cost. That’s good, because Medicare pays for nothing outside the U.S. Foreigners may enroll in the IMSS plan (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social), which covers progressively more over a three-year period, costs only a few hundred dollars a year, and is renewable for life. It has no age restrictions but won’t cover people with chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. Inexpensive private Mexican or international medical coverage is also available. The smaller towns usually have a health (emergency-type) clinic. While not equipped to handle major medical situations, they can stabilize a patient and prepare them for a journey to Puerto Vallarta, Tepic or Guadalajara.
Shopping – Major shopping exits in Guadalajara, a very modern city of some 6 – 8 million. Much nearer, in Puerto Vallarta or Tepic (the cosmopolitan capitol of Nayarit) are large grocery stores, a Wal Mart and a Sam’s Club. Many in rural areas visit these cities to stock up on bulk or specialty items -.usually finding whatever they want.. Near Chacala, Las Varas and La Penita. provide the basic necessities: groceries, hardware, auto parts, laundry/dry cleaners, hair salons, furniture, clothes, appliances, household goods etc. Currently, Chacala has two convenience stores - with items similar to those found in a convenience store in the U.S.- as well as a hardware/building materials store, a church, a school and a couple of B & Bs. More is coming as the government plans to install a marina in Chacala Bay.
Financing Property Purchases –Financing property in Mexico is not as easy, nor as cheap, as it is in the U.S. Because of the considerably greater cost, it’s advisable to limit your search for financing to U.S. lenders (who are showing an ever-increasing interest). It is a bit difficult to find ready sources for the financing of single-family home purchases. But financing is readily available for the purchase of residential building sites, fractional ownership and time-share purchases; however, the rates will exceed those in the U.S. Down payments range from 10 - 20%, the balance usually amortized over 15 years.
Property Taxes –Property taxes in Mexico are very low compared to similar valued properties in the U.S., (maybe $200-300/yr.for a $300,000 house).
Utility costs – Electricity costs about 13 cents per kilowatt hour. Other than lights, pool equipment, refrigerator and electronic devices (A/C is optional in the November through May season) you won’t use much electricity. Propane bottles cheaply fuel stoves, outdoor grills and the domestic hot-water.
Transportation – Travel to most villages, the ones that are on the map and even some that aren’t, is easily achieved with buses and cabs that are virtually everywhere and inexpensive. Rental cars are available at the airport in Puerto Vallarta, but cheaper to book from the U.S. Be sure to shop prices.
Restaurants – The village of Chacala has 8-10 beachside restaurants that serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. The fare consists of seafood, and most other basic menu items and a sufficient variety of drinks. These restaurants are clean and inexpensive. There are also some very inexpensive restaurants a couple of miles south in both Las Varas and La Penita. Rincon de Guayabitos boasts an even larger variety of restaurants. The possibilities increase as you travel to Punta de Mita or Bucerias. The ultimate for night-life and restaurants is Puerto Vallarta – it has over 700 licensed restaurants.

Notable Advantages of Building in Chacala

Our key people are local to the area and know where to obtain many building materials at little or no cost. Some nearby beaches yield sand for the hauling. Certain streambeds contain enormous amounts of gravel and anyone needing gravel can go there and find what they need. Some land-owners have a tremendous amount of rock and decorative boulders on their land. They are eager to be rid of them and will let you haul them away without charge. There are no regulations that disallow the removal of these materials from these places; therefore, none of this is illegal. However, to hire a contractor who may (or may not) be aware of these sources of materials, is to pay him his charges for hauling and pay him for the materials as well. Our advantage is our knowledge of where to find these materials. This will constitute a source of some beautiful hardwoods for the construction of our houses at a very minimal cost.

We have identified several towns in Mexico where we can purchase the best tile, bricks, antique doors, furniture and items of Cantera stone: lintels, door and window surrounds, fountains, and etc. We intend to establish close relationships with the most promising merchants in each of these categories.

We intend to employ some of the methods of construction that were used in times past. Today, many of these methods have since been replaced by new methods and modern materials. So much has been lost in this process that only very old homes now feature what it is we intend to create.

The artistic nature of the homes we plan to create. the materials we intend to use to achieve this, and the notable advantages we have, will set our project apart from all other developments in coastal Mexico.

We have established relationships in some very key, government offices. We now enjoy the advantages of favorable zoning interpretations, ease of attaining permits of all kinds, special concessions regarding building-height restrictions, etc.

For more information e-mail Sue Escobido at sescobido@aol.com

Recent Developments in Chacala Area

Unlike many other coastal villages, Chacala is unique in many important aspects. The village, which is removed some 5 miles from the main highway, is at the end of a peaceful country road. There are no other villages or towns along this road, just farms, orchards and native jungle. Prior to three years ago, Chacala was only reachable by way of a gravel road. At that time, it was difficult to imagine the interest that would soon be ignited in that little village.
It all began with a study sponsored by the State of Nayarit. Corridor Turistica, as the study was named, sought to identify and determine the feasibility of development along the southern coastline of the State of Nayarit. It was decided that two areas would be targeted for development. Chacala was one of the two. The Nayarit government’s plan for Chacala center on three major improvements: 1) The widening of the highway (from a 2-lane to a four-lane) all the way from Bucerias past the Chacala turnoff; 2) The construction of a new International Airport near the town of Zacualpan (no more than a 15-20 minute drive from our development, Chacala-by-the-Sea); 3) The construction of a 150 slip boat marina in Chacala Bay (Chacala-by-the-Sea looks down on Chacala Bay).
The reports of these new developments was affirmed in the February 2004 meeting of the Corridor Turistica group where it was announced that the money for these improvements had been raised. Also, many sources confirm Vicente Fox’s (the President of Mexico) ownership of an important stretch of beach located just one mile south of Marina Chacala's southern-most boundary. All three of these planned improvements will not only benefit President Fox and Chacala, but our development, Chacala-by-the-Sea, as well. It is generally conceded that President Fox has the power and political allies in Nayarit to make sure these improvements are implemented. One of those allies is the governor of the State of Nayrit, Sr. Echevaria, who has reportedly been buying land in and around the village of Zacualpan, the supposed area for the location of the new airport.
Chacala will no doubt undergo changes as these improvements are implemented. Fortunately, the planning department for the State of Nayarit has already set a new tone for development by limiting the height of any structure to three stories. Included in their plans is the construction of an ocean side boardwalk, a town square, and a hospitality center. One thing for certain: no other ocean side village between Puerto Vallarta and Chacala can boast of all the things that Chacala has, or will have, that serve to make it so rare and special.

Building and Furnishing a Home in Mexico

Many who would consider building a home in Mexico, are concerned about the unknowns they might encounter. Such concerns are not unwarranted.
soem of the best developers in Mexico have anticipated these concerns and the need for assistance in the construction process and are able to introduce you to some very able and honorable builders who can produce a quality product at a reasonable cost.

In Mexico, the architect often performs the function of general contractor. This person will help you design and build your home. He’ll usually quote an amount per square meter for a turnkey project. The complexity and size of the house dictates the completion time - usually six to twelve months. The cost? - $70 - $95/ square foot.
It is not unusual to be asked for an advance or "deposit" against the contract price. It is best compromise is to advance enough money to allow the purchase of the initial materials needed. If it’s a time and material agreement, advance payments or deposits will be requested for material purchases. Some materials are purchased on an account with a local hardware or building materials supplier. The balances with that supplier are usually settled every few weeks but not typically carried longer than a month. For any large purchase or one that has to be shipped, an advance purchase deposit of 50% of the price of the material is requested and will have to be paid in order to get the supplier to ship the material you’re requesting. These advance payments need not be feared, if you are dealing with a reputable builder/architect. However, don’t count on them to "eat" their mistakes. Few of them have the financial capability to withstand losses.

Always monitor the quality of the construction and the progress being made as they coincide with the requests for payment. In any house-building project, the homeowner will be faced with the decision to leave that with which he’s displeased or change it. Just remember, changes are always expensive and, if possible, to be avoided.

The experience of building a home in Mexico can be one of great excitement and satisfaction. Many things are possible in Mexico that aren’t options in the U.S. because of the vast difference in labor costs.

House Design - Get a referreral to a quality architect. If they are not engineers, they need to refer any structural needs to an outside engineer.

Interior Design – There is an abundance of highly competent assistance in helping you realize a very comfortable, exciting home, with vast experience in this area.

Furniture Shopping – In addition to the specialty furniture stores and design centers in the U.S. (you can ship your purchases to Mexico), there are a number of fascinating places to visit in the interior of Mexico. These places have some very unique items that can profoundly impact any interior. It is a good idea to plan an itinerary and guide you in this area.

To contact experienced professionals in the above mentioned fields we recommend contacting Sue Escobido in Chacala at sescobido@aol.com

About Buying in Nayarit Mexico

When you purchase a real estate or property in Mexico, you are making an investment in Mexico. Many people do not consider such a purchase as an investment.

There are good reasons for seriously considering an investment in Mexico:
The stock market has probably hurt more people than it has helped. Savings accounts are now paying historically low yields - even when
yields are higher, they’re usually failing to keep up with inflation.
Retirement Plans – many retirement plans have been greatly altered as
people’s 401K’s have declined in value.
Why not Mexico?
Your 401K may still afford a comfortable retirement there.
People are increasingly turning to real estate.
Oceanfront real estate property is the most sought after real estate in the world. A home on the Nayarit coastline can bring great personal enjoyment and also
produce a source of rental income.

Things to avoid:

Buying Ejido (pronounced "Heedo") land / property- Although vast stretches of virgin beaches exist in the area between Puerto Vallarta and Chacala, most are owned by the Mexican government or a Ejido. You may buy a parcel from one of the Ejido people (a Ejidatario) but you will have great difficulty legally carving this parcel out of the Ejido. As long as it remains in the Ejido status, you’ll encounter problems (e.g., it cannot be subdivided).
Buying an isolated lot or parcel that has been legally removed from the Ejido - Where individual lots or small parcels do exist, they are frequently a long way from good roads and utilities. These can prove to be enormously difficult to procure and unjustifiably expensive for a small piece of land.
Buying an isolated lot on a beach with other lots surrounding it - In the event the utility/road problems have been solved, such a purchase is still suspect as it presents the great uncertainty of what may happen on the neighboring lots over which you have no control. More than one nice beach house has one day awakened to a high-rise hotel that has been constructed right up against their common property line. Even if that never were to happen, the price you’ll pay for such a lot is somewhere between $300-600 per square meter.
Buying beachfront real estate / property outside of a controlled development - The problem is that all beaches in Mexico are public and as such your home is subject to all the problems you might imagine with strangers having unlimited access to your property.

Things to Consider –
Ocean front and ocean view real estate has consistently risen in value and risen at rates that have more than offset the ill effects of inflation.
Small lots in the heart of certain villages have been removed from the Ejido status and have good roads and utilities to them. Shops, bungalows, restaurants and offices can be inexpensively constructed and, as rentals, reward their owners well.