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.