Travel
How to get to Los Chonchos and how to pack.
Getting to Los Chonchos
- You will fly into Puerto Vallarta International Airport. We recommend spending one night in Puerto Vallarta to give you time to gather provisions for your trip.
- ATMS are not available, and credit cards are not accepted while in Chimo or Los Chonchos. Be sure to stock up on pesos for any purchases you might make in Chimo or other nearby pueblos.
- Pack well and place electronic devices and other important items in dry bags or water-tight containers. Wear clothes that you don't mind getting wet. It's a beach landing!
- Once you are ready to travel to Los Chonchos, you can either take a taxi to Boca de Tomatlan, or you can catch the bus that goes to Mismaloya. The last stop on this route is Boca de Tomatlan.
- Once you are in Boca de Tomatlan, head to the dock (“muelle” in Spanish) to catch the Nayeli water taxi. It leaves at 9 am and 3 pm sharp most days, except when seas are very rough. PLEASE NOTE: The Nayeli is currently not running on a regular schedule. Please check with your palapa host on best methods of boat travel. You need to be onboard by departure time, so GET THERE EARLY! You pay when you arrive in Chonchos. The cost is 300 pesos, (extra if you bring a lot of groceries and/or bags) and is subject to change. When you return to Boca, you will pay again.
- Tell the water taxi captain (capitano) that you are going to Chonchos.
- Los Chonchos is roughly a little over an hour by water taxi. It is a beach landing, so make sure your electronics and important documents are in water-tight bags.
- Follow the crew's instructions as you disembark. Let them and our staff on the beach remove your bags and things for you. You should focus on getting yourself off the boat safely.
- IMPORTANT: If the sea is too rough, the Nayeli will not land in Los Chonchos. They will take you to the next and final stop, which is Chimo. From there, you hike to Los Chonchos. For MX$500, you can hire a mule and guide to carry luggage and provisions (price subject to change). We really recommend traveling light. Remember, it’s an adventure!
- BE SURE to BRING PESOS and tip generously.
What to bring
Pesos
Bring pesos! Bring more than you think you will need. We cannot stress this enough. There are no nearby ATMs and if you only have US or Canadian dollars your exchange rate will be terrible. It is not easy for people in Chimo to exchange different currencies
Flashlight/headlamp
Each person needs their own! Don’t depend on your mobile device’s light. Our trails and pathways are not lit, and it can be pitch black at night. Headlamps and flashlights also act as backup in case the solar system experiences trouble. Remember to bring back-up batteries or chargers.
Backpack
Use a backpack to pack trip essentials. Do not plan to use rolling or heavy suitcases, as they are difficult to carry across the beach and to the palapas.
Flip flops, sandals, Boots & Socks
Flip flops are good for going to the beach and on boat adventures. Sandals with straps are good for hiking around the property. Boots and socks are recommended for longer jungle hikes, including into Chimo. At all times, boots help protect you from rocks as well as biting insects or animals on the ground.
Biodegradable/non sulfate toiletry products
Los Chonchos is an eco-preserve. Do not introduce products that are harmful to the environment. That would defeat the purpose.
A sense of adventure!
Keep in mind that Los Chonchos is not a fancy hotel or a 5-star resort, but rather an off-grid vacation community located in the jungle.
Additional suggestions
Quick-dry clothing
Lightweight pants and a long-sleeved shirt (for cooler nights or bug protection).
Water bottle
To refill and hydrate, and cut down on plastic waste.
Book
Lounging in a hammock just isn’t the same without one.
Sunblock
Because the sun is strong!
Bathing suit
To enjoy the sea
Sunglasses/Hat
Extra sun protection is good!
Water Shoes
We recommend bringing water shoes if you are planning on exploring the rocky shoreline past the beach.
Fishing and Snorkel gear
If you want to fish or snorkel, bring the gear with you!
Games/Cards
To pass the time in the palapa or in the event of rain.
Chargers/Batteries
Bring back-ups! Phone and device chargers are hard to come by!
Bugspray
The bugs in the rainforest are not as bad as people imagine, However, some people are more susceptible to bites than others. Bring bug spray if you are one of these people.
Food/Snacks
Pack in the food you want during your stay. Alternatively, you can hike to Chimo for provisions. We do recommend bringing anything that you know you’ll want, as availability in Chimo is not guaranteed
Remember: If you pack it in, pack it out! Don’t leave things you don’t use for other visitors. Too often it adds to Chonchos garbage, which we need to keep to a minimum.
Los Chonchos palapa Information
Please ensure you read FAQs and the Terms & Conditions prior to booking
Check-In
10:00 AM
Check-Out
11:00 AM
self check-in
With Onsite Staff
getting here
Water Taxi Twice Daily
No Smoking
100% Smoke Free
no noise
No Parties / No Noise