Lagunas de Chacahua National Park: planning guide
Coastal lagoons and mangroves west of Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca. Boat trips, beaches, and Afro-Mexican villages on the Oaxaca coast.
Lagunas de Chacahua National Park is in Oaxaca, Mexico. The nearest town is San José del Progreso — roughly 14.4 km (8.9 mi) out, about 24 min of driving.
When to go
Best window: December through April, the drier and less humid stretch. Shoulder season: May and November.
June to November is the wet and hurricane season — heavy rain, high humidity, and occasional storm closures.
Heat and humidity are constant. Plan activity for early morning and carry more water than feels necessary.
Full seasonal breakdown for Lagunas de Chacahua National Park
Closest towns and cities
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| San José del Progreso | 14.4 km (8.9 mi) | 24 min |
| Río Grande | 27.3 km (17 mi) | 41 min |
| Santiago Jamiltepec | 37.8 km (23.5 mi) | 52 min |
| Tataltepec de Valdés | 40.6 km (25.2 mi) | 55 min |
| Tepenixtlahuaca | 41.7 km (25.9 mi) | 57 min |
| San Miguel Panixtlahuaca | 46.4 km (28.9 mi) | 1 hr 2 min |
| Santa Catarina Juquila | 51.9 km (32.2 mi) | 1 hr 7 min |
| Santiago Yaitepec | 53.1 km (33 mi) | 1 hr 9 min |
Where Lagunas de Chacahua National Park sits
Official Lagunas de Chacahua National Park site — hours, closures, and fees.
Drive times from Lagunas de Chacahua National Park
Lagunas de Chacahua National Park sits close enough to Huatulco National Park, Benito Juárez National Park, General Juan N. Álvarez National Park, and El Veladero National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Huatulco National Park | 162 km (101 mi) | 2 hr 50 min |
| Benito Juárez National Park | 167 km (104 mi) | 2 hr 55 min |
| General Juan N. Álvarez National Park | 235 km (146 mi) | 3 hr 54 min |
| El Veladero National Park | 258 km (160 mi) | 4 hr 15 min |
Parks close by
- Huatulco National Park
Nine bays and dry tropical forest on the Oaxaca coast. Snorkel coves, low hills, and resort development along the shore.
- Benito Juárez National Park
Cloud forest and oak woodland on the Sierra de Juárez above Oaxaca city. Cool, misty trails within reach of the capital of Oaxaca.
- General Juan N. Álvarez National Park
Lagoon and tropical forest on the Guerrero coast near Acapulco. Wetland and bird habitat behind the beach strip.
- El Veladero National Park
Dry forest and hills above Acapulco in Guerrero. Green relief above the coast with views over the bay.
Common questions
Where is Lagunas de Chacahua National Park?
Lagunas de Chacahua National Park sits in Oaxaca, Mexico. San José del Progreso, about 14.4 km (8.9 mi) away — roughly 24 min of driving.
When is the best time to visit Lagunas de Chacahua National Park?
Generally December through April, the drier and less humid stretch, with May and November quieter on either side.