Testimonials
What Visitors Say About Casa Pacifica in Chacala Mexico
“Mauna Kea Cafe at Casa Pacifica Chacala is the BEST BREAKFAST IN CHACALA!” and … “Chacala is an authentic Mexican village with an award winning beach, surrounded by acres of virgin jungle …uncrowded…endless stretches of honey coloured beach”. “Hikers and birdwatchers get what they came for in the exceptionally scenic coastal town of Chacala in Mexico …gorgeous wetlands brimming with exotic birdlife.”
– LonelyPlanet.com
We first scouted out Chacala about ten years ago, but it was when someone told us (the next year, I think) the best breakfast in town was at Mauna Kea Cafe–THEN, we really started to get to know the vibrant life of Chacala. A good breakfast–like that prepared by Chabela and Bertha–brings people together from all over the world, not the least of which are the locals of Chacala–that’s how we began to know more and more about the fabric of that wonderful community. What we didn’t pick up at breakfast, Susana filled us in on–fundraisers for Cambiando Vidas, early morning walks up to the crater, morning yoga in Marina Chacala, the best new places to eat and drink in town. Once, we arrived at Casa Pacifica from Seattle, and within the hour Susana packed us into her car, along with a Canadian couple who were also guests, and introduced us to the annual fiesta and parade at Las Varas. Another time we all went to a wonderful Valentine’s Day dance and fundraiser at Chac Mool. One anniversary, my husband sketched Susana’s lovely garden, when it looked like this. When we went back this March, everything is much bigger, even more lush with more and more flowers–Bertha spreads them everywhere and they thrive! Experiences like this in the midst of such natural beauty and perfect weather form friendships fast and strong and memorable–now we not only get sunshine withdrawal if we stay away too long, we miss Susana and just have to get back there to see what’s new and share more good times. This last visit, we were especially happy to be at Casa Pacifica, because it gave us a retreat just a short walk from the beach, but quiet and peaceful during the busy Easter weeks that brought crowds we had never seen before to Chacala Beach.
– Frances, 2016
Marion and I are back in Davis after such a wonder filled week with you and all the rest of the good folks in Chacala. We both felt that we came to a very different portion of our world while in Chacala, different in many ways but somehow also deeply familiar, or better, congenial to our own values and basic views on life. Of course, the lovely village of Chacala and its people were what we went to Mexico for, and that did not disappoint us in the least. In fact, like each time we visit Mexico, each day and each experience turned out to befar better and more interesting than we planned or imagined. The largest difference and surprising delight came about because of you and the web of bright and decent people you have created around you and now invited Marion and me to be part of. We so enjoyed each person, and their eagerness to share in their gifts and talents with us and with the entire Chacala community. We want t continue to be part of those engagements with you and your efforts.
~Peter and Marion, February 2015
“We stayed at Casa Pacifica Chacala Mexico in early January, 2013. What a paradise! Chacala, located about an hour north of Puerto Vallarta, along the Nayarit coast, is a small fishing village that has everything we needed to enjoy a wonderful vacation. There is a gorgeous sandy beach, great restaurants, fun markets, and interesting places to hike and visit nearby. We spent a morning whale watching (saw lots of whales, and up close!), traveled to a local market day, and hiked into an area to view petroglyphs. What we really liked about Chacala Mexico, is that there were not a lot of tourists. We felt like we were getting a more authentic Mexican experience. Casa Pacifica was the perfect place for us to stay. The accommodations were spotlessly clean, and beautifully decorated.
Included was a delicious hot breakfast of our choosing at the rooftop terrace restaurant. The location was gorgeous, overlooking tropical plants and trees, and we especially liked that it was very quiet. We didn’t’ hear the noises that we would have heard had we stayed right in the village center. The owner Susanna and her staff were all very friendly and helpful to us when we needed it. All in all, we rate Casa Pacifica in Chacala Mexico is a 10 out of possible 10 !!”
– Jennie & Bill Cleary
“We loved staying at Casa Pacifica, Chacala Mexico. Susana and staff made us feel welcome and included us in many activities. We would highly recommend staying here and look forward to returning soon.”
– Deborah & Russ
“Aahhhh….The sunsets are incredible in Chacala Mexico; sit and enjoy a margarita or take a walk on the beach, perhaps get in a conversation and make a new friend. This picturesque cove of beach is truly magical. We have stayed at Casa Pacifica four times and can’t wait to go back next year. ………it is quiet and has a lovely garden terrace which is great for relaxing and reading. The rooms are nicely decorated…… A fantastic breakfast is served on the beautiful rooftop terrace with views of the sea in the distance where you can sometimes see whales, and the bird watching is fantastic. Best of all, however, is the staff. Susana is warm and friendly and takes very good care of all her guests. She informs you of all the things to do and places to go; including morning walks, interesting hikes, secluded beaches, and a variety of social activities. You can meet some friendly people, and maybe even become part of Susana’s circle of friends that return year after year!”
– Pat & Jeanette Cleary
“Casa Pacifica makes a quiet, comfortable, and beautiful base for relaxing and exploring the Chacala area. Susana is a fount of information about the town, and serves luxurious breakfasts on her rooftop terrace. It was nice being a not-too-long hike uphill from the Christmas crowds on the usually-empty, gorgeous beach.”
– Susan and Kirk|
“Quiet location, beautiful gardens, delightful rooms, incredible birds, absolutely yummy breakfast served with people who will become your vacation friends, but the best is the hospitality and friendship provided by the owner of Casa Pacifica in Chacala Mexico, Susana. If you’re looking for the resort/lounge chair/swimming pool vacation – this is not it. This is small town interaction with the community all under sunny skies, beautiful fauna and warm beaches without the crowds or noise of the resort towns. Awesome – we will return!”
– Mike & Kathy Engel, Clatskanie, OR
“We took a trip back in time when we visited the quaint and beautiful village of Chacala Mexico last month. We stayed at Casa PacificaB & B in the Blue Hawaiian suite which was comfortable, bright and cheerful and had everything we needed to enjoy our stay. Cook Chabala and Bertha made our breakfasts a culinary Mexican delight, their smiles and helpfulness were a joy.The hammock was a special regular afternoon treat, and the gardens were a tropical paradise filled with flowers and bird song. Hostess Susana and her Whirlwind British assistant Maxine made sure we were “on the go” as much as we wanted to be. All the other village owners/visitors made us feel welcome and special and we can’t wait to return to Chacala Mexico.”
– Ron and Carol – Portland Oregon
“What a birder’s paradise! Casa Pacifica is located up on the hill where we had a great view of the jungle canopy and its’ MANY feathered inhabitants. Thank goodness for the complimentary birder’s checklist! The room was perfect for our small family of three so we could prepare our own lunches and dinners. The short walk to the village and beach were a delightful way to interact with the neighbours, dogs and of course more birds. When we didn’t have binoculars or a snorkel/mask stuck to our faces we met LOVELY locals and the handful of visitors that come in November (such a great time of year to travel – so lush, colourful and quiet!). Susana and her team are service oriented and dedicated activists in the community so it really feels like you’re part of the positive development of this fishing village when you stay with her. We were very remorseful to have to wash the sand and salt out of our clothes upon our return home…the body/boogie board surfing was fantastic! We researched MANY coastal towns for our family escape and Chacala came up in spades for culture; authenticity; swimming; birding and tranquility. Casa Pacifica was the perfect nest for my little flock. Thank you and hasta luego!”
~ The Zupanec/Rietkerk Family Gabriola Island, BC Canada
Susana and her excellent staff made us feel very welcome when we came to Chacala for a wedding. We enjoyed different breakfasts each day (although fresh fruit was a welcome constant) and enjoyed sitting on the roof-top deck overlooking the heavily treed surroundings and the ocean. Although I am not a birder, I did notice the dozens of species around (Susana says about 300 can be spotted). We also appreciated it that Susana organized an inexpensive informal taxi ride to the next town, so that we could attend the market there. Our driver waited a couple of hours for us, which made for an excellent outing. Our room was pleasantly appointed and there was a small kitchen (which we did not use). Lots of places to sit in the peaceful, flower-filled garden. All in all, a very pleasant and warm experience.
~ Geoffrey Simmins, Calgary, Canada, December, 2013
What a birder’s paradise! Casa Pacifica is located up on the hill where we had a great view of the jungle canopy and its’ MANY feathered inhabitants. Thank goodness for the complimentary birder’s checklist! The room was perfect for our small family of three so we could prepare our own lunches and dinners. The short walk to the village and beach were a delightful way to interact with the neighbours, dogs and of course more birds. When we didn’t have binoculars or a snorkel/mask stuck to our faces we met LOVELY locals and the handful of visitors that come in November (such a great time of year to travel – so lush, colourful and quiet!). Susana and her team are service oriented and dedicated activists in the community so it really feels like you’re part of the positive development of this fishing village when you stay with her. We were very remorseful to have to wash the sand and salt out of our clothes upon our return home…the body/boogie board surfing was fantastic! We researched MANY coastal towns for our family escape and Chacala came up in spades for culture; authenticity; swimming; birding and tranquility. Casa Pacifica was the perfect nest for my little flock. Thank you and hasta luego!
~ Sonja Z. Gabriola Island, BC Canada, November 2013
Honeymoon: From our arrival to the second we left we felt love. Beautiful gardens, great food and helpful staff. We stayed in the galeria del mar, amazing room. We felt very safe and welcome in the small village. We can’t wait to return with our family. Xo
~ Rachel & Pio , November 2013
My two girlfriends and I stayed a week last January with the friendly folks at Casa Pacifica. The room was cool and safe and opened onto a beautiful patio landscaped with tropical shrubs and flowers. We had wonderful hand made breakfasts at Mauna Kea roof-top cafe with the best hand squeezed orange juice and fresh fruits. There is a borrowing library, bird identification keys, and binoculars to use to watch the mother and baby whales frolicking in the ocean. Susana and her staff were eager to make sure our stay was exactly what we wanted it to be and were always on hand to greet us upon our return from adventures. It is a short (but somewhat steep) walk to the beach, shopping, and jalapeno margaritas. I enjoyed that the B&B is a bit away from the bustle of town but still connected to it. Chacala is a wonderful little pocket of real Mexico, filled with generous happy people living life in a bit more relaxed way. I highly recommend a trip to Chacala and a stay at Casa Pacifica!
Margarita from Logan, Utah
We have stayed with Susana at Casa Pacifica for many years now. The rooms are spacious, comfortable, clean and peaceful. The grounds are absolutely gorgeous! Susana and her staff have become like family to us. They have always helped us with anything we have needed. We love the breakfasts in the cafe as well as being able to take advantage of the local bounty and cook in our room. The perfect swimming beach is a short walk( max 10 minutes) away. We are avid travelers who always return to Casa Pacifica….truly wonderful! Dan and
~ Andrea Sweet, January 2013
We have been to Casa Pacifica two times now and this year we will return for another holiday. It is a place where we can truly relax. We can wander down to the beach after the wonderful breakfast on the roof-top patio or we can read a book on the patio which overlooks the ocean. We can listen to the birds or sit among the beautiful palms and flowers in the garden. Susana gives lots of ideas for hiking trails or day outings in the area. The rooms are lovely and all of them overlook the ocean. It is a place where we feel immediately at home, both in the “casa” and in the village. You can eat fresh fish every day and watch the fishermen come in from the sea. For us it is a little corner of paradise that calls us to return.
~ Kathleen, Nanaimo, Canada , March 2013
