Guest stories
In their words, not ours
Every review below is unedited, and each one says which palapa it was written about — because the stay depends on which one you take.
Not every one is a rave, and we have left the grumbles in. A place that suits some people and not others should read like one.
The place is spectacular and fully complies with what it promises in the description. The view and experience are unique: from the accommodation we could see manta rays and dolphins, and during the season even whales. The beaches are practically empty and very clean, which makes the stay incredibly quiet and special.
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Héctor was an excellent host, always very friendly, attentive and willing to help us at all times to make our experience the best possible.
It's a perfect place to completely disconnect and enjoy nature. The only detail to consider is that the water taxi service was somewhat irregular due to the season, so it is worth considering an alternative means of arrival.
We definitely highly recommend this home. It was a wonderful experience, different from traditional vacations.
This stay felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to visit Los Chonchos. As many reviewers have mentioned, the location is remote, so preparation and planning ahead are essential.
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If you're looking for an off-the-grid, unique vacation where you can fully disconnect and enjoy a secluded stretch of Mexico's coastline, I highly recommend booking. Prior experience with camping, hiking, or backpacking is helpful and will make the experience even more enjoyable.
This was our fourth stay in Los Chonchos and it just gets better each time! The host helped us with booking the boat taxi from Boca and was super responsive to anything we needed. We played in the waves everyday, fished, hiked and read several books. This place can't be beat!
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We loaded up on groceries in Boca and supplemented with fresh fish. I can't wait to come back next year!
I have stayed at another home in Los Chonchos before so I knew what to expect and wasn't disappointed. This is such a hidden gem of a place. It is very private and peaceful, we had a girls trip here and loved it.
As in the listing it is remote but the host will help arrange everything for you.
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This is not a place for people with mobility issues. Make sure you bring all the food, snacks and drinks you will need. If you are there awhile you can certainly walk to Chimo they have a small shop, or you can take a water taxi to Yelapa or Boca for supplies.
Great starlink and all the amenities listed. Lovely to cook and watch whales, everything was clean and in good shape but it is rustic. I consider this to be luxury but some may not. Also note the couches are way better than what is shown in the photos and bed upstairs is super super comfortable. Will absolutely be back! A wonderful place and a great host
The quiet and calm is a stark contrast and welcome reprieve from PV. No cars, very few people (but friendly neighbors), and the ever present sound of waves crashing. The location is stunning, feels remote, and the beaches are incredible. The house is well kept and well appointed with everything needed to be comfortable.
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The factor to consider is the difficulty of travel to Los Chonchos. Water taxi there was easy and reasonable. A boat ride from a friendly local back was more expensive but perhaps we should have just lined that up from the start. Rebecca was incredibly responsive and friendly — really have never had a host be so communicative and helpful. Thank you! Beautiful, memorable, we'll be back.
We loved being a casa Huesos for the nine days we were in Los Chonchos. It was one of the most peaceful, lush, and beautiful places we have ever been. It was a little piece of heaven that still brings us to a happy place when we think back on our time there. We will definitely be going back someday!
Great place. Very peaceful and tranquil. Only about 20 houses in the area.
No cel coverage, but intermittent WiFi. If you love to be away from it all with beautiful surroundings, this is the place.
Beaches are beautiful and you usually won't find a soul around. Maybe a couple of whales and pelicans.
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Living in communion with nature at its best.
This place is something to remember, ocean view beautiful surroundings and a real feeling of solitude. We love Los Chonchos, Joseph was super friendly and helpful.
Honestly one of the most unique and private stays we have ever had. The place was immaculate and beautiful and open to the ocean. It was incredible. We had all surrounding beaches to ourselves our entire stay.
The host was helpful in arranging transport and extra groceries for us!
Excellent choice if you are happy with off-the-grid, no roads, no stores, no services. We had been to Los Chonchos many times before so we knew exactly what to expect and what we wanted. This eco preserve offers a very rare and very special opportunity.
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Propane, solar, Starlink, and gravity-fed spring water provide all of the comforts of home.
Where do I start? I'll preface it by saying a stay at Los Chonchos might not be for everyone. With that said, this is the third time we've stayed there but our first at Casa Huesos. I cannot overstate how beautiful the view is and how comfortable the space is.
We had one small issue of waking up to no water pressure.
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The host was responsive and had Josephat working on it within an hour or two and fixed promptly. So, no issues there.
I could go on and on but I'll just say you will not be disappointed with a stay at Casa Huesos. I'm sure we'll be back.
Our third trip to Los Chonchos and we will happily return over and over again!
Casa Zadro is amazing. If you are looking to disconnect, relax and see some of the true wonders of the world…GO!
Absolutely magical trip. I couldn't put into words accurately how lovely this place is. An older palapa (new roof) with a million dollar view. Every morning we watched the whales and a few good breaches too! Kitchen is well equipped, warm shower with good pressure.
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Water wasn't good for snorkeling but a local told us it usually isn't this time of year and low/rainy season is best. Stayed nice and cool even though Temps were mid-80s. Walk to chimo is lovely but I don't recommend for disabled or elderly there is some steep sections. Bring everything you need, chimo has minimal things but can get few items there (we got some veggies and tortillas and chips), bring butter and seasoning for your stay. I advise a bluetooth speaker, book and binoculars for sure. Extremely relaxing and I would stay again in a heartbeat. This place was exactly what my soul needed. If a little black dog with a white paw visits please feed him (away from the house) — his name is Glove.
Our stay at Sonido del Mar absolutely met our expectations. The Palapa is wonderful, just like the photos. The name of the place is what was best — the sound of the waves crashing was sensational.
The Palapa had enough space easily for three of us, a couple and a single person.
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We didn't do much else than sit around the Palapa, and in the smaller little hut, near to the water, and look for whales, read, and talk. Finally, on our third day, we had a good day of whale watching! We spent some time walking around and looking at the other palapas, hiking on the beach, and talking to the very few number of people who were there.
The host was very helpful; before we went, he let us know that the water taxi was not functioning. We made arrangements to take a taxi to Chimo, and hiked to Los Chonchos. Josafat arranged for a mule to carry our luggage! He and his wife Brienda, who cooked a meal for us, were very helpful.
Go to Los Chonchos if you want peace, natural beauty, and calm!
Wow, epic spot!
The scenery is amazing! We saw whales on the regular and the sunsets were stunning.
I was expecting mosquitoes but there was none. We had the beach to ourselves pretty much all the time. All amenities worked well. Rustic yet really comfortable. Tamara was exceptionally responsive to all our queries.
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We were lucky to be able to be dropped and picked up by boat because the waves were small on days we arrived. However most days the waves would have made it impossible to get on or off a boat which would have required a walk to Chimo.
Chimo is about 40min to an hour by walk so take that in consideration. Chimo is cute and very small. We got a whole fish at the restaurant AND were able to buy fresh fish to cook ourselves. Ask for Domingo (Pingo) in Chimo if you want to buy fresh fish.
I'd recommend earplugs as the waves are pretty loud for sleeping.
Oh yes, when we visited, they had Starlink with extra fast internet which was a great bonus.
Would visit again for sure!
Beautiful secluded rustic location. If you are looking to decompress and enjoy a beautiful beach and wonderful local interaction this is the place for you.
Spectacular, different, fantastic, nature, ocean — that is some of the words that came to our mind when staying at this place. Whales swimming by, stunning view from the big patio. The palapa was well equipped in kitchen, bathroom and bedrooms.
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The sea was rough when we got there, but managed to got of the boat with help from locals and other residents.
Host is very helpful and communicative.
Beaches and nature is beautiful.
Recommend to stay here.
Casa Cactus is a lovely retreat getaway — situated high above the beach and waves — and with enough open views to watch the whales blow and breach and swim with their young this time of year (Jan/Feb). Temperature was perfect (mid 70's–low 80's), water was warm.
Even the adventure of getting there just added to the experience.
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The kitchen was stocked with enough pans and dishes to easily cook all our meals — and the view from the kitchen — wow!
We loved the open air, the beautiful roof, the outdoor couches and the charming touches of the structure itself. Also — loved that we pretty much had the whole place (several acres) to ourselves and our friends who were sharing a nearby palapa.
Definitely the place to go to chill out — bring books, binoculars, plenty of food and snacks… there are yoga mats!
I came here with my mom for my birthday. It was beautiful! On the first day we saw an entire pod of whales teaching their babies to dive. We found hermit crabs, conch shells, mussels, snails, birds, fish, and so much more wildlife.
The best part of the trip was the dog, Dingo.
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He seems to hangout around the area and house hop when guests are there. He's a small light yellow dog and he was the sweetest thing ever. He hiked all the way to Chimo with us! If you encounter him please feed him and be kind, he's the best.
The hike to Chimo is HARD and HOT. We thought it would be more of a walk but you actually have to scale the mountain. Bring a walking stick.
Overall it was the best trip of our lives. The natural beauty and privacy are unmatched.
WOW! This was an absolutely incredible stay — memorable and relaxing.
This feels remote. There are no restaurants, bars, shops. Just gorgeous beaches and the new friends from other palapas. It's like going back in time to reading, playing cards and talking to pass time.
The house is beautifully furnished and decorated.
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The shower was always hot, the fridge worked, lights turned on when we flicked the switch.
For Chimo (45 min hike) bring plenty of cash. Nothing is cheap there.
All said, can't wait to go back. Pick this place if you go. Worth it!
Casa Cactus is very unique. We loved everything during our stay here (even the crabs). The view from the terrace is incredible. We totally enjoyed that you are with nature all the time and watching so many animals while staying there! The surrounding beaches were great and totally private.
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We did a lot of yoga on the beach or on the terrace. Thank you so much for the wonderful stay, Claudia! We would definitely come back one day!
This was an a very unique stay at due to its remote location — it's perfect if you're looking to unplug and relax. It was one of the more interesting places I've stayed at, since it is only accessible via water taxi. The home itself was gorgeous — I really enjoyed the views from the casita and the sound of the ocean.
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I highly recommend spending a few nights here! Finally, the host was extremely helpful in helping me arrange my travel plans to the location.
Los Chonchos is an absolute dream. I loved every minute! It was truly an amazing adventure — we saw whales (like, a lot of whales), turtles, manta rays, puffer fish, dolphins, crabs, you name it. We had amazing ceviche camarón at Arturo's place 'Sunset' in Chimo! Truly, everyone here is so kind and the palapa is a dream.
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So happy to have stayed at the Cactus palapa!
This was the most incredible place ever!! We wish we stayed longer. Absolute paradise!! You really do need to take supplies, and I'd recommend stopping in Puerto Vallarta to get food and drinks, but it is an absolute must visit! Overall, we wish we could live there and I would DEFINITELY recommend staying there! Staff were great!
Three of us stayed at Las Palmas and absolutely loved it. The palapa was spacious, comfortable, and had absolutely everything we needed! The pictures don't do it justice. Angie was super proactive about getting us the information we needed to get there and helped make a back-up plan too.
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The waves were high on the little beach when we arrived, so we got dropped off at Chimo and hiked across while our luggage and groceries were canoed over. Josefet waited for us at the crest to get into Chonchos and lead the way.
We will absolutely be back! Highly recommend.
You are in an eagle's nest with a bird's eye view of the ocean with its whales and dolphins. Birds are easier to see and appreciate as you are on top of the trees.
The casa is comfortable with plenty of seating arrangement and cushions. You have privacy in every way.
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The kitchen is properly equipped, the lighting was perfected with the use of our flashlight. As most casitas in Los Chonchos, it is rustic in some ways but Casa Sara is comfortable in all ways.
This was our first time at Casa Sara and our third in Los Chonchos.
I had a much needed solo retreat at Casa Cactus. The house is simple, with a pretty well equipped kitchen. Even though there are neighboring houses on either side, they are far enough away and sited so you have all the privacy you could wish.
And wow, that huge deck overlooking the sea is the perfect spot for morning yoga!
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Chonchos is maybe not for everyone. Pretty isolated, not much cell service. The little town is 30–40 min walk, and the 2 small tiendas don't have a huge selection. But you'll see dozens of humpback whales, parrots playing, so many birds, and the sounds of the jungle and the surf below your open air bedroom will lull you to sleep. A two minute walk brings you to a gorgeous beach that literally had no one else on it.
I'll definitely stay at this house again!
Piece of paradise! I loved every minute there. Whales were jumping just off the shore. We must have seen 50 or more in the 5 days we spent. The back drop was just as beautiful looking at nothing but untouched jungle.
Beautiful place with comfortable rustic feel, steps from the beach. Great patio where you can relax and enjoy the ocean view. Well equipped kitchen, Wi-Fi, highly recommend!
We have been visiting Los Chonchos since 2017 and have stayed in a number of palapas, this is our first stay at Casa Sara. This is possibly one of the best palapas here. As the house is part way up the mountain, the views are stunning, you can see the whole bay, and if you're there for the whales they're easy to spot from here.
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Also there is a seclusion you don't get with the other properties, which makes this perfect for a very private getaway. If you love bird life, there is so much more up in this palapa than in any down on the beach, and a handy bird watching crib sheet to help you recognise them all.
The water is hot, the beds are comfortable and there is plenty of clean outdoor furniture which is in great condition.
Don't be dissuaded by the steps, the climb is absolutely worth it.
Overall I would highly recommend this accommodation and Daniel is a delight to deal with.
If you're looking for a stay away from any stress… you have found the right place. This location is beyond private! What a great adventure Los Chonchos is. It's like you've finally found that secret beach you don't want too many people to know about but you can't stop telling everyone who will listen what an incredible time you had.
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Thank you for sharing this special place with us.
We enjoyed ourselves immensely!! The location is remote, quiet, and connected with nature. The view is a truly special experience to wake up to, live with throughout the day and be a part of our memories. The accommodations are comfortable, well taken care of and larger than expected.
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If you are seeking a place in the jungle and on the beach away from other people this is your spot!!
The photos of Casa Huesos are amazing. It is even more beautiful in person (seriously… it's unbelievable)! Very well appointed and comfortable. The views are out of this world. We saw whales, manta rays, wild parakeets… all right from the deck. There are two beaches where we hung out.
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The larger one was deserted (we traveled over winter break, so that's saying something about its remoteness). We traveled with our three kiddos (ages 16, 14 and 10). The seas were high on our arrival day so we took a car to Chimo from Puerto Vallarta (about 3 hours) and hiked to the palapa (45 mins). Leaving by boat is exciting too! Adventure getting there and leaving!
Absolutely amazing place! I want to keep going back here. We only had 3 nights but I should have stayed longer. The palapa was beautifully designed, and the view is phenomenal! We saw 10+ whales a day, and so much other wildlife. I recommend trying to hike up any of the rivers, as well as using the kayaks.
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The transfer from PV seems daunting, but it went smoothly. Overall, amazing, relaxing vacation and a good way to get away from it all. Do it!
Such a lovely spot. I spent a month here, relaxing, exploring, and always enjoying the view, watching the sea and sky, whales, birds and butterflies, stars and moon, and relaxing to the sounds of the waves and jungle insects at night.
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It's hard to write a review due to the nature of Los Chonchos and the palapas there, the place and this palapa were a wonderful fit for me, but people are different.
Our week at Casa Sara was truly wonderful. Los Chonchos is simply magical, offering beautiful beaches on which you are often completely alone — almost unheard of in Mexico!
The house itself is modest and has everything you need to cook good meals and enjoy a lovely view.
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The house is up a steep hill (mostly climbed by a staircase) which could feel tiring for some people but we welcomed the extra exercise. The result is a great view and quiet atmosphere — we never heard a single person, only the ocean waves.
Overall the open concept almost gives you a feeling of camping, but still with good hot water and a proper kitchen.
Of course, Los Chonchos is extremely remote, but as long as you are prepared in terms of food and logistics you'll be fine. We very much enjoyed our day trip to Yelapa by the water taxi to get groceries.
Definitely do not recommend this kind of vacation for anybody with mobility problems as it is quite physical, or for those unwilling to disconnect from the normal comforts of restaurants and cell service. But for those that are — I 100% recommend it. We couldn't have been happier!
Six palapas. Pick the one that suits you.
They are not variations on a theme. Wi-Fi or none, four guests or eight, on the sand or high on the hill — the reviews above change depending on which one someone took.