Chimo
A fishing village in Cabo Corrientes, at the southern end of Banderas Bay. Two hundred and eighty people and a beach that is nearly always empty.
What this place is
Two hundred and eighty people and thirty kilometres of coast
Chimo is a locality in the municipality of Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco. About 280 people live here year-round, though the number rises in fishing season. It sits roughly 30 kilometres south of Puerto Vallarta along the coastline, and no paved road reaches it.
The day starts early. The boats go out before dawn and come back mid-morning with octopus, which is what the village lives on. The pier has been half-built for more than twenty years, so everything is landed on the beach by hand. There is a health post, though rarely a doctor.
The rest is the ocean. You hear it all day, and on moonless nights you hear it more.
How you get here
Thirty kilometres of coast, three ways to cover them
Panga from Boca de Tomatlán
Private boat from Vallarta
Dirt road via El Tuito
The last boat leaves in the afternoon. If you land later than that, sleep at Depa Vallarta and travel in the morning. We arrange the boat.
What there is and what there isn't
We would rather tell you now than have you find out on arrival.
There is
- Wi-Fi and air conditioning
- Backup power generator
- Private pool and beach access
- Beach kitchens in the village
- Fresh fish and octopus
- A local health post
There isn't
- ATM
- Pharmacy
- Supermarket
- Full-time doctor
- Paved road to the door
The people
Who lives in Chimo
This section will carry portraits and names of the people of the village: who takes you out in the boat, who cooks, who walks you up to the waterfalls. It is the one thing no other house on this coast can copy, which is why we would rather do it properly than quickly.
Photo session pending.
Nearby
What is close
Yelapa
The most visited village on the south shore. Same water, far more people.
Quimixto
A waterfall and horseback rides. Written up as the most untouched village in Mexico.
Majahuitas
A small beach reachable only by sea.
Las Ánimas
First stop on the corridor, with beach restaurants.
Playa Corrales
Heavier surf, and a lighthouse built in 1902.
Tehuamixtle
A bay between cliffs, known for its oysters. A shrimp boat that sank in 1920 is dived here.
Mayto
An open 12 km beach with a sea turtle camp running since 2005.
El Tuito
The municipal seat at 1,085 m, five to ten degrees cooler. Panela cheese, coffee, honey and raicilla.
Before you come
What to bring
- Cash in pesos. There is no ATM.
- Any medication you need. There is no pharmacy.
- Repellent and sunscreen.
- Closed shoes if you plan to walk to the waterfalls.
- A power bank.
- A dry bag if you are taking gear out on the boat.
Where it is
Chimo, Cabo Corrientes
About 30 kilometres south of Puerto Vallarta along the coast. There is no paved road to the village: you arrive by boat or on the dirt road from El Tuito.
The map comes from Google. It only loads if you ask for it, so no cookies are set without telling you.
When to come
The year in Chimo
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Humpback whales | Official season | to the 23rd | Dec 8 | |||||||||
| Olive ridley turtles | Nesting | Nesting and releases at Mayto | ||||||||||
| Rain and waterfalls | Rivers and waterfalls running | |||||||||||
| Season | High | Low · long stays and retreats | High | |||||||||
Frequently asked
What people ask before they come
How many people live in Chimo, Jalisco?
About 280. It is a locality in the municipality of Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco, and the number ranges between 180 and 300 depending on the fishing season and whether nearby ranches are counted.
How do you get to Chimo from Puerto Vallarta?
Three ways. By boat, about 2 hours 30 minutes from Puerto Vallarta. By panga from Boca de Tomatlán, roughly 40 minutes from the airport. Or overland via El Tuito, with about 3 hours of dirt road. There is no paved road to the village.
How far is Chimo from Puerto Vallarta?
About 30 kilometres south along the coastline, in the municipality of Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco.
When can you see whales in Chimo?
The official humpback whale watching season in Banderas Bay runs December 8 to March 23, per the dates published in Mexico's federal gazette. Operators need a permit and a certification course.
Is there an ATM, pharmacy or supermarket in Chimo?
No. There is a health post, though rarely a doctor on site, and beach restaurants. Bring cash in pesos and any medication you need.
Does Villa Chimo have Wi-Fi and power?
Yes. The house has Wi-Fi, air conditioning and a backup power generator.
Are there scorpions or wildlife in Chimo?
It is a jungle area, so insects get in and now and then a scorpion. The house is treated and checked. If anyone in your group is allergic to a scorpion sting, tell us when you book.
What does Chimo live on?
Fishing. The catch sold is mainly octopus and fish. The village pier has been unfinished for more than twenty years, which limits the activity.
How much does Villa Chimo cost?
150 US dollars per night plus taxes, for the whole house, up to 4 guests. There are discounts by the week, from 15 nights, and by the month.