An aqueduct system made of reed channels belonged to the “Chacala” taberna in Chacala. This historic construction is a striking introduction to the area’s cultural traces; the surrounding region also features traditional houses, engraved cultural objects, and distinctive water conditions. A described route to Yelapa offers a different perspective on the landscape.

Cultural Traces and Construction Methods

The “Chacala” taberna had an aqueduct system made of reed channels. If you plan to visit the site, check its condition and access locally.

In the broader area of the Indigenous Community of Chacala, traditional houses were built with regional materials using the vernacular construction methods known as “pajarete” or “chinami.” These methods are thermally effective; some surviving homes date back to the late 19th century.

In the wider region around the Indigenous Community of Chacala was the brown clay object “Sello.” It measured about 6 × 8 cm and bore an engraving of an animal face resembling depictions of jaguars in other cultures. “Gran Patolli” was described there as a circular engraving measuring 3 × 2 m and associated with a sacred game. Engravings were also described on the top and one end of “La Iguana”; the engraved area measured 2.10 × 1.40 m. The size comparison thus ranges from a small clay object to engravings measured in meters. The condition of these historical objects and engravings, and access to them, may have changed; check both before planning a visit specifically to see them.

In the wider region around the Indigenous Community of Chacala, there are agave plantations in the municipality of Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco, for the production of raicilla. During fieldwork in August 2023, young agave plants were examined there, and traps were used to control agave weevils.

Water in the Surrounding Area

The natural “Salto Agua Caliente” waterfall in the wider area around the Indigenous Community of Chacala was described as about 3 m high. Cold water from a tributary of the Río Tuito mixed there with hot spring water. At the “Venero Agua Caliente” spring on the Río Tuito, warm water flowed into the river, making it lukewarm. Because local residents visited the spring, water was diverted into a pool, altering the spring. While the waterfall is characterized by the mixture of cold tributary water and hot spring water, the description of the spring on the Río Tuito also includes the diversion into the pool. Check current access to both water sites before planning a visit.

The Route to Yelapa

A route described as running from Chacala to Yelapa passes through three ecosystems: oak forests, tropical forest, and beach. Numerous coyule palms are another feature of the route. It follows an unpaved road, which may be used by motorcycles and off-road vehicles. Check the current condition of the route before planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Unión de Guadalupe, Terreros, San Nicolás de Ibarra, San Sebastián Del Oeste, Chapala, Etzatlán, La Garita, Ixtapa

For the main travel overview: Jalisco.