Chamela facts for kids
Chamela is a small, charming town located on the beautiful west coast of Mexico, in the state of Jalisco. It sits at the southern end of a lovely bay called Bahía de Chamela, which means "Chamela Bay". You can find Chamela right along Federal Highway 200. Two other towns, San Mateo and Punta Pérula, are also located on this bay. Chamela is about 8 miles (13 kilometers) north of a more famous resort area called Careyes.
Chamela's History
Chamela has a long and interesting history. During the time when Spain ruled Mexico, Chamela was an important port. Large Spanish ships called galleons often visited this port. These ships were used to carry goods and treasures across the oceans.
There are still some old ruins of a fort in Chamela. This fort was built a very long time ago by a famous Spanish explorer named Pedro de Alvarado. It shows how important Chamela was in the past.
Nature and Islands
Chamela is also known as Island Bay because it has many beautiful islands. These islands are very special! On April 9, 2001, the Mexican government declared them a protected nature sanctuary. This means the islands are a safe place for plants and animals to live and grow.
Chamela is mostly a quiet place for visitors. It does not have many big hotels or resorts yet. This makes it a perfect spot for people who love nature and want to enjoy a peaceful vacation.
Hurricane Patricia
In 2015, Chamela faced a very powerful storm called Hurricane Patricia. This hurricane was one of the strongest ever recorded. Sadly, the town was largely damaged by the storm. However, the people of Chamela have been working hard to rebuild their community.
See also
In Spanish: Chamela para niños
