Dunas de Chachalacas, Coastal dunes in Actopan, Mexico.
Dunas de Chachalacas is a dune field along the Gulf coast near Actopan in Mexico. It covers a large area of dark sand hills that rise from the shoreline and extend inland across flat terrain.
The dunes mark a landing point for early Spanish expeditions during the 16th-century exploration of Mexico's coast. The area developed over time into a place where both desert and ocean activities became possible.
The dunes border the archaeological site of Cempoala, which contains remains of pre-Hispanic settlements dating back to 900 BCE.
Access is easiest from nearby towns where local guides and equipment are available for various activities. The best time to visit is during drier months when conditions are more stable.
The dark coloring of the sand sets these dunes apart from typical golden beach landscapes elsewhere. This characteristic makes them easy to spot and gives the place a distinctive appearance that visitors notice immediately.
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