A hidden gem nestled on Mexico’s Pacific coast, Mazunte, Oaxaca is a tiny pueblo magico (magical city) with laid-back, bohemian vibes, a thriving yoga scene, mesmerizing sunsets and even a turtle sanctuary.
Whereas Mazunte has so much to supply it’s nonetheless fairly off the overwhelmed observe so it hasn’t misplaced it’s all the way down to earth Mexican small seaside city vibes. It’s in style with yogis and is dwelling to some lovely boutique eco resorts making it a really perfect getaway for these looking for a relaxed Mexican seaside trip away from the crowds.
Mazunte provides a way more genuine, inexpensive and distinctive expertise in comparison with touristy resorts like Cancun and Tulum. Whether or not you’re a yogi, seaside lover, or simply in search of an genuine and serene trip, Mazunte, Oaxaca, Mexico is a superb selection.
My Mazunte Journey Information
I met some nice individuals and fell so in love with Mazunte, and close by Zipolite, that I ended up spending alot longer than anticipated right here – it’s a type of locations that onerous to go away and shortly turned certainly one of my favourite locations in Mexico.
When you’re excited about visiting Mazunte right here’s my complete Mazunte journey information that can assist you plan your journey and revel in this magical Mexican seaside city.
The place is Mazunte, Mexico?
Mazunte is a small seaside city on the Pacific Coast within the Oaxaca state of Mexico. It’s positioned roughly 265 km south of Oaxaca Metropolis and located between the bigger seaside resorts of surf mad Puerto Escondido and the resort cities of Huatulco (which each have small airports).
The neighbouring seaside city, Playa Zipolite is known as Mexico’s solely official nudist seaside and is one other relaxed hippie hangout. Mazunte isn’t the simplest place to get to, that’s why it’s not been overun with vacationers, so I’ll describe the varied choices for attending to Mazunte in a while on this weblog.
Why is Mazunte a Pueblo Magico
Mazunte is a sleepy pueblo mágico (magical city) of low key, thatched and adobe buildings surrounded by two lovely seashores on both aspect of a magical wave lashed headland referred to as La Cometa.
Mazunte was designated as a Pueblo Magico, or Magic City, by the Mexican authorities in 2015. That is in recognition of its pure magnificence, distinctive tradition and traditions, and its dedication to preserving its atmosphere and native heritage. Mazunte might be probably the most relaxed pueblo magico in Mexico!
Issues to Do in Mazunte
Probably the greatest issues to do in Mazunte is … nothing! It’s an awesome place to easily calm down and absorb the pure magnificence. Take it simple and wander spherical stress-free within the cafes and trying out the road artwork.
Nonetheless, in case you choose issues a little bit extra lively there’s a lot to do in Mazunte, regardless of it’s small dimension. From exploring the gorgeous seashores and the colourful yoga scene, and the prospect to attach with nature.
Right here’s a few of my favourite issues to do in Mazunte:
Calm down on Mazunte’s Seaside
Mazunte has two lovely and unspoilt seashores that are separated by Punta Cometa, a slender, rocky cape that extends into the ocean.
The golden sands, neglected by lush inexperienced mountains (other than after I visited in late Could on the finish of the dry season) and going through the rocky outcrops within the Pacific Ocean, paint an image of a dreamy paradise – however earlier than you leap in for a swim bear in mind that the currents may be sturdy on the Oaxaca Coast – it’s prime browsing territory in spite of everything.
Playa Mazunte & Playa Rinconcito
The primary seaside, Playa Mazunte, is the preferred and simply accessible from the city. There are a couple of eating places and low key seaside bars lining the sands. At its west finish lies Playa Rinconcito, a protected cove which has calmer waters and is the most effective swimming seaside in Mazunte.
Playa Mermejita
This lengthy wild sandy seaside is a quieter various to Playa Mazunte because it’s positioned barely additional stroll away from city. Swimming is discouraged as a result of sturdy present however Playa Mermejita is ideal for a calming stroll alongside its vast unspoilt seaside and watching the sundown.
Close by Seashores
You can even simply go to the close by seaside city of Zipolite, dwelling to Mexico’s solely official nudist seaside, solely quarter-hour away. If you wish to discover extra seashores there’s additionally San Agustinillo – the smallest and most peaceable seaside, in between Mazunte and Zipolite, and the small fishing village of Puerto Angel.
There’s additionally many lovely bays and seashores round Huatulco with extra upmarket 5 star and all inclusive resorts. Huatulco is a superb place for boat journeys and snorkelling or you may strive browsing in Puerto Escondido which is dwelling to a number of the finest waves in Mexico.
Hike to Punta Cometa at Sundown
Punta Cometa, a mini peninsula extending into the Pacific Ocean, is certainly one of Mazunte’s most well-known landmarks and the southernmost level of Oaxaca state and provides wonderful views, particularly at dawn and sundown.
Mountaineering to Punta Cometa to observe the sundown is type of a pilgrimage or religious ritual and probably the greatest issues to do in Mazunte. There’s a particular vitality on the peninsular and I wasn’t stunned to listen to that La Cometa has been a sacred house since pre-Hispanic occasions.
It takes about 20 minutes to succeed in the sundown level and it’s a good suggestion to convey a torch for the way in which again. Take a look at this text for extra tips about mountaineering Punta Cometa.
Be a part of a Yoga and Meditation Class
There are a few yoga hotspots in Mexico, however for laid again, bohemian vibes with an enormous number of yoga retreats, drop in yoga lessons and different choices like ecstatic dance, cacao ceremonies, kirtan, tantra, temazcal, therapeutic massage, reiki, breathwork and mediation workshops, then Mazunte is unquestionably the place to go.
Mazunte has quite a few yoga retreats and meditation lessons, workshops and retreats accessible. Mazunte’s relaxed environment and thriving yoga group creates a singular alternative for inside exploration and to attach with like minded individuals.
Hridaya Yoga is probably the most well-known yoga and meditation retreat in Mazunte, they provide many yoga retreats in addition to their signature 3 or 10 day silent mediation retreats.
There’s additionally loads of yoga lessons and actions to drop in to and check out throughout the city in case you simply need to dabble as a substitute of becoming a member of a retreat.
Casa Om can also be an awesome place for drop in lessons with quite a lot of totally different types and practices every day and in addition provides lodging and a residential bundle.
Uma Yoga provides an intimate 4 day chakra journey yoga and mediation retreat within the jungle. You’ll find extra yoga retreats in Oaxaca and browse actual critiques on bookyogaretreats.com.
Mazunte can also be an awesome place to study Spanish in tremendous relaxed environment at Instituto Iguana.
You can even discover out what’s occurring in Mazunte and Zipolite on the Acutely aware Group Fb group. When you’ve additionally been to locations like Goa and Koh Phangan you may even see a couple of acquainted faces right here!
Get Concerned with Turtle Conservation
The seashores of Mazunte and the neighboring cities are among the many high nesting areas for sea turtles worldwide. Mazunte is understood for its important function within the conservation of endangered sea turtles and is dwelling to the Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga, (the Mexican Nationwide Turtle Middle) a analysis and conservation middle devoted to the preservation of sea turtles and protects olive ridley, brown, hawksbill and leatherback turtles.
It wasn’t at all times this fashion although, the Nationwide Mexican Turtle Middle was a sea turtle slaughterhouse when the realm was closely concerned in sea turtle searching. It now provides academic excursions and workshops on turtle conservation. You possibly can participate in an array of actions associated to turtle conservation and might even launch child sea turtles into the wild.
Take a Boat Journey
The waters off the coast of Mazunte are teeming with marine life, making it the right spot for a ship tour the place you’ve got a superb likelihood of recognizing dolphins and sea turtles. When you go to between December and April you may even spot humpback whales throughout their seasonal migration.
If you wish to see extra of Oaxaca’s nature and wildlife you may take a day journey from Mazunte to go to the close by Laguna Ventalilla. That is an unspoilt lagoon and estuary the place you possibly can take a tour across the mangroves to identify birds and different wildlife together with crocodiles and iguanas.
The place to Keep in Mazunte: Greatest Motels
There are some lovely boutique resorts and funds resorts and hostels in Mazunte to select from, however there isn’t an enormous quantity of resorts in Mazunte so it’s a good suggestion to decide on the place to remain in Mazunte prematurely to guide it to keep away from disappointment as Mazunte grows in recognition.
Most of Mazunte’s lodging may be discovered close to the two seashores – Playa Rinconcito and Playa Mermejita, or alongside Calle Rinconcito, the primary avenue. There’s additionally funds lodging discovered on the sandy tracks close to Casa Om and Institutio Iguana. For the reason that ocean can typically be too tough for swimming I’d suggest selecting a lodge with a pool.
You possibly can stroll from one finish of Mazunte to the opposite in about half-hour, however within the scorching noon Mexican solar it could actually really feel like fairly a slog, particularly in case you’re getting late for a yoga class, so select your lodging close to to the yoga college, language college or seaside to make your journey simpler.
Right here’s my decide of the most effective locations to remain in Mazunte:
Zoa Resort Mazunte
This lovely 5 star eco boutique resort is perched in a shocking location on the cliffs between Mazunte seaside and San Agustinillon. With unbelievable views from the plush rooms, swimming pool and restaurant and loads of actions on website it’s the right place to remain to get away from all of it. It’s solely a 5 minute stroll to the seaside. Click on right here to examine costs. If Zoa is absolutely booked on your dates try Cocolia Resort
Casa Lu Boutique Resort
The one luxurious seaside resort in Mazunte with plush seaside going through rooms with personal patios boasting great views over the seaside and the swimming pool and strolling distance to all of the motion on Mazunte’s foremost avenue. Click on right here to examine costs
Posada Ziga Playa
The perfect funds lodge in Mazunte proper on Rinconcito seaside. Rooms are easy but comfy however the spotlight is the massive sea going through balconies full with hammocks and pleasant hosts. Click on right here to examine costs
Uma Yoga
Probably the greatest luxurious yoga retreats in Mazunte, held on the lovely and eco pleasant Resort El Copal. Observe yoga, calm down with a therapeutic massage and benefit from the infinity pool with views overlooking the jungle and quiet Mermejita seaside. Click on right here to examine costs.
Casa Mazunte Tierra Viva
When you’re in search of a funds pleasant keep near every thing in Mazunte with all of the facilities of dwelling together with absolutely outfitted kitchenettes, air-con and wifi try the comfy absolutely outfitted bungalows at Casa Mazunte. Some bungalows can sleep 6 individuals making it a sensible choice for a gorup of associates of households. Click on right here to examine costs
Resort Rinconcito
A brilliant conveniently positioned choice on the primary avenue with a pleasant swimming pool and restaurant, comfy rustic stylish rooms with AC and personal balconies full with hammocks. It’s location is actually proper in the course of every thing. Click on right here to examine costs
One other in style selection is Resort Pochote Mazunte though the situation on the primary highway could make it a bit noisy.
Eating places and Nightlife in Mazunte
In relation to consuming out and eating places in Mazunte, vegans and vegetarians are spoiled for selection as this tiny city has most likely the most effective wholesome, vegetarian meals scene in Mexico. Among the finest locations to eat and drink in Mazunte embody
Terraza del Arquitecto – Certainly one of my favorite hangouts in Mazunte with wholesome smoothie bowls, scrumptious cocktails and gorgeous sea views. The sushi and pizza eating places subsequent door are additionally wonderful and there’s an nice bakery and smoothie bar in the course of the primary avenue.
Nearly reverse from that’s El Armadillo which serves wonderful vegan meals and I additionally appreciated Luz del Sol, a vegetarian restaurant barely out of city on the way in which to Hridaya.
Nightlife in Mazunte is comparatively quiet, with just some bars and eating places providing a relaxed ambiance to benefit from the night. El Copal Mazunte is my favourite place for sundown drinks with a view however for a extra vigorous nightlife expertise, head to the close by city of Zipolite which has extra choices.
Mazunte is the right place to unplug and unwind, however bear in mind, in case you are a digital nomad or must get work executed Mazunte and the Oaxaca coast doesn’t have nice web. There aren’t coworking cafes and the wifi in lots of resorts and cafes was fairly weak and would drop out alot and sometimes there was no service on my native Mexican sim card. Mazunte will not be the place to go to get alot of labor executed – it’s a spot to go and disconnect and sit back!
One other factor to notice is that just some retailers and eating places in Mazunte settle for playing cards so it’s essentail to hold money in Mexican pesos. It suggest withdrawing money earlier than you arrive, as there are usually not many ATMs in Mazunte and so they can generally run out of money.
Ideas for Planning Your Journey to Mazunte, Mexico
Greatest Time to Go to Mazunte
The climate in Mazunte is heat all year long. Common excessive temperatures vary from 86-95F, with common lows from 76-80F and the water temperature averages round 80-85 levels. The dry season is from November to April and the wet season is between June and September.
The perfect time to plan a visit to Mazunte is between November and April for sunny and dry days. That is additionally the excessive season for tourism with peak intervals round Christmas/New Yr’s and Semana Santa, the holy week main as much as Easter.
I visited Mazunte in Could and it was scorching! You undoubtedly want AC presently. You may discover in my images the vegetation will not be so lush and inexperienced as a result of it had hardly rained for 7 months so it might be higher to go to after the wet season finishes in November when the jungle is extra alive after the rains.
Occasions and Festivals in Mazunte
Mazunte additionally hosts a number of occasions and festivals all year long that you just may need to take into account when selecting your dates. Yearly, the city hosts the Competition Internacional de la Tortuga Marina, a celebration of the conservation efforts of native turtle species.
Different in style occasions embody the Mazunte Competition Artesano, which showcases conventional crafts from round Mexico, and the Mazunte Carnaval, a vibrant parade with music and dancing. There’s additionally the Competition Nudista subsequent door in Zipolite which is normally held on the finish of January or early February.
Mazunte can also be dwelling to the Mazunte Jazz Competition, an annual occasion that celebrates jazz music and tradition. The competition takes place in April and options performances by a number of the finest jazz musicians from world wide. There are additionally workshops, jam periods, and different actions through the competition.
If you’re combining your journey to Mazunte with visiting Oaxaca Metropolis you then may need to time your journey to coincide with The Dia de los Muertos competition, or Day of the Useless, which is widely known in Oaxaca from October 31 to November 1, and it is without doubt one of the most spectacular occasions in Mexico. It’s advisable to guide your flights and lodging early, particularly in case you plan to go to throughout these occasions.
Attending to Mazunte and Getting Round
The closest airports to Mazunte are Huatulco (HUX) and Puerto Escondido (PXM) each have day by day flights from Mexico Metropolis and different locations in Mexico and make a superb entry level for exploring the Oaxaca Coast.
There are direct funds flights from Mexico Metropolis that take about 1 hour, a lot faster than a 19 hour bus journey! You possibly can join in Mexico Metropolis from a global flight to succeed in Puerto Escondido or Huatulco shortly and simply. Test Skyscanner to seek out the most effective offers.
There’s additionally 30 minute scenic flights from Oaxaca Metropolis to Puerto Escondido however these are costlier and get booked up method prematurely. See costs, availability and guide right here.
The way to get to Mazunte from Puerto Escondido
Mazunte is just about 1 hour from Puerto Escondido or Huatulco airport. The best and most handy solution to get there’s by taking a taxi or guide a switch that may take you from the airport straight to your lodge in Mazunte.
You can even take a bus from Puerto Escondido in case you have the time and persistence. I took the Transportes Delfines bus that leaves from throughout the highway from the Chedraui grocery store heading to Pochutla and Huatulco. I needed to get off at Crucero de San Antonio and took the collectivo to Mazunte and Zipolite. It took about 1 and a half hours and value 50 MXN for the bus and 20 MXN for the collectivo.
Take a look at all of the transportation choices and guide on-line right here
The way to get to Mazunte from Oaxaca Metropolis
There are a few choices for attending to Mazunte from Oaxaca Metropolis and vice versa. The quickest and costliest is to take a 30 minute scenic small aircraft flight to Puerto Escondido after which a 1 hour taxi from there. The flight provides improbable views however is dear and will get booked up method prematurely. Test costs and availability right here.
Most individuals take the bus. You might have two choices – When you endure from movement illness go for the longer, much less windy route with the extra comfy and costlier ADO bus to Puerto Escondido after which take a taxi, switch or native bus from there to Mazunte. The bus travels in a single day and takes about 11 hours. It’s a preferred route so you must guide your bus on-line prematurely.
When you’re OK with windy roads then take one of many mini buses from Oaxaca Metropolis heading to Potchula. This takes probably the most direct and quickest route however it’s additionally probably the most windy route. It’s the most cost effective and quickest choice at solely 7 hours and I didn’t discover it that unhealthy, however then I don’t usually get journey sick.
When you’re heading from Mazunte to Oaxaca Metropolis then you may make life simpler by reserving this mixed switch and bus ticket which can decide up you in Zipolite and take you to Pochutla and get you on the Lineas Unidas minibus to Oaxaca. You possibly can guide it right here.
You may additionally break up the journey after about 3 hours cease off at San Jose del Pacifico for nice mountain views, hikes and magic mushrooms! If you wish to guide the switch and bus to San Jose click on right here.
Take a look at all of the transportation choices and guide on-line right here
The way to journey between Mazunte and Zipolite
Mazunte and Zipolite are solely quarter-hour aside and collectivos run between them, stopping at San Agustinillo for 10 MXN so it’s simple to get between the 2 and you may even select to remain in a single city and go to the opposite on a day journey.
Mazunte and Zipolite are simply 3.5 miles aside and a 20 minute taxi or collectivos/pasajeros (shared decide up vehicles with benches and a type of tent overlaying) run between them for about 10 MXN so you possibly can simply discover each of them.
Mazunte is a small city, and one of the simplest ways to discover it’s on foot. For longer distances, taxis are available and pretty low cost. You may additionally lease a motorcycle to discover the realm.
Security Ideas for Mazunte
Whereas Mazunte is without doubt one of the most secure locations in Mexico and I felt very relaxed and had no issues whilst a solo feminine traveler, it’s at all times a good suggestion to take fundamental precautions. Keep away from abandoned areas at evening, maintain your valuables protected.
All the time apply sunscreen to guard towards the sturdy solar and watch out of swimming in sturdy currents and riptides. Don’t overlook to take out journey insurance coverage, it provides peace of thoughts and covers surprising incidents.
Ultimate Ideas about Mazunte, Oaxaca, Mexico
As a yoga lover, Mazunte, with its tranquil seashores, number of yoga lessons and like minded group is certainly one of my favortie locations in Mexico. Even in case you’re not into yoga, Mazunte provides an escape from the stresses of on a regular basis life and the packed vacationer resorts elsewhere.
Mazunte will get increasingly more in style yearly although, so if the considered an excellent chilled, genuine, Mexican seaside trip appeals to you higher go quickly earlier than the phrase is actually out!
Extra Mexico Weblog Posts and Journey Guides:
I hope my Mazunte journey information helped you to plan your journey to this laid again slice of heaven and that you’ve an incredible time. In case your planning an extended journey across the area try my Mexico Metropolis and Oaxaca itinerary and my different Oaxaca posts.
When you’re into browsing don’t miss my Puerto Escondido information, if you wish to try the free spirited nudist seaside try my Zipolite information and to discover the colourful tradition, historical past and wonderful delicacies learn my Oaxaca information.
When you’re heading to Mexico Metropolis try my information to the place to remain in Mexico Metropolis.
