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 lots 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 fashionable with yogis and is dwelling to some stunning boutique eco resorts making it a super getaway for these in search of a relaxed Mexican seaside trip away from the crowds.
Mazunte affords a way more genuine, reasonably priced and distinctive expertise in comparison with touristy resorts like Cancun and Tulum. Whether or not you’re a yogi, seaside lover, or simply on the lookout for 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 kind of locations that onerous to depart and shortly turned considered one of my favourite locations in Mexico.
In the event you’re enthusiastic about visiting Mazunte right here’s my complete Mazunte journey information that can assist you plan your journey and luxuriate 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 situated 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 legendary 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 assorted choices for attending to Mazunte afterward 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 stunning seashores on both facet of a magical wave lashed headland known 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 surroundings and native heritage. Mazunte might be essentially 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 incredible place to easily calm down and take in the pure magnificence. Take it simple and wander spherical stress-free within the cafes and trying out the road artwork.
Nonetheless, if you happen to want issues a bit extra lively there’s lots to do in Mazunte, regardless of it’s small measurement. From exploring the attractive seashores and the colourful yoga scene, and the possibility to attach with nature.
Right here’s a few of my favourite issues to do in Mazunte:
Chill out on Mazunte’s Seashore
Mazunte has two stunning and unspoilt seashores that are separated by Punta Cometa, a slender, rocky cape that extends into the ocean.
The golden sands, ignored by lush inexperienced mountains (other than after I visited in late Might 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 soar in for a swim remember that the currents will be robust on the Oaxaca Coast – it’s prime browsing territory in any case.
Playa Mazunte & Playa Rinconcito
The primary seaside, Playa Mazunte, is the most well-liked and simply accessible from the city. There are just a few 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 very best swimming seaside in Mazunte.
Playa Mermejita
This lengthy wild sandy seaside is a quieter various to Playa Mazunte because it’s situated barely additional stroll away from city. Swimming is discouraged as a result of robust present however Playa Mermejita is ideal for a calming stroll alongside its large unspoilt seaside and watching the sundown.
Close by Seashores
You too can 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 stunning 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 would attempt browsing in Puerto Escondido which is dwelling to a number of the greatest waves in Mexico.
Hike to Punta Cometa at Sundown
Punta Cometa, a mini peninsula extending into the Pacific Ocean, is considered one of Mazunte’s most well-known landmarks and the southernmost level of Oaxaca state and affords wonderful views, particularly at dawn and sundown.
Climbing to Punta Cometa to observe the sundown is sort of a pilgrimage or religious ritual and the most effective issues to do in Mazunte. There’s a particular power on the peninsular and I wasn’t shocked to listen to that La Cometa has been a sacred house since pre-Hispanic occasions.
It takes about 20 minutes to achieve the sundown level and it’s a good suggestion to deliver a torch for the way in which again. Take a look at this text for extra tips about mountain climbing 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 courses and different choices like ecstatic dance, cacao ceremonies, kirtan, tantra, temazcal, therapeutic massage, reiki, breathwork and mediation workshops, then Mazunte is certainly the place to go.
Mazunte has quite a few yoga retreats and meditation courses, workshops and retreats out there. Mazunte’s relaxed ambiance and thriving yoga group creates a novel alternative for interior exploration and to attach with like minded individuals.
Hridaya Yoga is essentially 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 courses and actions to drop in to and check out throughout the city if you happen to simply wish to dabble as a substitute of becoming a member of a retreat.
Casa Om can be an incredible place for drop in courses with a wide range of completely different types and practices every day and in addition affords lodging and a residential bundle.
Uma Yoga affords an intimate 4 day chakra journey yoga and mediation retreat within the jungle. Yow will discover extra yoga retreats in Oaxaca and skim actual evaluations on bookyogaretreats.com.
Mazunte can be an incredible place to be taught Spanish in tremendous relaxed environment at Instituto Iguana.
You too can discover out what’s happening in Mazunte and Zipolite on the Acutely aware Neighborhood Fb group. In the event you’ve additionally been to locations like Goa and Koh Phangan you may even see just a few 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 position within the conservation of endangered sea turtles and is dwelling to the Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga, (the Mexican Nationwide Turtle Heart) a analysis and conservation heart devoted to the preservation of sea turtles and protects olive ridley, brown, hawksbill and leatherback turtles.
It wasn’t all the time this manner although, the Nationwide Mexican Turtle Heart was a sea turtle slaughterhouse when the realm was closely concerned in sea turtle looking. It now affords instructional excursions and workshops on turtle conservation. You’ll be able to 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 an excellent probability of recognizing dolphins and sea turtles. In the event 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 would take a day journey from Mazunte to go to the close by Laguna Ventalilla. That is an unspoilt lagoon and estuary the place you’ll be able to take a tour across the mangroves to identify birds and different wildlife together with crocodiles and iguanas.
The place to Keep in Mazunte: Finest Motels
There are some stunning boutique resorts and price range accommodations and hostels in Mazunte to select from, however there isn’t an enormous quantity of accommodations 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 reputation.
Most of Mazunte’s lodging will be discovered close to the two seashores – Playa Rinconcito and Playa Mermejita, or alongside Calle Rinconcito, the principle road. There’s additionally price range 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 advocate selecting a resort with a pool.
You’ll be able to stroll from one finish of Mazunte to the opposite in about half-hour, however within the scorching noon Mexican solar it might probably really feel like fairly a slog, particularly if you happen to’re getting late for a yoga class, so select your lodging close to to the yoga faculty, language faculty or seaside to make your journey simpler.
Right here’s my choose of the very best locations to remain in Mazunte:
Zoa Lodge Mazunte
This stunning 5 star eco boutique resort is perched in a surprising location on the cliffs between Mazunte seaside and San Agustinillon. With unimaginable 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 test costs. If Zoa is totally booked to your dates take a look at Cocolia Lodge
Casa Lu Boutique Lodge
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 road. Click on right here to test costs
Posada Ziga Playa
The most effective price range resort in Mazunte proper on Rinconcito seaside. Rooms are easy but snug however the spotlight is the massive sea going through balconies full with hammocks and pleasant hosts. Click on right here to test costs
Uma Yoga
Probably the greatest luxurious yoga retreats in Mazunte, held on the stunning and eco pleasant Lodge El Copal. Apply 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 test costs.
Casa Mazunte Tierra Viva
In the event you’re on the lookout for a price range pleasant keep near every thing in Mazunte with all of the facilities of dwelling together with totally outfitted kitchenettes, air-con and wifi take a look at the snug totally outfitted bungalows at Casa Mazunte. Some bungalows can sleep 6 individuals making it a sensible choice for a gorup of buddies of households. Click on right here to test costs
Lodge Rinconcito
A brilliant conveniently situated possibility on the principle road with a pleasant swimming pool and restaurant, snug 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 test costs
One other fashionable selection is Lodge Pochote Mazunte though the situation on the principle street could make it a bit noisy.
Eating places and Nightlife in Mazunte
With regards to consuming out and eating places in Mazunte, vegans and vegetarians are spoiled for selection as this tiny city has most likely the very best wholesome, vegetarian meals scene in Mexico. Among the greatest locations to eat and drink in Mazunte embody
Terraza del Arquitecto – Considered one of my favorite hangouts in Mazunte with wholesome smoothie bowls, scrumptious cocktails and beautiful sea views. The sushi and pizza eating places subsequent door are additionally glorious and there’s an nice bakery and smoothie bar in the course of the principle road.
Virtually 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 full of life nightlife expertise, head to the close by city of Zipolite which has extra choices.
Mazunte is the right place to unplug and unwind, however remember, in case you are a digital nomad or must get work completed Mazunte and the Oaxaca coast doesn’t have nice web. There aren’t coworking cafes and the wifi in lots of accommodations and cafes was fairly weak and would drop out alot and sometimes there was no service on my native Mexican sim card. Mazunte isn’t the place to go to get alot of labor completed – 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 advocate withdrawing money earlier than you arrive, as there will not be many ATMs in Mazunte and so they can generally run out of money.
Ideas for Planning Your Journey to Mazunte, Mexico
Finest 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 durations round Christmas/New Yr’s and Semana Santa, the holy week main as much as Easter.
I visited Mazunte in Might and it was scorching! You undoubtedly want AC right now. You may discover in my images the vegetation isn’t so lush and inexperienced as a result of it had hardly rained for 7 months so it could 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 simply may wish 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 fashionable 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 often held on the finish of January or early February.
Mazunte can be dwelling to the Mazunte Jazz Competition, an annual occasion that celebrates jazz music and tradition. The pageant takes place in April and options performances by a number of the greatest jazz musicians from all over the world. There are additionally workshops, jam classes, and different actions throughout the pageant.
If you’re combining your journey to Mazunte with visiting Oaxaca Metropolis then you definately may wish to time your journey to coincide with The Dia de los Muertos pageant, or Day of the Lifeless, which is widely known in Oaxaca from October 31 to November 1, and it is likely one of the most spectacular occasions in Mexico. It’s advisable to guide your flights and lodging early, particularly if you happen to 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 each day flights from Mexico Metropolis and different locations in Mexico and make an excellent entry level for exploring the Oaxaca Coast.
There are direct price range flights from Mexico Metropolis that take about 1 hour, a lot faster than a 19 hour bus trip! You’ll be able to join in Mexico Metropolis from a world flight to achieve Puerto Escondido or Huatulco shortly and simply. Examine Skyscanner to seek out the very best offers.
There’s additionally 30 minute scenic flights from Oaxaca Metropolis to Puerto Escondido however these are costlier and get booked up approach prematurely. See costs, availability and guide right here.
Find out how to get to Mazunte from Puerto Escondido
Mazunte is barely about 1 hour from Puerto Escondido or Huatulco airport. The best and most handy method to get there’s by taking a taxi or guide a switch that may take you from the airport straight to your resort in Mazunte.
You too can take a bus from Puerto Escondido you probably have the time and endurance. I took the Transportes Delfines bus that leaves from throughout the street 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 price 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
Find out how 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 most costly is to take a 30 minute scenic small aircraft flight to Puerto Escondido after which a 1 hour taxi from there. The flight affords unbelievable views however is pricey and will get booked up approach prematurely. Examine costs and availability right here.
Most individuals take the bus. You will have two choices – In the event you undergo from movement illness go for the longer, much less windy route with the extra snug 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 it is best to guide your bus on-line prematurely.
In the event you’re OK with windy roads then take one of many mini buses from Oaxaca Metropolis heading to Potchula. This takes essentially the most direct and quickest route nevertheless it’s additionally essentially the most windy route. It’s the most cost effective and quickest possibility at solely 7 hours and I didn’t discover it that dangerous, however then I don’t usually get journey sick.
In the event you’re heading from Mazunte to Oaxaca Metropolis then you can also make life simpler by reserving this mixed switch and bus ticket which can choose up you in Zipolite and take you to Pochutla and get you on the Lineas Unidas minibus to Oaxaca. You’ll be able to guide it right here.
You can 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
Find out how 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 would 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 choose up vans with benches and a sort of tent overlaying) run between them for about 10 MXN so you’ll be able to simply discover each of them.
Mazunte is a small city, and the easiest way to discover it’s on foot. For longer distances, taxis are available and pretty low-cost. You can additionally lease a motorcycle to discover the realm.
Security Ideas for Mazunte
Whereas Mazunte is likely one of the most secure locations in Mexico and I felt very relaxed and had no issues whilst a solo feminine traveler, it’s all the time a good suggestion to take primary precautions. Keep away from abandoned areas at evening, maintain your valuables protected.
All the time apply sunscreen to guard towards the robust solar and watch out of swimming in robust currents and riptides. Don’t overlook to take out journey insurance coverage, it affords peace of thoughts and covers sudden incidents.
Last Ideas about Mazunte, Oaxaca, Mexico
As a yoga lover, Mazunte, with its tranquil seashores, number of yoga courses and like minded group is considered one of my favortie locations in Mexico. Even if you happen to’re not into yoga, Mazunte affords an escape from the stresses of on a regular basis life and the packed vacationer resorts elsewhere.
Mazunte will get an increasing number of fashionable yearly although, so if the considered a brilliant chilled, genuine, Mexican seaside trip appeals to you higher go quickly earlier than the phrase is really 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 got a tremendous time. In case your planning an extended journey across the area take a look at my Mexico Metropolis and Oaxaca itinerary and my different Oaxaca posts.
In the event you’re into browsing don’t miss my Puerto Escondido information, if you wish to take a look at the free spirited nudist seaside take a look at my Zipolite information and to discover the colourful tradition, historical past and wonderful delicacies learn my Oaxaca information.
In the event you’re heading to Mexico Metropolis take a look at my information to the place to remain in Mexico Metropolis.
