Mazunte Beaches: The Magic Of The Oaxacan Coast

Can you name the up-and-coming Mexico hotspots? 

We all know and love Tulum, but there’s something satisfying about exploring a beach town before the rest of the world does. So, if you dream of peaceful tides, warm rays, and a slice of Mexican culture, the Mazunte beaches should be your next vacation. 

We’ve rounded up all the details about the area’s beaches to help you plan your trip. From the hidden gems to the weather, you’ll feel like a tour guide after this blog.

Ready? Let’s dive in together. 

Introducing Playa Mazunte: All You Need to Know

Located in Oaxaca state, Playa Mazunte town sits on the Pacific coast in the south of Mexico. This specific stretch of coastline is also known as Riviera Oaxaquena, and it’s been a well-kept secret for decades. 

This town offers a hippy vibe. As soon as you arrive, it’s tough to ignore the vibrant street art and abundance of yoga and wellness pop-ups. It’s a beacon for the free-spirited, and these laidback travelers and expats give the spot extra charm.

However, in 2015 it was featured as one of Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos, and it has steadily gained popularity ever since. Don’t get us wrong—this is still a quaint part of the country without mass tourism. But we expect backpackers and families to start embracing this spot soon, so grab your suitcase and book now for the true off-the-beaten-track feel.

About Mazunte Beach (Playa Rinconcito)

The best beach for golden sands, absolute relaxation, and a short journey.

Before taking you on an online tour around this glorious coastline, we’ll start with this town’s very own seaside spot—Mazunte Beach.

You’ll find this beach right at the foot of the town, making it a popular place for locals and visitors. There aren’t any extra long journeys here. Most central hotels are within walking distance of this location. 

Here, you’ll find a classic golden sand beach, complete with vivid blue waters to match. Though this coastline is next to the main town, there aren’t any sky-scrapers to blemish your Instagram photos. Instead, you’ll find palm trees, lush green hills, and the odd rocky outcrop. Gorgeous and untouched—perfect for anyone looking for a quiet spot to unwind. 

This beach is also called Playa Rinconcito. However, this term is more associated with the secluded cove end, whereas Playa Mazunte refers to the main stretch. Keep both names in mind when you travel—this could make translating and navigating easier. 

Don’t worry about packing food for this beach. You’ll find shops, restaurants, cocktail bars, and beachfront vendors along the coastline. Amenities also include umbrellas, loungers, toilets, and lifeguards.

Popular activities on this beach include lounging and watching the world go by, swimming in the warm waters, and exploring the rocky shoreline and small coves. Whether you want to be active or not, this beach caters to all.

The Best Beaches Near Mazunte, Oaxaca 

Don’t get too comfortable in one place—there is too much to explore. Besides the main beach, these Mazunte beaches are also worth lounging on.

Playa Cometa

The best beach for hikers and nature lovers.

Have you ever dreamed of sitting on an isolated beach while the sun beats down on you and the waves crash around you? If any of that sounds good, Playa Cometa must be on your hit list. 

You’ll find this hidden gem south of the town on a small peninsula. It’s only accessible via the hiking route trail that takes you to the Punta Cometa viewpoint. So, don’t try to order a taxi here—you’ll need sturdy shoes instead. 

There are no amenities or shops. So, come stocked with snacks and water to ensure you’re hydrated on your travels. 

Additionally, there are often strong currents here, so swimming isn’t recommended. However, this is a popular spot for a picnic or sunbathing. 

If you get bored of laying around, the large cliffside at the beach is begging to be explored. Only a 20-minute hike away, this cliffside is easily accessible. Plus, it provides clear views of the bay, and you’ll get to experience one-of-a-kind forest scenery on the way. 

Pro tip: This is a hiking boot moment, or at the least, time to wear comfortable shoes. Leave the flip-flops in your beach bag.

Playa Mermejita

Perfect for a quiet afternoon or a spot of surfing.

If you travel west, you’ll stumble upon another gorgeous golden beach—Playa Mermejita. It’s quieter than Mazunte Beach, Mexico, which is already serene. So, if total peace and quiet are your thing, you know where to go. Bring your book and a cold drink, and enjoy the serenity.

The beach is only a quick walk from the town, allowing you to hop back and forth without any long travel. And it isn’t as secluded as other coves in the area. Here you’ll find restaurants, beach bars, and a few hotels. Some tourists opt to stay here to experience an even quieter stay. However, since the towns are so close, you can still easily access each beach.

The tides can get rough here, and swimming isn’t always recommended. However, there’s a lifeguard here in the summer season. 

This is also a surfing hotspot, but it’s for intermediate surfers. Sorry, newbies!

San Agustinillo Beach

San Agustinillo: A swimmer’s paradise.

Many beaches around this area experience strong currents, which isn’t ideal for any budding swimmers. If taking a dip is on your agenda, San Agustinillo Beach should be on your radar. 

The beach town is a few miles east of Mazunte, and you’ll find the same golden sands. The key difference here is the abundance of rock formations and caves, which break the waves and make the water safer for swimming. 

San Augustinillo isn’t just for water babies. You’ll also find beachside restaurants, vegetarian eateries, and fresh seafood. There’s also a range of shops, bars, and typical seaside amenities to ensure your beach day is as comfortable as possible.

Playa La Ventanilla

Perfect for wildlife lovers. 

West of Mazunte, you’ll stumble across Playa La Ventanilla, a small beach with abundant wildlife. This beach runs all the way to Puerto Escondido, providing fine sands and an unspoiled coastline for miles. 

It’s not the best if you want modern amenities and tourist attractions. But that’s not the reason tourists gather on this strip of coastline. Instead, you’ll find sea turtles laying eggs, exotic fish, and lots of undisrupted nature. 

Alongside a beach, the Ventanilla area is famous for the Laguna Ventanilla—an eco-tourism lagoon. This spot of protected land offers tourists the chance to see wildlife up close without causing them any harm. You’ll see iguanas, crocodiles, birds, and more if you visit. Plus, all the creatures live in their natural habitat. Yup, these mangroves are protected and home to some beautiful creatures. 

Playa Zipolite

A beach for getting the perfect all-over tan. 

Playa Zipolite is famous for being Mexico’s only official nude beach. Uh-huh, it’s entirely legal to strip off and enjoy the sun everywhere here. Ideal for anyone who wants to feel closer to nature in more ways than one. The nude beach area is also called Playa del Amor. 

Locals and tourists are serious about their love for nude bathing in Zipolite. So serious that there’s an annual Zipolite Nudist Festival in late January/early February. Keep that in mind when booking—plan for it or around it, whatever floats your boat.

However, don’t give this beach a miss if you’re not into nude beaches. Only a small section of the beach is dedicated to clothes-free chilling. The rest of the beach offers golden sands, beachside bars, cool shops, and many vendors. 

Swimming isn’t recommended on this beach as the surf can be rough.

Puerto Angel

Catch a glimpse of the beauty beneath the waves via snorkeling.

Located east of Mazunte, Puerto Angel is one of the best local spots for snorkeling and swimming. Unlike the other beaches, Puerto Angel features a roped-off swimming space allowing young children and families to paddle without peril.

The best way to get to this cove is via a quick taxi or a colectivo van. It’ll take approximately 20 minutes as the cove is 9.5km (6 miles) from the town center.

Playa Carrizalillo (Puerto Escondido)

A beach day and a city trip all in one.

Sometimes a day trip is exactly what you need. If this resonates with you, add Playa Carizalillo to your list. This compact beach is 1 hour and 10 minutes away in Puerto Escondido. Still, the journey is worth it, as you can spend time basking on the white sand and then enjoy the nearby city. 

This bay often gets overlooked, which is sad because it’s a spot of natural beauty. However, it’s also great news because it doesn’t get too crowded. To access Playa Carrizalillo, you must follow a footpath down a steep slope, which can be off-putting for those not interested in walking. 

The downhill camber pays off, though. Once there, you’ll find turquoise waters so clear that you can see the exotic fish without goggles. 

There are restaurants and vendors for those who want to chill. But we recommend venturing into Puerto Escondido to try local eats and bars. Other beaches in this city include Playa Manzanillo, Playa Zicatela, and Puerto Angelito.

Other Activities in Mazunte, Oaxaca

The spectacular Mazunte beaches aren’t the only activities in this spot. From conservation centers to wellness workshops, this location has a hippy vibe and lots to enjoy.

Learn About Sea Turtles

Mazunte is one of the world’s most important sea turtle nesting spots. Since sea turtles are endangered, a lot of funding has been invested here to ensure the turtles are safe and thriving. And you can help on your visit. 

In 1991, the Mexican government invested in eco-tourism and conservation, creating a local turtle center. It is in the center of the town, and it’s a must-stop activity for all visitors. Not only do you learn about the sea creatures, but you can help out with nesting practices from June to December (the nesting season).

Embrace Natural Cosmetics 

If you enjoy a spot of shopping, you can enjoy some unique products at the Mazunte Natural Cosmetics Factory. 

Situated in the turtle conservation center, this natural cosmetics shop offers independent brands and goods made from local resources. This well-known shop was created to slowly replace the turtle fishing industry and empower local small businesses. 

Today, it’s a popular souvenir shop with unique products.

Explore Wellness and Yoga

Stress and vacations don’t go together. 

If you want to truly bust the stress of everyday life on your break, explore the Mazunte wellness and yoga scene. Many yoga retreats and wellness organizations are based in this laid-back town, giving the area a super relaxed vibe. 

Don’t worry if you don’t want to join a formal class. You’ll also find lots of locals and tourists practicing yoga on the beach. This is an extra popular activity at sunrise, perfect for early risers.

See the Beach via Boat

Some of the waters around Mazunte aren’t the best for swimmers. But you can still get out on the water. 

Boat tours from the beach are available from November to March, allowing tourists to see what lies beneath the water without jumping in. Typically, these tours find dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and even manta rays. 

You’ll have to get up early if you fancy a boat tour. These local boats leave earlier in the day to avoid the midday sun. Booking is easy, as vendors are lined up along the beachfront. Simply book with them and turn up the next day to see the beach from a new perspective.

Grab a Bite of Oaxacan Cuisine

Let’s face it, Mexico offers some of the best dishes in the world, and you can taste excellent flavors without leaving Mazunte. 

As you walk up and down the main stretch of the beach or around the town, you’ll find an excess of independent vendors, local seafood restaurants, traditional restaurants, and much more. Popular dishes here include Oaxacan picks, such as tlayudas, caldo de piedra, and mole negro. 

Alongside popular Mexican eats, this area also boasts a range of international flavors. Ideal for foodies and picky eaters.

Enjoy a Sunset Cocktail

The best way to watch the sun go down? With a drink in hand, of course!

Whether you’re a fan of margaritas, cold beer, or a refreshing seltzer, Mazunte’s many bars can help you settle in and watch the sunset with an icy drink. 

If you don’t fancy perching at a bar, buy some local beers and head down to the sand for a beachfront picnic. There’s nothing like it.

Visit During the Jazz Festival

Visitors flock to this small coastal town in late November to experience the free annual jazz festival (AKA the Festival Internacional de Jazz de Mazunte). 

This festival typically includes three evenings of jazz and entertainment, with over 25 artists appearing at the event. The Grammy Award-winning Los Amigos Invisibles are frequent performers here, proving it’s not a novice-only event. 

Whether you’re a die-hard jazz fan or a festival fanatic, this event is worth planning your trip around. However, this is no doubt the busiest weekend of the year. If crowds make you claustrophobic, it might not be the weekend for your visit.

Popular Places to Stay in Mazunte 

If you’re interested in traveling through this magnetic coastline, the best spot to stay is in the center of it all!

Accommodation here varies from small independent hotels to laidback hostels, giving you various options for your trip. If you prefer a social vibe and a backpacker atmosphere, one of the Mazunte beach hostels. However, if you’re more interested in privacy, local hotels are for you. Since this is a smaller area, you won’t find any grand resorts. 

Airbnb and other rental services are popular here, and finding an apartment with a sea view is easy. Just book in advance because this up-and-coming town is getting busier every year. 

Weather in Mazunte

Hate the cold? You’ll be happy on the Mazunte beaches. 

This Oaxacan coastline sees warm weather year-round, and the average temperature is around 87°F (30°C). The coldest month here is January, when the average temperature reaches 85°F (29°C). So, it’s safe to say you won’t have to worry about bringing your sweaters. 

However, note that this town also experiences a wet season. From June to September, you’ll likely experience some tropical rainfall. If you want to stay dry, book your visit from November to April, as these are the dry months. 

The busiest months in this area run from December to April, thanks to the lack of rain. Tourists tend to book trips in the winter for a slice of the sun when it’s cold at home. If you want to avoid crowds, you might want to opt for the rainy season. 

Packing List Essentials for the Mazunte Beaches

Bags packed and ready to go? Not until you’ve checked our Mazunte beaches packing list. Find the top items you’ll need below. 

• Insect repellent
• Beach shoes/flip-flops
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• A protective sun hat
• Waterproof bag/cell phone holder
• Camera
• Beach towel
• Hiking shoes

Pro Packing Tip: Small-town shops and restaurants don’t always accept cards, and small-town ATMs are sometimes broken for days. Take out some pesos at the airport or bus station to ensure you don’t get caught short.

Map of Mazunte

Take a look at this map to familiarize yourself with the area. There is a lot to see along the coast. Do you want to rent a car? Use Uber? Either way, this map will help.

How to get to Mazunte

This popular spot is between two larger Oaxacan towns, Puerto Escondido and Huatulco. If you’re heading to this beach oasis, you’ll likely be coming from either side, as both are major bus hubs and have their own airports. 

Want to go to Puerto Escondido first? Frequent flights from Mexico City to Puerto Escondido are available, and the duration is only 1 hour and 15 minutes. Much shorter than the 18+ hour bus ride.

If you’re traveling from Puerto Escondido to Mazunte, you can hire a car and drive for approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. Alternatively, a minivan service offers private transfers for up to 6 guests from the Puerto Escondido airport (PXM). This journey takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. 

Taking the Huatulco route? We’ve also got your back. The drive from this town takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes. The most popular travel option here is a private hire car or a local taxi. 

Taking a Dip in Mazunte: The Wrap-Up

If the Mazunte beaches are calling your name, this is your sign to listen to that call. 

The stunning beaches in this southern Oaxaca region are quickly gaining popularity. But right now, they still offer a low-key and authentic Mexican experience. Forget hyper-touristic spaces. Here you can bask in the sun, enjoy the culture, and spot a turtle in the wild. What more could you want from a vacay?

Hold up! Don’t book without thinking (it’s tempting, we understand.) Take a minute to explore Bookaway’s Mexican travel routes for the latest deals and options. 

Don’t forget your flip-flops.

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