Puerto Escondido Adventure Guide #5: East to Mazunte and Zipolite
A monthly guide to give you fresh ideas for adventures just outside of PXM
Preface: I’ve lived in Puerto Escondido for almost four years, and at this point have been to most of the small towns, beaches, and points of interest in the area. I used to help lead trips for the Hikers of Puerto group, led by my friend David (you can find them on Facebook), which certainly helped to that end.
Every month I’ll be sharing a weekend adventure idea here on my newsletter, in hopes that it inspires you and your loved ones to pack the car, jump on the moto, or flag down a colectivo with the goal of making new memories. Listo por una aventura amigos!?
East to Mazunte and Ziploite
Mazunte is a very interesting place. It’s a one-kilometer stretch of pristine beach, home to a small hippy community with a permanent population of between one and two thousand people (I’m basing this number off the official 702 collected in the 2005 census).
Although it’s a small community, Mazunte is very well known on the backpacker trail. Its incredible sunsets, beautiful beaches, delicious food, and myriad yoga classes have made it a place of interest. It’s certainly a relaxing and memorable place to spend a few days visiting.
For those who stay or live there long-term, many are amid a life pivot or on a healing journey. There’s likely a mind-altering drug or heart-opening wellness class with a related flier at the town’s one ATM, which might just be the right kind of salve to heal whatever ails you.
Although Mazunte is one of the most “woo-woo” places I’ve ever stumbled upon, somehow, just down the coast another 15 minutes, you’ll find a town where the dreadlocks are bigger, the faces are more tattooed, and where folks are just hanging out butt naked. (Side note: I find the term “butt naked” funny as fuck.) Zipolite is the only officially sanctioned nude beach in Oaxaca, and the liberated skin has definitely made an impact on who calls it home.
How to get to Mazunte & Zipolite:
It’s just over a one-hour drive from Puerto Escondido down the highway to Mazunte. There are a few small towns on the carretera where you’ll find several speed bumps, but outside of those minor inconveniences, it’s a very easy drive.
It’s such a nice road, half the time I decide to head to Mazunte for a night I ride my bike (see photo above). The ride takes me about four hours, maybe five if I stop for lunch and take my time on the journey. It’s 67 kilometers in total, so you can decide for yourself if that’s too long of a bike or moto ride.
Note: It is a VERY long ride on a scooter. I’m a pro-level scooter driver after 12+ years of traveling and living abroad, but this ride exhausts me. I prefer to take my truck or ride my bike. Both options are more enjoyable.
If you don’t have your own wheels, there’s a collectivo (shuttle bus) that leaves fairly often from the main intersection in centro near Chedraui. The driver basically waits until the van is full, and they seem to leave down the coast every hour or so. The van waits in front of Hotel San Juan. (Screenshot included in the Insider Info section below)
What to do:
Mazunte:
There’s only one thing you really should do in Mazunte, and that’s to catch the sunset at Punta Cometa. Once you do that, erase all ideas from your mind about “what you should do.” Letting slow lazy days pass in Mazunte without the pressure to tick a bunch of boxes is part of the charm.
Punta Cometa & Playa Mermejita
Punta Cometa is a short hike up and away from the main road (Rinconcito) of Mazunte. There are guards at the entrance, so don’t bring beers or dogs—two things I love—because they won’t be allowed in. Once past the gate, you’ll find incredible views along the path that leads to a gorgeous rock peninsula. There are paths in numerous directions, and you can’t really go wrong, just try to stake out your own spot.
It’s so beautiful, that on over half the times I’ve been there, I witnessed a marriage proposal. That’s how special of a place it is.
On a Friday afternoon in high season, there will certainly be crowds. If the park seems too packed (or if you have a dog with you), another great sunset option is to make your way to Playa Mermejita on the other side of the peninsula.
La Pizzeria
I don’t include too many food recommendations in these adventure guides (I have specific food recco posts you can check out if that’s your thing), but my favorite pizza place in the world is in Mazunte… so, I’ll give it a mention.
After the sun drops into the sea, head back down to the main road and go grab a pie at La Pizzeria. Their margarita is 100 pesos of perfection. I’m convinced that it’s the best 100 pesos you can spend in Mexico. The two sauces (spicy red and chimichurri) they provide for any style of pizza you order are so good. Sitting there at a picnic table waiting on a hot pie with a cold Victoria sweating onto my hand is a small version of heaven.
Once you’ve eaten the pizza and taken some photos at Punta Cometa, be sure to ask very little of yourself. Read a book, swing in a hammock, do some yoga, find some live music, wander the fruit market under the bridge, and check out the little tiendas selling local handicrafts. Enjoy the hippy soul of Mazunte and let time drift like smoke off the tip of an incense stick.
More specific Mazunte restaurant and bar recommendations in the “Insider Info” section below.
Zipolite:
GET NAKED! Seriously, get naked.
That is probably the number one thing to do in this small town full of hippies and nudists. The most noteworthy difference between Zipolite and Mazunte in terms of the crowds that gather, is that Zipolite is known for being a destination for the LGBTQ+ community.
Both towns have patchouli wafting in the air, but Zipolite might even be more free-spirited. Because of their proximity and similarities, Mazunte’s beach has a big “NOT NUDISM” sign. (The locals in Mazunte want it clear that the nude nonsense happens a bit down the coast.)
Wander the main street with a spattering of bars and restaurants and look for live music. If you don’t find a band playing, you’re almost certain to hear some live music anyway if you eat outside. There are a lot of buskers playing busted guitars and singing in the streets for pesos in Zipolite.
Naked Zipolite
Naked Zipolite is a nicer upscale place to check out if you have a bigger budget for the night, but if not—they also offer day passes. If you're looking for a hostel to call home,
Che Hostel
Che just opened what they’re calling The world’s first naked hostel. Hostel Che always has a fun party vibe for the backpacker crowd, which is ramped up more than usual in this small beach town where clothes are optional.
Other fun stops to make:
Hidraya Yoga
I’ve spent five or six different weekends in Mazunte at this point, but the most memorable was my three-day silent retreat at Hridaya Yoga. It’s a gorgeous facility up on the hill as you leave Mazunte, and from the prayer hall, you have a gorgeous view down the coastline and out to sea.
Hidraya’s 3- and 10-day silent retreats book up months in advance, so if you’re interested, plan ahead. (This is also the reason I ended up in a 3-day Spanish retreat, which I incorrectly assumed wasn’t a big deal because the retreat was going to be silent. There is a lot of instruction.)
The yoga center is incredibly well-respected and they offer a variety of programming, so check it out if you want to shut up and get introspective for a few days, or if you’re keen to explore some wellness opportunities that will likely push you out of your comfort zone. If you do book a retreat, definitely opt in for a meal package!
San Agustinillo
San Agustinillo is a less well-known little town on this beautiful strip of the Coast. It’s right in between Mazunte and Zipolite. Once you exit Mazunte to the East, you’re in San Agustinillo.
My main recommendation is just to park your car or moto, and explore the main street a bit. Pop into Agustivino, a lovely little wine shop with an incredible selection and kind owners. Also, go pull up a chair at La Mora Posada, and have a michelada while you dig your toes into the sand.
Wherever you end up on this stunning section of the Oaxacan coast, you can’t go wrong!
Read a bad romance novel on a beach blanket! Throw a frisbee with a stranger! Take stupid selfies! (See below) Roll in the break at the shoreline like a ten-year-old Mexican nino! Whatever you do, ask very little of yourself and just deeply enjoy these three small yet amazing coastal communities!
If this is where you end, thanks for reading! And if you decide to get the paid subscription to my Substack, thank you for supporting my work!
Find more of my thoughts and words on my Medium
Read my 5-star Travel Memoir, Not That Anyone Asked
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Not That You Asked to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.