Playa Mazunte, Oaxaca: Mexico Yoga & Eco-Tourism Beach Gem
Last Updated on June 2, 2023
Travelers looking for a relaxed, under-the-radar Mexico beach town should head to Mazunte, Oaxaca. This backpacker and hippie hideaway on the Oaxacan coast is becoming known as a laid-back vacation spot for yoga, eco-tourism, and chilling out on great beaches. Find out how to plan a trip here while it’s still a hidden gem.
Mazunte, Oaxaca is a beach town on Mexico’s Pacific coast, on a stretch of shoreline known as the Riviera Oaxaqueña. Mazunte has flown under the radar for years, known mostly to backpackers, hippies, and beach lovers. But with its designation as one of Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos in 2015, it’s been gaining traction as travelers look for more affordable, authentic Mexican beach escapes outside of Cancun and Tulum.
The spiritual, hippie vibe is still strong here, evident in Mazunte’s yoga and meditation retreats, eco-tourism industry, and locally-made natural beauty products. Add that to gorgeous golden sands and a foodie scene, what else do beach-loving travelers need? Let’s discover the best things to do in Mazunte, Oaxaca including the best hotels and everything you need to plan an escape here.
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In This Guide to Mazunte, Oaxaca
Things to Do | Playas Mazunte & Rinconcito | Playa Cometa | Playa Mermejita | Punta Cometa Hike | Turtle Conservation | Yoga and Wellness | San Agustinillo | Boat Tours | Laguna Ventalilla | Day Trips | Best Restaurants | Where to Stay | Getting There | More Planning Tips
Where is Mazunte, Oaxaca?
Mazunte is a beach town on Mexico’s Pacific coast, in the state of Oaxaca. Mazunte and its neighbors San Agustinillo and Zipolite are often overlooked due to their location between the larger beach destinations of Puerto Escondido and Huatulco.
If you’ve got time for a leisurely vacation, consider starting in Puerto Escondido and beach-hopping down the coast. Or if you’ve got limited time and don’t want to fight crowds, spend your time in Mazunte and hop over to San Agustinillo and Zipolite for a day to check out the beach and food scenes there.
Things to do in Mazunte
The truth about Mazunte is there’s not that much to do here, and by design! This is a destination to disconnect and recharge by just clocking some serious beach time. But there are several must-see sights in Mazunte itself, as well as day trip options in the surrounding area.
Mazunte, Oaxaca Beaches
The beaches of Mazunte and nearby Zipolite are beautiful, but both have a strong riptide and aren’t recommended for swimming. Mazunte has two main beaches, separated by a narrow, rocky cape that extends into the ocean called Punta Cometa (more on that below!).
Playa Mazunte & Playa Rinconcito
The main beach, Playa Mazunte, is accessible from beachfront hotels and the roads that lead to the coast from the main road. At its west end is a more protected cove, Playa Rinconcito, which has a little calmer waters and is the best place to swim in Mazunte. Both beaches have a few beach bars and restaurants.
Playa Cometa
This beach is accessible via a side trail along the hiking route that goes to the Punta Cometa viewpoint. Playa Cometa is actually part of the Punta Cometa state park. There are no services here, so be sure to bring water and everything you’ll need for your visit (and take everything back out with you). The current is very strong, so swimming is not recommended. But Playa Cometa is perfect for a beach walk, picnic, and quiet meditation.
Playa Mermejita
Further west is Playa Mermejita, just a short walk from the center of town. This beach is quieter than Playa Mazunte, with a few restaurants and hotels here along its wide golden beach. The current is strong, so swimming is not recommended.
Hike to Punta Cometa for Sunrise or Sunset
Hiking to Punta Cometa is a must-do activity in Mazunte. This cape is the southernmost point in Oaxaca, and is surrounded on 3 sides by water. Sunrise and sunset can be seen here year-round, and a crowd always turns up for sunset.
You can reach the hiking trail from Camino Mermejita from town, or by a set of steps up from Playa Rinconcito. Once you reach the trail, it’s a 20-minute hike to reach the viewpoint.
The trail is not lit or paved, so a pair of hiking sandals (these are my faves) and a flashlight are recommended. There are no services here, so also bring water, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Punta Cometa is considered a healing place by some. In pre-Hispanic times, it was a military or ceremonial center, and is rumored to be the burial place of lost Aztec treasure. So keep an eye out for anything shiny as you hike! 😉
Learn About Oaxaca Sea Turtle Conservation
Today, the beaches of Mazunte and nearby towns on Oaxaca’s coast are one of the top 5 nesting regions in the world for endangered sea turtles. Hatchlings are imprinted with the memory of their hatch site, and females later return to lay their own nests here. As many as 90,000 turtles have been reported to return here each season in mass nesting events known as arribadas (arrivals).
Four decades ago, though, Mazunte was the center of Oaxaca’s sea turtle hunting industry. Over the years these practices nearly devastated the turtle population. In 1991, the federal government stepped in with plans to replace the local turtle fishing economy with sea turtle conservation and eco-tourism.
This led to the creation of the Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga (CMT), a sea turtle research and conservation center in Mazunte. The center itself is a little outdated, but entry fees support conservation efforts, and it’s an important part of Mazunte’s local economy.
If you visit during nesting season from June – December, you might be able to help the conservation groups at CMT or Sanctuario La Escobilla with hatchling releases.
Also visit the natural cosmetics shop, Cosméticos Naturales de Mazunte, which is also part of the initiative to replace the turtle fishing industry with sustainable local businesses.
Explore Mazunte’s Yoga and Wellness Scene
To center your mind and body, don’t miss the change for a yoga retreat or classes from studios in Mazunte and nearby San Augustinillo. Check out Hridaya Yoga and Solstice Yoga. The Santosha Refuge runs meditation and other retreats, while Corazon del Agua offers massage therapy and water healing.
It’s common to see people practicing yoga on the beach as well, especially at sunrise.
Discover San Agustinillo
Just a few miles east, the small town of San Agustinillo offers a calmer beach. Playa San Agustinillo has the same golden sands as Mazunte, but rock formations create a series of small breaks that create coves better for swimming.
San Agustinillo has several restaurants on the beach and along its main road. Check out El Sueño de Frida and La Mora for breakfast and lunch, Umami for vegetarian, and El Navigante for seafood.
Set off On a Morning Boat Tour to See Sealife
From November to March, boat tours are available daily from the Mazunte beach. During this time of year, it’s possible to see sea turtles, dolphins, whales, and even manta rays in the waters off the coast.
Tours usually leave early to beat the heat of the day. To book, just talk to one of the captains on the beach to reserve a tour for the next day.
Take a Tour of Laguna Ventalilla
Laguna Ventalilla is a lagoon and estuary west of Mazunte. It’s managed by the Ventanilla Ecotourism Cooperative, which offers daily tours to see the mangroves and wildlife here, including birds, iguanas and crocodiles in their natural habitat. Be sure to bring water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat, since services here are limited.
Take a Day Trip to Other Oaxaca Beach Towns
If you’re looking for more activities, visit nearby Zipolite to take a surf class or relax on its beaches. Playa Zipolite is the only legal clothing-optional beach in Mexico, and has a fun, low-key vibe. Check out my guide to Zipolite for beach bars, restaurants, and more.
You can also head to Puerto Escondido for more surf and sun – get all of my best tips for Puerto Escondido.
Or for the best snorkeling on the Oaxaca coast, head to Huatulco. Grab my guide to Huatulco beaches which includes tours to explore the area.
Explore Mazunte’s Foodie Scene
Mazunte has many small artisanal cafes and restaurants, so you’ll have plenty of options of where to eat and drink. Mazunte cuisine features seafood and international flavors. But you can also find Oaxacan staples, such as mole negro, tlayudas, and caldo de piedra. Check out some of these top restaurant picks during your stay:
- Estrella Fugaz: Mexican café-restaurant with everything from Mexican favorites to seafood artisanal mezcal, and great views of Playa el Rinconcito
- El Copal Mazunte: the best place for sunset drinks with a view (and then dinner)
- Cenzontle Mazunte: burgers and vegetarian options in a friendly setting
- La Pizza: the best pizza in Mazunte
- Luz del Sol: fresh, delicious vegetarian options
- Lodeli: French and Mediterranean
- Tadeo: Mexican and seafood, with a friendly vibe
- Cafe Pancha Tantra: the best coffee in town
Where to Stay in Mazunte | Best Mazunte, Oaxaca Hotels
Mazunte has plenty of budget hotel options for your stay, as well as several upscale boutique hotels. You might want to consider an option with a pool, since the beaches of Mazunte aren’t great for swimming. Check out these options for a home base during your Mazunte vacation.
$ Villa Luna De Miel | Friendly Budget Stay Near Rinconcito Beach
Villa Luna de Miel offers budget bungalows a short walk to Rinconcito Beach, with great views and friendly service. The rooms don’t have AC, but each has a traditional palapa roof and mosquito nets. They also feature a kitchen and space for up to 4 guests.
Check availability & book Villa Luna de Miel
$ Posada Ziga Playa | Budget Beachfront Stay with Stunning Views
Posada Ziga Playa is an inexpensive hotel with spectacular views and direct beach access to Playa Mazunte. The hotel offers an onsite bar and restaurant. Each room has a balcony, and the largest rooms have AC.
Check availability & book Posada Ziga Playa
$$ Cabañas Amaia | Stylish Stay with Pool in a Great Location
Cabanas Amaia is a chic hillside retreat set between Playa Mazunte and Playa Mermejita. It’s also close to the entry to the hiking trail to Punta Cometa, making this a perfect stay for travelers who want to visit at sunrise and sunset. There are no sea views here, but instead a sparkling blue pool. Cabanas Amaia is one of the top-rated hotels in Mazunte, with a perfect 10 rating for its stellar service.
Check availability & book Cabañas Amaia
$$ Cocolia Hotel | Modern Cliffside Retreat with Pool
Cocolia Hotel is located above Mermejita Beach, with breathtaking views of the sea below. Cocolia hotel gets rave reviews for its service, comfort, and natural setting. Rooms have a chic, minimalist design and the pool is a show-stopper! Cocolia is an Insagrammable pick at a great price.
Check availability & book Cocolia Hotel
$$$ Casa Lu | Chic Beachfront Stunner with a Pool
Casa Lu is a stylish boutique hotel in a central Mazunte location, just steps to the beach. It features an amazing pool and an onsite restaurant bar and restaurant, for meals overlooking the beach. Guest love Casa Lu for its location just a 10 minute walk to the center of town, as well as its attentive service, great location, and secure grounds. This is a perfect pick for honeymoons and special occastions!
Check availability & book Casa Lu
$$$ Zoa Hotel | Luxury Design Hotel in a Privileged Setting
Zoa Hotel is a luxury eco-friendly San Augustinillo hotel with pool, yoga, and private beach. Zoa is located on the outskirts of town, making this a secluded stay and relaxing excape. The rooms at Zoa Hotel feature iPod docking stations, terraces and balconies with views of the Pacific Ocean, mini bar and air conditioning. There is an onsite restaurant, and guests can also take meals on their balconies. This is the top luxury hotel in Mazunte.
Check availability & book Zoa Hotel
Want more options of great stays? Check out Cabanas Punta Placer and Zazil Retreat in San Agustinillo, check Mazunte hostels, or search all Mazunte hotels
How to Get to Mazunte
Most travelers arrive in Mazunte via Puerto Escondido or Huatulco, other cities on the Pacific Coast of the Mexican state of Oaxaca. Puerto Escondido is about 40 miles away, while Huatulco is 30 miles away.
Both towns have airports, PXM and HUX respectively, with flights from Mexico City. From there you can either rent a car, take a taxi, or hop on a bus.
Once you reach Mazunte, you can get around locally with shared taxis called pasajeros or camionetas. These are pick-up trucks with bench seats and a tent covering in the back for passengers.
If you think you’ll rent a car like I did, check out my guide to driving and renting a car in Mexico. The Oaxaca coast is an easy drive, if a bit winding in parts! Having a car is great if you plan on staying in a few cities or exploring without tours.
The Haphazard Traveler Pro Tip
Remember to get some cash from an ATM before leaving the airport if you don’t yet have any pesos. Sometimes ATMs in small towns are broken or out of money, and you won’t want to be without cash in Mazunte. Most smaller places don’t take credit cards.
From Huatulco Airport | HUX
From HUX, you can take a taxi from Huatulco to Mazunte for around $30-50 US. There is a taxi stand outside the airport on the main road which is usually cheaper than booking a taxi inside.
You can also take a combination of bus and shared vans. Grab a taxi to the ADO bus station; get a ticket to San Pedro Pochutla, and then take a cab or shared taxi to Mazunte.
From Puerto Escondido Airport | PXM
From PXM, you can take a taxi from Puerto Escondido to Mazunte for around $50 US. There is a taxi stand outside the airport on the main road which is usually cheaper than booking a taxi inside.
Or grab a taxi to the ADO bus station and buy a ticket to Crucero San Antonio, and from there take a cab or shared taxi to Mazunte.
Need info on the ADO bus? Check schedules and reserve tickets.
More Mazunte, Oaxaca Planning Tips
The Best Time to Visit | Weather in Mazunte
Mazunte is warm year-round, with the driest weather months occurring from November – April. The months from June – September see the most rain. Average high temperatures vary from 86-94F, with average lows from 76-79F. Water temperatures average 80-84 degrees.
- Check Mazunte weather averages for your dates from WeatherandClimate.com
High season runs from December to April, with extra-busy periods around Christmas/New Year’s and Semana Santa, the holy week that leads up to Easter. I visited following the Dia de los Muertos festival in Oaxaca, and it was tough finding a flight! Try to book early if you plan to visit during busy season or holidays.
Special Events in Mazunte & Region
The region hosts a few events that you might want to consider when choosing your dates:
- Dia de los Muertos: Oaxaca is one of the best places to experience this Mexican holiday which is celebrated there from October 31-November 1. Get all my tips for Dia de Muertos in Oaxaca.
- Zipolite Nudist Festival: late January/February. The 2023 dates are Feb. 3-5.
- Mazunte Jazz Festival: typically the second week of November.
- Arribada: this is a mass nesting event when Olive Ridley turtles (known in Mexico as golfinas) come ashore to lay their eggs. Prime nesting season is June – January, so it’s possible to see nesting and hatching turtles during this time.
Safety in Mazunte
While the Oaxaca coast does not commonly experience the gang and drug-related violence seen in some other states of Mexico, there are occasional reports of crimes in Mazunte and the nearby towns. Travelers should use common-sense safety measures like traveling on roads during daylight hours, enjoying alcohol responsibly, refraining from walking on beaches at night alone, and using the safe in your room to secure valuables. I didn’t have any issues here as a solo female traveler.
- Check the latest Mexico travel information from the U.S. Department of State
Packing for Mazunte
Grab these packing tips for museum hopping in Mexico City, relaxing on beaches, or climbing ruins and swimming in cenotes. From Cabo to Cancun and everywhere in between, this ultimate packing list for Mexico will have you covered!
Ready to Head to Mazunte?
If you’re looking for a low-key vacation in an authentic Mexican beach town, hurry up and book a trip to Mazunte so you can have your toes in the sand!
Pin these tips for when you’re ready to book & travel!
