Oaxaca Coast
Before I set out for the Oaxaca Coast of Mexico, I was told to be warned because “everyone is so bronzed and so good looking.” As my two travel companions and I planned our travel itinerary, we were faced with the option of a larger beach town or a smaller, more remote one. We eventually decided to try a range of all 3 sizes : Zipolite, known for its remote beaches; Mazunte, a bohemian, larger beach town; and Puerto Escondido, a surfer resort town with buzzing nightlife.
If you’re looking for a wet, hot, and very liberating experience, visit the Oaxaca Coast for your next trip. Think trance music over aguachile. Coconuts and cowboy hats. Surfing, toned passerby, and massages on the beach. Zingy green juice with extra ginger. And fish tacos galore!
Where to stroll & stay
For a well balanced itinerary, we spent a few days in Oaxaca City, before staying 3-4 days in Zipolite and ending with 3 days in Puerto Escondido. Most visitors would fly into Puerto Escondido, so I recommend starting there first.
Puerto Escondido - Visit Puerto Escondido for its nightlife, multiple beaches, and lively atmosphere. The town is known for attracting expats, surfers, and digital nomads, so you’ll run into more tourists and elevated prices. It’s the most developed, larger town of the three we visited, so if you prefer stable internet, modern amenities, and a more approachable feel, stay here.
Zipolite - Known for its LGBTQ+ friendly vibe and nude beaches, Zipolite offers a super remote beach atmosphere. Perfect if you prefer a small beach town and if you consider yourself an open-minded individual. We enjoyed staying at beachfront Hotel Noga, which offered umbrellas, beach chairs, and a diverse food/drink menu. Try a nude beach dip by the end of your stay!
Mazunte - Similar to Zipolite, but slightly larger and attracts a bohemian, yoga-oriented audience. Worth a day visit, but we preferred staying in Zipolite.
Where to beach
Playa Zipolite - The main beach in Zipolite. Great for a stroll, beach swim, or sitting with a book and cocktail. Don’t look surprised if you see nude beachgoers as it’s a nude beach!
Playa Carrizalillo - If you’re looking for a quieter, more residential feel, stay close to this relaxing, idyllic beach cove. It’s a 10 minute taxi from the main attractions (Puerto Escondido).
Playa Zicatela - If you’re looking to be in the heart of the scene in Puerto Escondido, stay closer to this main beach. It’s also the home to some of the world’s biggest waves, which can reach up to 10 feet.
La Punta - This beach area is further down from Zicatela and is more appropriate for beachgoing or surf lessons.
what to see & do
The coast is the perfect getaway for lying on the beach, taking a surf lesson, and going out for drinks! If you’re looking for more activities, I recommend checking out a local hotel or hostel to coordinate a guided tour.
Masajes en Shambala - Go for an ultra-relaxing massage on the beach accompanied by the sound of waves (Zipolite).
Punta Cometa - This scenic ocean hike is perfect at sunset. The crowd applauds and cheers the sun as it goes down (Mazunte).
Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga - Unfortunately, I didn’t get to go, but I was dying to visit this turtle rehabilitation and ecology center (Mazunte).
Go Do It Surf Lessons - Go to Godo’s surf lessons if you’re hoping to stand up for the first time or to receive intensive coaching. Get in touch via his WhatsApp contact (+52 954 110 6525), and they will respond in English if needed. My boyfriend met with him every morning for 2 weeks straight for a more consistent routine (Puerto Escondido).
where to eat
Orale Cafe - For a healthy, filling breakfast with Mexican and American options (Zipolite).
Les Délices - French inspired cafe with an outdoor theme (Zipolite).
Clan Destino - Definitely book here for a memorable meal. The most delicious aguachile and huge fish tacos. All while cool trance music is playing in the background (Zipolite).
Xhuba - Vegan-friendly dining right on the beach (Zipolite).
Almazul - You must eat here, so book in advance. It’s an Asian inspired dinner spot with extremely fresh sashimi and inventive cocktails. (Puerto Escondido).
Helados Palma Negra Rinconada - Local spot for ice cream and paletas, Mexican ice pops (Puerto Escondido)!
Disfruta - Our go-to spot for morning green juice and breakfast burritos (Puerto Escondido).
Chicama - Peruvian upscale restaurant in Puerto Escondido.
Fish Shack - Stop here for fish tacos after a day of surfing (Puerto Escondido).
where to get a drink
Mezcaleria Gota Gorda - Cute tequila and mezcal bar with an attached storefront and vibey pool deck.
Sommo - Cool, slightly scene-y sushi and cocktail spot in Puerto Escondido. Seemed difficult to get a reservation but we walked in only after a short wait.
anything else to note?
Please note that you should bring cash, especially for the smaller towns like Zipolite where ATMs aren’t always available. Taxis are easy to coordinate between airports. To travel between Zipolite and Mazunte, you will take a colectivo, which is like a large open air bus.
Bring bug spray for outdoor nighttime dining, and it’s helpful to bring a reusable water bottle to fill up potable water from larger jugs. Interestingly enough, I had zero digestive issues during my stay despite exposure to greens, raw fish, and other delicacies. The same could not be said for my visit to CDMX!
