Guest Guide

Casa Maradi

Mazunte, Oaxaca

This guide has everything you need: how the house works, how to get around, where to eat, what to do, and who to call if you need help. Bookmark this page. It is your reference for the entire stay.

Adriana:+52 958 131 2982

Diego:+52 958 121 3672

The Apartments

Casa Maradi has four apartments, each named after an element of the landscape.

Arena (Ground Floor)

Intimate, shaded, surrounded by vegetation. The quietest and most private apartment. Direct garden access.

Mar (First Floor)

Ocean views and open horizons. The apartment where you wake up to the Pacific.

Bosque (First Floor)

Faces the lush green hillside. Cool breeze, relaxed atmosphere. A cozy retreat for those who want green surroundings.

Palapa (Second Floor)

The highest point, with panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding hills. Also equipped with a chiliPAD cooling mattress pad for temperature-controlled sleep.

Every apartment has: a queen bed (Arena has king beds) with linen bedsheets (100% linen, breathable and cool in the heat), full kitchen, ceiling fans, Ecofiltro water purifier, and smart lock entry. Arena, Mar, and Palapa each have a dedicated workspace with ergonomic chair and parota wood desk. Bosque does not have a dedicated desk but has comfortable seating for laptop work.

House Manual

WiFi

Network

Arena / Casa Maradi / Maradi

Password

Sent to you by message

Starlink satellite internet. Fast and stable, independent of local infrastructure. Works for video calls, large uploads, and screen sharing.

Drinking Water

Each apartment has an Ecofiltro clay water purifier. Fill the top chamber with tap water; it filters through natural clay, activated carbon, and colloidal silver into the bottom chamber. The clay gives the water a clean, fresh taste, and the filtration process adds trace minerals. Safe, healthy, and genuinely good to drink. No need to buy bottled water.

Hot Water

The temperature dial is at the top left of the shower. Turn right for hot, left for cold.

Smart Locks

To open: Touch the screen, enter the code we sent you, then turn the handle down.

To close: Pull both doors together, turn the handle up, verify it locked. In Arena: simply pull the door shut.

Ceiling Fans

Round dial controls. Turn fully clockwise to switch on, then adjust speed by turning slightly left.

Trash Separation

Please separate your waste into three categories:

Recyclable

Wicker basket in kitchen

Cans, unbroken glass, cardboard, plastic bottles.

Organic

Transparent bags (kitchen drawer)

Use one bag for meat/fish, another for fruits/vegetables.

Non-recyclable

Black bin in kitchen

Everything else.

Bin locations by apartment

Arena: Next to the oven, pull the wicker panels

Mar: Under the sink, push to open (recyclable) / pull and lift (non-recyclable)

Bosque: Under the sink, push to open (recyclable) / push the wicker (non-recyclable)

Palapa: Back right of oven, push to open (recyclable) / under sink, push to open (non-recyclable)

Toilet

Do not flush toilet paper.

Place it in the bin next to the toilet. This protects the BIOTAR biological water treatment system, which uses live bacteria to process wastewater. Flushing paper, wipes, or chemicals damages the system.

Only these can go in the toilet: wastewater from the toilet, sink, and shower. Use biodegradable soap and shampoo.

House Rules

•No pets
•No babies or young children
•Quiet hours: 11:00 PM to 8:00 AM
•No toilet paper in the toilet (use the bin)
•Separate trash correctly
•Be careful on the stairs (they can be slippery)
•Contact us immediately if anything breaks or needs attention

Work Setup

Casa Maradi workspace with parota wood desk, external monitor, laptop stand, and view of the garden

Arena, Mar, and Palapa each have a large parota wood desk, an ergonomic chair, and Starlink internet. The desk is shaded from direct sun all day, with fans and outlets within reach. Bosque does not have a dedicated desk but offers comfortable seating for laptop work.

Peripherals (free, just ask)

Monitors

24" Philips and LG displays (FHD IPS)

Keyboards

Logitech mechanical and slim keyboards

Mice

Logitech wireless mice

Laptop stands

Nexstand K2 adjustable/foldable

Desk mats

Large felt desk pads

Cables

HDMI / DisplayPort, 4K and 8K certified

Power strips

Multi-outlet with USB ports

Co-working spots in town

Umami	Great bowls, excellent coffee, good wifi
Terraza del Arquitecto	Rooftop, quieter
Davan	Casual atmosphere

Getting Here

Address

Calle Caoba S/N, Mazunte, Santa Maria Tonameca, Oaxaca 70947

Finding Us

On the main avenue of Mazunte, find Calle Rinconcito
Look for the entrance to Calle Caoba between the greengrocer and restaurant Los Duendes
Walk straight to the intersection
Take the left street
Casa Maradi is 30 meters ahead

Lost? WhatsApp us and we will guide you in real time.

From Huatulco Airport (HUX) ~60 km, ~1 hour

Budget (~$100 MXN, ~1.5 hrs)

Exit the airport, walk to the highway, take a colectivo to Pochutla (~$70 MXN)
In Pochutla, in front of the First Cash store, take a white colectivo truck to Mazunte (~$30 MXN)

Direct taxi

~$1,000-1,200 MXN, ~1 hour 20 min

From Puerto Escondido (PXM) ~90 km, ~1.5 hours

Budget (~$80 MXN, ~2 hrs)

Exit the airport, walk to the highway, find the Pochutla colectivo stand
Take the colectivo marked POCHUTLA (from in front of Chedraui) to Crucero San Antonio (~$60 MXN, ~1.5 hrs)
Get off at the OXXO at Crucero San Antonio, wait for a chivera to Mazunte (~$20 MXN, ~15 min)

Direct taxi

~$1,000-1,200 MXN, ~1 hour 20 min

Going Back to the Airport

To Huatulco: Chivera from the main avenue to Pochutla (before 7:00 PM), then rapid van from Pochutla.

To Puerto Escondido: Chivera to Crucero San Antonio, then colectivo/bus west on Highway 200.

Let us know in advance and we will arrange a trusted taxi directly from Casa Maradi.

Getting Around

Colectivos (Chiveras)

The local transport. Pickup trucks with benches in the back. The cheapest and most frequent option.

Hours: 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily

Frequency: every ~15 minutes

How to ride: Stand on the main avenue, raise your hand

Routes: Mazunte - San Agustinillo - Zipolite, or Mazunte - Ventanilla - San Antonio - Pochutla

Cost: $20-30 MXN per ride

Trusted Taxi Drivers

Driver	Area	Phone	Payment
Mariano	Mazunte area	+52 958 219 0850	Cash only
Brayan	Puerto Escondido	+52 954 154 1991	Cash and card

Or ask us and we will arrange a ride for you.

Vehicle Rental at Casa Maradi

Helmets included. Ask about availability in advance; demand is high in season.

Scooter

Beach, nearby towns

$250 MXN/day

Motorcycle

Coastal highway, day trips

$250 MXN/day

ATV

Dirt roads, remote beaches

$500 MXN/day

Lineas Unidas (Long Distance Vans)

The most reliable van service between the coast and Oaxaca City. Air-conditioned, reclining seats.

Oaxaca to Pochutla/Zipolite	4:00 AM - 10:00 PM (continuous)	~$300 MXN
Pochutla to Oaxaca	12:00 AM - 11:00 PM (continuous)	~$300 MXN
Zipolite to Oaxaca	Call for times	~$250-300 MXN

The mountain route to Oaxaca takes ~3 hours. The road has many curves through the sierra. Bring motion sickness tablets if you are sensitive.

San Jose del Pacifico is the midpoint stop, at 2,500m altitude. A misty pine forest village known for panoramic views, temazcal ceremonies, and wild mushrooms.

Beaches

Beaches marked "safe" have calmer conditions, but always check the sea state before entering. Currents can change with the season.

Beach	Distance	Best for	Swimming
Playa Rinconcito	8 min walk	Calm water, relaxing	Safe
Playa Mazunte	10 min walk	Sunsets, food, socializing	Check conditions
San Agustinillo	1.5 km	Families, gentle surf	Safe
Puerto Angel	10 km	Calm bay, seafood	Very safe
Estacahuite	12 km	Snorkeling (best on coast)	Safe in coves
Zipolite	3 km	Bohemian vibe, big waves	Dangerous
Mermejita	1 km	Solitude, volcanic black sand	Do not swim
Aragon	5 km	Surfing, solitude	Do not swim
La Boquilla	25 km	Hidden gem, moderate waves	Caution

Snorkeling

Estacahuite is the best spot: three small coves with coral reef meters from shore. Tropical fish, corals, sea turtles. Access by taxi from Puerto Angel (~10 min). We have free snorkel gear for all guests.

Snorkel & freediving gear (full list)

Snorkel sets: Multiple Cressi masks and dry snorkels (various sizes)

Fins: Cressi Gara Modular long fins (freediving), Cressi Free Frog fins, and adjustable snorkel fins for beginners

Freediving: Weight belts with lead weights, freediving float ball, nose clips, low-volume dive masks

Bodysurf fins for playing in the waves

Water shoes (Cressi Agua)

Ear plugs available if you need them

Ask before heading out so we can fit you with the right size.

Eat & Drink

Most restaurants close the kitchen between 10:00 and 11:00 PM.

Cafes & Bakeries

Pan de Vida

Wood-fired artisan bread, not to be missed

Icaro

Good coffee, relaxed

La Bodega

Cafe and bar

El Gecko

Local favorite

Restaurants

Falafel el Loco

Best falafel in Mazunte, great atmosphere

El Armadillo

Vegan Arab-Moroccan food, open air under the stars

Umami

Healthy bowls, excellent coffee, laptop-friendly

Tribu

Tacos, cocktails, lively vibe

Restaurante Tai

Local cuisine

Primo Costa

Beachfront bar/restaurant

La Tertulia

Bar with character

Local Food (Budget)

Mercado de comida de la comunidad

Community food market

Comedor Luna Nueva

Home-cooked local food

Comedor de Dona Mari

Classic comedor

Restaurante Tadeo

Local spot

Taqueria El Delfin

Tacos

Taqueria Los Poblanitos

Tacos

Sunday Organic Market

Every Sunday in the town center. Local produce, handmade goods, great for stocking up.

Activities

Punta Cometa

The southernmost point of Mexico's Pacific coast. A rocky headland with 180-degree ocean views. Sacred ceremonial site since pre-Hispanic times; the Aztecs built a stone wall here whose ruins are still visible.

Sunset: The best sunset spot in Mazunte. Go early enough to get a good position.

Whale watching: December through March, humpback whales migrate along the coast. Visible with the naked eye.

Access: Calle Mermejita heading west, 15-20 minute uphill walk. Wear closed shoes, bring water. No alcohol or bottles allowed.

Mexican Turtle Center

Research, breeding, and release center for 5 species of sea turtles and 16 freshwater species. Not an aquarium; a working conservation facility.

Hours: Wed-Sat 10:00-16:30, Sun 10:00-14:30, Mon-Tue closed

Entry: $44 MXN adults, $22 MXN students, free for under 12 and over 60

Baby turtle release: March through November, open to the public

Ventanilla Lagoon

Community-run mangrove nature reserve, 4 km west. A 1.5-hour boat tour through dark water channels between mangrove roots. Crocodiles, iguanas, deer, migrating birds.

Duration: ~1.5 hours

Cost: $100-200 MXN per person

Turtle release: March-November, ask in advance

Contact: +52 958 589 0547

Stay quiet during the tour. The quieter you are, the more animals you will see.

Artisanal fishing

Dawn trips with local fishermen, ask at the beach

Yoga & meditation

Hridaya Yoga and other centers in Mazunte

Surfing

Lessons available in San Agustinillo, 1 km away

Hiking

Trails to Punta Cometa, Playa Mermejita, and surrounding hills

Events Calendar

January 15

Fiesta del Senor de Esquipulas. Patron saint festival with masses, processions, and the traditional calenda: a colorful nighttime parade with live bands and fireworks.

March 21

Spring Equinox / Ano Sol. Rituals at Punta Cometa, pre-Hispanic dances, folklore, and concerts.

Mar-Nov

Sea turtle release season at the Mexican Turtle Center. Open to the public.

November

International Jazz Festival. 3 days, 14+ groups, completely free, open-air. Book accommodation far in advance.

Dec-Mar

Humpback whale migration. Visible from Punta Cometa or by boat tour.

Equipment

All available to guests at no extra cost. Just ask.

Gym

Adjustable dumbbells (5-52.5 lbs per hand, quick-change dial)

Kettlebells (10 kg and 14 kg cast iron)

Adjustable weight bench (foldable)

Push-up bars / parallettes (steel)

Resistance bands (5 levels with handles and anchors)

Yoga mats (PU/rubber pro mat + organic cotton mat)

Exercise floor (EVA foam interlocking tiles)

Massage table (foldable, pine wood)

Meditation cushion (zafu with coffee husk fill)

Available to all guests, all hours. Please return equipment after use.

Telescope

Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ reflector telescope. On clear nights (most nights in Mazunte), you can see the rings of Saturn, Jupiter's moons, craters on the Moon, and deep-sky objects.

Mazunte has almost no light pollution, which makes the stargazing exceptional.

Ask us to set it up for you, or if you know how to use a telescope, help yourself.

Services

Included

Laundry (self-service, free)

Snorkel and freediving gear

Work equipment (monitors, keyboards, mice)

Gym (dumbbells, kettlebells, bench, bands)

Telescope for stargazing

Cold plunge / ice bath

Ear plugs on request

Available on Request

Private Chef

A local cook prepares meals in your apartment from fresh market ingredients.

Manu: +52 958 144 6831

Fiorella: +52 958 136 9546

Massage

Professional therapists at the house. Relaxation, deep tissue, sports recovery.

Paulo: +52 958 113 8469

Nancy: +52 951 587 5204

Book at least 24 hours in advance via WhatsApp.

About Casa Maradi

The wood you are sitting at, the plates you are eating from, and the walls keeping you cool all have a story.

How It Was Built

Double-brick construction in progress at Casa Maradi

Cross-section of double-brick wall showing the insulating air cavity

Double-brick walls. Two layers of brick with an air cavity between them. This traditional technique acts as natural insulation: the interior walls stay cool to the touch even in peak heat. No air conditioning needed.

Orientation and ventilation. The building is oriented to catch the dominant western breeze. High ceilings and chimney vents pull warm air upward and out.

Deep overhangs. Direct sunlight never hits the interior walls or floors. The apartments are bright but never hot.

The Materials

Parota

One of Mexico's noblest hardwoods, known for wide, flowing grain. No two pieces look the same. Your desk, the dining table, and the main surfaces are all parota. The wood is sourced locally and worked by regional craftsmen.

Macuil

Dense, warm-toned, humidity-resistant. Used for door frames, structural details, and accents. You will recognize it by its pronounced grain and warm color.

Ocotillo

A dense, reddish-brown hardwood with interesting veining. Used for fine furniture pieces and decorative objects throughout the house.

Artisan hand-shaping a large clay vessel in a traditional workshop

Oaxacan clay

Every lamp, vase, plate, and cup was hand-shaped by local artisans and fired in wood-burning kilns. The lamps create warm, filtered light through the clay. The dishes are Oaxacan black clay and natural clay, made the same way for centuries.

Hand-woven cotton textiles in warm terracotta tones

Intricate geometric pattern woven on a traditional Zapotec loom

Hand-woven textiles

100% natural cotton, woven on backstrap and pedal looms by Zapotec and Mixtec artisans. You can feel the irregularities that mark them as handmade. Each piece carries hours of skilled labor.

BIOTAR Water Treatment

Casa Maradi processes all wastewater on-site through a BIOTAR biological treatment system. It works using beneficial bacteria and a copper chelate additive, with no electricity, no motors, no chemicals, and no odors. The treated water meets Mexican environmental standards and is used for subsurface irrigation.

About Mazunte

The name: "Mazunte" likely comes from the Nahuatl word "maxotetia," meaning "please deposit your eggs here," a tribute to the sea turtles that nest on these beaches.

From hunting to conservation: In the 1960s, a turtle slaughterhouse was established here. In May 1990, the federal government imposed a total ban. The former hunters became protectors. They founded the Mexican Turtle Center, developed ecotourism, and rebuilt their economy around conservation.

Pueblo Magico: In 2015, Mazunte received the "Pueblo Magico" designation. It is the only community in the region with construction codes requiring buildings to harmonize with nature. There are no chain hotels, no franchise restaurants.