A village that chose a different path.
Mazunte is a small village on the Pacific coast of Oaxaca, about an hour from Huatulco airport. It has no chain hotels, no franchise restaurants, no traffic lights. What it has is a long, uncrowded coastline, a strong local community, and an unusual history.
In the 1960s, Mazunte was a turtle-processing town. Thousands of sea turtles were harvested every year. When the federal ban came in 1990, the village had to reinvent itself overnight. The former hunters became protectors. They founded the Mexican Turtle Center, built a conservation economy, and turned Mazunte into a global reference for sustainable tourism.
Today Mazunte is a "Pueblo Magico" (Magic Town), the only community in the region with construction codes that require buildings to harmonize with nature: local materials, palm roofs, native gardens. It is also home to Punta Cometa, the southernmost point of Mexico's Pacific coast, where humpback whales pass from December to March and sunsets are a daily event.
Beaches
Playa Mazunte
10 min walkThe main beach. Golden sand, palapas, sunsets. Swim, eat, do nothing.
Playa Rinconcito
8 min walkThe calmest swimming beach in town. Protected and relaxed.
San Agustinillo
1.5 kmSmall beach protected by rocks. Best for families and easy swimming. Surf lessons available.
Playa Estacahuite
12 kmThe best snorkeling on the coast. Three small coves with coral reef just meters from shore. We have free snorkel gear for guests.
Playa Mermejita
1 kmVolcanic black sand, dramatic waves, total solitude. For walking and contemplation, not swimming.
Zipolite
3 kmBohemian, famously free-spirited. Big waves, great restaurants, Mexico's only recognized nude beach.
Things to do
Punta Cometa
Sacred headland, 180-degree ocean views, the best sunset spot in Mazunte. Whale watching December through March. 15-minute hike from town.
Mexican Turtle Center
Research and conservation center for 5 species of sea turtles. In season (March-November) you can release baby turtles into the ocean.
Ventanilla Lagoon
Mangrove boat tour through a community-run nature reserve. Crocodiles, iguanas, deer, migrating birds.
Sunday Organic Market
Local produce, handmade goods, and community gathering every Sunday in the center of town.
Come see it for yourself
It is quiet. It is real. And it is one of the best places on the Oaxacan coast to just be.
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