Mazunte Travel Guide

Get to know everything about Mazunte, a hidden gem along the Pacific Coast of Mexico, from cultural and natural attractions to food, accommodation, and safety tips. Plan your trip now!


Introduction to Mazunte

Mazunte is a small village situated in the southern coast of Oaxaca, Mexico. Most commonly known for its beautiful beaches and sustainable tourism practices, Mazunte attracts wanderlust tourists seeking a peaceful beach vibe away from the crowds and the bustling city. Despite being small, Mazunte offers plenty of natural and cultural attractions that are waiting to be explored.

List of Places to Visit in Mazunte

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga: Also known as the Mexican National Turtle Center, this museum is not only a must-visit for turtle lovers but for anyone interested in learning about marine life conservation and environmental awareness.
  • Museo Vivo del Caracol: This museum showcases the diversity of shells found in Oaxaca and is home to a large collection of mollusk specimens from around the world.
  • Casa de la Música de Mazunte: This music center and museum is dedicated to promoting local music and traditional Mexican sounds. Visitors can take music lessons, attend concerts, and learn about the history and evolution of Mexican music.

Natural Attractions of Mazunte: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Punta Cometa: Take a hike to the highest point in Mazunte for breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding mountains. Punta Cometa is also great for bird watching and stargazing.
  • San Agustinillo: A nearby beach town that offers a quieter and more secluded beach experience than Mazunte. Here, visitors can snorkel, swim, and relax on the white sandy beaches.
  • Laguna Ventanilla: A beautiful lagoon located a short drive away from Mazunte. Visitors can take a boat tour to explore the mangrove forests and spot wildlife like crocodiles, turtles, and birds.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mazunte

Mazunte is surrounded by natural beauty, and there are plenty of hiking and biking routes available to explore the area. Punta Cometa is definitely a popular spot, but visitors can also hike to other nearby beaches like Playa Mermejita. Biking is a great way to explore the local villages and markets as well.

Best Things to Do in Mazunte: Activities and Tours

  • Surfing lessons: Mazunte is known for having some great waves, and there are plenty of surfing schools and instructors who offer lessons for beginners and experienced surfers alike.
  • Yoga and meditation classes: Mazunte is a spiritual and mindful hub, and visitors can take yoga and meditation classes offered in various studios and eco-resorts in the area.
  • Whale watching tours: The coastline of Oaxaca is a popular spot for humpback whale sightings between December and March. There are many tours available that take visitors out to sea for a chance to see these magnificent creatures up close.

Week-Long Itinerary for Mazunte

Day 1: Arrival in Mazunte, check-in to accommodation, settle in and relax. Day 2: Visit the Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga, followed by a sunset hike to Punta Cometa. Day 3: Spend the day at San Agustinillo beach, explore the town and enjoy local seafood at one of the beachfront restaurants. Day 4: Visit the Museo Vivo del Caracol in the morning, followed by a boat tour of Lagunda Ventanilla in the afternoon. Day 5: Take a surfing lesson, followed by an evening yoga class. Day 6: Take a day trip to nearby village and artisan market of Zipolite. Day 7: Relax on the beach or book a massage before departing Mazunte.

Food and Drink Scene of Mazunte

Must-Try Dishes

  • Tlayudas: A traditional oaxaqueña dish consisting of a large, crispy tortilla topped with beans, cheese, vegetables, meat, and salsa.
  • Seafood: As a coastal town, Mazunte is known for its fresh seafood, including ceviche, grilled fish, and shrimp.
  • Mezcal: A Mexican distilled alcoholic beverage made from the agave plant. There are plenty of locally-made mezcal brands to try in Mazunte.

Local Beverages

  • Coffee: Oaxaca is known for having some of the best coffee in Mexico, and Mazunte has some great cafes to enjoy it.
  • Tascalate: A traditional Oaxacan hot drink made from corn, cacao, cinnamon, and sugar.
  • Fruit juices and smoothies: Made from fresh, locally-grown fruits such as papaya, pineapple, and mango.

Where to Stay in Mazunte: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Mazunte offers a variety of accommodation, from budget-friendly hostels to eco-lodges and luxury hotels. Some recommended options are:

  • Posada del Arquitecto: A beautiful eco-resort that offers ocean views, a pool, and comfortable rooms.
  • El Copal: A budget-friendly hostel that is perfect for backpackers and solo travelers.
  • Zoa Hotel: A boutique hotel that offers sustainable tourism practices, combining rustic charm with modern luxuries.

What to Buy in Mazunte: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Handmade textiles: Oaxaca is known for having some of the best handcrafted textiles in Mexico, such as rugs, blankets, and clothing.
  • Mezcal: As mentioned before, Mazunte has some great locally-made mezcal brands that make for the perfect souvenir.
  • Jewelry and accessories: Local artisans create beautiful pieces of jewelry and accessories using natural materials like shells, seeds, and beads.

Local Culture and Customs of Mazunte

The people in Mazunte are generally friendly and welcoming, but visitors should be aware of and respect the local customs and traditions. The town is home to many indigenous communities, and visitors should be respectful of the local dress codes and religious ceremonies.

Best Time to Visit Mazunte

The best time to visit Mazunte is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. The weather is warm and sunny during these months, and there is less chance of precipitation. However, the town can get crowded during the peak tourist season (December to March), so travelers looking for a quieter experience may want to consider visiting in the off-season.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mazunte

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Stay in eco-friendly accommodations.
  • Try the local cuisine.
  • Bring cash, as some establishments do not accept credit cards.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the natural environment.
  • Wear inappropriate clothing to religious ceremonies or events.
  • Be disrespectful to local communities and their traditions.
  • Drink tap water.

Safety and Health

Safety in Mazunte

Like any other destination, visitors to Mazunte should take the usual precautions to keep themselves safe, such as keeping their valuables close and not walking alone at night. The town is generally safe, with little to no crime reported. However, visitors should be aware of the strong currents and rip tides at some of the beaches in the area.

Health in Mazunte

Visitors should take precautions to avoid getting sick, such as drinking bottled water, using mosquito repellent, and practicing good hygiene. Medical services in Mazunte are limited, so travelers with pre-existing medical conditions should bring their medications with them. There are nearby hospitals and clinics if needed.

Getting to Mazunte: Transportation Options and Logistics

Visitors can reach Mazunte by flying into either Bahias de Huatulco International Airport or Puerto Escondido International Airport. Both airports are approximately 1.5 hours away from Mazunte. There are also various bus lines that connect Mazunte to other nearby cities and towns.

Airports Near Mazunte

  • Bahias de Huatulco International Airport (HUX)
  • Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM)

Bus Stations Near Mazunte

  • Pochutla Bus Station
  • Puerto Escondido Bus Station

Other Options

Taxis and shuttle services are available from both airports and bus stations. Some visitors may prefer to rent a car to explore the surrounding areas.

How to Get Around in Mazunte

Mazunte is a small town that is easily walkable, but visitors can also rent bikes, scooters, and ATVs to explore the area. Some accommodations may offer shuttle services to nearby beaches or attractions.

Where to Go Next from Mazunte: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Zipolite: A nearby village known for its hippie vibe and clothing-optional beach.
  • Huautulco: A resort town located approximately 2 hours away from Mazunte, known for its luxury resorts, golf courses, and beaches.
  • Monte Alban: The ancient ruins of a pre-Columbian city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located approximately 6 hours away from Mazunte.

Conclusion

Mazunte is a hidden gem along the Pacific Coast of Mexico, offering visitors a perfect blend of beautiful natural scenery, vibrant local culture, and sustainable tourism practices. Whether you’re looking to surf, hike, or relax on the beach, Mazunte has something to offer everyone. Plan your trip now and experience the beauty and tranquility of this unique destination!

The main beach with Punta Cometa in the background The main beach with Punta Cometa in the background Colectivo are the cheapest way into Mazunte from the main bus station Colectivo are the cheapest way into Mazunte from the main bus station The main street The main street Sea turtle swimming in aquarium tank at the National Turtle Center Sea turtle swimming in aquarium tank at the National Turtle Center The tip of Punta Cometa The tip of Punta Cometa A typical Palapa Restaurant A typical Palapa Restaurant Viewing down from the cliff to the rock pool Viewing down from the cliff to the rock pool