Visiting Mazunte, a coastal village with a bohemian vibe
A small village on the Oaxacan coast, Mazunte draws you in with its untouched natural setting and laid-back pace. Located in the state of Oaxaca, it attracts travelers looking for quiet, eco-conscious experiences and rugged, undeveloped beaches. You will not find massive hotel chains or crowds here. Instead, you will find a community committed to preserving its environment and maintaining an alternative lifestyle.
Playa Mazunte and Punta Cometa
Playa Mazunte is a long stretch of golden sand bordered by powerful surf, which often produces significant waves. It feels less crowded than the neighboring beaches of Zipolite and San Agustinillo, making it a solid spot for relaxing or watching local fishermen head out at dawn.
At the western edge of the village, Punta Cometa is a rocky headland that offers some of the best sunset views in the region, with a panoramic look over the Pacific.
The Mexican Turtle Center
Mazunte is a key location for marine turtle protection. The Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga details the history of the area, which was once known for intensive turtle hunting before the practice was banned in the 1990s. Today, the center educates visitors on the conservation of several species and offers guided tours.
Nearby beaches: San Agustinillo and Mermejita
Just a few minutes from Mazunte, San Agustinillo offers a calmer beach that is better suited for swimming and snorkeling. It is a popular alternative to Mazunte, especially if you are looking for safer water conditions. Further off the grid, Mermejita is an isolated beach north of Punta Cometa where the waves are often heavy and swimming is discouraged, but it is a great spot if you want total privacy.
Alternative vibes and wellness
Mazunte is a hub for wellness, drawing visitors for yoga retreats, holistic treatments, and meditation classes. Several centers offer drop-in sessions for travelers in spaces designed for relaxation. The village also hosts the Festival Internacional de Jazz every year, which brings a surge of energy to the evenings.
Cuisine with Pacific flavors
The food in Mazunte highlights fresh seafood and Oaxacan influences. The tlayuda, a large, thin, crispy tortilla topped with beans, cheese, and grilled meat, is a must-try. Pescados zarandeados, which are fish grilled with a spicy marinade, are another local specialty. To finish, a glass of artisanal mezcal, the iconic spirit of the state of Oaxaca, is standard practice.
Where to eat?
- La Ola (Playa Mazunte): A beachside restaurant known for its seafood and cocktails.
- El Armadillo (Center): Local, organic food served in a quiet atmosphere.
- Alessandro (San Agustinillo): An excellent Italian spot if you want a change of pace.
- Cometa Café (Center): A go-to address for breakfast or a quality cup of coffee.
Where to stay?
- Zoa Hotel (Mermejita): An upscale hotel with incredible ocean views.
- Posada del Arquitecto (Center): A bohemian option featuring wood cabins and a friendly, communal feel.
- Casa Pan de Miel (San Agustinillo): A charming spot with a pool and direct beach access.
- Cabañas Balamjuyuc (Near Punta Cometa): Rustic cabins perched on the hillside, ideal for nature lovers.
When to go?
The best time to visit Mazunte is from November to April, during the dry season, when temperatures are pleasant and rain is rare. From June through September, the rainy season can make some local roads difficult to navigate.
The village hosts the Festival Internacional de Jazz in November, an event that draws a significant number of visitors.
How to get there?
Mazunte does not have its own airport. The closest is Huatulco (about 50 km away), which has connections from Mexico City and Oaxaca. From Huatulco or Puerto Escondido, you can catch local collective taxis or buses, which take about 1.5 hours to reach the village.
Getting around
The village of Mazunte is small and easily walkable. To explore the neighboring beaches, taxis and mototaxis are available, though renting a scooter is a practical way to get around.
Very pleasant surprise, this little fishing village that is Mazunte.
It is not too well known and not too crowded. You can therefore enjoy beautiful beaches, go snorkeling to see multicolored fish and even turtles, without feeling like you are in a vacation factory.
And the locals are super friendly and open!