BEACHES IN OAXACA
Beaches in OAXACA
The beaches of the coast of the state of Oaxaca are among the most beautiful and complete in Mexico, thanks to a developing tourist infrastructure and the rich gastronomy of the Pacific. Along the 533 kilometers of coastline, the beaches of Oaxaca offer a wide variety of activities for lovers of water sports: snorkeling, diving, sport fishing, surfing, among others… there is something for everyone!
Map of Beaches in OAXACA
HUATULCO
Huatulco is one of the main travel destinations on the southern coast of Mexico. It comprises dozens of picturesque beaches of different types and sizes, along the Pacific coast. Whether you want to dive among coral reefs and colorful fish, or enjoy the local delicacies offered by the charming little beachfront towns, the region is ideal for vacationing.
Drive a car or travel by boat from Santa Cruz until Delivery, one of the most hidden beaches in the area of Santa Cruz in Huatulco. Soak up the soft sand while your children play with their buckets and shovels. Swim in the calm waters of the Pacific Ocean. Bring your scuba gear or rent snorkel gear on the beach to swim with the fish around the colorful reef.
Take a break for lunch or a meal at one of the charming restaurants around the bay. Fresh oysters are a specialty of the place. After the crowds leave in the afternoon, stick around to quietly watch the sunset.
Visit the neighbor Chahué Beach, which is surrounded by moss-covered cliffs and hills. Lie on the beach that is often empty of people and listen to the waves crash against the rocks. After sunbathing during the day, take a night walk in the town of La Crucecita. This charming area has a plaza, shops and traditional restaurants where you can buy homemade ice cream. Listen to typical Mexican folk music and mariachi, while enjoying a tropical drink of coconut water or mezcal.
Spend an afternoon at the beach in San Agustín Beach, just over a kilometer and a half (one mile) long, in the western region of Santa Cruz. Dinner next to the beach in one of the small restaurants that serve fresh fish and seafood. Dive in the calm waters or go snorkeling over the shallow reef.
Many visitors combine a visit to Oaxaca with a trip to Huatulco, which is 370 kilometers (230 miles) to the north. After a few days of exploring the cobblestone streets of the colonial city inland, take a well-deserved break on the beaches of Huatulco.
Huatulco is a very complete tourist destination and the most famous in the entire state. It is characterized not only by its wide range of tourist services, but also by its beautiful landscapes that have made it a protected natural area.
The beaches of Huatulco are a very good alternative to visit with the family, since they have such gentle waves that some even look like natural pools.
The nine bays of Huatulco are:
- “Conejos Bay”
- “Tangolunda Bay”
- “Chahué Bay”
- “Santa Cruz Bay”
- “Órgano Bay”
- “Maguey Bay”
- “Cacaluta Bay”
- “Chachacual Bay”
- “San Agustín Bay”
Do you want a luxury accommodation? If so, Tangolunda bay is your ideal option. In the most exclusive bay of Huatulco, most of Huatulco Hotels they are all inclusive of international chains with several options of restaurants, swimming pool, entertainment and a privileged location facing the sea.
Guided Tours in HUATULCO
Tourism in PUERTO ESCONDIDO
Puerto Escondido is one of the best coastal towns in the Mexican Pacific, which is why it is very famous among backpackers, families, honeymooners and surfers. Soak up the sun on the beautiful beaches, ride the big waves, and observe the colorful marine life of this region. In the evening, choose from bohemian bars, seafood restaurants, and friendly nightclubs. Puerto Escondido is also an ideal starting point for ecotourism adventures and coffee tours.
The beaches, which stretch in both directions from Playa Principal, are the area’s biggest attraction. You can reach them on foot, by taxi or by water taxi. Watch expert surfers ride the big waves at famous Playa Zicatela or learn to surf the gentle waves at La Punta. The bay of Puerto Angelito is located west of the city center and has two small family beaches.
Head to Puerto Angelito Beach to snorkel, take part in dolphin-watching excursions, and relax at the casual beachfront restaurants. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and calm water of neighboring Manzanillo Beach. Travel west of this area to reach the isolated beaches of Carrizalillo and Bacocho, which are surrounded by cliffs and are ideal places to watch the best sunsets.
Enjoy nature on kayak and birdwatching tours through lagoons surrounded by mangroves. The Manialtepec Lagoon is located just 11 miles (18 kilometers) from Puerto Escondido, while the Lagunas de Chacahua National Park is about an hour’s drive west of the city. Learn about the old fishing customs and try traditional swordfish dishes in the town of Mazunte.
Visit the Mexican Turtle Center, which is dedicated to the conservation of sea turtles. You can also take other common day trips, such as tours of the coffee plantations that are located in the surroundings, such as Finca El Faro and Finca El Pacífico. When you return to the city, have fun in the bars, nightclubs and restaurants of El Adoquín. Visit the artisan shops and stop to watch the street performers. The area around Playa Zicatela is also full of nightlife options and is very popular with surfers.
Take a flight to Puerto Escondido International Airport, which is less than a 10-minute drive from the city center. The climate in this region is warm and sunny all year round, and you can find an especially lively atmosphere during the November Fiestas, which last all month and include music, dance, food and surf events. When you visit this beach destination in Oaxaca, don’t miss: Take a surf lesson to master the waves Visit Lagunas de Chacahua National Park Walk along El Adoquín and buy souvenirs See the bioluminescence in the Manialtepec lagoon
The Hotel options in Puerto Escondido are varied, from small accommodations at cheap rates to luxury hotels.
ZIPOLITE
Zipolite in Oaxaca stands out among the Beaches of Mexico, for being the place with almost total exclusivity where you can practice nudism without any restrictions. In fact, this is the reason why it receives a large number of European tourists during the year. Zipolite is the first beach that is positioned as a true nudist area in Mexico.
As the story goes, in the 60s there was a total solar eclipse and people gathered near this unspoiled area to observe it. While the event was taking place, they found out about the existence of the little paradise and decided to enjoy its waters under the influence of its hippie essence: naked. Can you imagine how comforting it is to enjoy water, sun and heat in such a natural way? This beach is ideal to experience that feeling of well-being and fulfillment. The best thing is that everyone is on their business and there is no one to criticize or judge.
Relax on the beach, in this place of golden sand, open sea and intense waves, it is better to have evenings of contemplation than to go swimming because most of the year the tide is strong. It is recommended to buy food and drink in the palapas that surround Zipolite and lie down to contemplate its blue waters.
Get your cameras ready to take photos of the stunning sunsets! When the sun goes down the atmosphere is delicious because everything becomes even more hippie and relaxed. On its main street, the only cobbled street in Zipolite, you will find some small bars and many artists doing street shows.
There are several venues and restaurants offering live music and groups like The Doors, Janis Joplin, Bob Marley and Led Zeppelin rumble along the walls. In the palapas the party is also good and they organize bonfires with dances and bongos. Shambhala is a small ceremonial center located on top of a Zipolite hill; It is also known as the “Hill of Meditation”.
Here tourists come to have spiritual encounters and to be in contact with nature. They organize activities with healers and healing experts. If you stay several days in Zipolite, go to San Agustinillo, a small town located a few kilometers away where you can surf and on days when the tide is not high, swim.
Make sure to go to Mazunte to spend an afternoon there and on the way to Punta Cometa, the most prominent mountain in Mexico in the South Pacific where you climb to see incredible sunsets or discover beaches that are hidden between huge rocks. Also take the opportunity to visit the beaches of Puerto Ángel such as La Boquilla, a secret and intimate place; in this area it is possible to practice snorkeling or kayaking.
If you want to eat very fresh seafood, we suggest Bahía Camarón and Playa Camarones. While walking or sunbathing, some people are likely to approach them to offer group tours to see places near Zipolite aboard boats. They are recommended tours because, in addition to being cheap, they allow you to observe unspoiled landscapes and epic sunsets.
Accommodations in Zipolite are modest and not at all sumptuous. However, you will find good places with all services.
MAZUNTE
Mazunte, Oaxaca is one of the treasures of Mexico, it is even considered one of the magical towns of Oaxaca for its various tourist spots, delicious cuisine and impressive ecosystems. Mazunte is a small town, located on the Pacific coast in the State of Oaxaca. Very popular for its sea turtles and currently one of the meeting points of the same, most important worldwide.
Without a doubt you will be able to swim and enjoy the sun on one of the most beautiful beaches in Oaxaca, so we recommend bringing a camera to document the good times of your trip. In addition, it is one of the favorite places to camp in Mexico; Since the weather in Mazunte is ideal to enjoy one or two nights under the starry sky while you sleep to the rhythm of listening to the waves hitting.
Places to visit in Mazunte Mazunte
Mexico has many must-see places that you must visit. You certainly have to discover why they are so popular and recommended for family visits.
Mexican Turtle Center. First of all, this center is dedicated to the protection, care and conservation of the sea turtles that visit this side of the Mexican coast.
Laguna Ventanilla. This impressive destination will not only create awareness of the benefits of caring for the environment, it will also impress you by the spectacular roots of hundreds of trees and the sighting of reptiles such as crocodiles, that live there.
Punta Cometa. It is one of the Mazunte beaches that you must visit, we recommend you start going up to the beach at 4:30 pm, to enjoy one of the most beautiful visual shows in Oaxaca. however, it is characterized by its strong waves that make it practically unsuitable for swimming.
Mermejita Beach. If you need a place to disconnect, Playa Mermejita is the right place to do so, so we recommend staying in the various cabins in the area. Be careful with the sea there! It is not very convenient to go swimming, because its waves are very strong and an accident could occur.
Mazunte Beach. In the first place, this beach has an extension of 1 kilometer of golden sand, with warm, beautiful and crystalline waters; that stand out for their green tones. Looking like an almost virgin place. It is the ideal place to have a quiet time and enjoy the sound of strong waves in the sea. In addition to contemplating sunrises or meditating with ease, due to the low number of people you will find.
El Rinconcito. For its part, El Rinconcito has little waves because it is located at the end of the bay. For this reason, it is usually the most visited in the area.
As for lodging in Mazunte, it is generally cheaper than in Huatulco as it is a fairly quiet destination and without large resorts. The options are charming and blend in perfectly with the natural surroundings of the place.
More Tourist Attractions in OAXACA
Santo Domingo Cultural Center
The Santo Domingo Cultural Center is a cultural complex that is located in what was one of the most important convents in the colony. It is a large convent in which the Museum of the Cultures of Oaxaca, the Fray Francisco de Burgoa Library and the Ethnobotanical Garden have been established. The Néstor Sánchez Public Newspaper Library is located in a building that is part of the complex but dates from the 19th century.… Read More
Monte Alban
Monte Alban is the most important archaeological zone of the Oaxacan entity, of unique regional importance due to the religious, political and economic control that the Zapotec state exercised over the population of the Valley of Oaxaca for more than thirteen centuries. It has been named by UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Humanity together with the city of Oaxaca on December 11, 1987. The heritage of the Zapotec world reaches us through the magnificent archaeological sites designed in the Valley of Oaxaca. Of these, the city of Monte Albán stands out for its enormous importance as an economic, political and religious hub (it was the first urban complex in Mesoamerica); by its extension, almost as big as the current capital of Oaxaca; and for its long life, started around 500 BC and concluded around 850 AD.… Read More
La Guelaguetza
The Guelaguetza is an ancient tradition with pre-Hispanic roots related to agricultural ceremonies of gratitude to the gods for the arrival of the rains and the lifting of the harvest at the end of July and is the largest festival in Oaxaca. La Guelaguetza is a celebration of gratitude for the arrival of the rains and the harvests, in which representatives from all regions of the state gather in the capital to share their culture through dances, crafts and food. La Guelaguetza is celebrated every year on the two Mondays after July 16, except when the first Monday is July 18, Benito Juárez’s death anniversary. Many types of dances also participate, such as the traditional Flor de Piña; where women usually dress in Huipiles representing the different regions of the state, as well as with their pineapple on their shoulders, they comb their hair with beautiful long braids accompanied by their ribbons and can not missing her accessories that is, bracelets, necklaces and earrings of precious colors and her beautiful makeup.… Read More
Mezcal
Mezcal is a rich, handcrafted flavored drink that requires considerable attention to be produced. Mezcal is normally served with white salt or worm salt (salt mixed with a cooked larva and ground chili), lemon or orange. Mezcal production today remains more or less as it was when the Spanish arrived hundreds of years ago. Each “recipe” is transmitted from generation to generation within the families that care about its production; Because each family has its own approach to mezcal production, there are an enormous number of different flavors. It is also in this way that the rich diversity of flavors and traditions are preserved for all to enjoy.… Read More
Archaeological Sites in Oaxaca
Oaxaca is famous throughout the world for its archaeological sites and the history they keep. Discover Monte Alban, Mitla, Yagul and more of these remote sites, which have made Oaxaca a World Heritage city, according to Unesco. The original Zapotec and Mixtec peoples of Oaxaca lived in the cities and religious centers of the valley of this city until the time of Spanish colonization. Today, there are still vestiges of these towns and places where you can meet them.… Read More
Ecotourism and Adventure in Oaxaca
Oaxaca, located in the southeast of Mexico, is an example of a singular miscegenation that even in the midst of modernity never forgets its origins. In its varied geography, it brings together not only a vast biodiversity, considered among the largest in the world, but also insurmountable cultural and ethnic riches, and the most different and beautiful natural settings. An ideal space for Alternative Tourism, Oaxaca offers activities such as walking, mountain biking, rappelling, climbing, zip-lining, horseback riding, observation of flora and fauna and more, in close contact with nature. The visitor can also witness the various aspects of local life, savor the gastronomy and enjoy the warmth of its people, as well as an offer of accommodation in hotels, ecotourism cabins, local houses or excellent camping areas.… Read More
Magical Towns in Oaxaca
In Oaxaca we are proud to have 5 communities that have been awarded the title of Magical Towns of Mexico, a Magical Town is a town that has symbolic attributes, legends, history, transcendent events, everyday life, in short magic that they emanate in each of their socio-cultural manifestations, and that today mean a great opportunity for tourist use. The Magic Towns Program contributes to revalue a group of populations in the country that have always been in the collective imagination of the nation as a whole and that represent fresh and different alternatives for national and foreign visitors.… Read More
Gastronomy of Oaxaca
The Oaxacan gastronomy takes you on an amazing journey into one of the most outstanding and colorful cuisines in the world. Oaxacan food is among the most varied and delicious in Mexico, UNESCO has declared it Humanity’s Cultural Patrimony. Oaxaca’s gastronomy incorporates elements of pre-Hispanic cuisine, and lively imagination has created combinations that amaze by the color, the aromas and the flavors.
The list of dishes that characterize this cuisine is endless, however, we can mention: Oaxacan Mole in its 7 varieties depending on the type of chili used, Chapulines, (dry roasted, spiced grasshoppers), tlayudas (large tortilla spread with the remaining of the lard and beans), maguey worm sauce, chiles rellenos (stuffed chilies), and of course the famous Oaxacan tamales in banana leaves. Oaxaca cheese is a soft white string cheese, which is similar to mozzarella. It is sold in “ropes” which are wound onto themselves into balls, and eaten cold or lightly melted on quesadillas is considered among the best in the world.… Read More
Oaxaca City Surroundings
Oaxaca is a destination that offers a great variety of attractions and tourist charms which leave anyone surprised. When arriving in the city of Oaxaca, the most common is to visit the historic center, the Santo Domingo Temple, the Macedonio Tourist Walk, the gastronomic delights in the Benito Juárez market, the Basilica de la Soledad, among other attractions. And one of the places that you cannot miss is the Monte Alban archaeological zone, which is approximately 30 minutes by car from the historic center. However, there are other places that are also worth knowing and are in the surroundings of the city. For this reason we recommend the following tourist routes.… Read More
Traditions of Oaxaca
In the state of Oaxaca there are many customs and traditions throughout the year, and within the state, said that they have the same purpose of celebration but with different things, in fact from one region to another or even more from one town to another, the Customs vary for perhaps details but that is what makes them authentic. All the holidays are celebrated, the profane and the religious ones. The festival calendar is extensive due to the diversity of ethnic groups, which they still conserve. Oaxaca has a combination in its traditions of the culture of the ancestors and the current culture, a state that does not lose its customs, adapts them to new times and needs.… Read More
Handicrafts from Oaxaca
Handicrafts from Oaxaca are a great tradition and they offer a diversity that denotes the artistic richness and imagination of its people. The talented artisans of Oaxaca make beautiful pieces of clay, textiles, wood, metal, skins and other materials, forming a rich and varied folk art in both decorative and useful items.… Read More
Oaxaca City
Oaxaca is the most diverse state in Mexico. It has peaks that reach more than 3,000 meters high, caverns that are among the deepest in the world, virgin beaches, secluded forests, and sunlit valleys. Oaxaca is rich in traditions and customs and has the largest ethnic population found in Mexico.
The City of Oaxaca, the state capital, is famous for its architecture and for its rich cultural traditions. Oaxaca is also graced by a splendid and varied cuisine and spring-like weather year round. UNESCO declared the city a Cultural Heritage Site.… Read More
Guided Tours in OAXACA
Flights & Hotels in OAXACA
More Tourist Attractions in MEXICO
Traditions in Mexico
It is practically impossible to make a meticulous, and above all, accurate selection of the places to visit in Mexico. Each place that our country houses is unique and beautiful in its own way. Mexico, with its nearly 2 million km², has a large number of scenarios to offer, as well as endless activities to do. Do not lose your way and enter the places to visit in Mexico. In Mexico, apart from the beaches and its famous archaeological sites, there are many other really interesting sites and activities that you should know. In the surroundings of the main cities you will find places full of culture and tradition, where you can spend relaxing, interesting and fun vacations. On your trip through Mexico you cannot stop obtaining souvenirs, the crafts that are made here are of the highest quality and recognized worldwide. A shopping tour cannot be missed.… Read More
States Of Mexico
Mexico has an incredible diversity of landscapes, where the beauty of its beaches, internationally recognized, stands out. In its vast territory of coasts, there are beaches of unparalleled beauty, and colorful landscapes. A large network of first-class hotels and tourist services is available to visitors to these beaches. Mexico is also mystical places, dotted with archaeological testimonies inherited from its original inhabitants. Monuments made by the Mayas, Aztecs and Toltecs are located in magical landscapes, like lighthouses in an ocean of natural beauty. They offer visitors buildings that tell their history, and museums that collect their cultural heritage. And that keep alive ancestral traditions, in ceremonies and festivals, where you can enjoy cultural activities and entertainment.… Read More
Magical Towns
A Magical Town is a place with symbols and legends, towns with history that in many cases have been the scene of transcendent events for our country, they are places that show the national identity in each of its corners, with a magic that emanates from its attractions ; visiting them is an opportunity to discover the charm of Mexico. The Magical Towns Program contributes to revalue a set of populations in the country that have always been in the collective imagination of the nation and that represent fresh and varied alternatives for national and foreign visitors. A town that through time and in the face of modernity, has conserved, valued and defended its historical, cultural and natural heritage; and manifests it in various expressions through its tangible and intangible heritage. A Magical Town is a town that has unique, symbolic attributes, authentic stories, transcendent events, everyday life, which means a great opportunity for tourist use, taking into account the motivations and needs of travelers.… Read More
Archaeological Sites
The Archaeological Zones are the cultural past of every Mexican. You will be amazed at the ambient, nature and the environment that surrounds them. Climbing to the top or being around it will take us back in time to admire every detail. México is a country of culture and traditions, many of which we have inherited from the pre-Hispanic inhabitants of this vast territory, although it is true that there were more settlements in the central and southern part of the country, it is also possible to find some archaeological remains in the north.
… Read More
Beaches
On the Beaches of Mexico you can immerse yourself in the intense blue ocean of the Pacific bays, sunbathe on the shore of the warm and transparent waves of the Caribbean Sea in Quintana Roo or even rest on the beautiful coasts of the Gulf of Mexico. Mexican beaches hide wonderful secrets for the traveler. By visiting them, in addition to enjoying the excellent climate and water activities, you can discover splendid archaeological sites and interesting colonial cities without traveling long distances.… Read More
Ecotourism and Adventure
Mexico is one of the best countries for Ecotourism as it has a great variety of flora and fauna, as well as a large number of refuges for extraordinary species. You can enjoy recreational activities of appreciation and knowledge of nature through contact with it, such as: stargazing, observation of natural attractions, wildlife and bird watching. Throughout México there are more than 176 protected natural areas, 5 of them considered by UNESCO as Natural Heritage of Humanity. Just for this and much more, we believe that Mexico is a Paradise for Ecotourism.… Read More
Gastronomy
The Gastronomy of Mexico has a great diversity of typical dishes, which is why it was recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The basic and representative ingredients of Mexican dishes are: corn, coriander, chili, beans, piloncillo, nopal and tomato. Mexican cuisine is also characterized by its sauces, which serve as an accompaniment to traditional dishes, prepared based on spices.… Read More
Capital Cities
Folklore, gastronomy, literary culture, art and exhibitions, is what you will find in the capitals of the states of Mexico. To the north, colonial Mexico, Puebla, Guadalajara, Guanajuato, the Sonoran desert and the California peninsula. To the east Veracruz and the gulf. To the west Acapulco, Oaxaca and Tuxtla Gutiérrez. And to the south the Riviera Maya and the pyramids of Chichén-Itzá, Tulúm and Cobá in Yucatán, Palenque in Chiapas, the cenotes, and the Central American jungles.… Read More