Mazunte is a charming village on the Pacific coast in the Oaxaca region of Mexico. The cliffs and beaches are beautiful, with wild waves you can enjoy for hours. At certain times of the year, you can also take a boat trip from Mazunte to spot migrating whales. It feels like a hidden paradise, not far from the city of Puerto Escondido, but far away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The relaxed atmosphere and friendly locals immediately made me feel at home.
Tip: Make sure to bring enough cash, as ATMs often don’t work in Mazunte.
Things to do in Mazunte
Discover the beaches
Playa Mazunte is the village’s main beach at the end of Mazunte’s ‘main street.’ The waves here are a bit high, but swimming is often possible with the necessary caution. The vibe here is very relaxed among the locals and the fishing pelicans. Thanks to the cliffs, you also have a shady spot, which is very nice in the hot weather.
A short walk east of Mazunte takes you to Playa San Agustinillo, a charming beach with good waves, perfect for surfing. There are a handful of surf schools and shops where you can rent a board. The village itself has a relaxed vibe with a few cozy cafes and restaurants.
Playa Mermejita, the westernmost beach of Mazunte, is a bit more remote and therefore quieter. Aside from one eatery, there are no buildings in sight, and the beach is surrounded by nature. So, make sure to bring enough water and snacks. You can take a beautiful walk to the rocks at Playa Mermejita. It’s best to do this in the morning or late afternoon when it’s cooler, as there are no shady spots. The waves here are quite strong and there is no lifeguard, so swimming is not recommended. However, a little wading with your feet is fine!
A fifteen-minute drive from Mazunte, you’ll find Playa Zipolite, the only legal nude beach in Mexico. Being nude is optional, so wearing clothes on the beach is no problem. The waves at Playa Zipolite are often strong, so swimming is often discouraged. This makes it a great spot to tackle the waves on your surfboard, which you can also rent here.
Hike to Punta Cometa
One of the most magical places in Mazunte is the cliff Punta Cometa, which is also the southernmost point of the Oaxaca region. Here, you can take a beautiful hike starting from a stone staircase at Playa Mazunte. From the cliffs, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the ocean. It is the perfect place to watch the sunset. With a bit of luck, you might see a whale spouting water in the distance or even see one breaching!
The view is stunning both from Punta Cometa and from Punta del Pescador, a bit further west on the cliff. This route offers a spectacular view of the rugged coastline and the vast ocean. The path is slightly more challenging, but the reward is a breathtaking view.
It’s also possible to reach the Punta Cometa beach via the paths, situated between the aforementioned viewpoints. The waves here are generally quite strong, so swimming is not advisable. Nevertheless, it’s a wonderfully peaceful spot with an amazing view.
Make sure to wear shoes with good grip and bring your mosquito spray. You’ll be walking uphill through the forest, and in the evening, there are plenty of mosquitoes. Midway through the hike, you’ll encounter an ‘entrance’ where you can continue your way after making a donation. This donation is important as the money is used for the preservation and maintenance of the area. Note that alcohol is not allowed at Punta Cometa, and your bag will be briefly checked at this ‘entrance.’
Whale watching
One of the highlights of a visit to Mazunte is spotting humpback whales. You can book a whale tour in Mazunte, often cheaper than in Puerto Escondido, with fewer boats on the water. This provides a more intimate and impressive experience, allowing you to admire these majestic animals up close. While seeing whales is not guaranteed, the best chance is during the migration season from December to March. Additionally, you often see dolphins on these tours, and sometimes you can even snorkel to see the dolphins swimming below you. Truly an unforgettable experience!
I booked my tour a few days in advance with Juan, a very friendly man with a lot of knowledge. If you want to book a tour with him, send him a message at least one day in advance at +52 958 100 7110.
Tours from Mazunte cost an average of 400 MXN and the boats always leave from Playa Mazunte in the early morning.
Wear flip flops or sandals that you can take off easily, because to get on the boat, you sometimes have to walk a bit through the sea. When I was there, the waves were quite high and we were pulled over the waves by another boat with perfect timing, which was quite impressive!
Take a yoga class
Mazunte is known for its yoga retreats. Scattered throughout the village, you’ll find several locations offering classes for all levels. Highly-rated yoga schools include Casa Om and Hridaya Yoga.
Canoe Trip through the Mangrove
Another fun activity is a canoe trip through the mangroves of Laguna Ventanilla. During this trip, you will discover a unique ecosystem full of wildlife such as crocodiles, birds, and reptiles. It’s a perfect way to explore nature and learn something new about the local flora and fauna. You can book tours at Ventanilla Community Ecotourism, which is a 10-minute drive from Mazunte.
Restaurants
Mazunte may be a small village, but it is full of fantastic restaurants and cafes. My absolute favorite is the Moroccan El Armadillo, where you can enjoy delicious vegetarian meals. Reservations are a must here, as the high quality is no longer a secret.
At Icaro Café, I had one of the best chocolate croissants ever. Healthy? Not really. Addictive? Absolutely! The popularity of these fresh sweet pastries is so great that they often sell out before 11:00 AM. So make sure to get there early!
How to get to Mazunte?
From Puerto Escondido, there are several options to travel to Mazunte, although there are currently no direct shuttles.
- A comfortable way is to take a first-class bus from the ADO busstation in Puerto Escondido to Pochutla. This ride takes about 1.5 hours and costs around 170 MXN. In Pochutla, you can transfer to a taxi that will take you to the center of Mazunte in about half an hour. The average price for the taxi ride is 300 MXN, but negotiating is certainly possible.
- An alternative route is via San Antonio, which is closer to Mazunte. Although first-class buses do not stop here, shuttle buses do. You can flag down these buses along the main road in Puerto Escondido, but it’s helpful to ask for more information at the bus station or your accommodation. As far as I know, it is not possible to book these shuttles in advance.
- If you have less time and prefer comfort, you can take a taxi directly from Puerto Escondido to Mazunte. This ride costs between 1,000 and 1,200 MXN.
Beste time to visit Mazunte
Mazunte can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences and what you hope to experience.
November to March: Dry Season and Whale Watching
The period from November to March is ideal for visiting Mazunte. The weather is quite pleasant with mild temperatures (25 – 30 °C) and little rain. This is also the best time to spot humpback whales, as they migrate along the Pacific coast during this season. The dry season offers many sunny days, perfect for exploring the beaches and nature.
April to June: Low Season
From April to June, the Pacific coast is generally quieter due to the low season. Temperatures begin to rise to above 30°C. This is a good time for travelers seeking a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere.
July to October: Rainy Season
During the rainy season, from July to October, there is more rain and higher humidity. Nature is at its most beautiful during this time, but outdoor activities can be quite sweaty. Although some days can be rainy, there are often dry periods that are perfect for outdoor activities.
