Looking for the best things to do in Mazunte? This laid-back coastal gem blends beach bliss, boho vibes, and barefoot adventure.
Mazunte is one of those rare coastal towns that seems to hum on a different frequency. Set along Oaxaca’s wild and breathtaking Pacific shoreline, this tiny beach enclave has long attracted travelers seeking something slower, more soulful, and decidedly off the grid. Once a sea turtle fishing village, Mazunte, Oaxaca, has transformed over the past few decades into a haven for yoga practitioners, spiritual seekers, and bohemian wanderers chasing sun, surf, and stillness.
Today, it’s known for its eco-conscious ethos, earthy cafes, rustic boutique stays, and a laid-back rhythm that feels a world away from Mexico’s more polished resort towns. There are no high-rises or mega beach clubs here—just sandy-footed mornings, mezcal-fueled sunsets, and an ever-present scent of copal wafting through the air.
But while Mazunte’s free-spirited vibe enchants many, it’s not for everyone. The town leans more toward cacao ceremonies than cocktails, with a strong backpacker and hippie energy that might feel too rustic—or too “woo-woo”—for those of us accustomed to five-star amenities and polished service.
That said, I just spent a wonderful fortnight on the Oaxacan coast- from Mazunte to Puerto Angel-, and Mazunte was where I found myself most deeply rooted. Of all the beach towns I visited—each with its own rhythm and allure—Mazunte stood out for its raw beauty, its authenticity, and the way time seemed to stretch and soften here.
In this guide, I’ll share the best things to do in Mazunte, from its cliffside viewpoints to the hidden beaches only locals whisper about, along with where to stay, what to eat, and a few ways to sink into the magic.
12 Best Things to Do in Mazunte, Oaxaca
1. Have a Beach Day
One of the essential things to do in Mazunte is to embrace its unhurried beach lifestyle. The town’s main beach is a natural gathering place—perfect for sunbathing, sipping coconuts, or catching sunset as the sky turns fiery over the Pacific.
Whether you’re stretching out on the sand, dipping into the waves, or wandering to one of the quieter nearby beaches for a bit more solitude, a beach day here isn’t just an activity—it’s a way of syncing up with Mazunte’s slow, soulful rhythm. Here are some of my favorite beaches in Mazunte- where to go for that quintessential Oaxacan beach day.
Important Side note: While Mazunte’s beaches are undeniably beautiful, most of them aren’t ideal for swimming. Strong waves and rip currents are common, especially at Playa Mermejita and Playa Cometa. Even Playa Mazunte, which looks deceptively calm at times, can be risky. If you’re not an experienced ocean swimmer, it’s best to stay close to shore—or better yet, stick to sunbathing, wading, and wave-watching. Make sure to always pay attention to the beach flags present.
Rinconcito
Tucked into the eastern end of town, Rinconcito is a lively little pocket where beach meets village life. It’s where many end up staying thanks to its concentration of hostels, budget-friendly hotels, yoga shalas, juice bars, and barefoot cafés spilling out onto sandy lanes.
There’s an energy here—laid-back but social—that captures the essence of Mazunte: hammock mornings, surfboard sightings, and music drifting out of beachside bungalows. It’s also one of the best spots to catch a casual beachside dinner without straying far from the shoreline. For beach day, this is the most lively place to be.
Playa Mazunte
The heart of it all, Playa Mazunte is the town’s main beach and likely where you’ll spend a bit of your time. It’s vibrant without being crowded, with golden sand, a handful of rustic palapas, and just enough waves to keep things interesting. This is the place to linger—grab a beer at a beachfront shack, watch local kids play fútbol at sunset, or do absolutely nothing at all. The atmosphere is chill, unpretentious, and endlessly watchable.
Playa Cometa
If you only hike once in Mazunte, make it to Playa Cometa, a hidden little crescent that feels almost mythical. Tucked beneath Punta Cometa, the rocky headland that marks the southernmost point of Oaxaca, this beach is best reached on foot and best visited at golden hour.
It’s small, wild, and often nearly deserted—a pocket of peace where time seems to pause and the light is nothing short of cinematic. For me personally, this beach spot was one of my favorites.
Playa Mermejita
Just beyond the town’s western edge, Playa Mermejita is the dramatic, untamed cousin of Playa Mazunte. It’s long, windswept, and often empty, with a raw energy that draws a more meditative crowd. I spent many quiet afternoons here—walking the shoreline, picnicking under the sun with local friends, or simply watching the waves crash in rhythmic defiance.
Swimming isn’t recommended—the waves can be intense—but for a barefoot stretch or a moment of solitude as the sun sinks into the Pacific, Mermejita is unmatched.
Playa La Ventanilla
A short colectivo ride, scooter, or tuk-tuk away, Playa La Ventanilla offers a completely different vibe. Backed by a mangrove lagoon and part of a local conservation area, the beach is quieter, wider, and teeming with nature.
Here, you can take a guided boat tour through the mangroves, spot crocodiles, and visit the local turtle sanctuary—making it the perfect escape when you’re ready to trade beach lounging for a bit of eco-adventure.
2. Watch the Sunset at Punta Cometa
No list of things to do in Mazunte would be complete without a sunset pilgrimage to Punta Cometa—the most iconic viewpoint on the Oaxacan coast. This rocky promontory juts out into the Pacific like the bow of a ship, offering 270-degree views of sky, sea, and the occasional whale tail in the distance.
As the sun begins to dip, follow the dirt path through scrubby forest and cactus groves to gather on the cliffs. It’s a shared ritual—quiet, reverent, and downright cinematic. I went more than once, and it never got old, even though it does get quite crowded.
If you’re planning to make the hike (which is easy and short, but best done in decent shoes), we’ve put together a full guide to Punta Cometa with tips on timing, trail access, and the best viewing spots.
Bring water, leave before it’s fully dark, and whatever you do—don’t skip it. This is Mazunte magic at its finest.
3. Dive into the Food Scene
Mazunte’s food scene is refreshingly down-to-earth. You won’t find tasting menus or Michelin stars here, but what you will find is soulful cooking, fresh-as-it-gets seafood, and barefoot restaurants that punch well above their weight in flavor. The town leans rustic—think beach cafés with handwritten menus and flickering candlelight—but the ingredients are local, the kitchens are passionate, and the vibe is always right.
For a taste of Oaxacan tradition, La Empanada is a no-brainer—serving up handmade empanadas, quesadillas, and tlayudas filled with flor de calabaza, cheese, or huitlacoche. When lunchtime rolls around, head to La Tertulia or Umami for unfussy but flavorful plates—think fresh fish, veggie bowls, and local specials at wallet-friendly prices. El Armadillo is one of the best choices for Mexican-meets-veggie-Middle-Eastern grub that’s very good indeed.
If your accommodation doesn’t offer breakfast, Doba or Ícaro Café are standouts, with excellent coffee, homemade pastries, and egg dishes that hit the spot after an early morning beach walk.
Read more: Best Restaurants in Mazunte, Oaxaca
4. Take a Morning Yoga Class
Wellness isn’t a trend in Mazunte—it’s woven into the fabric of daily life. One of the most grounding things to do in Mazunte is to start your morning with a yoga class, and there’s truly no better place to do it than at Hridaya Yoga.
Perched on a hill overlooking the ocean, Hridaya is more than a yoga school—it’s a spiritual sanctuary. Their sunrise classes are slow, meditative, and deeply rooted in self-inquiry, blending traditional Hatha yoga with silent awareness. Even if you’re not on a full retreat, drop-in classes are open to all and offer a beautifully introspective way to begin the day – I loved coming here each morning to flow as the sun came up. A great way to begin the day.
5. Experience Mazunte’s Spiritual Therapies
Stay in Mazunte long enough, and it won’t be long before you start noticing flyers for ecstatic dance rituals, cacao ceremonies, soul path alignment, and shamanic astrology. It’s all part of the town’s spiritual undercurrent, a kind of mystical menu that draws seekers from all corners of the globe.
While I’ll admit I’m personally a bit skeptical of most things that involve aligning with Mercury or invoking my inner jaguar, there’s no denying that this scene is a big part of what makes Mazunte, well… Mazunte. If you’re curious, open-minded, or simply looking to try something new, there’s a wide range of alternative therapies and spiritual workshops on offer—some led by seasoned practitioners, others by free spirits with great vibes and even better incense.
If you’re here to unlock your throat chakra or just want to see what ecstatic dance looks like under a full moon, Mazunte offers a unique space to explore healing in its many, many forms. Just follow the flyers—or the sound of the crystal bowls.
6. Visit the Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga
Mazunte was once a hub for sea turtle hunting—until the tides turned and conservation efforts took hold. Today, the town is home to the Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga, a government-run turtle center that aims to protect and educate visitors about the many turtle species that inhabit Mexico’s coasts. The center is home to dozens of turtles—some in rehabilitation, others seemingly permanent residents—and offers a glimpse into the incredible biodiversity of this region.
It’s an especially popular stop for families and anyone curious about the region’s ecological story. But it’s worth visiting with a thoughtful eye. The conditions for the turtles here aren’t ideal—many are kept in small, dirty pools, and questions have been raised about the long-term care and purpose of the facility. Why are so many turtles still here? Shouldn’t a true sanctuary work toward releasing them back into their natural habitat?
The line between sanctuary and zoo can feel a little blurry. Still, the center plays a role in local conservation history and awareness, and a visit can spark important conversations about the complexities of wildlife tourism. If you go, go informed—and consider supporting other efforts in the region that work toward sea turtle protection in the wild.
7. Hang out in San Agustinillo
Just a 20-minute walk or quick tuk-tuk ride from Mazunte, San Agustinillo feels like Mazunte’s quieter, more grown-up sibling. It’s essentially one long beachfront road lined with low-key boutique hotels, breezy cafés, and charming restaurants that strike a balance between rustic and refined.
The beach here is calmer and often better for swimming, and the overall vibe is a touch more polished—less dreadlocks and drum circles, more wide-brimmed hats and Aperol spritzes. I found myself slipping into a slow rhythm here: morning swims, lazy lunches by the sea, and long afternoons spent reading under a palapa with only the sound of the waves for company.
If you’re craving a break from Mazunte’s mysticism—or just want a fresh backdrop for your next coconut—San Agustinillo makes for an easy and endlessly pleasant change of pace.
8. Visit Laguna Ventanilla
A quick colectivo ride west of Mazunte deposits you at Laguna Ventanilla, a mangrove labyrinth lovingly managed by the local Zapotec community. Motors are forbidden, so you’ll glide through the waterways in a hand‑paddled canoe—just you, your guide, and the soundtrack of rustling palms and egret calls. Keep your eyes peeled for sun‑soaked iguanas, stealthy crocodiles, and the occasional turtle surfacing for air.
Guides share stories of reforestation and grassroots conservation while pointing out the nursery island where rescued deer and baby crocs are raised before (ideally) returning to the wild. Eco-tours are the only way to visit (book it here), and timing it right means you can join an early‑evening turtle release and watch hatchlings wobble into the surf—genuinely heart‑expanding stuff.
Pack mosquito repellent, a hat, and a sense of reverent quiet—noise carries on still water. Laguna Ventanilla is one of the top things to do in Mazunte to get closer to Oaxaca’s abundant natural environment.
9. Visit Playa Zipolite
Just a short colectivo or tuk‑tuk ride from Mazunte, Playa Zipolite is Oaxaca’s legendary free‑spirit beach—famed as Mexico’s only legal nude beach and celebrated for its unapologetic, hippie‑infused vibe. The soft, golden crescent of sand stretches about 1.5 km, lapped by Pacific waves that draw surfers during the afternoon swell and casual stroller-de‑challenge alike.
Zipolite is the perfect foil to Mazunte: more rambunctious, less polished, yet more in your face authentically Oaxaca. You’ll see topless sunbathers, maybe full nudity, beachside drum circles, and a laid‑back LGBTQ+ crowd mingling with backpackers and local families—all coexisting in a strangely harmonious freedom festival.
Strong currents and undertows here are infamous—this is the so‑called “Beach of the Dead”—and about 50 swimmers drown annually, although volunteer lifeguards and flag systems are now in place. So if you venture in, do it cautiously.
Pro tip: Mid‑afternoon is ideal—waves, people‑watching, yoga on the beach, a cocktail at sunset—and always, always keep an eye on the surf.
10. Explore Zipolite Town
While visiting Zipolite beach, it’s worth carving out some time to explore the town. The main street—locally known as the Adoquín—is lined with colorful murals, laid-back cafés, mezcal bars, and rustic lodging, creating a relaxed maze where culture and creativity coexist effortlessly.
Though small—only about a thousand locals—it pulses with a vibrant mix of tourists, backpackers, LGBTQ+ travelers, and free-thinkers who come together in a unique celebration of openness. You’ll spot drag shows, drum circles, and wanderers in wide-brimmed hats sipping cocktails as easily as you’ll see naturists strolling barefoot.
It’s the kind of place where schedules don’t matter and everyday is an invitation to slow down. Grab a coffee at a sidewalk spot, browse handmade crafts, or simply sit and watch the world wander by. With the ocean as your soundtrack and an unmistakable undercurrent of bohemian charm, Zipolite town is where you immerse yourself in that hippie-by-the-sea life—unfiltered, unhurried, and unmissable.
11. Visit Puerto Angel
Just a short drive from Mazunte, Puerto Ángel offers a more traditional Oaxacan beach town experience—with a major bonus: some of the most swimmable waters on this stretch of coast. While much of the Pacific in this region is wild and wave-thrashed, Puerto Ángel’s Playa Panteón is a calm, sheltered cove perfect for safe swimming, snorkeling, and simply floating the afternoon away. It’s a favorite among locals and families for exactly that reason.
The town itself is charming in a no-frills way—fishing boats bob in the bay, seafood is served straight from the ocean, and the vibe is refreshingly down to earth. If you’re looking to escape the hippie haze of Mazunte for a day of sun, swim, and fresh ceviche, Puerto Ángel delivers.
And if you decide to linger (which you just might), Casa Baori is the perfect beachfront escape—stylish, serene, and just a few sandy steps from the sea.
12. Turtle Release at Playa Ventanilla
One of the most moving experiences you can have along the Oaxacan coast is witnessing—or better yet, participating in—a turtle release at Playa Ventanilla. (Also possible in Puerto Escondido if you’re heading there.) These liberation ceremonies typically take place at sunset during peak nesting season, which runs from July through January, when thousands of baby sea turtles begin their perilous journey to the ocean.
The process begins weeks earlier, when local conservation groups carefully collect and guard turtle eggs—often under threat from poachers who still sell them illegally, fueled by outdated beliefs that they’re an aphrodisiac. Sanctuaries like La Escobilla, the one at Ventanilla work hard to protect these eggs, incubating them in safe enclosures until they’re ready to hatch.
When the moment arrives, tourists are invited to help gently release the hatchlings onto the sand, watching as they scramble toward the waves under a glowing Pacific sky. It’s humbling, hopeful, and heartbreakingly beautiful. You can ask around town or stop by the Turtle Center in Mazunte to see if a release is happening during your visit.
Where to Stay in Mazunte, Oaxaca
Mazunte’s lodging scene mirrors the town’s dual personality—bohemian yet bespoke, rustic yet refined, and always rooted in coastal charm. Here are some of the best spots to drop your bags and soak up the vibe:
La Valise Mazunte – A newly opened adult-only cliffside retreat by renowned Mexican architects, this boutique hotel features just six elegant suites, private infinity pools, a secluded stretch of beach, yoga, spa services, and panoramic ocean views—the high bar for luxury in the area.
ZOA Hotel – Also adults-only and quietly tucked near the beach, ZOA offers modern rooms, a pool, free parking, and a pet-friendly policy. It’s right in the sweet spot between Mazunte and San Agustinillo. Where I stayed on my last trip.
YAM Hotel – A mellow boutique gem with jungle-chic design, breezy cabanas, tranquil communal areas, and easy beach access—ideal for travelers seeking peaceful simplicity.
Cocolia Hotel – An intimate, family-run property with just a few tastefully decorated rooms, a pool, free Wi‑Fi, and a friendly vibe—everything you need without excess.
Hotel El Copal – Rustic yet comfortable, with traditional huts and open-air architecture. Warm service, lush gardens, and yoga classes give this place strong eco-spiritual appeal.
Nearby in San Agustinillo, Monte Uzulu Boutique Hotel is just minutes away. This charming retreat sits on a hillside with ocean views, private pools, and a calm, upscale atmosphere—perfect if you’re after a slower-paced escape with boutique flair.
Where to Eat
Mazunte and nearby San Agustinillo offer a delicious array of down-to-earth eateries serving authentic Mexican fare, fresh seafood, and vibrant plant-based dishes. Here are my top spots, each with its own local flavor:
La Empanada – Hand-pressed empanadas and quesadillas showcasing Oaxacan fillings like flor de calabaza, huitlacoche, and cheese—perfect for a flavorful mid-day snack.
La Tertulia – Casual and almost always buzzing, this spot is beloved for its shrimp tacos and fresh sushi; the breezy beachside location doesn’t hurt either.
Umami – Simple, satisfying lunches with a local twist: fish and veggie bowls, daily specials, and healthy bites at wallet-friendly prices.
Doba – A favorite breakfast and brunch stop on your way to San Agustinillo, offering great coffee, homemade pastries, and hearty egg dishes.
El Armadillo – A hidden gem focused on vegan and plant-based Moroccan-inspired cuisine; large shareable plates like tagines and falafel make for a colorful, healthy dinner.
Read more: Best Restaurants in Mazunte, Oaxaca
How to Get to Mazunte
Mazunte is tucked along Oaxaca’s Pacific coast, and while it’s a bit off the beaten path, getting there is part of the adventure.
From Oaxaca City, the fastest option is to take a domestic flight to Huatulco Airport (HUX) and continue by taxi or shuttle—about a 2.5-hour drive. With the new highway now open, buses or colectivos via Pochutla or Zipolite have also become a quicker and more budget-friendly overland option, taking around 4 hours total.
If you’re coming from Puerto Escondido, Mazunte is about 1.5 to 2 hours by car—easily reached by colectivo, local bus, or private taxi (the latter being the most comfortable). If you’re taking a bus, you’ll need to most likely connect in San Antonio. Outside the OXXO, connect for a local colectivo truck that will take you to Mazunte.
From Huatulco, it’s a scenic 1.5-hour drive west along the coast. I prefer to use Rental Cars when renting a car in Mexico.
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