Mazunte, Mexico: Your Guide to Oaxaca's Ultimate Laid-Back Beach Village
After a grueling nine-hour journey from Oaxaca's outskirts—complete with a bumpy tuk-tuk ride, local bus, winding five-hour colectivo shuttle, and a 40-minute pickup truck haul—my travel companion Dani and I arrived at what we thought was a charming private hostel run by Carlos Einstein, a self-proclaimed shaman. The remote beachfront spot in Oaxaca, Mexico, promised adventure, but reality hit hard: Carlos had abandoned the derelict property months earlier for a spot in town.
Friendly but laid-back American managers explained the situation. Locals en route to his new place warned of safety concerns, including reports of sexual assaults on female travelers linked to Carlos. With sunset approaching and no alternatives, we reluctantly settled into the rundown beachside hostel, dodging water pools on the cement floor. The shower was a basic hose, the toilet required bucket flushing, and we found mildew-stained underwear under the bed while rigging our own mosquito net over the torn one.
The next morning, a village stroll revealed gems nearby. Right next door, the charming Posada Ziga—last hotel before the Turtle Sanctuary—offered a welcome upgrade. After checking in, cleaning up, and relaxing in hammocks on our private terrace, our outlook brightened on this stunning Pacific Coast village.
Mazunte: A Sleepy Beach Haven
With just 702 residents, Mazunte epitomizes relaxed beach living. Days blend into lazy beach reading or ocean gazing. The main paved street, Avenida Paseo del Mazunte, links to neighboring towns, flanked by small shops, typical Mexican eateries serving comida corriente, gringo-friendly pizza spots, and chill cafes. At Posada Ziga, strong coffee, solid fare, and panoramic beach views made it ideal for toasting our first 100 days traveling.
Once uninhabited until mid-20th-century sea turtle trade boomed (complete with a slaughterhouse), Mazunte transformed post-1990s ban. Today, it thrives on turtle conservation at the Mexican National Turtle Center and steady eco-tourism.
Don't miss sunset at Punta Cometa—a short forest walk to safe cliffs, Oaxaca's southernmost point. It also leads to nearly deserted Mermejita black-sand beach.
Where to Stay in Mazunte
- Posada del Arquitecto: Quality beach-end hotel. Rooms MX$400–800 (US$18–35/night).
- Cabanas Miramar: Hilltop cabins en route to Punta Cometa with hammock terraces. From US$30/night.
- Casa Mazunte Tierra Viva: Modern rooms/bungalows with ocean views, 2 minutes from beach. Doubles from US$44, bungalows US$64/night.
- Posada Olivo: Colorful guesthouse with shared terrace and kitchen, short beach walk. From US$29/night.
- Posada Ziga: Clean rooms, free Wi-Fi. MX$800–1,680 (US$35 shared bath–$75 private)/night.
- Cocolia Hotel: Jungle design hotel with private cabins and pool. From US$110/night.
- Casa Pan de Miel: Adults-only hilltop resort with infinity pool. Rooms with balconies/hammocks from US$129/night.
- Casa Lu: New (2019) beachfront hotel with pool, modern rooms. From US$169/night.
- Zoa Hotel: Luxe clifftop with infinity pool, fine dining. Rooms from US$297, suites US$331/night.
Day Trips from Mazunte
- Zipolite: 3km away; better for overnight than day trip.
- San Agustinillo: Tiny fishing village (230 residents) between Mazunte/Zipolite with steep-cliff beaches blocking big resorts. Easy stop for variety.
- La Ventanilla: 2km west; camioneta ride for lagoon wildlife tours.
Eco-Tourism in Ventanilla
Ventanilla's undeveloped beach hosts 25 Zapotec families protecting turtle nesting sites. Knowledgeable volunteer guides lead 2-hour lagoon tours (iguanas, birds, crocs!) for 35 MXN (US$3).
After two blissful Mazunte days, we headed to vibe-shifting Zipolite, just 2 miles away.
