Oaxaca Coast Itineraries. 3 Days, 1 Week, Budget Travel

-hour Layover Puerto Escondido

A short layover offers a glimpse into Puerto Escondido's charm. Arrive at Puerto Escondido Airport (PXM). Transfer to a hotel near Playa Carrizalillo or Rinconada. Head to Playa Carrizalillo for a swim in calm, turquoise waters. Relax on the sand.

Enjoy fresh seafood lunch at a beachside restaurant. Explore Rinconada's shops and cafes. Travel to Zicatela Beach or La Punta for spectacular sunset views. Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in Zicatela or La Punta, with evening atmosphere and live music. Depart from PXM the next day.

Quick Stops

Morning swim at Playa Carrizalillo.
Lunch in Rinconada.
Sunset at Zicatela or La Punta.

Weekend & Weeklong Plans

Focused itineraries for shorter trips, offering a taste of the coast.

Weekend Getaway 2-3 Days

This itinerary centers on the relaxed, eco-conscious towns of the central coast: Mazunte, Zipolite, and San Agustinillo.

Mazunte/Zipolite/San Agustinillo

Day 1: Arrive at HUX or PXM. Transfer to Mazunte or Zipolite. Explore Mazunte Beach. Head to Punto Cometa for sunset.
Day 2: Visit Mexican Turtle Center. Take a boat tour of Ventanilla Lagoon. Relax on Zipolite beach. Consider a bioluminescence tour on Manialtepec Lagoon (best during new moon/dry season).
Day 3: Relax on San Agustinillo beach. Explore local shops for souvenirs. Depart from HUX or PXM.
Book experiences in advance for a smoother trip.

This trip provides a blend of nature, wildlife, and relaxation.

One-Week Comprehensive Experience

This itinerary combines the highlights of the three main coastal regions: Puerto Escondido, Mazunte/Zipolite/San Agustinillo, and Huatulco.

Coastal Exploration

Days 1-3 (Puerto Escondido): Arrive PXM. Surf at Zicatela/La Punta. Deep-sea fishing, skydiving, or whale/dolphin watching (seasonal). Sea turtle release.
Days 4-5 (Mazunte/Zipolite/San Agustinillo): Transfer. Mexican Turtle Center. Ventanilla Lagoon tour. Bioluminescence tour.
Days 6-7 (Huatulco): Transfer. Boat tour of Huatulco's nine bays. Explore La Crucecita market. Depart HUX.

Two-Week In-Depth Exploration

Combine the one-week coastal itinerary with a cultural immersion in Oaxaca City for a diverse and rich experience.

Coast to Culture

Week 1: Follow the "One-Week Comprehensive Experience" for the Oaxaca Coast.
Week 2 (Oaxaca City Cultural Immersion): From Huatulco or Puerto Escondido, take a comfortable bus or short flight to Oaxaca City.
Spend 5-7 days exploring: ancient Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán and Mitla.
Take an Oaxacan cooking class, a mezcal tasting tour, and sample the famous moles. Explore art galleries and artisan workshops.

Long-Term Stay Recommendations

Ideal Spots

Puerto Escondido (Zicatela/La Punta): Offers developed infrastructure for remote work, a lively expat community, surf, and diverse dining. Renting a vacation apartment or house is economical.
Mazunte/Zipolite: Provides a more laid-back, eco-friendly, and bohemian atmosphere with a strong wellness scene. Vacation rentals and long-term cabaña rentals are available.
Enjoy prolonged periods of sunshine and warm weather.
Explore wellness activities like yoga and meditation retreats.

Interest-Based Routes

Tailor your itinerary to your specific interests, whether it is history, food, adventure, or relaxation.

History & Heritage

Combine your coastal visit with a trip to Oaxaca City for pre-Hispanic ruins, colonial architecture, and deep cultural traditions.

Food & Culinary

Focus on local eateries and street food. Seek fresh seafood. Consider a cooking class. Visit local markets. Include a mezcal tasting.

Adventure & Outdoors

Puerto Escondido is a hub for surfing, skydiving, deep-sea fishing, and whale/dolphin watching. Huatulco is ideal for snorkeling and boat tours. Chacahua National Park offers nature adventures.

Customize Your Journey

Tailor your trip to your preferences, from thrilling adventures to serene retreats.

Budget & Seasonal Travel

Plans for managing costs and aligning your visit with seasonal highlights.

Budget-Based Plans

These plans help manage costs while enjoying the Oaxaca Coast, tailored for various spending levels.

Traveler Types

Backpacker: Stay in hostels or basic cabañas. Rely on street food. Use shared taxis. Focus on free beach activities.
Mid-Range Traveler: Stay in comfortable guesthouses. Enjoy a mix of local eateries and mid-range restaurants. Take some organized tours.
Luxury Experience: Stay at high-end resorts or private villas. Indulge in fine dining. Utilize private transfers. Opt for curated private tours.
Value-Focused: Travel during shoulder or low season for lower accommodation prices. Book places with kitchen facilities. Buy snacks at local supermarkets.

Choose the plan that suits your financial comfort.

Seasonal Specialties

Align your visit with seasonal highlights for an unique experience, from perfect beach weather to wildlife viewing.

Best Times to Visit

Winter (Dry Season, Nov-May): Peak tourist season. Ideal beach weather, consistent sunshine, low humidity. Best for whale watching and bioluminescence tours.
Summer (Rainy Season, Jun-Oct): Fewer crowds, lower prices. Lush green landscapes. Big surf season in Puerto Escondido. Sea turtle nesting and hatching are prevalent.
Festival Visits: Plan around events like Férias de Noviembre in Puerto Escondido (November) for surf competitions and cultural events.
Off-Season Exploration: During rainy season, embrace brief afternoon showers. Enjoy lower prices, fewer crowds, and lush scenery. Some smaller businesses may close (Sept/Oct).

Family-Friendly & Wellness

Tailored experiences for families and those seeking a spiritual journey.

Family-Friendly Itinerary

Prioritize beaches with calm waves for swimming (San Agustinillo, Playa Carrizalillo, Huatulco bays).
Visit the Mexican Turtle Center in Mazunte.
Take a boat tour of Ventanilla Lagoon for an easy wildlife encounter.

Spiritual & Wellness Journey

Mazunte and Zipolite offer numerous yoga studios, meditation retreats, and a holistic atmosphere.
Look for temazcal ceremonies (traditional sweat lodges).
Engage in practices that promote well-being and inner peace.

Art & Architecture

While the immediate coast has limited artistic and architectural sites, a short trip inland can broaden your cultural perspective significantly.

Cultural Depth

This interest is limited on the coast itself.
For a deep dive into Oaxacan art and architecture, prioritize time in Oaxaca City.
Oaxaca City is known for its colonial buildings.
It also boasts numerous galleries and craft traditions.

Culinary Focus

Designing your trip around delicious Oaxacan cuisine can be a memorable way to experience the region, from street food to specialized classes.

Foodie's Delight

Focus on eating at local eateries and street food stalls.
Seek out beachfront restaurants for the freshest seafood.
Consider taking a cooking class in Puerto Escondido or Mazunte.
Visit Mercado Benito Juárez in Puerto Escondido or Pochutla for immersion. Include a mezcal tasting.

Important Seasonal Advice

Peak Season Considerations

During peak season (Nov-May), expect higher prices and larger crowds. Book accommodations and popular tours well in advance.

Rainy Season Preparations

In the rainy season (Jun-Oct), afternoon showers are common. Pack light rain gear and check forecasts. Enjoy lush landscapes and fewer tourists.

Plan for Optimal Enjoyment

Considering both your interests and the local seasonal conditions leads to a more fulfilling travel experience.

Oaxaca Coast Itineraries