Zipolite Oaxaca State, Mexico Travel Guide
Mazunte: (15-20 minutes by colectivo or taxi) This Pueblo Mágico (Magic Town) has the Mexican Turtle Center, a prominent sea turtle protection and research facility. Mazunte also boasts beautiful coasts such as Mermejita and is the access point for Punta Cometa, a stunning viewpoint known for sunsets. The town is also recognized for its natural cosmetics industry.
San Agustinillo: (5-10 minutes by colectivo or taxi) Located between Zipolite and Mazunte, San Agustinillo has quieter, more family-friendly beaches with more tranquil waters, well-suited for swimming and beginner surfing. It projects a relaxed, not as developed feel than Zipolite.
The region surrounding Zipolite has a number of natural escapes, perfect for connecting with the environment.
Colectivos and Shared Taxis: These are the main and most economical a way of inter-town transport. You can easily flag them down on the main highway.
Independent Travel: Easy and economical for exploring Mazunte, San Agustinillo, Puerto Angel, and Pochutla using colectivos. This option permits extensive the ability to explore freely at your own pace.
While Zipolite itself is a modern cultural hub, excursions yield insights into broader Oaxacan heritage.
Laguna de Ventanilla Eco-tourism Center (near Mazunte): This community-run project hosts guided boat tours through a mangrove lagoon. You can spot crocodiles, iguanas, and many bird species in their natural environment. It delivers an ecological and educational experience, highlighting local conservation efforts.
Punta Cometa (Mazunte): A consistently stunning place for panoramic views, especially during sunset. The scenic beauty of the rock formations and the vast ocean vista holds captivating qualities.
Whale Migration: From December to March, humpback whales migrate via these waters. Boat tours offer prospects for close encounters.
Coastal Beaches: Explore the distinct personalities of nearby beaches like Mazunte, San Agustinillo, and Mermejita, each holding unique appeals for swimming, surfing, or quiet contemplation.
Bioluminescence: The lagoons, specifically Laguna de Ventanilla and Laguna Manialtepec, display spectacular bioluminescence tours.
For travelers with more time, combining Zipolite with other Oaxaca destinations produces a comprehensive experience of the state''s wide range of options.
Oaxaca City: Add 3-4 days to experience this UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its rich culture, stunning colonial architecture, bustling markets, world-class cuisine (especially mole and mezcal), and proximity to significant archaeological sites like Monte Albán. The winding bus journey from the coast is long but initiates a transition into a completely different environment.
The Culinary capital of mexico: An ideal next destination for those seeking cultural immersion, culinary delights, and historical exploration after a beach stay.
Buses from Pochutla: Regular long-distance buses connect Pochutla to Oaxaca City.
A logical and rewarding route for longer regional travel in Oaxaca is: Coast (Zipolite/Mazunte) -> Mountain (San José del Pacífico) -> Valley (Oaxaca City).
Maximize your Oaxacan journey by combining coastal relaxation with cultural and natural exploration in other regions.
Explore ancient sites, markets, plus international-class cuisine.
Visit San José del Pacífico for cool climate and tranquil forests.
This progression enables undergoing the diverse natural beauty, climates, and cultural facets of Oaxaca in a comprehensive journey.
