We love it when we get recommended places to go by people we meet, and often find that they’re the ones we end up loving the most. Mazunte Oaxaca is the perfect example of that.
Though it’s extremely tempting to keep this town our little secret, instead we’re gonna let you in on just why it’s so magical.
We’re also gonna spill the beans on all of the best things to see and do in Mazunte Oaxaca during your visit.
We had a vague plan to spend Day of the Dead in Oaxaca City before heading to the coast to hit up some of the famous Oaxaca beaches.
During our time spent in and around Oaxaca City, we kept hearing whispers of this enchanting, laid back hippy haven called Mazunte.
Mazunte Pueblo Mágico
This sleepy little beach town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is actually one of the country’s Pueblo Mágicos (Magical Towns). And yet it’s still relatively unknown.
It’s got a laid back, welcoming vibe and you quickly come to understand that it’s the kind of town where people come to visit and just never leave. In fact the very first guy that we met was a shirtless, shoeless Italian dude walking his two dogs down to the beach.
We were trying to find our Airbnb and obviously lost, and as he walked past he asked us where we were trying to get to. As soon as we told him the name of our host he said “follow me, I know Nico” and began marching off down the red dirt road in the direction we’d just come from.
Along the way he told us how he’d been living there for almost 20 years. He explained that he used to travel a lot way back when but didn’t bother anymore. After finding Mazunte, he’d never felt the desire to move on again, and cheerily remarked that he’d probably die there.
We soon found out that far from being unique, his story was pretty standard here. That’s just the kind of place it is.
Things to do in Mazunte Oaxaca
Part of the beauty of Mazunte Mexico is that you’re not overrun with things to do. It’s more of a “horizontal” town, so definitely don’t come here if you’re looking to party and go wild.
Just to give you an idea, you could probably walk around the whole place in little more than half an hour.
The WiFi is notoriously patchy at best, there are very few street lamps so when it gets dark it’s pitch black, and opening times are more of a general guide than a reliable guarantee.
All of this makes Mazunte Oaxaca the perfect place to totally unplug and properly chill out, but there are some things you definitely shouldn’t miss.
We always travel with a filter water bottle. Not only does it stop us getting ill, but it means we’re not killing the planet or wasting money on plastic bottles. The GRAYL Geopress is hands down the best on the market & makes water from virtually any source safe to drink.
Head to Punta Cometa Mazunte for Sunset
Punta Cometa is probably Mazunte’s most famous landmark. This mini peninsula extends out into the Pacific Ocean and is the southernmost point of Oaxaca State. It provides unrivaled and uninterrupted views of the surrounding scenery.
Punta Cometa is hands down the best vantage point in Mazunte, and each evening people make the pilgrimage out to witness the spectacular sunset. Golds, purples, oranges and yellows flood the sky as the sun makes its remarkably rapid descent below the shoreline.
Getting to the end of Punta Cometa is a 15 to 20 minute hike along a rocky, and in parts steep trail. Make sure you time it right to allow for how long it takes to walk there as we saw a number of people arriving after the sun had already set.
The trail is well marked out so you can’t get lost. But remember to bring a torch or have a charged phone with a bright light on it for the walk back as, unsurprisingly, it’s dark.
Punta Cometa is also a great place to watch the sunrise in Mazunte which is equally as spectacular.
Drinks at El Copal Mazunte for Sunset
El Copal Mazunte is one of the more well known restaurants and hotels in the town, and that’s largely down to the spectacular views it has out over Mermejita Beach. It’s located a little way up into the hills and is a bit out of town, but it’s definitely worth the walk.
To find it, head towards Mermejita Beach and take the last road to the left before you arrive. It’s signposted from there and you may even be met by a security guard or member of staff who will guide you up to the restaurant.
The food here is a little pricey at around 150MXN (£6.50GBP, $8.80USD) for a main dish. However the portions are huge and it’s of a high quality, particularly the delicious seafood.
If you don’t want to eat then just head up for drinks. Beers are around $25MXN (£1GBP, $1.35USD) and they’re fine with you not eating.
At sunset you get a wonderful panorama over the largely undeveloped Mermejita Beach. You’ll spot people doing yoga, meditating, and frolicking in the surf while taking in the last of the light.
Hit the Stunning Mazunte Beaches
All along the Oaxaca coastline you’ll find arresting beaches. Each has their own charm, and Mazunte has a couple of the finest along this stretch.
Overlooked by green mountains, and facing towards craggy outcrops of rocks that pepper the rough Pacific Ocean, they’re covered in soft golden sand.
The main beach here is the imaginatively named Mazunte Beach and is almost split into two. The larger part is lined with bars, restaurants and cabanas. You can easily while away your time lounging around and playing in the sun.
At the far end of Mazunte Beach is a smaller, even quieter alcove. Here you’ll find fishing and tour boats and a few restaurants and places to stay set back slightly from the beach.
The other main stretch of sand is Mermejita Beach. A more secluded, undeveloped part of the coast, it’s as pretty as it is peaceful. Don’t expect bars or shops nearby. Come here prepared with everything you need otherwise you’ll face a steep walk back into town for supplies.
A word of caution, take care when you’re swimming in the sea in Mazunte Oaxaca. The waves are huge and the current is strong. There are lifeguards on at peak times of year, but take care at all times and don’t go out of your depth.
Go Dolphin, Whale, and Tortoise Spotting in Mazunte Mexico
There are lots of incredible tours that run from Mazunte Beach. If you’re there at the right time of year you can jump on the dolphin, whale and tortoise spotting excursions that run daily. These go from around November to March.
We paid $250MXN (£10GBP, $13.50USD) per person for a tour that started at 7.00am (although we were given various start times between 7 to 7.30 – as I said earlier, Mazunte works on its own time zone) and finished at 10.30am to avoid the midday heat.
The captain took us around a few local landmarks, explaining about the colonies of birds that made their home there. The views back towards the shore from here were absolutely breathtaking. We then headed out to sea to look for the dolphins, whales and turtles.
It started slowly, and after about half an hour of seemingly aimlessly drifting towards the horizon we were getting a little disheartened. We’d not seen a single fish, let alone the other sea animals we’d been promised.
Then out of nowhere we spotted a manta ray on the surface, and some huge turtles lazily coming up for air.
Shortly afterwards the boat was surrounded by scores of dolphins, effortlessly flying in and out of the water and playfully swimming alongside us. It was nothing short of magical, and we’d highly recommend this tour as one of the best things to do in Mazunte.
The captain explained to us that he used to be involved in the business of catching turtles but had changed to running tours once the ban on turtle hunting came in (more on that later). This gives another reason to support these tours. You’re directly helping with the conservation effort by providing turtle hunters with an alternative income.
Top tip – if you get sea sickness, take some pills before you set off. Sarah gets it real bad, but due to the early start time didn’t have a chance to take any. Big mistake! She spent most of the time vomiting over the side of the boat, and she wasn’t alone. Another lady was also chundering over the opposite side of the vessel, so their mornings were somewhat tarnished.
Get Involved in Some Yoga in Mazunte Mexico
Yoga is everywhere in Mazunte Oaxaca. You can’t go 5 yards without stumbling across a yoga school, bumping into someone with a yoga mat slung over their shoulder, or seeing someone doing a downward facing dog on the beach.
You can find classes for virtually any brand of yoga that you like and prices start at around $60MXN (£2.40GBP, $3.25USD). Even if you’re not a yoga enthusiast, this is a great place to give it a go as many classes accommodate beginners as well, so when in Rome!
Alternatively if you’re an experienced practitioner, just head down to the beach and crack on with your own routine. This is a popular thing to do at sunset on Mermejita Beach. We saw plenty of people doing their own thing here, from deep meditation to late afternoon sun salutes.
Where to Stay in Mazunte Mexico – The Best Mazunte Hotels & Other Options
Wherever you are in Mazunte will be within walking distance of the beaches and town so don’t worry too much about the specific area.
You’ll find everything from beach cabanas and hostels to high end hotels in Mazunte. Although getting somewhere on an extremely tight budget is unlikely.
Mazunte Hotels
Because Mazunte Oaxaca is so small, the range of hotels isn’t extensive. However, there are Mazunte hotels to suit most budgets and comfort levels.
It’s highly recommended to book hotels in Mazunte in advance as they do tend to get busy, particularly during peak season and around public holidays.
Here’s our choice of the best Mazunte hotels:
Affordable Luxury: Hotel Casa Pan de Miel is hands down Mazunte’s best hotel meaning it’s often booked up far in advance, so if you’re looking for a slice of luxury in paradise don’t delay.
Just a few minutes from San Agustinillo Beach, each room at this 5* hotel has a private terrace overlooking the Pacific. The piece de resistance is undoubtedly the infinity pool with stunning views over the Mazunte beaches.
Midrange: If you’re looking to switch off and totally relax in your own space, consider taking one of these instagrammable private cabins at Cabañas Amaia. They’re totally secluded, peaceful, and reflect what Mazunte is all about.
Tastefully decorated and immaculately clean, you’re just a stone’s throw away from both the beach and the town. A choice of delicious, freshly prepared breakfasts is provided every day.
Cheap & Cheerful: Cozy, rustic and spotlessly clean, Casa Verde provides a whole load of bang for your buck. Located virtually on the beach you can enjoy lovely views lying in a hammock on its patio.
The rooms are spacious and bright and the owners are friendly and welcoming. This is an awesome place to relax and get away from it all.
Airbnb Mazunte
There are also some unbelievable Airbnbs available in Mazunte like this incredible place which are probably more suitable if you’re looking for a home away from home.
How to Get to Mazunte Oaxaca
Getting to Mazunte obviously depends on where you’re coming from, but this should cover it for the majority of visitors:
How to Get to Mazunte from Oaxaca City by Bus
The quickest way to get to Mazunte from Oaxaca City is to catch one of the small buses that run multiple times daily. There are a few companies that service the route, but the one we went with is called Atlantida and the terminal address is Atlantida La Noria 101, Colonia, Centro, Oaxaca.
We didn’t pre book, we simply turned up about 15 minutes early and bought our tickets there and then for $240MXN (£9.60GBP, $12.50USD).
The Atlantida bus schedule is as follows:
7:00am, 9:00am, 11:00am, 15:00pm, 23:00pm
The journey takes around 6 to 7 hours and there are stops for toilet breaks and refreshments. The bus we went on was brand new, had air con, was comfortable, and was in great condition.
We read some info on the web suggesting that this route was a bad journey with winding roads that make everyone who braves them sick. While the roads are definitely winding as the route goes through a vast mountain range, we had no issues with sickness and really enjoyed the scenic drive.
We also read that you can’t go direct but have to go to Pochutla and get another bus from there, but Atlantida go all the way to Mazunte with a stop in Pochutla.
How to Get to Mazunte from Oaxaca City by Coach
An alternative to the bus is to get a larger coach run by the national provider ADO. They take a slightly different, less windy route, which is also longer, taking anywhere between 9 to 11 hours.
You can also get an overnight bus with ADO, but we’ve travelled overnight on these coaches and didn’t get a great night’s sleep so opted against it.
Note ADO coaches don’t go all the way through to Mazunte, but stop in Pochutla. From here you will need to catch another bus or a pasajero to your final destination which will add another half hour or so to your journey. Check out times and prices for ADO coaches here.
How to Get to Mazunte Oaxaca by Plane
While we didn’t arrive in Mazunte Oaxaca by plane, we did leave on a flight to La Paz, Baja California. The best nearby airport is Bahías de Huatulco International Airport (HUX) where you can catch flights both internationally and to numerous airports within Mexico.
The airport itself is newly built/refurbished and is really beautiful and easy to navigate. To get from Huatulco Airport to Mazunte Oaxaca you should get a taxi which will cost you around $550MXN (£22.25GBP, $29.50USD) and take around an hour at most.
Nearby Oaxaca Beaches and How to Get to Them
How to Get Beyond Mazunte Beach
Mazunte is just one of a whole string of magnificent beach towns along this part of the Oaxaca coastline, many of which are easily reached. The best way to get from town to town is by a bus type vehicle called a pasajero.
They’re basically pickup trucks with a large tent on the back that do endless loops along the Oaxaca coast, transporting mainly Mexican locals. But they’re far cheaper than taxis and are also a fun way to get around.
There’s no need to wait at a bus stop, just head to the main road and wait for something that looks like a pasajero. You can hail them down from anywhere and they’re quite frequent, going at around every 15 minutes (but remember this is Mazunte time).
Journeys cost between around $7-15MXN (£0.30-£0.60GBP, $0.40-$0.80USD) and depending on how many people they pick up and drop off take virtually the same as a taxi to get from place to place.
Beaches and Towns to Visit Nearby Mazunte Oaxaca
Zipolite – Famous for being home to Mexico’s only nudist beach, it’s also got a great reputation as a surfer’s haven thanks to the big waves. Another hippie stronghold with a chilled out atmosphere.
San Agustinillo – Based around one main road and a long, wide stretch of beach with cabanas and bars built onto it. Many people stay here rather than Mazunte which is just a 5 minute pasajero trip or twenty minute walk away. You’ll find some nice restaurants and cafes to make it worth the short trip from Mazunte Oaxaca.
Puerto Angel – Probably the least touristy town along this stretch, it’s a sleepy fishing village with a couple of beaches and some stunning scenery but not much else. Come here for a complete escape and some great, rustic seafood restaurants.
Mazunte Oaxaca Restaurants – The Best Places to Eat
La Pizzeria
Listen up, if you eat in just one place in Mazunte, please, please, please let it be La Pizzeria. Now I know you’re probably thinking “But pizza is Italian and you’re in Mexico you douche?!”.
But trust me on this one, this is easily the best pizza I’ve eaten. Full stop. And yes, I’ve been to Italy before you start.
The owner is Italian, he lovingly hand makes each pizza right in front of your eyes before using his long pole to place them into his dizzyingly hot wood fired oven.
Watching him at work is part of the fun, but the pizza that arrives in front of you after just a few minutes of cooking to perfection is nothing short of mind blowing. Prices are between $80 to $130MXN (£3.25-£5.25GBP, $4.30-$7USD) per pizza, but really who cares when you’re getting a taste of heaven?
Please, go there, try the pizza, and come back here and leave me a thank you note in the comments. I’m waiting.
El Copal Mazunte
I’ve covered this earlier in the post so I’m not gonna go over it again, but it’s best to time your visit for sunset.
Siddharta
This has got a really nice location at the cut off end of Mazunte Beach, and has something of a reputation for producing “life changing” breakfast sandwiches. Admittedly they’re pretty good, although I personally wouldn’t put them into this category (that’s reserved for the pizzas at La Pizzeria).
They also do tasty natural juices and decent coffee at Siddharta, and sometimes the WiFi is OK. Sometimes.
Estrella Fugaz
This is next door and upstairs to Siddharta, so shares a similar vantage point but from a floor up.
The food here is solid Mexican fare, and breakfast in particular is outstanding. They do an $80MXN (£3.45GBP, $4.30USD) package which includes a breakfast dish, a fresh juice and a coffee and the portions are mammoth.
There’s a happy hour which runs from 3pm to 11pm where you can get two cocktails for the price of one, but they’re very much below average so don’t be tempted. WiFi also works here from time to time.
Sahuaro
This is probably where you get the most bang for your buck in Mazunte in terms of price versus quality. The bowls are delicious and you can get deconstructed sushi bowls or yakimeshi bowls for a good price of around $50-80MXN (£2-£3.45 , $2.70-$4.30USD).
They also do a good line in fish tacos here (go for the prawn over the white fish ones which were a little overcooked) and also churn out burgers and fries if you’re craving that kind of thing.
Tadeo
This is a popular restaurant in a prime location at the corner of the two main streets in Mazunte Oaxaca. They back it up with good food though and it’s also reasonably priced.
Don’t expect your mind to be blown, but you can get a ham torta for just $20MXN (£0.80GBP, $1.10USD) which is good value anywhere.
Mazunte Weather Guide
Mazunte weather is hot all year round with an average temperature of about 30°C (86°F) and very little fluctuation. It experiences higher rainfall from around May to September though it’s usually limited to an hour or two per day in the late afternoon.
It’s also hot and humid at this time of year and has occasional tropical storms during this period as well. The rest of the year is hot and generally dry so be sure to pack accordingly.
Travel towels are insanely versatile, doubling up as everything from a beach rug or yoga mat to a sarong. This one’s lightweight, super absorbent, quick-drying & soft on your skin, don’t hit the road without one.
The National Mexican Turtle Center
This may be slightly controversial, but we actually regret going to the National Mexican Turtle Center. We’d heard that it was one of the best things to do in Mazunte, and the reason behind its existence can’t be argued with. And yet we left sorely disappointed.
Mazunte Oaxaca used to be the turtle hunting capital of Mexico, where turtle meat was a common delicacy and thanks to the prevalence of turtles around here, they were able to supply the demand. However, by the late 1980’s, thanks to chronic overhunting there weren’t a huge amount of turtles left.
Come 1991, in response to the rapidly diminishing numbers of turtles the Mexican government banned turtle hunting altogether. And in a symbolic move established the National Mexican Turtle Center near to where the main slaughterhouse was in Mazunte Oaxaca.
Conservation was introduced to replace the hunting industry. Many hunters switched from hunting to helping to grow turtle numbers, profiting from the increased tourism.
So far, so good. However, the National Mexican Turtle Center in my view is now a bit of a relic. Rather than a center for conservation, it seems like a money spinning tourist trap where the turtles in captivity aren’t kept in the best conditions.
We were really excited about our visit as we were keen to learn about the conservation effort and see what the center’s involvement was. In reality it’s little more than an aquarium where the various turtles are displayed in tiny glass fronted tanks, many of which seem far too small for their size.
I don’t want to lay into the place too heavily, but in hindsight we wouldn’t have visited at all, and our excitement quickly turned into dismay at what we saw. We hurriedly made our way around the center and left feeling deflated.
60,00 people go through the National Mexican Turtle Center’s doors each year, and no doubt it does some good. So by all means go and make up your own mind, but don’t expect to be blown over with details of the conservation project.
Other Useful Info on Mazunte
ATMs – Despite what you may read elsewhere, there are three cash machines in Mazunte Oaxaca. One is a Santander ATM and the other two are private.
It’s still advisable to take cash with you in the event that they are out of order. Two of them were down when we were there and we had to pay a large fee to withdraw a lower amount than we wanted from one of the private machines.
Other Amenities– There are a number of reasonably priced shops in Mazunte Oaxaca so if you’re planning on cooking for yourself you can pick up fresh vegetables etc from these. There is also a bakery, a few pharmacies and a couple of medical centres in the event that you need one.
If you’re planning a backpacking route around Mexico you may find these posts helpful:
- Ultimate Guide To Guadalajara
- 10 Unmissable Things To Do In Mexico City
- Complete Guide To Bacalar Lagoon
- Ultimate Guide To The Copper Canyon Railway
- Puerto Vallarta Self Guided Street Art Walking Tour
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
While Mazunte Mexico is overwhelmingly safe, accidents and unexpected occurrences do happen. It’s always best to make sure you have a good quality travel insurance in place.
Our go to travel insurance provider is World Nomads. They have a no bullshit approach to travel insurance policies & are perfect for adventurous travellers like us. Get a quick no obligation quote here:
Handy Books on Mexico
Pin Me For Later…
Travel lover, professional writer and football (soccer) obsessive, James loves nothing more than getting outside and exploring little known corners of the globe. He’s also very partial to a drop of Guinness.
I love your writing style! Thanks for all the tips.
Ah thanks so much Daniel. That’s lovely feedback to hear!
I very rarely comment on blogs, but big thanks for the specific information on the Atlantida transfer to Mazunte. That should be superbly useful for our trip early next month.
I’m also dreaming of that pizza, despite currently being in Italy!
Ah thanks for taking the time to comment Alistair & glad we could be of use. Yeah that pizza. We were just in Rome & I’m going to say something controversial & say the Mazunte pizza is still the best, ha ha! Enjoy it!
Doesn’t surprise me, I think the rest of the world has caught up and Italian restaurants in Italy are (often, at least) overrated and overpriced. Cue angry Italian response!
Btw, we took the trip yesterday and it all worked perfectly. They’ve upped their price to 240 pesos now (or maybe that was a treat just for us) but otherwise exactly as you said.
Maybe in a few days I’ll be up for pizza again, but in the meantime I’ll try Sahauro shortly I think 🙂
Ha ha! Yeah we just spent 2 weeks in Rome & that place is still the best in our opinion. So glad our guide is helpful for you Al. And thanks for lettings know about the price increase, really good of you. Keep enjoying Mazunte!
Who would have thought the best pizza can be found in Mexico! I would be too busy eating tacos. The turtle centre looks interesting as well.
Hey Nicole, I know we were surprised as well but the pizza was just delish, definitely worth sacrificing a few tacos for
I would love to check out this region but I can see why people head out to Punta Cometa for the sunset. What beautiful surroundings to check this daily event. Love it.
Hey Danik, yes Punta Cometa is a really special spot and somewhere I don’t think we’d ever get tired of watching the sun going down from. Mazunte is definitely a beautiful location.
I have been to one Pueblo Magico, Todos Santos, which has everything Mazunte Oaxaca has, including the turtles. I think what distinguishes these towns is that they are more undeveloped that the other touristy places. Is there a lot of arts also?
Hey Carol, we didn’t make it to Todos Santos but it sounds very similar in many ways. Mazunte is very artsy yes, lots of creative people and some great street art too. We loved it
The beaches do look amazing here. And the water quite pristine. I would love to try some snorkeling or diving here if possible, catch a swim with the turtles. And maybe then retire for the drinks by the sunset – which by the way, looks amazing. Thanks for sharing this unique location with us
Hey Ami, sounds like you’d really enjoy Mazunte in that case! The beaches are great and the wildlife is incredible. What more do you need?
I agree, those gem towns recommended by people you know or meet along the way can be really amazing. Mazunte Oaxaca sounds like a friendly place to get away from it all. The beaches look stunning with marine life of shore too! A great guide for visitors, thank you.
Hey Sara, we love recommendations and they always turn out well for us when we visit them. Mazunte was definitely one of the best recommendations we’ve had.
Mazunte looks like a dream! I appreciate that you also let us know how to get there, about the weather, and that there are ATMs in the event we would need them. This is a great post!
Hey Melody, Mazunte is a dream! Glad you enjoyed the post.
What a find! It is so great to stumble upon places that you had no idea existed or had no intention of enjoying so much. It looks like a little slice of heaven on the Mexican coast. I’m definitely prefer a more relaxed, laid back approach to travel, so the lack of nightlife in Mazunte is just my speed! The beaches look amazing and the food options look pretty good as well.
Hey Drew, you’re right the unexpected ones often turn out to be the best. It sounds like Mazunte would suit you down to the ground if you’re a laid back type 🙂
El Copal Mazunte for sundowner! Yes to this! My partner and I love bars with sundowners, it is one of the bliss. Although as you’ve mentioned that foods here are quite pricey! Mexico is known to its stunning beaches but actually haven’t been here, only reading posts like yours that prove it. And if I could go here, I’d definitely hit up Mazunte Beaches! Wouldn’t miss!
Hey Catherine, if you’re into sundowners and beaches then Mazunte is your place. You’d love it.
Mazunte Oaxaca looks so magical and true to its reputation. Part of its allure lies in the fact that it is relatively unknown. Hope it stays so for a long time. The beaches and the laid-back atmosphere of the place surely promises a relaxing and rejuvenating stay. A nice place to head to for a digital detox too.
Hey Sandy, a digital detox is barely a choice in Mazunte, the WiFi is terrible, and that’s one of the things we loved about it 🙂
Wow! Mazunte had a lot to offer for a sleepy town! I would imagine that it would be a wonderful place to visit, but it’s fun to hear that so many never leave. I like towns that are hospitable like that. Love your photos and itinerary!
Hey Tami, yeah it was funny how many people had just turned up and felt at home straight away, it’s just that kind of place. Glad you enjoyed the post
San Agustinillio is not 2 minutes walk from Mazunte, more like 15-20.
your Air BNB in called “Un Sueño” and la pizzeria is called “La Termita”.
Thanks for “el copal” advice
Hey Alejandro, the post does actually say that San Agustinillo is twenty minutes away from Mazunte so not sure where you got 2 minutes from. The pizza place that we talk about in this post is not La Termita either, that’s an entirely different restaurant in San Agustinillo. La Pizzeria is actually in Mazunte so it’s a different spot. Thanks for the comment though and enjoy El Copal if you go 🙂
All of the prices for food, tours and everything has doubled! 450 pesos for a boat tour and average cheap food dish is 100-150 pesos. Average more expensive food dish is anywhere from 200-350. Drinks are at least 100 pesos for a margarita or more unless you get happy hour. Beer is usually 30-50 pesos in a restaurant.
And a Mexican blanket is 750-1000 pesos. Very beautiful but very expensive place. The only cheap things are fruit and veg market.
Thanks for your post — we went to Mazunte on our honeymoon and loved it. We’ve been wanting to go back ever since and are finally returning in a few weeks to celebrate our 10th anniversary! I was afraid it might have changed a lot in 10 years, but by the sounds of it Mazunte has retained its magic. Can’t wait to return to Punta Cometa and other places, enjoy the world-class pizza (definitely still memorable), and more. We are interested in wildlife viewing and last time we got a canoe tour through a mangrove off the beach just to the north. Any tips for outdoor guides?
Hi Ingrid, that’s so exciting! And what a stunning place to spend your 10th anniversary! Congratulations and we hope you have the best time.
No doubt there will have been a few changes in that time but hopefully it’s still retained the character that has meant you’ve held it so dear for so long.
With regards to the outdoor guides, we didn’t actually do anything specifically like this so can’t give you any recommendations unfortunately. Please do come back though and let us know what outdoorsy activities you do find to do, we’d love to hear. Have a great trip!
Hello! Thanks so much for this post, it’s immensely helpful!
I was wondering which whale watching tour you booked onto and if you booked in advance/where to go to book please?
Thanks very much!
Hey Dani,
Great, glad you found the post helpful!
We just went down to Mazunte beach and booked the boat tour with one of the guys down there. There are lots of fishermen and tour guides who are there all the time and we just arranged the time to be there the next day, agreed a price and that was it. We literally booked it the evening before we went and had no issues. They weren’t pushy sales-types either so you can just go and chat with them about what you want and when you want to go etc 🙂 Hope this helps.
Thanks
James
That’s great, thanks James! Do you remember what you paid by chance at all?
We arrived last night and this may be one of the dreamiest places I’ve ever been! 🙂
No problem Dani, I believe it was around $250 MXN each that we paid for the tour. So glad you like it! Definitely one of our favourite places in Mexico, hope you have an amazing time there 🙂
Hi guys what a great blog
I have been to mazunte last year and heading out again in Jan 2019
Absolutely a beautiful laid back place
Ed and I….Shelly just loved it there…
Hi Shelly, thank you so much! We´re really glad you like the blog.
Mazunte is easily one of our favourite places in Mexico, just an incredible little town! So we´re not surprised you´re heading back to visit again, I hope we get to do the same one day. Anyway we hope you and Ed enjoy your visit this month! Very envious 🙂
Thanks a lot for your post, this is great info. I’m going there with a couple friends in September this year. Do you know if there is like an artisans market or places where we can buy local handicraft?
Hi Antonio, that sound like a great trip, we hope you have the best time.
There are loads of places where you can buy handicrafts all over the town so you’ll have no problems with that, markets, stalls, and plenty of people just selling on the streets as well.
Mazunte is such a cool, chilled out lace, you’re gonna love it!
That’s great , thanks a lot James 🙂
You’re welcome!
Wow, what an excellent, thorough, well-researched and written post! One of my clients asked me about Mazunte, and never having heard of this area before, I set out to the University of Google and found your article! Thanks so much for all of the GREAT information!
Hey Katie, thank you so much for your kind comments.
Mazunte is a really special little village, we absolutely loved our time there and would definitely recommend it to anyone wanting to visit 🙂
Hi – thanks for you post. I’m in San Augustinillo now and wondering where exactly the Santander ATM you found is. Thank you so much!
Hi Lacy – sorry for such a delayed reply! It might be that it’s not there any longer? Maybe someone else can verify? The two I can currently see on Google Maps are the private ones.
Hi Guys, this is a great post. I actually booked a visit for my fiance’s birthday this upcoming December. It’s reassuring to hear about all of the wonderful things Mazunte has to offer, as I booked before reading this post! Sounds like the town has most of what we value in life. Would you say a good number of places accept card payment or should we plan on bringing some cash, too (to pay for tours, etc.)? Thanks in advance and maybe we’ll run into you during our extended travels we’ll be starting next Spring. Always looking to connect with like-minded individuals!
Hi Ricky, we loved Mazunte so much – definitely one of our favourite places in Mexico. Confident you’ll have an awesome time. I’d definitely plan to take cash with you. It might have improved somewhat of late but some places didn’t have card machines due to not so great internet connections. Happy travels!
Mazunte is definitely a must visit! I’ve stayed there 5 different times in the past few years……each time at an airbnb for 15 USD or less per night. Just wanted to recommend the local cultural center/Spanish language school, Instituto Iguana. I’ve taken lessons there (solo or group) 4 times and love all the teachers. It’s up on a hill overlooking the ocean in a beautifully designed huge palapa style structure. Very economical and super friendly….just a 10 minute or so walk from the beach. Also….the best café in town is definitely Café Panchatantra…right behind the cancha(basketball court/town square). And, as mentioned in the article, do not miss hiking out onto Punta Cometa 🙂
PS. Oh, one thing in the article with which I disagree concerns Mazunte’s beach. It’s one of the safest and most tranquila beaches along the Oaxacan coast. Hardly ever are the waves dangerous as is the case in Zipolite, San Agustinillo or Mermejita. The peninsula of Punta Cometa protects la Playa Rinconcito (the main beach).