Planning a day trip or stay in Mazunte? A great beach town for travellers, our guide’s got you covered on everything you need to know before you go.

"What's a yoni massage?"

Well, whether you already know the answer to that question will give away whether Mazunte is somewhere that you're consciously, with bated breathwork, making a specific beeline toward on a journey of self-discovery, or you simply want to know where to see baby turtles on the Oaxacan Pacific Coast.

Both motivations involve eggs, but for very different uses.

As Andrew is now acutely aware after that inquisitive Google on a sunny afternoon, a tantric yoni massage session is just one of the variety of services you'll find offered on noticeboards and leaflets all over this little beach town. One could join or do cosmic singing circles, cacao ceremonies, ecstatic dance rituals, shamanic astrology, soul path alignment, goddess awakening photoshoots, a craniosacral course (us neither), and something that definitely sounded like a euphemism for a wanking circle in a garden.

At one cool little coffee shop, there was even a 'guru' of sorts - German I believe - adorned in white robes selling copies of his book.

Here at Along Dusty Roads, we like to think we're not narrow-minded or too cynical, but we do have a pretty strong bullshit detector and low tolerance for some of this stuff, and there’s a strong aroma of it around various aspects of alternative, hippy, wellness culture and groupthink. However, as long as it's not causing anyone harm or ripping them off, we're cool with it: live and let live and all that.

Mazunte is the place in Oaxaca where you'll find a sizeable spiritual community of travellers, long-termers, and practitioners who are wholeheartedly immersed within the 'tribe', or curious to dip their toes in its sacred waters.

This reputation is probably why, when speaking to several young-ish backpackers before we arrived, Mazunte seemed to be the most marmite place on the Oaxacan Coast.

We’d first visited nine years ago and knew this area had long been a popular spot for counter-culture barefoot hippies and jewellery-making South American travellers, but the level of opprobrium from some young backpackers was a little surprising to us.

We were therefore preparing for the worst.

The Mazunte we returned to all these years later had certainly grown and developed, carving itself out as a hub for the alternative-spiritual retreats by the sea, but had also evolved into a cool place very much set-up for travellers.

It may have gone too far from what it once was for some, and its identity in no way is ‘authentic little Mexican fishing village’ any more, but for slow travellers or digital nomads, it’s the pick of the potential bases on this gorgeous stretch of coastline.

Good beaches, good atmosphere, good cocktails, a healthy mix of budget and stylish accommodation, and enough of a blend to avoid the 'tribe' or embrace / be curious about it on your own terms; it’s 100% where we would have picked for a longer stay if on a slower trip than this particular three-week jaunt in CDMX and Oaxaca State.

Chilled out but lively, rather than a party spot, it definitely trends younger, and some of our readers may prefer staying in neighbouring San Agustinillo and popping in, or saving it for a day trip from the other Oaxacan nearby beach towns.

In this guide to Mazunte, we’ve shared everything you need to know before you visit. You’ll find advice on the best beaches and things to do, personal picks for places to eat and where to stay, plus advice and tips on transport connections, the ATM situation, and the reason day-trippers shouldn’t arrive on a Monday or Tuesday.

the mazunte essentials

Vibe / Very much a backpacker destination, with a healthy mix of spiritual enthusiasts and digital nomads
Do / Take in sunset at Punta Cometa
Eat / Middle-Eastern at El Armadillo
Drink / Grab an excellent cocktail at La Bodega
Visit / Well located to explore other towns along coast
Stay / Splurge at Zoa Hotel or Monte Cangrejo, opt for Una Posada Mas or stay at our Airbnb.

The Layout & Getting Around

It's a small place, and you can cover it all comfortably on foot.

Most of Mazunte's restaurants, bars, and businesses are found on Calle Rinconcito (maps), the street that runs from the main road down to the beach of Playa Rinconcito (maps)

Branch right off Calle Rinconcito at the rows and columns of handpainted signs, you’ll find Camino Mermejita (maps) taking you up the hill, past the graveyard, and eventually down to the wonderfully wild Playa Mermejita (maps) This area of Mazunte has several studios and accommodations - including the gorgeous Cabaña de la Laguna and Monte Cangrejo - but reaching them requires a 10-20 minute walk to the main road for transport connections.

At the top of Calle Rinconcito, follow the main road to the right and you'll end up at the Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga and then a cluster of hotels, restaurants and the holistic centre as the road starts to ascend the hill. Continue up and then down, and you'll be in the quieter, little neighbouring village of San Agustinillo which has a wonderful stretch of beach.

Alternatively, go left at the top of Calle Rinoncito, and you'll find a few cool restaurants and bars, some little shops. Continue along the road past Hostal Casa del Angel, and you’ll find a cluster of accommodations in the trees, including the the lovely Airbnb we stayed at.

Things To Do in Mazunte

A Playa Mazunte Beach Day

There are four Mazunte beaches, and they've each got a slightly different flavour.

Our pick for a proper relaxing, lazy day of sunbathing, swimming, and eating Mexican food is Playa Mazunte (maps).

The left hand side, with a graffitied wall and some half-finished construction, doesn't look too appealing on first glance, but is the quieter section with parasols to rent for about MX$200 for the day (including two chairs).

To the right, there are a handful of traditional restaurants with wooden loungers and tables to rent on the beachfront. These are popular with vacationing Mexicans and weekending locals, and ideal for a full day at the beach.

The beach restaurants are largely similar on price, set-up, facilities, and menu, so compare and make your pick. We ended up at Palapa Omar, where they do a fantastic camarones a la diabla.

Note that several do not accept card, and those that do charge 5% in addition.

There's a slant down to the sea, and splashing around here is divine. However, there is a riptide, larger than anticipated waves, and though it's mostly sandy underfoot, there are some large obscured racks beneath. We found it fun, but for kids or nervous swimmers, it's best to stay in the shallower sections and pay attention.

To the right of the restaurants, before Playa Mazunte crosses into Playa Rinconcito, you’ll find the choice section of free beach by the rocks.

Playa Rinconcito

For many, Playa Rinconcito is the main beach of Mazunte.

At the end of the main tourist street and sheltered by Punta Cometa, this is where the majority of hippies and the backpackers congregate and hang out around overturned boats.

There are no beach clubs here, with most laying their own towels down, but you can rent chairs and umbrellas from the two or three beachfront bars (La Negra is a good pick).

This beach will either be your vibe or not, but it's always atmospheric.

Find it here on Google Maps.

If you’re looking for a place stay right next to the beach, check out Una Posada Mas and Posada La Sabila

Playa Mermejita

A long, wild beach, Playa Mermejita is a 20-30 minute walk away from the centre of Mazunte.

Sandy with streaks of black, it reminded us of several of our favourites in Nicaragua.

Accessed via the up-down road or the coastal trail, Mermejita is less busy and developed than the other two, and you're best to take everything with you if staying for more than a few hours (though there are some wee shops back up the hill).

For some of you however, this will be your main Mazunte beach as it’s on the doorstep of several popular accommodation options like Cabaña de la Laguna, Hotel El Copal, Cabañas Amaia, and Monte Cangrejo

It's a popular sunset spot too, and this is best enjoyed with a cold chela or a cocktail at El Chiringuito (maps). A really nice relaxed open-side bar/restaurant, it’s a little pricer than you'll find elsewhere, but the quality is high and sundown here is always a good idea (there's sometimes live music in the evenings too). The top-floor bar at Hotel El Copal is often recommended for a Mermejita sunset too, but when we stopped by it was no longer allowing non-guests to access it (let us know if that changes).

Unfortunately, the afternoon we spent at the beach wasn't blessed with terribly good weather, so the setting perhaps didn't shine as much it will for others.

Note that fires are banned on Mermejita beach.

For all the Oaxacan beaches, we encourage you to take everything back with you to keep them clean and litter free. Mazuntelimpio also runs beach clean-ups on Wednesdays and Sundays, 3pm, meeting at the entrance to Playa Rinconcito.

Visit The Mazunte Turtle Sanctuary

All along the Oaxacan Coast, several species of turtle return each year to lay their eggs on the beaches. Natural and man-made threats to this cycle have always been present, but a key one was removed when the turtle and turtle egg trade in Mexico was banned in the early 1990s to protect these endangered marine species.

The ban aimed to address the widespread poaching and exploitation of sea turtles for their meat, eggs, and shells, which had significantly contributed to their declining population in Mexico's coastal areas.

To combat this, you will see various positive turtle egg hatcheries and baby turtle release projects in the villages and towns here, but the tourism boom on the Oaxacan coast does pose an ongoing concern for disturbing, diminishing, and/or destroying various nesting sites.

Opened in 1991, the National Mexican Turtle Center (Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga) works on turtle conservation and promotes awareness of the species and issues to locals and foreigners.

It is not a place to come and release, but rather to learn.

Importantly, you also have to set your expectations. The work they're doing here is good and worthwhile - not an exploitative animal-tourism sort of place - with scientific study of sea turtles, anti-poacher initiatives and support for injured turtles if required. However, several sections of the space require improvements and maintenance; the tanks and conditions in which some of the turtles are kept in don't really appear suitable.

This requires better funding and investment though, and the conditions are also partly due to the 2022 Hurricane Agatha which caused flooding and mudslides all along the coast, severely impacting Mazunte's residents and businesses.

Therefore, buying a ticket and visiting is a direct way to support ongoing efforts.

Where + When | You can find the Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga here on Google Maps.

It's open Wednesday to Saturday 10am - 4.30pm, and 10am - 2pm on Sundays. That means any day trippers or turtle enthusiasts should avoid pencilling in visiting Mazunte beginning of the week on their Oaxacan itineraries!

Entry is MX$44 per person, MX$22 for students and free to several concessions and children under 12. You can just buy your ticket at the kiosk at the entrance, and you only need about 60-90 minutes for your visit.

Luz del Sol Centro Holístico

As mentioned, you will see lots of flyers and posters up in Mazunte for the various alternative therapies, events, and festivals taking place.

If you're interested in knowing more or partaking of a healing treatment, then a sensible place to start is the Luz del Sol Holistic Centre.

It's got a fixed daily schedule with an extensive number of options, including massage, acupuncture, and craniosacral therapy. They also have an excellent vegetarian restaurant attached to the centre for breakfast and lunch.

It's open 8.30am - 3pm, closed Wednesdays. Find it here on Google Maps, and visit their website for more information.

There are various other places and people offering massages and yoga too, with the noticeboards around town or flyers up in businesses are the best way to apprise yourself of the details as people float in and float out all the time.

Note that Mazunte is a hub for larger events and retreats, so your visit may coincide with those (whether that's a good thing or a bad thing depends on you).

Sunset from Punta Cometa

This is a lovely spot to visit during the day for dramatic views and solitude, but unmissable at sunset.

From Playa Rinconcito, go to the stairs on the right hand side of the beach (here on Google Maps). Head up, past the michelada-making 'La Estacion' shack bar, and join a little path under the trees.

Follow the wooden sign 'Sendero Corral de Piedra Poniente' pointing right, and take the Sendero Principal to the left when you see the sign (the other direction is for Sendero del Pescador).

This takes you up and down along a dusty road with scrubland trees either side, before it opens out to a marvellous vista of the ocean and coastline. Go down the stairs and continue along the coastal trail - keep an eye out for whales and dolphin pods in the distance - and you'll settle on the amazing sunset lookout point.

From here, you'll also see the gorgeous, secluded Playa Cometa (maps) which is accessible via the sunset viewpoint and down.

It's about a 25-30 minute walk up from the beach and not too strenuous, but it’s better to wear decent sandals or trainers than flip-flips.

A few points to note before you set off:

1. On our visit, there were a couple of men on the trail who were supposedly in charge of conservation, and were confiscating any alcoholic drinks people were taking up (opened or unopened). We didn't have any with us, but it looked like you could collect anything you left unopened with them afterwards.

2. Close to the area where you sit to watch the sunset, there are several pools way down below on the left. There were a group of people in them, but we've no idea how they down there and their climb back up did not look fun or particularly safe, so we're not sure it's a good idea.

3. It can get much busier up there than you may expect at sunset, so set off earlier to grab a decent, comfortable spot on the ground.

4. After the sun has set, most people will head back the same way, but it's good to have enough charge in your phone for the poorly lit sections. We got confused on the way out and emerged out at a different entry/exit point on Camino Mermejita, and you can find that alterantive route to Punta Cometa here on AllTrails.

You can also access a trail from El Chringuito on Playa Mermejita to Playa Cometa and up to Punta Cometa.

Oaxaca Coast Day Trips

Your travels along the gorgeous coastline of Oaxaca will involve staying in several different towns and villages, with Puerto Escondido, Zipolite, and Mazunte the usual suspects.

You can either stay a few nights in each, or visit some on day trips from your chosen coastal base.

If you’re not travelling to a tight schedule, or it’s multi-month trip in Mexico & Central America, then you are almost certain to hang around longer than you expect; we say this from experience, staying for nearly a month here at the start of our two-year trip in Latin America.

For us, if you’re looking to unpack for a while or have a base, Mazunte is a really good choice due to the type of businesses set up there for slow travellers and digital nomads. With regular colectivos offering transport to the other beach towns, and a few places renting scooters, it’s super easy to do day trips for a different vibe, prettier beach, or better waves.

The only caveat is that Mazunte isn’t really a surf town. There are waves, but there are several better spots if that’s your priority (and you probably need to start considering Laguna Chacahua before making any decisions)

From Mazunte, you can also easily walk to its ‘twin’ village of San Agustinillo, which has one of our favourite beaches and a different atmosphere. That’s why we recommend staying over there rather than in Mazunte for some of our readers - find out who in the guide).

Whichever of the two you stay at, you should however view them as a single destination given they’re just separated by a 10-minute walk up + down the hill; just bring a torch or charged phone for the evenings.

Other easy day trip beaches from Mazunte include Puerto Angel, Zipolite, and Estacahuite, and we’ve shared where to get the transport options + costs at the end of the post.

There are also two or three businesses on Calle Rinconcito offering scooter rental, charging around MX$400 x 24 hours for the bike and MX$2,500 for the week (better deals may be available as we just asked around). As ever, make sure your experience levels are sufficient and don’t rent without double-checking your travel insurance coverage

Nature Boat Tours

As with everywhere else along this stretch of coast, there are several locals in Mazunte offering whale-watching, turtle-spotting, and dolphin-viewing boat tours.

All the animals are wild + free, so it’s a positive animal tourism type of experience providing the boats keep a safe distance and turn motors off at certain points.

You’ll find a few options on Calle Rinconcito as well as people offering you tours on the beach and around town. One quote we got was $M400 per person for 2.5-3 hours, and your spotting chances improve the earlier you leave.

Where To Stay in Mazunte

We’ve done the hard work for you and curated all the best places to stay in Mazunte for every travel style and budget.

A few things to note though.

There’s a decent range of hostels, guesthouses, and Airbnbs available, and the biggest decision to make is whether you want a to be right by one of the beaches with a sea view, on the main Rinconcito road, in the jungle, or in the numerous accommodations options along the quieter Camino Mermejita.

The latter definitely has some of the nicest options available but will involve a 10-20 minute walk from the main street and main road depending on where you’re staying on the hill. Not a big issue, but just something to be aware of in advance!

It’s important to know that many accommodations have quite strict criteria regarding children, with many setting age limitations. For example, it’s not uncommon for Airbnbs to refuse children 12 years or under, but pets seem to be encouraged almost everywhere! For what it’s worth, we suggest San Agustinillo as a better pick for travelling families with young children.

Lastly, whilst Mazunte has plenty of accommodation options for the more discerning traveller, compared to other places on the Oaxacan Coast it also continues to have plenty available for the budget conscious - and we’ll point these out specifically in the descriptions below!

Airbnbs & Apartments in Mazunte

We stayed at this lovely Airbnb amongst the trees and colourful birds. It was really well-designed and built, with a shared kitchen. The only snag is that it may be a little further out of the ‘centre’ Mazunte than some of you wish to walk, but we can happily recommend it!

Cabaña de la Laguna | Located just 100 metres from Mermejita Beach, this gorgeous two-bedroom treehouse cabaña has a rustic inside / outside aesthetic, offers incredible ocean views and is surrounded by nature. We’d stay in a heartbeat. Find out more here.

Monte Cangrejo offers similar back to nature vibes on Playa Mermejita but with contemporary styling. Split across two levels, it has a designated work space and even a wee private pool. Frankly, it’s stunning - check availability here.

Bliss Haven | This cabaña is part of a residential retreat centre for those who seek to practise a more mindful approach to life. They offer yoga classes, meditation chambers, and various therapies - ideal place to disconnect. There’s also a communal pool and kitchen. Find out more here.

Casa Cuachalala | This four-bedroom property - furnished and decorated to a super high standard and with private pool and access to a private beach - is bloody gorgeous. And whilst it very much has a price tag to match, if you’re travelling to Mazunte for a holiday with a group of friends (up to 10 people can stay here), it becomes much more affordable. Find out more here.

In a similar vein, the brand new Architectural Retreat may be perfect for those that love beautiful design, meaningful architecture, and aren’t on a tight budget.

Casa Punta Cometa | For a truly special stay that is a little more affordable (though still a splurge), be sure to check out this beautiful two-bedroom villa with incredible views. Hewed from nature’s tools and textures, it is impeccably furnished in earthy tones, has a large kitchen and even a private plunge pool. Find out more here.

La Secreta | A collection of six lofts just five minutes from Playa Rinconcito, each with its own kitchenette and private bathroom. The complex also has a communal terrace where you can do yoga, there are hammocks, benches and a large table to work. Prices are very budget-friendly and they offer discounts for long stays. You can see all listings here.

Other affordable Airbnbs include this charming room in the centre of Mazunte, this one-bedroom apartment, Casa Botti, and Casa Pat.

Hotels & Guesthouses in Mazunte

Cabañas Amaia | Every now and then we come across a property that pretty much every previous guest has absolutely adored - this is one of them! Amaia offers a collection of four modern cabañas set within lush private gardens just minutes from Mermejita beach. Available on Booking.com and Airbnb.

Carpe Diem Casitas & Villas Mazunte | A modern hotel - with a little jungle flair - tucked into the hill above the village, this is an ideal location for those visiting the area on a vacation (as opposed to a longer term trip). The pool area is lovely and guests speak highly of the on-site restaurant. Find out more here. Available on Booking.com and Airbnb.

Una Posada Mas | We clocked this spot on our first walk down to Playa Rinconcito and immediately thought ‘that looks like our sort of place’. Rustic, but in a considered, natural sort of way, it offers simple rooms that have been tastefully decorated with love. Available on Booking.com or Airbnb - check out all all listings here, with very good ratings.

Corazon Mazunte | A collection of five eco-cabins amongst the Mazunte mangroves (but just 300 metres from the beach), with a strong focus on living amongst nature and doing all you can to protect it. They have eco toilets, a communal kitchen and a co-working space. It won’t suit everyone, but the reviews are excellent. You can find all the room listings here.

We personally think it’s a little overpriced for what you get, but another popular accommodation near Playa Rinconcito is Posada La Sabila, offering a variety of budget and deluxe rooms, cabañas and apartments. Also available on Airbnb - here and here.

Hotel Pochote Mazunte | Located on the main road, the interiors of this hotel are a little more interesting than your average hotel, but the facilities and quality of the rooms is actually rather high when one considers how affordable they are! Find out more here.

If you appreciate unique decor, be sure to have a look Cabañas Sicarú Mazunte (but do note it’s not a budget choice).

Zoa Hotel | Mazunte’s most luxurious hotel, contemporary decor and furnishings with tasteful charms and amazing sea view spaces. An incredible option if you’re a couple on honeymoon or holiday, and looking for something a little more special. Find out more here.

If being right next to the beach is important to you, be sure to check out the highly rated Loft Estrella Fugaz, a friendly guest house that offers a variety of comfortable rooms (some with kitchens) overlooking the ocean.

Two good value guest houses to take a look at are El Eden Bungalows and Casa Mazunte Tierra Viva.

Hostels in Mazunte

It’s rare when we write a guide to a place and struggle to overwhelmingly recommend at least one hostel for backpackers - but this is exactly what has happened in Mazunte.

That doesn’t mean that there aren’t any good hostels, it just means there aren’t any great ones to book online and in advance. This is still the sort of place that you can rock up and go door-to-door looking for a dorm bed or room if your budget is tight, plans loose, and requirements not too high.

Below you’ll find a selection of accommodations suitable for backpackers with okay ratings, but we’d highly recommend reading recent reviews to check whether it’s a good match for your travel style, or if any common issues are going to be problematic or concerning for you.

· Hostal Alma Turquesa

· La Playa Hostel

· Hostal Casa del Angel

· Ivanna Hostel

Where To Eat & Drink

La Bodega | Brilliant cocktails, which aren’t always a guarantee elsewhere. This big dusty space has a really nice set-up and laid-back atmosphere - highly recommend it, particular in the evening (maps)

Restaurant Tadeo | Good local’s spot on the main road for tlayudas, fish tacos, chilaquiles, ceviche and other seafood dishes. Find it here.

El Armadillo | We could eat proper Mexican food for days and days and days, but El Armadillo offers a thoughtful change of ambience and focus. Set up by ‘a French-Moroccan hotelier with a Mexican heart’, it’s vegetarian Middle Eastern food primarily* - think falafel with tabbouleh, cashew tzatziki, black bean kefta - with a Spanish wine list and good mezcal selection.

This slightly hidden away spot is more of proper restaurant dining experience than the others in this list, with prices a little closer to what you’d pay in Europe and a 15% service charge. Reservations at least 24 hours in advance are recommended if you want to guarantee a table as it’s very popular.

Andrew loved it (particularly the orange seitan dish) but Emily didn’t rave about hers, so we’ll leave it up to you to decide! Open from 5pm -10pm for dinner, closed Wednesdays. Find it here on Google Maps and check out their website here.

*we’re pescatarian + veggie, but this place should definitely appeal to carnivores too.

La Baguette | Small bakery on Calle Rinconcito serving up fresh bread, pastries, bagels, quiches and all manner of lovely treats (maps)

Cometa Café | Outside of Puerto Escondido, the best coffee on the Oaxacan Coast. Serving up Mexican beans and roasts, they’ve got decent wi-fi and working spaces too (maps)

Tribu Mazunte | It was so popular that we had to try it, but weren’t massively impressed by this place. Stick it in London or New York and it’d work, but its gourmet tacos just didn’t hit the mark for us when we can get the real real deal every day elsewhere. It does however have ample vegan + veggie options, some of your palates will prefer its approach and flavours, and they would be bloody brilliant on a hangover. They also do bowls, pastas, and French Toast and other things in that vein, so it’s a good pick if you’re looking for something non-Mexican.

From our experience, they do need to employ a couple more people to give their over-worked staff an extra pair of hands in the evening. Find it here on Google Maps.

Fish and Love | A great place. Choose your locally-caught fish, wait for it to finish on the grill, enjoy it with a baked potato, salad, and a beer. Job done. Find it here.

Luz del Sol | As mentioned earlier, this is the cafe attached to the holistic centre, serving up veggie breakfasts and lunches. Find it here.

La Empanada | On the main road, it’s a really popular place for pizza and pasta! It’s open 4pm-11pm, and you can find it here on Google Maps. There are a handful of other restaurants and bars nearby, but weren’t able to check them out.

Fruit Stand | On Rinconcito, there’s a fruit stand blending up fruit juice and selling coconuts. They’re always a good choice! There’s also El Tiburon Juice for smoothies, juices, cold presses and açai bowls.

There will always be new spots opening up, so always feel free to share any of your new favourites below in the comments. We also want to give a little shout out to the wee shop near the Mazunte Información Turística that sells lovely pottery and other artisan goods at fair prices.

Lastly, it’s important to intentionally spread your tourism spend beyond just the busier, increasingly foreign-owned, usual suspects into the locally-owned shops, guesthouses and restaurants in Mazunte and elsewere on the coast of Oaxaca.

How To Get To Mazunte

The coastal towns and communities along this part of the Oaxaca's Pacific coastline are collectively known as 'La Costa Chica Oaxaqueña' or the 'Riviera Oaxaqueña'. Most travellers will visit several of them on the same trip, and they're all relatively well-connected by colectivos, minibuses, and private transfers that run along Highway 175 and Highway 200.

We explain the transport options more generally in our best Oaxaca beaches post.

For Mazunte, you'll most likely be travelling in from the city of Oaxaca, Puerto Escondido, or the nearby beach towns.

To help you plan ahead, we've broken down the main options, routes, and costs below.

Oaxaca To Mazunte

To reach Mazunte from the city of Oaxaca, you have a few transport options :

1. Take a regular bus through the winding road through the mountains, via San José del Pacifico, to arrive at the inland transport hub town of Pochutla (maps).

The Lineas Unidas minibuses leave frequently from its terminal just outside the city centre - find it here on Google Maps. A taxi there from the centre will be about 80 pesos, and the bus journey takes 6-8 hours and costs MX$250 per person.

It not not a terribly fun journey due to the road conditions and often cramped minivans.

From Pochutla, you can jump in a colectivo pick-up truck (approx MX$40 pp, 35-45 mins) or shared taxi (MX$50 pp). A private taxi will cost in the region of MX$200-250 but offers the quickest, most comfortable and convenient onward transport if you've got lots of people or luggage.

Some of the bus services will actually carry on further to Puerto Angel or Zipolite, which will take you a lot closer to Mazunte.

2. The much-anticipated new highway from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido is going to transform (for good and bad) the coastline here. It's scheduled to open in late 2023/early 2024, and will mean journey times of 2-3 hours which don't involve the mountain road.

Once this opens, we'll update the post with the relevant information on bus companies and costs, or feel free to let us know you experience and recommendations in the comments.

3. If there’s a bunch of you or cost isn’t an issue, you could opt for this private transfer to Puerto Escondido, and travel on from there.

4. We don't recommend internal flights, but there are two companies running small plane flights from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido Airport.

Puerto Escondido To Mazunte

· Walk or take a colectivo to to the Transportes Delfin terminal (here on Google Maps), and take one of the regular minivans heading along Highway 200 (depending on where you're based in Puerto, you may be better hailing this at the side of the road).

Tell the driver you're going to ‘El Cruce’ or 'para Mazunte', and they should drop you off about 35-45 minutes later at the side of the road at this spot (maps), outside the Oxxo supermarket. This is a common drop-off point, but just keep an eye on your blue dot to make sure you don't get forgotten.

From there, wait on the corner for any passing colectivo truck turning in as they'll be heading to Mazunte. Travel time will be about 20-30 minutes, cost around MX$15-20 each to the driver.

· If there are a few of you, or for a quicker, more convenient day trip, you'll be able to find a taxi in PE who will happily run you to Mazunte in around 75-90 minutes. Unfortunately, we don't know the costs as we did the above options, so let us know in the comments if you do!

· If flying into Puerto Escondido Airport, then you can travel with one of the official taxis. They have kiosks inside, and the rate will be around $1,200+ for the whole taxi. If you want to save a bit of cash, you can try to get others to share it with you or walk out of the airport for a few minutes and you'll find a bunch of official taxis (but not airport official taxis) who will take you for cheaper.

Oaxaca Beach Towns

· From Zipolite, the colectivo trucks are not in the most obvious setting. You need to walk along the main road or the beach and connect, to arrive at the colectivo car park (here on Google Maps). They have regular departures throughout the day, starting from around 7am. Zipolite to Mazunte takes 20-25 minutes, and costs about 15 pesos each. Note that if you're staying at one of the hostels / Airbnbs after the centre of Mazunte, you'll have to stay on a bit longer and it's good to have the name of a shop/landmark to help the driver.

The taxi drivers in Zipolite are adept at overcharging for small distances, so you'll need to negotiate slightly to get a fair fare.

· From Estacahuite or Puerto Angel, your best bet is to wait on the main road for a passing colectivo. It'll cost about 10 pesos per person to Mazunte, whilst a taxi would be in the region of 150-200 in total.

· From San Agustinillo, just walk up and down the hill and you'll be in Mazunte in less than 10-minutes. You could also hitch a ride for a few peso on the back of a passing colectivo.

Mazunte Travel Tips

· There are a handful of ATMs in town, but they’re often out of money, out of service, or on the blip; when we were there they were all out for two days straight.

· You can find a couple on Calle Rinconcito, and another cashpoint by the holistic centre (maps). An increasing number of businesses accept card, but cash is still required for many services and activities, and the internet frequently being down in Mazunte means their card machines working can’t always be guaranteed.

· We therefore recommend arriving with a decent amount of cash on you and having an emergency buffer to make sure you can always get a colectivo to Zipolite or Puerto Angel, where you’ll find a few more reliable ATMs for withdrawals.

· Puerto Angel is also the place to go for larger supermarkets if you’re staying around here longer and need something you can’t get in local shops.

· Bring plenty suncream and bug spray for the evenings.

· There’s a Mazunte Tourist Office (maps), open from10am-4pm but closed Sundays.

· To get to Puerto Escondido, you need to catch the colectivo on the right hand side of the highway (the side furthest from the sea) and take it to ‘El Cruce’. From there, you’ll connect to a passing minivan or bus for Puerto Escondido. We’ve explained in more detail in the first part of our ‘routes’ post on travelling to Laguna Chacahua.

· For Zipolite, it’ll cost you 15-20 pesos and you get the colectivo on the other side of the road.