Mazunte is Zipolite’s quieter neighbor. A small village on a hillside above two beaches, it went from a turtle-slaughtering port to an ecotourism destination after the government banned turtle hunting in 1990. The Mexican Turtle Center here is worth a visit, and the beaches are calmer than Zipolite’s for swimming.
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The Beaches
Playa Mazunte faces south and gets some waves but nothing like Zipolite or Puerto Escondido. The water is swimable most of the year. San Agustinillo, the next beach east toward Zipolite, is a long crescent with gentler water — better for families and nervous swimmers.
Punta Cometa, the rocky headland between Mazunte and Zipolite, is the southernmost point in Oaxaca state. The sunset walk out to the point is the thing to do every evening. Get there 30 minutes before sunset to claim a spot on the rocks.
Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga
The turtle center has live specimens of most of Mexico’s sea turtle species in tanks and pools. It is small and a bit worn, but seeing olive ridley, leatherback and hawksbill turtles up close is worth the 50-peso entry. During nesting season (roughly July through December) there are nighttime beach patrols where you can watch turtles laying eggs.
Staying and Eating
Mazunte has guesthouses and cabanas ranging from 400 to 2000 pesos. More places offer yoga retreats and vegan menus than in Zipolite — the vibe is more wellness-oriented, less bohemian party. Camping is possible at several properties near the beach for 100-200 pesos.
Restaurants in the village serve standard beach fare — fish, ceviche, enchiladas — plus some vegetarian and health-food spots that cater to the yoga crowd.
