Mazunte, Oaxaca
Mazunte is a Magical Town recognized worldwide for its ideal surfing conditions and commitment to marine turtle conservation. This charming destination, with its warm and crystal-clear Pacific waters, features stunning golden beaches and offers a uniquely tranquil environment. One of its most beautiful spots is Punta Cometa, where breathtaking sunrises and sunsets create the perfect backdrop for the ancient ceremonies that locals and visitors participate in daily.
Discover the Mexican Turtle Center in Mazunte, Oaxaca.
Mazunte embodies serenity and joy, characterized by a unique, simple, and natural vibe. Nestled between the lush Oaxaca jungle and the Pacific Ocean, this destination offers both deep relaxation and unparalleled fun. Head to Punta Cometa to explore healing rituals and enjoy magnificent sea views.
As an ecological hub, Mazunte is home to various marine turtle conservation programs, including green turtles, loggerheads, leatherbacks, and hawksbills. At the Mexican Turtle Center aquarium, you can learn about and get involved in conservation efforts. If you’re hoping to see humpback whales, visit between December and March.
Key Features:
Mazunte has Zapotec origins, dating back to around 1600 AD. There are two theories regarding the origin of its name: one suggests it comes from the Nahuatl phrase “maxotetia,” which means “please deposit eggs here,” while the other proposes it derives from “mizontle,” a type of large crab that was once abundant in the area.
Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop, fell in love with Mazunte and the efforts of its residents to care for nature. She agreed to distribute locally produced cosmetics; this project is supported by institutions such as UNAM, IPN, and Stanford University.
The town enjoys a tropical climate with an average temperature of 27ºC, rising to 35ºC in the summer. The rainy season lasts from May to October.
You will love the local cuisine, which primarily features seafood dishes, including must-tries like mole negro, caldo de piedra, tlayudas, chapulines, and iguana tamales—all perfectly complemented by regional mezcal. Don’t forget to indulge in local chocolate and pastries; they are delightful!
Mazunte has been part of the Magical Towns program since 2015.
Attractions:
- Scuba diving and snorkeling
- Mexican Turtle Center
- Naturally Made Cosmetics of Mazunte
- Iguanario de Barra del Potrero
- La Ventanilla
- Mermejita Beach
- Rinconcito Beach
- San Agustinillo Beach
- Puerto Ángel
- Punta Cometa
- Surfing
- Temazcal (traditional sweat lodge)
Festivals:
- Fiesta del Santo Patrón de Esquipulas, second half of January: fireworks, parades, local crafts, and music.
- Nudist Festival, early February.
- International Circus Festival, first half of March.
- Spring Equinox, March: rituals and dances by local healers.
- Mazunte Jazz Festival, last weekend of November: concerts, workshops, art exhibitions, yoga, and craft sales. Turtle releases are held during the festival.
Location:
Mazunte is situated 30 minutes from Puerto Ángel and Pochutla, 1 hour and 15 minutes from Puerto Escondido, and 6 hours from Oaxaca City. The quickest route is to fly to Puerto Escondido and then travel by land.
Located in the southern part of Oaxaca State along the coast, it borders the Pacific Ocean to the south and San Bartolomé Loxicha, El Espinal, and Santo Domingo to the north.
Click on the map to locate it:
