3 Day Mazunte Itinerary: 10+ Epic Things to do & Travel Guide
Mazunte, one of Mexico’s most magic towns, is a backpacker hot spot. In this post I’ll give you my complete 3 day Mazunte itinerary, recommend things to do in Mazunte, provide lodging recommendations, dining options, and more.
Mazunte is technically just another Mexican beach town, but what I specifically I loved about this spot were the conscious vibes – holistic services, yoga, natural products, healthy food, etc. These things aren’t necessarily easy to find in Mexico so Mazunte is very special for this.
Prior to planning your Mazunte itinerary there are a few important things to know and in this post I go over all the travel essentials and FAQs.
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Downloadable Mexico Google Map
Get all my Mexico travel recommendations saved directly to your phone – a digital guide available at your fingertips!
My Mexico map has recommendations for:
- Places: beach towns, mountain villages, backpacker hotspots, and magic towns
- Outdoors: beaches, hikes, waterfalls, hot springs, volcanos
- Restaurants: street food, healthy options, local favourites, international eats
- Experiences: holy sites, excursions, holistic experiences/retreats, turtle releases, photo-ops
- Planning: bus stops, lodging, public washrooms, tedious details (like laundromats/grocery stores)
What is Mazunte
Tucked along Oaxaca’s Pacific coast, Mazunte is the kind of place that makes you forget what day it is. This tiny beach town is all about barefoot living, salty air, and slow mornings. Think golden sunsets at Punta Cometa, daily yoga flows, fresh coconut smoothies, and nights under a million stars.
It’s got a quiet, spiritual vibe — a haven for travelers looking to disconnect, ground themselves, and breathe a little deeper. Whether you’re here for the waves, the turtles, or just the peace, Mazunte has a way of making you stay longer than planned. No big resorts, no loud parties — just you, the ocean, and that magic only Mexico seems to offer.
Something unique about Mazunte are the healing services offered. You can find everything here from yoni massage and craniosacral therapy to plant medicine and shamanic astrology. There are all kinds of workshops as well spanning from tantric practises and feminine based practises to animal movements. Unique, right?
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Where is Mazunte
The magic beach town Mazunte is located about 2hrs south of Puerto Escondido along the Pacific coastline. It’s one of the premier places to visit on the Oaxaca Coast.
How to get to Mazunte
The journey to Mazunte begins in Puerto Escondido. Transportation takes around 1.5-2hrs and involves a shared van and a colectivo. If you’re coming from Oaxaca there’s now a direct bus route to Zipolite via Lineas Unidas. You can catch a quick colectivo from Zipolite to Mazunte.
The best way to get to Mazunte from Puerto Escondido is to take a shared van with the Delfines company. They have the white vans (or sometimes larger buses) with the blue stripes on the side. The vans depart the Transportes Delfines Pto Escondido station constantly so you don’t need to worry about timing (the longest I waited was around 5 minutes). The shared van costs 60 pesos and takes around 1hr 15mins.
Tell the driver you’re going to Mazunte and want to exit at San Antonio which is where the main road going into Mazunte connects with the highway. From here you’ll catch a colectivo truck to Mazunte for 20 pesos which takes around 20 minutes (this colectivo continues until Zipolite fyi). Alternatively there are taxis waiting in San Antonio – they should charge you no more than 150 pesos to take you into town.
Note: the colectivos don’t run on a strict schedule. They typically start operating around 7:00am and stop around 7:00pm, but these times are not guaranteed. Plan accordingly.
On the return journey from Mazunte back to Puerto Escondido take the colectivo back to the main highway in San Antonio. The Delfines van stop is across the highway where you were initially dropped off. There’s a small covered seating area with chairs and an employee around if you need to ask any questions.
ps – every stop mentioned here is marked on my Mexico map with notes for planning convenience
Short on Time? This trip from Puerto Escondido incorporates a stop in Mazunte, Zipolite, Ventanilla, and Puerto Angel – highlighting the Oaxaca Coast’s best spots. If you’re coming from Huatulco this half day tour hits the same places.
Tips for Visiting Mazunte
- Withdraw cash before coming to Mazunte. There are only a few ATMs in town and they all charge high fees. Chedraui in Puerto Escondido has multiple ATM machine brands.
- Expect “rustic” accommodations. You unfortunately get less than what you pay for with most hotels and hostels in Mazunte. I recommend a quick Mazunte itinerary opposed to a long one due to this.
- Puerto Angel has larger supermarkets and fish markets if you’re staying in Mazunte for longer and want to do a big grocery haul.
- Mazunte is a great place to stock up on natural products (think natural sunscreen, shampoo bars, oils, etc).
- Wifi/cell service is limited in Mazunte. Telcel seems to be the most reliable SIM card. I have coworking spaces/internet cafes listed below
When to Visit Mazunte
The best time of year to plan your Mazunte itinerary is during the winter/dry season – late November to early May – when temperatures are cooler and less humid & skies and consistently sunny. At this time of year you’ll find gorgeous beach weather that’s perfect for swimming, surfing, and turtle watching.
June to October is rainy season which brings a rougher ocean (potentially hurricanes), humid air, and downpours.
Where to Stay in Mazunte
When I planned my Mazunte itinerary I knew the accommodations weren’t ideal. However when I arrived I quickly realized the “rustic” comments I’d read regarding Mazunte’s accommodations were an understatement. Most of the accommodations in Mazunte are pretty gross and the hotels are pricey for what you get. I actually opted to lodge in Zipolite, then take the cheap colectivo to Mazunte for day trips so I could lodge in nicer accommodations.
Hostels in Mazunte
Cabins Balamjuyuc is my preferred hostel in Mazunte as it sits on a hilltop overlooking the ocean. It offers a relaxing space and a large shared kitchen. Hostal Alma Turquesa would be my second choice as it’s a bit cleaner, has starlink wifi, and a well equipped kitchen. The other hostels – in my opinion – are not worth it so I won’t even mention them here.
Hotels in Mazunte
Cabañas Amaia | Once in a while, a place comes along that travelers can’t help but fall for — and Amaia is one of those special finds. Nestled in lush, private gardens just a short stroll from Mermejita Beach, this serene hideaway offers four beautifully designed cabañas that blend modern comfort with peaceful, nature-filled surroundings.
Una Posada Mas | Just a short walk from Playa Rinconcito, this rustic hideaway catches the eye with its simple, intentional design. The rooms are thoughtfully styled with natural touches and an easygoing charm that reflects the spirit of Mazunte.
Corazon Mazunte | Tucked among the mangroves just 300 metres from the beach, this collection of five eco-cabins offers a stay rooted in nature and sustainability. With eco-friendly composting toilets, a shared kitchen, and a co-working space, it’s a place designed for conscious living. It may not be for everyone—but glowing reviews suggest it’s just right for the right kind of traveler.
Zoa Hotel | Mazunte’s most luxurious stay, this adults-only hotel blends contemporary design with thoughtful details and stunning sea-view spaces. It’s an ideal choice for couples on honeymoon or anyone seeking a more elevated, intimate experience by the coast.
Things to do in Mazunte
These are the best things to do in Mazunte and the objectives you’ll want to add to your Mazunte itinerary. Although most travellers opt to chill and lounge on the beach during their time in Mazunte I recommend the following to spice up your trip.
ps – all the things to do in Mazunte mentioned below are marked in my Mexico map with pictures and descriptions to make planning on-the-go easy
Downloadable Mexico Google Map
Get all my Mexico travel recommendations saved directly to your phone – a digital guide available at your fingertips!
My Mexico map has recommendations for:
- Places: beach towns, mountain villages, backpacker hotspots, and magic towns
- Outdoors: beaches, hikes, waterfalls, hot springs, volcanos
- Restaurants: street food, healthy options, local favourites, international eats
- Experiences: holy sites, excursions, holistic experiences/retreats, turtle releases, photo-ops
- Planning: bus stops, lodging, public washrooms, tedious details (like laundromats/grocery stores)
Take a Yoga Class in Mazunte
Meditation Station is, in my opinion, is the best spot in Mazunte for any kind of yoga, breath work class, dance workshop, etc. They also offer cold plunges.
Hit the Beach & Go Surfing in Mazunte
Unsurprisingly one of then best things to do in Mazunte is hit the beach. Surfing isn’t entirely popular in Mazunte, but nearby Playa San Agustinillo has better opportunities. My favourite beaches in Mazunte are the following.
Playa Mermejita for sunset, long beach walks, and seclusion, but not swimming. The waves and current are strong here.
Rinconcito (the main beachfront) for swimming and late afternoon shade.
Playa Elefante for open spaces and calm water.
Hike to Punta Cometa for Sunset
Watching sunset from Punta Cometa is one of the most iconic things to do in Mazunte and something you must add to your Mazunte itinerary. It’s a magical spot that I’ve read is apparently in line with the Milky Way and has been traditionally used for ceremony for years and years and years. I was lucky enough to watch the lunar eclipse/full moon here which was one of the most unreal experiences of my life.
The “hike” up to Punta Cometa is quick and overlooks the Oaxaca Coastline. It’s usually very busy and has a fee of 10mxn to use the trail. There are people at the trailhead who check your bag for alcohol and marijuana, so be sure you don’t pack any.
Take a Day Trip to Zipolite
Zipolite is Mazunte’s nextdoor neighbour and is easily accessed via colectivo.
Zipolite is Mexico’s only nude beach with a strong LGBTQ vibe. The beach is very dangerous in Zipolite, however the town is small and quaint and there’s something that draws you in. As I write this post I’m approaching 1 entire month in Zipolite!
Visit Mazunte’s Turtle Sanctuary
Mazunte is home to the Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga museum where you can see all kinds of river and sea turtles. I personally didn’t love this spot as the enclosures seemed to be dismal. I previously had pet turtles and I could clearly see these animals didn’t have what they needed for optimal living.
The entry fee is 50 pesos per person if you want to check it out.
Visit Laguna Ventanilla
Take Part in Alternative Therapies in Mazunte
As previously mentioned there are all kinds of healing therapies in Mazunte from Reiki and plant medicine to more funky forms like ecstatic dance, shamanic astrology, yoni massage, craniosacral therapy, and just about anything else you can imagine. I recommend walking down the main road and paying attention to all the flyers hung up along the street poles to find the therapy that suits you best.
Luz del Sol Centro Holístico is a good place to start if you’re looking to partake in some kind of therapy as one of your Mazunte activities.
Do a Temazcal Ceremony in Mazunte
Temazcal is a traditional sweat lodge ceremony in Mexico. They’re offered all over Mexico, but happen daily in Mazunte. Again pay attention to the signs you see hung up around town or talk to the locals to learn about their favourite temazcal spots in Mazunte.
Do an Ecstatic Dance in Mazunte
Ecstatic dance is something I heard about only once arriving in Mexico and Mazunte seems to have one going on almost daily. They’re giant dance parties aimed to release and have fun. Again, pay attention to the flyers in town and talk to locals to find out when these dances are taking place.
Go to the Mazunte Farmer’s Market
The Mazunte Farmer’s Market is a great activity to add to your Mazunte itinerary if you’re visiting on a Sunday – this is the only day of the week they occur.
At the Mazunte Farmer’s Market you can find plant medicines, homemade jewelry, salsas, tostadas, cacao drinks, etc. But no fruit and vegetables which I found a little surprising.
Peruse the Local Shops in Mazunte
There are all kinds of beautiful, local shops in Mazunte selling natural skincare products, beautiful clothing, handmade jewelry, plant medicine, supplements, gems – you name it. The main road along with Rinoncito have great options. A few of my favourite shops in Mazunte are DaVan Mystique Boutique Mazunte, SOMA Alquimía & Arte, and Yu’gupa.
Where to Eat in Mazunte
Below are my top choices when it comes to where to eat in Mazunte. Something to note is that veganism/vegetarianism is huge an Mazunte so almost everywhere you go will have unique vegan and vegetarian options.
Best cafes/smoothies/smoothie bowls in Mazunte: Umami, Casa Davan, El Gecko, Tiburon Juice Bar, and Granito De Arroz.
Best vegan/vegetarian food in Mazunte: El Armadillo (Moroccan), Falafel el Loco, La Colmena, and Luz del Sol.
Best healthy restaurant in Mazunte: Luz del Sol, Doba, Yeshua (small scale, only serving a “dish of the day” in the evening. Made from 100% organic ingredients), and Granito De Arroz.
Fresh coconuts in Mazunte: next to the Mazunte letters on the main road for 50 pesos.
Best poke bowls in Mazunte: Jardin De Sabores (large, good price), and Granito De Arroz.
Casual dining/variety menus in Mazunte: Restaurant Tadeo, Restaurante Los Traviesos, and Arena Negra.
Best seafood in Mazunte: The Fish Burrito and Bendita (ceviche).
Sweet treats in Mazunte: Cocomiel Vegan Ice Cream and Yu’gupa (vegan/naturally sweetened sweet treats).
Best beach restaurants in Mazunte: El Chiringuito (Mermejita beach).
Mexican street food in Mazunte: Antojitos “La China.”
ps – I’ve marked all these restaurants with descriptions and menu items on my Mexico map to make finding food on-the-go easy-peasy
3 Day Mazunte Itinerary
This 3 day Mazunte itinerary is a speed tour of the best things to do in Mazunte. Most travellers opt to spend at least a week between Zipolite and Mazunte, however if you only have a few days this Mazunte itinerary is perfect.
Most travellers connect to Mazunte via Puerto Escondido so I’ll start this Mazunte itinerary from there.
Day 1 in Mazunte
- Make your way to Mazunte from Puerto Escondido (start early to make the most of your day in Mazunte)
- Arrive in Mazunte, drop your bags at your accommodations, and grab lunch in town. I recommend poke bowls at Jardin De Sabores or a unique, healthy dish from Doba
- For lodging I recommend Cabins Balamjuyuc for backpackers and Cabañas Amaia as the #1 traveller top pick
- Spend the remainder of the day relaxing on the main beachfront
- Visit Mermejita beach for sunset
Day 2 in Mazunte
- Grab a healthy breakfast from Umami
- Take a long stroll along the main beachfront
- Optional activities: take a yoga class, visit the turtle sanctuary, visit the Farmer’s Market (only on Sundays)
- Peruse the local shops and grab a sweet vegan treat from Yu’gupa
- Watch sunset from Punta Cometa
Day 3 in Mazunte
- Visit Laguna Ventanilla to see the crocodiles
- Depart Mazunte in the afternoon to either return to Puerto Escondido or continue on to Zipolite
Coworking Spaces in Mazunte
If you’re digital-nomading like myself, you’ll be displeased to hear that Mazunte’s connection – both cellular and wifi – is spotty at best. I scoured the town to find the best coworking spaces in Mazunte and these were my favourites.
Umami Cafe: had starlink, healthy dishes, and a nice outdoor patio space.
Doba: exceptionally healthy and creative dishes at a decent price. They have comfy seating and strong wifi, but are only open the first half of the day.
Casa Davan Bistro & Boutique: quite busy, but they’ve got starlink wifi and a great menu selection with lots of drinks, sandwiches, poke bowls, etc.
El Gecko: has been recommended by many travellers as a good coworking space in Mazunte however I found it to be small, loud, and uncomfortable for coworking purposes. They do however have large, decently priced smoothies so if you’re looking for a quick breakfast and have a small workload this would be a good coworking space in Mazunte.
Mazunte FAQ’s
When planning your Mazunte itinerary these are the most frequently asked questions that come up.
How long should I spend in Mazunte?
Mazunte is a weird place in the sense that some people stay for (literally) years and other people breeze in and out in a day. I personally think 2-3 nights in Mazunte is perfect. The “rustic” accommodations put a bit of a bitter taste in my mouth and made me want to leave sooner than later.
Are the accommodations nice in Mazunte?
The accommodations (hotels and hostels) are rather icky in Mazunte. I find you pay a lot for what you get and cleanliness is not a priority.
Where can you buy groceries in Mazunte?
Mazunte has a few fruit markets along the main road (exact locations marked in my Mexico map). Yu’gupa has super foods, organic greens, and grass-fed beef along with vegan sweet treats, sauerkraut, raw cheeses, and a few odds and ends. DOBA also has grass-fed beef and bone broth.
For larger supermarkets and fresh fish Puerto Angel is your best bet.
What is there to do in Mazunte?
Although most people come to Mazunte to chill or take part in healing/holistic therapies, you can also relax on the beach, visit a turtle sanctuary, shop organic/handmade natural products, visit the farmers market (on Sundays), take a yoga class, do an ecstatic dance, and catch a beautiful sunset from the magical Punta Cometa.
Are there a lot of backpackers in Mazunte?
Yes, Mazunte is a backpacker hotspot along the Oaxaca Coast.
Are there hostels in Mazunte?
Yes there are hostels in Mazunte but they are very rustic (dirty, more or less). And expensive for what you get. Cabins Balamjuyuc and Hostal Alma Turquesa are my top recommendations.
Is it expensive to visit Mazunte?
I find it’s quite expensive to visit considering the low quality and lack of things to do in Mazunte. I’d therefor recommend planning only a quick trip to Mazunte opposed to a longer one.
Should I visit Mazunte or Zipolite?
I think both Mazunte and Zipolite are worth a visit, but I personally prefer to lodge in Zipolite and take day trips to Mazunte.
Can you withdraw cash in Mazunte?
You can withdraw cash in Mazunte via a couple ATMs in town however they charge high fees and you can only take out max 3,000mxn at a time. It’s better to withdraw cash in Puerto Escondido from Chedraui.
Is Mazunte hippy?
Yes, Mazunte has major hippy vibes and an intense spiritual scene. I’m all about spirituality however it’s so spiritual it almost crosses the line to being too much.
Is there wifi/cell service in Mazunte?
There’s limited cell service and limited wifi in Mazunte. There are however internet cafes and coworking spaces. I recommend purchasing a Telcel SIM card in Puerto Escondido as this one has the best coverage.
Downloadable Mexico Google Map
Get all my Mexico travel recommendations saved directly to your phone – a digital guide available at your fingertips!
My Mexico map has recommendations for:
- Places: beach towns, mountain villages, backpacker hotspots, and magic towns
- Outdoors: beaches, hikes, waterfalls, hot springs, volcanos
- Restaurants: street food, healthy options, local favourites, international eats
- Experiences: holy sites, excursions, holistic experiences/retreats, turtle releases, photo-ops
- Planning: bus stops, lodging, public washrooms, tedious details (like laundromats/grocery stores)
Quick Mexico Travel Guide
Travel Insurance: ALWAYS purchase reliable travel insurance before your trip. This insurance is trusted by backpackers and adventure sport enthusiasts around the world. You can also use my link to receive 5% off SafetyWing policies. Here’s a blog post with more trustworthy travel insurance options you can compare.
Best time to visit: December to April has cooler temps and sunny skies. Hurricane season is from June to November.
Currency: Mexican peso, displayed as “$.” Cash is king in Mexico so it’s best to always have some on-hand. Small bills and change are always helpful for transportation and tipping. Most ATMs have service fees so try to withdraw larger amounts at once.
Local transportation: varies from trams and buses in bigger cities to colectivos in smaller beach towns. Local transportation is cheap, but if you’re looking to travel long distances you’ll need to utilize pricier night buses or fly.
Phone: SIM cards can be purchased at Oxxo. Data plans are generally cheap.
Language: Spanish. In popular backpacking spots you can often get by with English, however having basic Spanish or Google Translate is necessary elsewhere.
Safety: Mexico’s safety varies greatly from place-to-place.
Purchase my Mexico map: which is downloadable to Google Maps on your phone and has all my Mexico recommendations & travel tips constantly available at your fingertips.
Packing Guide: here’s my ultimate packing guide/travel essentials.
Happy adventuring!
Taylor ♡
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About the Author
HI, I’m Taylor – the voice behind The Holistic Backpacker.
After moving to Banff National Park in 2020 I became an outdoor adventure enthusiast and vowed to never stop exploring.
I now spend my days travelling the world, climbing mountains, and spending nights under the stars in the Canadian Rockies backcountry.
I created The Holistic Backpacker so I could share my adventures and help connect people like you with the same amazing experiences.
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