1 Day Zipolite ITINERARY + Things to do (Backpacker Guide)
In this guide I’ll tell you all the best things to do in Zipolite as well as outline a 1 day Zipolite itinerary; speed touring you through Zipolite’s best. I spent an entire month basking in the sun and relaxing along Zipolite’s beach, however if you’re on a timeline, 1 day is enough to complete everything to do in Zipolite.
From nudity and naked beachgoers to beautiful sunsets and drag shows, Zipolite has something for everyone. I shan’t forget to mention all the good eats, yoga classes, and crocodiles – those are all things you can’t miss in Zipolite either!
Being one of Oaxaca’s best beach towns Zipolite is a place I recommend for every backpacker and traveller in Mexico. It has a special kind of energy and is my personal favourite beach town along the Oaxaca Coast. And here I’ll tell you why.
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- Planning: bus stops, lodging, public washrooms, tedious details (like laundromats/grocery stores)
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What is Zipolite
Zipolite is a small, bohemian beach village on the southern coast of Oaxaca, Mexico. It’s known for its long sandy beach, warm weather, yoga, alternative-lifestyle community, rustic accommodations, and famously relaxed atmosphere. There aren’t a whole lot of things to do in Zipolite, however that’s the main appeal of this coastal gem.
With a similar vibe to everything in Mazunte, Zipolite has one thing that sets it apart – nudity. I’ll talk more about that next.
Do You Have to get Naked in Zipolite?
Playa Zipolite (aka Zipolite beach) is Mexico’s only official, legally recognized public nude beach.
Nudity is not compulsory, however it’s commonplace. It’s just as normal for someone to be fully clothed as it is for them to be butt-naked. I personally found there to be a lot of staring and odd vibes (compared to what you may be used to at nude beaches in Europe), so I opted to stay clothed.
Zipolite is also very LGBTQ+ friendly and I’d say overall the atmosphere is leaning toward flamboyant. There’s one beach in particular – Playa del Amor – which is frequented by gay men and at night it can get a bit… freaky… As it’s known for open-air sex (I’ve heard they’re trying to crack down on this, but to no avail). There’s a fire throwing show each evening which can be cool to see, but I WOULD NOT stick around here after dark.
Where is Zipolite
Zipolite is on the southern coast of Oaxaca – on the Pacific side. Its closest neighbours of note are Mazunte and Puerto Escondido. However small mountain towns like San Jose del Pacifico are just a short-ish bus ride away.
How to get to Zipolite
Transportation to Zipolite from Puerto Escondido 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.
The best way to get to Zipolite 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 they take around 1hr 15mins.
Tell the driver you’re going to Zipolite and want to exit at San Antonio which is where the main road going into Zipolite connects with the highway. From here you’ll catch a colectivo truck to Zipolite for 35 pesos and takes around 30 minutes. Alternatively there are taxis waiting in San Antonio – they should charge you no more than 150 pesos (as of 2025) to take you into town.
Note: the colectivos to Zipolite 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 Zipolite 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 locations. If you’re coming from Huatulco this half day tour hits the same places.
Tips for visiting Zipolite
- You don’t have to get naked in Zipolite, however nudity is the norm
- Temperatures remain humid and hot year round (think 30+ degrees)
- Zipolite is known for dangerous rips and surf. I saw countless people being rescued while I was there and people have also died. This is not the best location for swimming; try the calmer swimming areas near San Agustinillo instead
- There’s plenty of vegan restaurants in town, however proper sized meat servings and real groceries are hard to come by
- Accommodations fall more on the rustic side
- Plan to relax. There are limited things to do in Zipolite
- Dress code outside the beach is whatever you want
- The best time to visit Zipolite is January and February, however the surrounding months are great too
- You can plan a 1 day itinerary to see everything in Zipolite, however I recommend staying longer to appreciate the laid back vibes here
When to visit Zipolite
November through April is the dry season in Zipolite whereas May to September is the wet season. Rain typically comes in short, heavy downpours rather than day-long rain events, however September is peak storm season so it’s definitely best to avoid Zipolite during this time if possible.
January to February is considered peak time to visit Zipolite as the weather is sunny and dry, plus the atmosphere is lively. This is the best time to visit if you’re looking to complete all things to do in Zipolite and meet other travellers.
April and May are the hottest months in Zipolite. My personal Zipolite itinerary took place in April – I love the heat and I found it pretty brutal.
Regardless of when you visit, Zipolite is humid and feels tropical year round.
Where to stay in Zipolite
Like Mazunte, Zipolite’s lodging situation can be fairly rustic, however I’d say it’s a big step up from Mazunte which in my opinion was downright dirty (well, at least in the hostel realm).
Best hostels in Zipolite – Che Zipolite (right on the beach, party hostel, modern air conditioned rooms), and Zipolite Maracuya (where I stayed for 1 month – a bit more rustic, but a beautiful outdoor space, young owners with a beautiful baby, and a great community)
Budget hotel – Lo Cosmico (rustic, but beachfront and chill), La Loma Linda (bungalows, sea views, yum breakfast, yoga and retreats)
Top-pick hotels – El Alquimista Yoga Spa (right on the beach, beautiful, and has the best restaurant in Zipolite on-site), Casa Sol (quiet retreat with a pool and delicious breakfast), Hotel Playa Zipolite (classic beachfront hotel with all the expected amenities)
For the nudies – Casa Nudista – LGBT Hotel (fully nudist hotel), Hotel Nude (nude beachfront club and stylish rooms)
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Things to do in Zipolite
Like many beach towns along the Oaxaca Coast, Zipolite was designed for relaxing. There are no incredible attractions or crazy bucket list things to do in Zipolite (well, for some, the nudity is the attraction), but rather the opportunity to relax and soak up the sun.
Here are a few of the best things to do in Zipolite that would be great additions to your Zipolite itinerary.
Interactive 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)
Hit Zipolite’s Beach (and get naked)
The main beach in Zipolite – Playa Zipolite (aka the beach of the dead) – has very dangerous waves, undertows, and invisible rips – it’s not recommended to get in the water for swimming or surfing. The water here claims around 50 swimmers per year. During my time there I saw many rescues by the local teenage kids (kind of comical seeing tiny local kids dragging adults out of the water – but also scary).
There are plenty of beaches tucked between Zipolite and San Agustinillo, however locals told me it’s actually quite dangerous to go to those beaches and mugging isn’t uncommon.
Playa Zipolite itself however is perfectly safe (from muggers) and makes for gorgeous long walks; especially at sunrise and sunset. A sunrise and sunset are both things to do in Zipolite I wouldn’t miss. The north end of the beach was my favourite to walk to at night as it is all lit up by cool lights at the local hotels and the south end of the beach was my favourite in the morning as it was more scenic and quiet.
Other Beaches Near Zipolite
- Playa del Amor is just over a small hill at the south end of Playa Zipolite, however this is a very gay beach and I would not recommend visiting here after dark due to… ‘frisky‘ behaviours
- San Agustinillo has calmer, more protected water which is better for swimming. Although flag warnings and current conditions still need to be adhered to
- Playa Mazunte is just a quick colectivo away. The beach here has some shade during the day and there’s a large selection of lively beachside restaurants and bars
- Playa Elefante is one of the quieter beaches in Mazunte with some cool rocks. You can only properly visit this beach at low tide, but the water is calmer and better for swimming
If you’re in Zipolite for a few days I’d recommend adding as many of these beaches to your Zipolite itinerary as possible to switch things up. Each one offers a little something different.
Take a Yoga Class in Zipolite
Adding a yoga class to your Zipolite itinerary is a must. There are plenty of great spots to take a yoga class including:
- El Alquimista Yoga Spa – offers daily yoga classes from 8.30am – 9.45am. Classes cost M$250 per person
- La Loma Linda – offers full yoga retreats and classes
- Shambhala Visión – runs daily yoga classes with a voluntary donation of at least M$100. They also offer incredible massages
- Hotel Noga – daily 1.5 hour yoga classes at 9am and 10.30am (except Wednesdays) costing M$300 per person
Beach and yoga to create the perfect relaxing Zipolite itinerary? Yes please!
Go See Crocodiles at Laguna Ventanilla
This is one of the more unique things to do in Zipolite, however it’s something I didn’t do. The whole month I spent in Zipolite my friends and I said over and over again “tomorrow,” but tomorrow never seemed to come.
At Laguna Ventanilla you can experience a guided, manual-paddle boat tour through a mangrove estuary where hundreds of wild crocodiles live alongside birds, turtles, and iguanas.
It costs about 200mxn to go to Laguna Ventanilla (as of 2025) and you can access it via colectivo.
Stroll Through the Night Market
Each night there’s a very cute night market in the main area of Zipolite where locals are selling beautiful art and jewelry + all kinds of gems. It’s so nice to stroll around and see other’s creations and chat with the local artists. The booths are also right next to the main restaurant area so you can grab a bite to eat while you explore.
Hit the Beach Bars or Watch a Drag Show
As you stroll the beach each night there’s always music and drinks flowing at every beach restaurant. One of my favourite things to do in Zipolite was actually walk the beach at night and listen to all the great music the locals dj’s put together.
For drag shows, each night at 10:00pm La Máxima Beach Bar Show Hospedaje puts on a fantastic show. It’s loved by locals and travellers alike.
Go on a Whale Watching/Snorkelling Tour
Most organized whale watching tours (like this one) depart from Puerto Escondido. It’s possible to travel to and from Zipolite in 1 day to do this kind of tour, however timing would be tricky and it would be tiring.
Alternatively there are locals around both Zipolite and Mazunte who offer tours on their personal boats. It depends on your comfort level but you can take them up on these offers. Your lodging provider may also be able to provide reliable options.
Visit Mazunte
I’ve mentioned Mazunte a few times in this post already, but it’s another small, spiritual, bohemian beach town just north of Zipolite; you can colectivo over in just 10 minutes. Mazunte has more shops, restaurants and lodging features so a lot of people actually lodge in Mazunte and do day trips to Zipolite. I did the opposite as something about Zipolite just pulled me in.
Catch Sunrise or Sunset
Sunrise and sunset were 2 of my favourite things to do in Zipolite. The entire beach has a beautiful sunset view as it overlooks the Pacific Ocean, but the morning haze and empty-ish beach is a very relaxing way to start your day. This is something you must add to your Zipolite itinerary – especially sunset.
Watch the Stars
Additionally, the beach in Zipolite has an epic view of the stars. Clear night skies are pretty much a given if you visit during the dry season so ensure you make some time during your Zipolite itinerary to take them in – or if you’re lucky bask in the light of the full moon.
Watch the Nightly Fire Dancers at Playa del Amor
As mentioned before, each night at Playa del Amor there’s a fire dancing show. Keep in mind this is a nude friendly beach that’s flooded with gay men. The vibe is fine during the day, but as soon as the sun sets it’s commonly known that open-air sex is the norm.
Best restaurants in Zipolite
For a small beach town there are a surprisingly great amount of options for all kinds of dietary restrictions and tastebuds. Some of the best restaurants in Zipolite are:
- Tasty breakfast in Zipolite – Cafeteria y crepería San Cristobal, Kellyko, and La Ola Tropical de Zipolite
- Most popular restaurants in Zipolite – Xhuba (beachfront) and El Alquimista (the healthiest food and incredible ambiance, especially at night), Espiritu Verde de Zipolite (my favourite)
- Best tacos in Zipolite – El Delfin Taqueria
- Best vegan eats in Zipolite – Alma Verde
- Affordable food in Zipolite – El Dani
- Drinks and nightlife – Nue La Maxima Cafeteria, Posada Mexico (great pizza), Entropia (great food too)
- Bakery in Zipolite – Trigo
- Healthy sweet treats in Zipolite – Palma Negra Ice Cream Shop Zipolite, and Yu’gupa Orgánica Tienda Saludable Zipolite
Surprisingly there’s also a high volume of Italian food in Zipolite, El Mare being one of the most popular choices.
Yu’gupa Orgánica Tienda Saludable Zipolite was my favourite spot in town to get natural-sugar/vegan sweet treats and healthy cooking items. They have everything from bulk superfoods to natural skincare, high quality meats, and organic produce. I spent way too much money here and have no regrets!
One of the things I prioritize while travelling is finding grass-fed meats, organic produce, and healthy food along the way. Here’s my Mexico guide for that
1 Day Zipolite Itinerary
Zipolite is easily a place you can see in 1 day, however I recommend staying a little longer just so you can fully enjoy relaxing on the beach – that’s kind of the whole point of visiting.
I will outline a 1 day itinerary here so you can maximize your time in this little beach town, however I seriously recommend staying at least 3 days so you can actually relax and take in the chill Zipolite vibes.
My Recommendations for Lodging in Zipolite
If you plan to stay overnight (or for a while) in Zipolite, my top 3 picks based on budget are the following:
- Backpacker/budget: Zipolite Maracuya (where I stayed)
- Mid-range hotel: La Loma Linda (bungalows, sea views, yum breakfast, yoga and retreats)
- The most beautiful and thoughtful: El Alquimista Yoga Spa (right on the beach, ambient, and has the best restaurant in Zipolite on-site)
- BONUS OPTION: Casa Nudista – LGBT Hotel (fully nudist hotel if you want the full Zipolite naked experience)
More of my Zipolite lodging recommendations with brief descriptions can be found above.
To start your 1 day Zipolite itinerary, go for an early morning walk on Playa Zipolite, then grab breakfast at one of the spots I mentioned above.
In the late morning, take a yoga class OR hop on a colectivo over to Lagunas Ventanilla to see crocodiles via a a guided manual-paddle boat.
The afternoons in Zipolite can be very hot so this is the best time to relax on the beach; there are many beach clubs you can grab a chair at if the midday sun is too hot to lay out in the sun. This was also my favourite time of day to grab a coconut or a healthy sweet treat from Yu’gupa
In the evening I recommend grabbing a bite from Zipolite’s best, El Alquimista. Then stroll the beach to watch an epic sunset and find the Zipolite beach swing. Walk through the night market after and check out the local vendors. You can also opt to attend a drag show at La Máxima Beach Bar Show Hospedaje starting at 10:00pm if you’re up for some drinks and entertainment.
After your 1 day Zipolite itinerary I recommend checking out other spots along the Oaxaca Coast. Mazunte, Puerto Escondido, and Chacahua were 3 places I visited and I highly recommend you add them to your Zipolite itinerary as they each offer something a little different.
You can find all my Oaxaca guides and itineraries here.
Zipolite FAQ’s
Is Zipolite a gay town?
Zipolite itself is not a gay town, however it’s very LGBTQ+ friendly and there’s plenty of gay people around.
Is Zipolite worth a visit?
Yes, Zipolite is worth visiting! I spent 1 whole month here, however 1 day or 1 month are both perfect amounts of time to visit depending on what you’re looking for.
Things to do in Zipolite?
Zipolite is a laid back beach town and there isn’t a whole lot to do. You can however walk the beach, eat your heart out, see a drag show, visit a laguna to see crocodiles, watch beautiful sunsets, and see whales.
Do you have to be naked at Zipolite Beach?
You do not have to be naked at Zipolite beach, however plenty of people will be. It’s about 50/50 and totally accepted no matter how you decide to dress (or undress).
What is the best time to visit Zipolite beach? Is it hot?
The best time to visit Zipolite is during January and February. It will still be hot during this time, however you’re almost guaranteed no rain and slightly lower humidity. Generally I’d always expect Zipolite to be in the 30’s during the day, year round.
Is Zipolite safe for female travellers?
Zipolite, from what I experienced, is one of the safest places in Mexico and for solo female travellers too. I walked the beach at night alone and did plenty of things solo and never had any problems.
Is Zipolite safe at night?
Yes, Zipolite is safe at night. I commonly walked the beach alone in the dark and never had issues. Although I’d always keep your wits about you.
Are there lifeguards at Zipolite beach? Is it safe to swim at Zipolite beach?
Zipolite beach is very dangerous for swimming and surfing due to strong surf and rips. It’s recommended to stay out of the water and pay attention to flags and warnings. There also aren’t any lifeguards at Zipolite beach, however the local teenagers seem to jump in and rescue those who get themselves into trouble.
Is Zipolite a party town or is it quiet?
Zipolite is a party town but only in the main downtown area. Everywhere else is actually very quiet and peaceful. So if you’re looking for a quiet nights rest, just stay outside the main area.
and that concludes my Zipolite itinerary, Happy travels!
Interactive 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
Hello, I’m Taylor.
I’m a world traveller, adventure enthusiast, and holistic health aficionado.
I spend my days travelling the world, climbing mountains, road tripping, and camping wherever nature allows it.
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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