Best OAXACA COAST BEACHES & Towns + 5 day itinerary
The Oaxaca Coast beaches and cute surf towns make for a backpacker’s paradise. The Oaxaca coast has a bustling party scene, alternative-lifestyle communities, spiritual opportunities, and all the hot sun and surf a traveller could want. In this Oaxaca Coast itinerary I’ll outline the best beach towns including Puerto Escondido, Mazunte, Zipolite, and Chacahua, plus tell you all the best things to do along the way.
I originally planned to backpack the Oaxaca Coast for a couple short weeks, however as I write this post I’m currently on week 4 and have just extended my stay for another 4 weeks volunteering at a hostel in Zipolite. The beautiful Oaxaca beaches, wellness shops, friendly locals, tasty food, and supreme safety as a solo female traveller have made me fall in love with backpacking this little slice of paradise and I’m sure you’ll have the same experience.
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My 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)
Where to Stay on the Oaxaca Coast & Best Backpacker Options
In this Oaxaca Coast itinerary I’ll give you a quick summary of each notable beach town along the Oaxaca Coast. Later in this post I’ll outline all the lodging and activity information you need to fully plan your Oaxaca Coast itinerary.
Puerto Escondido – is the largest Oaxaca Coast beach town – or I guess, “city.” Many travellers land here first, spend a few days, then venture further south for the remainder of their Oaxaca Coast itinerary. The main draw to Puerto Escondido is surfing, the variety of beaches, and partying. Here’s my Puerto Escondido itinerary + visitor guide.
Chacahua – is a very quiet Oaxaca Coast beach town accessible only via boat. Aside from a few restaurants, surfing, the lagoon, and bioluminescent tours, this is a slow, quiet place. Travellers often come to find solitude for a few nights, then head elsewhere along the Oaxaca Coast or stay for a while and surf surf surf. Here’s my complete Chacahua guide with an itinerary and visitor info.
Mazunte – is the ultimate “hippy” beach town along the Oaxaca Coast, and kind of Mexico as a whole. Mazunte is famed for all kinds of funky healing therapies, yoga, and relaxing energy. The town itself is quaint and cozy, but be warned, accommodations are “rustic” at best. Here’s my complete Mazunte guide with an itinerary and visitor info.
Zipolite – is a slightly “louder” version of Mazunte with beach clubs, a strong LGBTQ community, and nudity (yes, you read that right). I preferred Zipolite over Mazunte as the beach is close and easy to access no matter where you lodge, and the accommodations are generally a touch cleaner. Here’s my complete Zipolite guide + itinerary.
“Honourable Mentions:” The Oaxaca Coast beach towns I’ve written about below are nice spots to visit for the day, but not places I wouldn necessarily recommend staying in overnight. You can easily reach them via colectivo from both Mazunte and Zipolite if you want to add them to your Oaxaca Coast itinerary.
Transportation: How to get Around the Oaxaca Coast
Luckily, transportation is easy and affordable between the Oaxaca Coast beach towns. The main thing you have to pay attention to when planning transportation is the limited operating hours (usually 7:00am-7:00pm, but this can change without warning). Outside these timeframes you’ll need to take a taxi.
Aside from the more “off-the-beaten-path” locations like Chacahua, most Oaxaca Coast beach towns like Mazunte and Zipolite are easily accessible via van, taxi, and colectivo. For those unfamiliar with colectivos, they’re privately owned pickup trucks with the back area converted to seating area which is covered by a coloured roof; usually blue, but occasionally green or red.
The colectivos are dirt cheap and connect almost every Oaxaca Coast beach town. Colectivos don’t run on a schedule, but you can expect one to show up on the side of the main highway approx. every 20 minutes between the hours of 7:00am-7:00pm. Flag them down, then pay the 10-35 peso fee once you exit.
**I’d advise against trusting the last colectivo of the day as you’re not guaranteed to catch one past 6:30pm**
I found one place I liked (in Zipolite), stayed a while, and used the colectivo to get around rather than move lodging locations every couple nights – which in my opinion, is the best way to go about your Oaxaca Coast itinerary.
Best Mexico Car Rentals
Looking to rent a car to explore Mexico’s remote beaches and mountain areas not accessible via public transportation?
My favourite car rental tool in Mexico is this site as it compares all the local rental companies to find you the best rate.
Things to do on the Oaxaca Coast
There are plenty of things to do along the Oaxaca Coast, however the majority of people come here for a few main reasons: relaxing, healing, partying, and surfing.
Surfing – the Oaxaca Coast is a hotspot for surfing. Puerto Escondido has both beginner and expert surfing opportunities whereas Mazunte is more for casual surfers and beginners. If you’re a more experienced surfer looking to submerge yourself in an off-grid surfing village, Chacahua may be the best Oaxaca Coast beach town for you.
Relaxing & beach hopping – the Oaxaca Coast lies along the Pacific Ocean which is lined with secret beaches as well as popular beaches for partying, surfing, and snorkelling. The downfall to the beaches here are the strong waves and riptides which can make both surfing and swimming very dangerous.
Partying – Puerto Escondido and Zipolite offer all kinds of partying opportunities from drag shows and classic nightclubs to bars and salsa dancing.
Boat tours, whale watching, bioluminescence – departing each Oaxaca Coast beach town you can see whales, dolphins, and turtles from the boat or in the water snorkelling. There are also bioluminescence tours which are best mid summer (July/August) and during the new moon – however it can be seen year round.
Yoga and alternative living – there are oodles of yoga retreats, health and wellness centres, as well as unique healing therapies available all throughout the Oaxaca Coast – but Mazunte is the “pinnacle,” if you will. If you’re interested in health and alternative living in Mexico, in this post I’ve written all about where to buy organic food, the best retreats and healing therapies, healthy restaurants by location, etc.
My 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)
Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido is a popular Oaxaca Coast beach town as it’s a big city with all the amenities you need, transportation routes sprawling all over Mexico, an international airport, and tons of great partying and surfing.
ps – everything mentioned below is marked on my downloadable Mexico map with photos, descriptions, and booking links
How to get to Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido is easy reached by multiple other big cities in Mexico as well as by air.
Direct bus routes to Puerto Escondido – can be found from Oaxaca, Huatulco, and San Cristóbal de las Casas. You can also get here by bus from Mexico City and other big cities in Mexico, however expect a change or two along the way. From whichever bus station you’re dropped at (there’s a few), you can take a colectivo to your accommodations for 12 peso. Need a refresher on colectivos? Scroll back.
Puerto Escondido airport – is expensive to fly to from out-of-country, but sometimes you can find cheap flights domestically. I flew to Puerto Escondidio from Guadalajara (with a checked bag) for $50 USD. Alternatively, there’s an airport in nearby Huatulco which is connected to Puerto Escondido via the ADO bus line.
From the Puerto Escondido Airport there’s a (more expensive) taxi service, or you can take a shared mini van – look for the ones with a blue stripe. They are typically parked in the first row of parking spaces once you exit the airport and drop you off anywhere in Puerto Escondido for 70 pesos.
Where to Stay in Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido is a mecca for lodging. You can find everything from hostels to luxury 5 star resorts. There are a few different neighbourhoods in Puerto Escondido: Rinconada (quiet, close to beaches), Centro (local vibe, I don’t recommend staying here), Zicatella (advanced surfing and nightlife), and La Punta (bohemian and lively, but 11:00pm curfew so you can still get a good night’s rest.
Where to stay in Rinconada: Madre Tierra Hotel & Coworking Hostel (where I stayed; beautiful rooftop terrace), Vivo Escondido (backpacker’s all-time favourite hostel in Puerto), Hotel Suites Villasol and Hotel Suites La Hacienda (both are reliable choices and reasonably priced)
Top lodging options in La Punta: Bonita Escondido (best hostel, fun environment), Hotel Casamar Suites (mid-range hotel on the beach with all the amenities you’d need), Casa De Ola Boutique Hotel (traveller’s favourite hotel), Casa To (high-end luxury hotel)
Best Zicatella hotels and hostels: Straw Hat Surf Hostel & Bar (biggest surf hostel in Puerto), Hotel Rockaway and Hotelito Swiss Oasis (both very popular for a resort feel at a modest price), and Casa Joseph Zicatela (the epitome of luxury in Puerto Escondido)
I have a complete guide to Puerto Escondido with more detailed lodging options and descriptions here.
What to do in Puerto Escondido
Hit the beaches: Playa Bacocho (long beach with soft sand and huge waves), Playa Manzanilla and Playa Carazillo (for calm water and beginner surfing), and Playa Zicatela (long beach along Puerto Escondido with lots of bars and restaurants and advance surfing).
Clubbing: there are oodles of clubs to chose from. In La Punta (generally closed at 11:00pm): Chicama, The Boneyard, El Arbol, Alaburger, Juana Mezcal, and Xcaanda. In Zicatela (these are open past 11:00pm): Xcaanda and Piedra del Iguana are the top picks among travellers. There’s also Barfly, Kabbalah, and Isha.
Release sea turtles at sunset: at Playa Bacocho (best sunsets in Puerto) each night come 4:30pm. Prices are 100-200mxn (as of 2025).
Do an activity: go on a bioluminescence tour, a dolphin tour, or go horseback riding to hot springs.
Take a walk along the Pacific Coast: there’s a beautiful, short trail starting at the south end of Zicatela beach.
Where to Eat in Puerto Escondido
I have a much fuller list of Puerto Escondido restaurant recommendations in my Puerto guide, however if I had to summarize my absolute top picks they’d be:
- Healthy choices: Papi Bowls, Moringa Fresh & Wild (vegan grab-n-go + healthy sweet treats), Fine Gelateria and Helados Palma Negra (vegan, no sugar added ice cream), The Açai Bar, Mercado de Zicatela
- Best seafood: Los Buzos or Chicama
- Cafes & bakeries: Dulce Tierra Bakery & Coffee
- Beach clubs: Coconuts Beach Club (Playa Bacocho), anything at the south end of Zicatella beach
- International eats: La Batata Sabor Argentino (Argentinian), Il Salento (Italian), Juana Mezcala (American, burgers)
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
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Lagunas de Chacahua
Lagunas de Chacahua is one of the more “off-the-beaten-path” Oaxaca Coast beach towns, however it’s starting to make it’s name in the Mexico travel community – aka now’s the best time to add this location to your Oaxaca Coast itinerary.
Lagunas de Chacahua – not to be confused with Oaxaca’s ‘other’ Chacahua near Mazunte – is a quiet, off-grid, laid back surf village where ocean and lagoon meet jungle. Most backpackers in Oaxaca come to surf, however if you’re not a surfer Chacahua is still worth a visit so you can enjoy the 12km stretch of beach that is quite literally paradise.
Tips for visiting Chacahua: bring enough cash for your entire trip (no ATMs), there’s very limited wifi and essentially no cell service here, pack your own snacks, leave extra luggage in Puerto Escondido (only bring the essentials here)
ps – everything mentioned below is marked on my downloadable Mexico map with photos, descriptions, and booking links
How to get to Chacahua
Lagunas de Chacahua is a quiet beach community located north of Puerto Escondido. The journey here always begins in Puerto Escondido where you’ll first take a shared van followed by a colectivo and water taxi. It takes around 2.5-4hrs to reach Lagunas de Chacahua from Puerto Escondido (most commonly 2hrs).
ps – a detailed recount of how to get to Laguans de Chacahua can be found in this post.
Where to Stay in Chacahua
The accommodations in Chacahua are rustic in most cases, and downright dirty in others. Lodging is a deterrent for some as they plan their Oaxaca Coast itinerary, and a plus for others. Many travellers opt to sleep in hammocks on the beach for 50mxn/night, however you need to wait until you arrive to “book” this option – keep in mind the hammocks don’t come with a mosquito net, blanket, or luggage locker.
Private rooms are available, but are overpriced for what you get. If you’re staying in Chacahua for more than a couple nights I’d recommend booking accommodations away from the main beachfront/downtown area as you’ll have better value-for-money.
Most Chacahua accommodations aren’t available to book online, however these few gems are. I’d recommend booking these options in advance as they do fill up from time-to-time.
Cabanas La Isla Chacahua: cute bungalows with wifi and a terrace.
Porã Chacahua: Ideal for travelers wanting comfort with a rustic feel, this eco-conscious spot offers stylish teepees and tents. Enjoy a veggie/vegan breakfast and access to a shared kitchen. It’s about a 30-minute beach walk from town, or you can take a nearby colectivo.
Casa Uwu: Likely the priciest option around, these beachfront villas are undeniably gorgeous, with sleek design and a bougie Tulum vibe. The deluxe villa even comes with a private plunge pool.
I have budget beachfront hammock options, camps, and cheap(er) cabanas I personally saw or was recommended by other travellers pinned in my downloadable Mexico map.
What to do in Chacahua
Most people visit Chacahua to simply do nothing. If you’re one for activities and adventure, here are a few things you can add to your Oaxaca coast backpacking itinerary:
Surfing/swimming/beach lounging: there are plenty of surf camps and board rentals along the main beach in Chacahua. Beware there is a current here, although not as strong as some other areas in Oaxaca. If the 12km Playa Chacahua isn’t “remote” enough for you, you can cross the lagoon and visit Playa El Faro.
Lagoon/Mangrove tour: most hotels, camps, and locals have boats and offer tours of the lagoon and mangroves where you have the chance of seeing all kinds of birds and crocodiles. When you arrive ask around and book a tour – I wouldn’t pay more than 300mxn for this (as of 2025).
Bioluminescence tour: similarly the locals run bioluminescence tours which is a magical experience and one of my favourite things I did while visiting Oaxaca. The standard rate is 200mxn per person.
Sunset at El Faro: cross the lagoon via the quick boat taxi and take the quick hike up to El Faro lighthouse to watch a magical sunset over Chacahau Bay.
More optional activities in Chacahua: yoga on the beach at Palma Real, beach volleyball in front of 420 cafe, and kayak rentals/tours (from 420 cafe or Hotel & Restaurant Isahmar).
Where to Eat in Chacahua
Chacahua has a surprising amount of restaurants considering it’s such a remote, small community. Unsurprisingly seafood is widely available here. A few of the best spots to eat in Chacahua are:
Cafes in Chacahua: 420 Coffee Shop and Cafe (also has kayak rentals and volleyball).
Healthy dishes in Chacahua: Crude & Co (only open at night) and Los Gatos Locos.
Notable seafood spots in Chacahua: Lia del Mar (larger portions), Bar-Restaurant El Canar, and Nanu Restaurant (healthier, good reviews).
Traditional Mexican food in Chacahua: Fondita La Costenita (closest thing to street food) and Isela Restaurant.
Local favourite: Restaurante sopa de lentejas for the lentil soup.
Other options: Chacahua wings (burgers, fries, wings).
There are plenty of restaurants back along the more residential roads, however if you’re looking for quick options and a wide variety of foods the main “downtown” area where the colectivo truck drops you off has plenty of different restaurants within seconds of one another.
Tours to Chacahua
If you’re short for time or don’t want to deal with Chacahua’s rustic accommodations, this day trip to Chacahua from Puerto Escondido is the perfect addition to your Oaxaca coast itinerary. The tour includes transportation (hotel pickup/drop-off), a mangrove tour, and snorkelling in the lagoon.
Mazunte
Mazunte is one of Mexico’s magic towns and one of the most spiritual places I’ve visited. Think funky alternative healing therapies like cranio-sacral therapy, yoni massages, ecstatic dance, temazcal, and everything in between. You can also find plenty of yoga spots, health food stores, natural skincare products, and healthy restaurants here. Mazunte is conscious living at its finest.
Mazunte is usually a fan favourite among travellers sifting through their Oaxaca Coast beach town memories, however I personally didn’t love Mazunte.
Most Oaxaca Coast backpackers visit Mazunte to chill, go “inwards” on their own journey, or to simply relax on the beach. There’s not much going on here for those not into spirituality, however it’s still a beautiful spot and a must-stop along the Oaxaca Coast for anyone planning a complete itinerary.
ps – everything mentioned below is marked on my downloadable Mexico map with photos, descriptions, and booking links
How to get to Mazunte
The journey to Mazunte for those backpacking the Oaxaca Coast typically begins in Puerto Escondido. Transportation takes around 1.5-2hrs and involves a shared van and a colectivo. If you’re coming from Zipolite take the 15 peso taxi from Zipolite’s colectivo station.
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.
In this post I have much more detailed information regarding how to get to Mazunte.
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.
Where to Stay in Mazunte
When I backpacked the Oaxaca Coast I planned to stay for a while in Mazunte, but 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 (at least in the hostel realm) 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 (where I stayed – overlooks the ocean and has a large kitchen). Hostal Alma Turquesa (cleaner, starlink wifi, and a well equipped kitchen).
Favourite hotels in Mazunte: Cabañas Amaia (serene escape in private gardens close to Mermejita Beach), Una Posada Mas (simple, reliable), Corazon Mazunte (tucked in the mangroves, eco-cabins), Zoa Hotel (Mazunte’s most luxurious stay)
What to do in Mazunte
The general theme of “what to do backpacking the Oaxaca Coast” revolves around a whole lot of relaxing, and Mazunte is no exception to this. Some of the best things to do in Mazunte on your Oaxaca Coast itinerary are:
Yoga, breath work, ice baths: drop in class at Meditation Station.
Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga Museum: entry fee is 50 pesos per person.
Healing therapies: Mazunte has everything from Reiki and plant medicine to more funky therapies like ecstatic dance, shamanic astrology, yoni massage, craniosacral therapy, and just about anything else you can imagine. Luz del Sol Centro Holístico is a great place to start.
Shopping: boutique stores on the main road and many organic shops. Yu’gupa is my favourite for natural care products, health foods, and naturally sweetened vegan treats.
Sunset from Punta Cometa. 10 pesos for a quick walk to a beautiful view. You’re not able to bring alcohol or drugs (there are people that will check your bags).
Beach hopping: Playa Mermejita for sunset, Rinconcito for swimming and late afternoon shade, and Playa Elefante for open spaces.
Mazunte Farmers Market: on Sundays is also a great activity to add to your Oaxaca Coast itinerary. Here you can pick up plant medicines, jewelry, homemade salsas, and cacao beverages.
See crocodiles: at Laguna Ventannilla via a guided, manual-paddle boat tour through a mangrove estuary
Where to Eat in Mazunte
Below are my top choices when it comes to where to eat in Mazunte. FYI Mazunte is the best spot on the Oaxaca coast for vegan/vegetarian food. Almost every restaurant has plenty of meals to suit this kind of diet.
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.
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).
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
Zipolite
Zipolite is the Oaxaca Coast’s famed beach town for its (optional) nudity and LGBTQ+ friendly vibes. It has dangerous surf and rips so entering the water isn’t recommended, however you can attend a drag show and enjoy the sunny beach vibes.
ps – everything mentioned below is marked on my downloadable Mexico map with photos, descriptions, and booking links
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. From Mazunte it’s just a cheap, 10-15 minute colectivo ride.
In this post I have detailed information regarding how to get to Zipolite from Puerto Escondido.
Where to Stay in Zipolite
Lodging isn’t necessarily anything special in Zipolite, however there are some gems. I personally preferred lodging here over Mazunte so I spent significantly more time in Zipolite during my Oaxaca Coast itinerary.
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)
What to do in Zipolite
Zipolite is one of the Oaxaca Coast beach towns that travellers visit to relax. There are a handful of things to do here, however long beach walks and sunset gazing are, in my opinion, the best things about this place.
Take a yoga class: my top picks are at El Alquimista Yoga Spa (daily classes from 8.30am – 9.45am. Classes cost M$250 per person) and Shambhala Visión – runs daily yoga classes with a voluntary donation of at least M$100. They also offer incredible massages)
In the evening: stroll the night market, hit a drag show, or watch the stars
Where to Eat in Zipolite
Considering Zipolite is such a small town there’s actually a decent food scene here with a big emphasis on vegan and vegetarian options. These are my favourite places to eat in Zipolite:
Best cafes/smoothies/smoothie bowls in Zipolite: Toloache (chocolatier), El Alquimista, Orale Cafe, and DonDe Franco.
Best vegan/vegetarian restaurants in Zipolite: Cafeteria Veggie Carimbó, Falafel shalom, and Espiritu Verde.
Seafood restaurants in Zipolite: Sal y Pimienta.
Sweet treats in Zipolite: naturally sweetened/vegan cheesecakes, energy balls, etc from both Yu’gupa and Tlalli. Palma Negra has vegan ice cream. Baked goods can be found at Trigo and Panadería Pan de Vida.
Casual dining/variety menus in Zipolite: El Mare (Italian), DonDe Franco (Italian), Los Almendros (Mexican, cheaper), La Fenice (pizza), Afe, and El Alquimista (healthier).
Best beach restaurants in Zipolite: Posada San Cristobal, Sal y Pimienta, and El Alquimista.
Cheap/authentic street food in Zipolite: Arte Taco and El Delfin Taqueria for street tacos. El Rincón de la Ola for cheap eats (not great quality).
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
Other Notable Oaxaca Coast Beach Towns
There are a handful of other beach towns along the coast you can add to your Oaxaca Coast itinerary, although the ones I’ve mentioned above are the top picks time and time again among most travellers.
San Agustinillo – is a small, uncommercialized fishing village situated between Zipolite and Mazunte. The appeal here is the calm water for swimming, though everything is just far enough away in the midday sun that you’ll have to budget in colectivos each day.
Huatulco – is a highly structured, upscale resort region comprising nine pristine bays and over 30 white-sand beaches. You’ll find crystal clear water here and protected reefs great for families and snorkelling.
My 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)
5 Day Oaxaca Coast itinerary: Mazunte, Zipolite, Puerto Escondido, Chacahua
My Oaxaca Coast itinerary starts in Puerto Escondido, however you can easily reverse it if starting in Zipolite makes more sense for your route. This 5 day Oaxaca Coast itinerary is a speed tour, maximizing each day to do as much as possible. It’s tiring, but efficient.
I, of course, recommend spending more time along the Oaxaca Coast (I spent almost 2 months), however if you’re time is limited, this Oaxaca Coast itinerary is a bang-for-your-buck speed tour.
ps – everything mentioned below is marked on my downloadable Mexico map with photos, descriptions, and booking links
Oaxaca Coast Itinerary: Day 1 (Puerto Escondido)
Here’s my Puerto Escondido guide with more details about what’s below.
- Grab breakfast at one of the many restaurants in La Punta
- Start your morning with a beautiful hike along Puerto’s coastal trail (best at low tide). It starts at the south end of Zicatela Beach
- Grab a sweet treat at Moringa Fresh & Wild, then colectivo over to Rinconada
- From here you can easily walk to Playa Carrizalillo which has the iconic stairway photo-op over the beach. This is a nice place to relax for a while and chill during the afternoon heat
- Grab a bite to eat a Papi Bowls
- At 4:30pm release sea turtles at Bacocho Beach, then stay for one of the best sunset views in town (if you lodge in La Punta you may have to taxi back as the colectivos stop around 7:00pm, but become scarce around 6:00pm)
- In the evening you can opt to go clubbing in Zicatela, or if you’re like me, get right to sleep before day 2 of this fast-paced Oaxaca Coast itinerary begins
**You can add a second day in Puerto Escondido if you’re interested in taking a surf lesson, horseback riding to hot springs, going on a dolphin/whale watching tour, or seeing bioluminescence
My top lodging recommendations in La Punta: Bonita Escondido (hostel), Casa De Ola Boutique Hotel (hotel), and Casa To (if you’re looking to treat yourself)
My top lodging recommendations in Rinconada (my fav part of Puerto Escondido): Vivo Escondido (Puerto’s beloved hostel), and either Hotel Suites Villasol or Hotel Suites La Hacienda (for reliable hotels)
Oaxaca Coast Itinerary: Day 2 (Lagunas de Chacahua)
Lagunas de Chacahua is north of Puerto Escondido so it makes sense to go here prior to heading south for the rest of this Oaxaca Coast itinerary. Transportation to and from Chacahua can be lengthy – it just depends on the day – so I recommend getting an early start to make the most of your time there.
Here’s my full Lagunas to Chacahua guide with more info about what’s below. On my Mexico map you can find pins for all the transportation stops to and from Chacahua.
- Leave Puerto Escondido early and head for Chacahua
- Once you arrive find your accommodations, drop your bags, and enjoy some beach time
- If you’re looking for alternatives to the main beachfront, you can check out El Faro beach, swim in the lagoon where all the boats are (you’ll likely see the local kids in the water so you’ll know the spot), or rent kayaks from Perla Negra or 420 coffee shop
- Alternative activity options: yoga classes at Palma Real or partake in a Temazcal
- In the evening take the water taxi across the lagoon and head up to El Faro Lighthouse for sunset
- After that, go on a lagoon tour to see crocodiles and bioluminescence (talk to the locals around town to find a local operator)
**You can add an extra day in Chacahua if you’re interested in taking a (more advance) surf lesson. They usually start in the morning meaning you could depart Chacahua midday the following day and head for Mazunte
My top lodging recommendations: most lodging options, including hammocks on the beach, require you to be there to “book.” The few lodging options you can book online in advance are: Cabanas La Isla Chacahua (cute bungalows with wifi), Porã Chacahua (access to a shared kitchen), and Casa Uwu (gorgeous beachfront villas)
I have more Lagunas de Chacahua lodging options marked in my downloadable Mexico Map
Oaxaca Coast Itinerary: Day 3 (Mazunte)
Here’s my full Mazunte guide with more info about what’s below.
- Catch a beautiful sunrise along Chacahua’s 12km beach before departing for Mazunte. The journey to Mazunte is quite long, so I recommend grabbing a bite to eat in Chacahua before you leave or stopping in Puerto Escondido before changing buses to Mazunte
- You’ll likely arrive in the evening so I recommend checking into your accommodations, grabbing a bite to eat, then doing the quick hike to Punta Cometa for sunset
**You can also opt to lodge in Zipolite and take day trips into Mazunte. They’re only a 10-15 minute colectivo apart
My top lodging recommendations: Cabins Balamjuyuc (hostel overlooking the ocean), Cabañas Amaia (cabanas close to Playa Mermejita), Una Posada Mas (popular choice in town), or Zoa Hotel (if you want to treat yourself)
Oaxaca Coast Itinerary: Day 4 (Mazunte)
Here’s my full Mazunte guide with more info about what’s below.
- In the morning grab a bite to eat and head over to secluded, wild Mermejita beach. I love this beach for long walks and cool coastal rock formations
- Enjoy some beach time at Playa Rinconcito (main beach, surfing, beach clubs), or Playa San Agustinillo for calmer water (best in the area for swimming)
- Optional daytime activities: yoga classes or healing therapies (you can start this journey at Luz del Sol Centro Holístico), see crocodiles at Laguna Ventanilla, visit the local turtle sanctuary, Temazcal ceremony, hit the farmer’s market (only on Sundays), or peruse the artisan shops (lots of amazing clothing and jewelry here)
My top lodging recommendations: Cabins Balamjuyuc (hostel overlooking the ocean), Cabañas Amaia (cabanas close to Playa Mermejita), Una Posada Mas (popular choice in town), or Zoa Hotel (if you want to treat yourself)
Oaxaca Coast Itinerary: Day 5 (Zipolite)
You can continue lodging in Mazunte and visit Zipolite as a day trip, however I recommend staying 1 full night here so you can enjoy the night market and evening activities without needing to worry about taxi’ing back to Mazunte. Plus there are direct buses to Oaxaca and San Jose del Pacifico that depart from Zipolite if you’re headed there next.
Here’s my full Zipolite guide with more info about what’s below.
- Take a morning yoga class at El Alquimista Yoga Spa or Shambhala Visión OR partake in more of the optional Mazunte activities I mentioned on day 4 before spending the rest of the day in Zipolite
- Relax on the beach, or grab a chair at one of the many beach clubs – your Oaxaca Coast itinerary has been busy so far, take a moment to chill
- Before dinner (or after, depending on how early you eat), stroll the main beachfront and enjoy an epic sunset. I always liked hitting the beach swing and watching sunset from there
- In the evening stroll the night market, look at the stars from the beach, and/or hit a drag show
My top lodging recommendations: Zipolite Maracuya (hostel), Lo Cosmico (beachfront, budget), La Loma Linda (Seaview bungalows & yoga retreats), El Alquimista Yoga Spa (beachfront, best restaurant in town, Casa Nudista – LGBT Hotel (if you’re looking for the full nude experience)
From Zipolite I recommend heading to the city of Oaxaca or to San Jose del Pacifico which is accessible via direct bus from Zipolite. It’s the cutest magic mushroom town.
Oaxaca Coast Backpacking FAQs
Is Zipolite safe? Is Puerto Escondido safe? Is Mazunte safe?
The Oaxaca Coast beach towns like Zipolite and Mazunte are among some of the safest travel destinations in Mexico. Being a city you’ll have to be a bit more aware of your surroundings in Puerto Escondido, however I’d still regard this location as safe too.
Is the Oaxaca coast good for backpackers?
The Oaxaca Coast is great for backpackers as prices are reasonable and there are plenty of other travellers. Especially during the high season (Jan-Feb).
What is there to do along the Oaxaca Coast?
Surfing and beach-going is the main appeal of any Oaxaca Coast itinerary, however you can also see bioluminescence, crocodiels, and dolphins. Plus go for coastal walks, watch drag shows, eat good food, engage in some light (or heavy, depending on your preference) spiritual activities, among many other things.
Is it expensive to travel the Oaxaca coast?
The Oaxaca Coast is not expensive, but it’s not one of Mexico’s cheapest locations. It’s only getting more expensive time goes on.
What are the best beach towns on the Oaxaca coast?
My favourite Oaxaca Coast beach towns are (in order): Zipolite, Mazunte, Puerto Escondido, Lagunas de Chacahua.
Is Mazunte expensive to backpack? Is Zipolite expensive to backpack?
Mazunte and Zipolite are both mid-range $ travel destinations, based on typical Mexico pricing.
Is Puerto Escondido cheap to backpack?
Puerto Escondido is definitely cheaper to backpacker compared to it’s fellow Oaxaca Coast beach town neighbours like Mazunte and Zipolite.
Is Mazunte or Zipolite better to backpack?
I personally prefer lodging in Zipolite, but spending my days exploring the more available activities and beaches in Mazunte.
Is Zipolite LGBTQ friendly?
Zipolite is extremely LGBTQ+ friendly.
How long should I spend in Mazunte? How long should I spend in Zipolite?
If you’re not a surfer I’d recommend spending at least a couple days in each town so you can get a feel for the area.
Are there hostels in Mazunte and Zipolite? Are the hostels nice?
There are hostels in both Mazune and Zipolite, however “nice” is a grand overstatement. Think rustic. And then think more rustic. Unless you’re dishing out the $.
What are the best surf beaches along the Oaxaca Coast?
The beaches around Puerto Escondido are considered among the best along the Oaxaca Coast as they cater to all ability levels. Lagunas de Chacahua offers a whole off-grid surf village experience and more advanced surfing.
My Interactive Mexico Google Map
Get all my Mexico travel recommendations saved directly to your phone – a digital guide available at your fingertips!
My Mexico map has recommendations for:
- Places: beach towns, mountain villages, backpacker hotspots, and magic towns
- Outdoors: beaches, hikes, waterfalls, hot springs, volcanos
- Restaurants: street food, healthy options, local favourites, international eats
- Experiences: holy sites, excursions, holistic experiences/retreats, turtle releases, photo-ops
- Planning: bus stops, lodging, public washrooms, tedious details (like laundromats/grocery stores)
Quick Mexico Travel Guide
Travel Insurance: ALWAYS purchase reliable travel insurance before your trip. This insurance is trusted by backpackers and adventure sport enthusiasts around the world. You can also use my link to receive 5% off SafetyWing policies. Here’s a blog post with more trustworthy travel insurance options you can compare.
Best time to visit: December to April has cooler temps and sunny skies. Hurricane season is from June to November.
Currency: Mexican peso, displayed as “$.” 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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