Mazunte, Mexico: Oaxaca’s Most Underrated Bohemian Beach Town

I spent a month working remotely from Mexico City, and almost everyone I met told me I needed to go to Oaxaca. Once I said I was going, the advice narrowed even further: “You have to go to the coast.” I was traveling solo, yet I had made plenty of friends in the city. For this leg of the trip, I was searching for solitude and quiet mornings, a place where days could unfold without much planning. That’s how I ended up in Mazunte, choosing it deliberately over the more popular beach town of Puerto Escondido.

Mazunte sits along Oaxaca’s Pacific coast, a region known for its raw beaches and powerful surf. Compared to Puerto Escondido’s lively hostels and nightlife, Mazunte feels like a hidden village forgotten in the past. It’s long been associated with alternative living and wellness, where drop-in yoga sessions are easy to find, and meals are best enjoyed outdoors and barefoot. There are no big resorts or packed beach clubs here. Instead, days unfold slowly by the ocean, with no real hurry to be anywhere else.

I happened to visit in April, during the slow season, when the town felt even quieter than usual. With few other travelers around, Mazunte revealed itself as the kind of place many destinations once were: unpolished and unconcerned with keeping you busy. It reminded me that simplicity isn’t something to be marketed, but a way of living.

With three main beaches, Mazunte makes it easy to visit them all.

Playa Mazunte stretches wide and open, with palm trees for shade and a line of simple beachfront restaurants. Grab a beach lounger and make yourself at home under one of the many umbrellas. Order a drink, then some food, and just linger the day away. The ocean here is refreshing but a bit wild. Waves and currents can make it a tough spot for swimming, so be sure to keep an eye on the conditions.

Playa Rinconcito sits at the end of the main road and feels like the town’s informal meeting point. My hotel was right on the beach, so I often had the shore to myself in the early hours of the morning. Here you’ll find a handful of low-key bars renting out chairs and umbrellas, but it’s mostly the kind of place where people linger without doing much at all.

Playa Mermejita is a beaut. You’ll get there after a short but hilly walk, and be rewarded with a long, wild stretch of sand that’s quieter and more dramatic than the other two beaches. It’s especially lovely toward the end of the day, when the beach empties. The sunset here is supposed to be one of the best on the Mexican Pacific coast.

When I visited in April, Mazunte was very slow. A lot of “daily” offerings weren’t actually running, and I had to call around to find a yoga class that was really happening. That being said, the beach is always beautiful, and the sunset is always worth watching, slow season or not.

Mazunte’s wellness scene is extensive. You’ll find plenty of drop-in yoga classes at small studios and other wellness spaces around town. I booked a wonderful group class after finding out about it on a bulletin board.

Holistics therapies are a central focus in Mazunte. Expect to find everything from massages and reiki to temazcal, ecstatic dance, and plant-medicine-style offerings. If you’re curious, Mazunte makes it easy to try something without committing to a full retreat. Walk around and read the flyers hung around town, then vet what you’re considering (price, who’s running it, what’s included).

I was surprised at how beautiful the boutiques and stands were, each selling artisan clothing, jewelry, and handmade goods. You can find unique pieces you won’t see anywhere else on your trip, although I did find prices to be higher than expected.

Punta Cometa is a cliffside viewpoint that requires a short but hilly hike. It’s best known for its signature sunset—anyone you meet will tell you this is the one activity you need to do in Mazunte. Go early to get a good spot. I recomend wearing real shoes (not flimsy flip-flops) and bringing your own water.

Zipolite is a nearby beach town known for its clothing-optional beach and a more social vibe than Mazunte. It’s an easy day trip when you want a change of scene; a local colectivo (shared taxi/truck) will get you there in about 15 to 20 minutes. Don’t forget to bring some cash for transport and food.

Boat tours from Mazunte offer the chance to see humpback whales, dolphins, manta rays, and sea turtles, especially during migration season from November to March. Tours usually leave early in the morning and last a few hours, giving you sweeping views of the coastline along the way. Sightings aren’t guaranteed, but dolphins and turtles are common even outside peak season.

Umami is a laidback spot known for fresh juices and smoothies, plus a solid all-day menu with egg dishes, smoothie bowls, and fish tacos. There are also plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.

Casa Davan was my go-to spot when I needed to get work done. It’s airy and comfortable, with reliable AC, strong internet, and good coffee, plus a well-curated boutique inside. The menu is broader than most in Mazunte, with sandwiches, bowls, pizzas, smoothies, and desserts, making it an easy place to settle in for a few hours.

If you’re craving pizza in Mazunte, La Pizzeria is the place. It was so good I finished a whole pizza myself. It’s set in a shaded spot under the trees, and on the night I went, there was some lovely live music playing.

Doba is especially popular in the mornings, serving generous portions of eggs, pancakes, fruit bowls, and good coffee. Simple lunches are also served later in the day. It’s a solid place to start the morning before heading to the beach.

El Copal Mazunte makes the list because of its elevated position overlooking Playa Mermejita. Set up in the hills just outside the center, it’s a bit of a walk, but one that pays off once you reach the top. To get there, head toward Mermejita Beach and take the last left before arriving; the route is signposted, and staff are often around to point visitors in the right direction. Food here is a bit pricey by Mazunte standards, though portions are generous and the seafood tacos are a standout. You can also come just for drinks. Around sunset, the terrace opens up to expansive views of the wild beach below.

The newly built La Valise Mazunte was recently featured in Travel + Leisure as a high-design property perched on a cliffside within the protected El Torón Reserve. There’s just six suites, and there are ocean views from nearly every angle of the hotel. I’d go for the infinity pool alone.

I stayed here in a simple bungalow right on the beach, and the location is the real draw. It’s more rustic than luxurious, but waking up steps from the ocean makes up for it. A solid choice if you value proximity to the water.

Zoa Hotel is one of Mazunte’s top luxury stays. The property, which sits just above the coast with private terraces facing the Pacific, was just awarded a Michelin Key for the second year in a row. If you’re after a more resort-style experience, this is the best option. Needless to say, rooms here tend to book well in advance. 

You’ll get the bets weather from November to April, or the dry season with clearer skies and calmer ocean conditions. This period also overlaps with whale-watching season, which runs roughly from December through March.