MexicoCoastal destination / World-class waves, pristine bays, ecotourism and Zapotec gastronomy

Oaxaca Coast

A fascinating and wild coastline in the Mexican South Pacific that combines the surf energy of Puerto Escondido, the ecological magic of Mazunte and the quiet virgin bays of Huatulco.

200 km

6 days

State of Oaxaca (South Pacific Coast)

General information

Everything you need to know about Oaxaca Coast

Type

Coastal destination / World-class waves, pristine bays, ecotourism and Zapotec gastronomy

Length

200 km

Recommended Stay

6 days

Region

State of Oaxaca (South Pacific Coast)

Description

The Oaxaca Coast is a unique coastal corridor where the imposing Sierra Madre del Sur falls directly onto the Pacific Ocean. This stretch of coast offers a great diversity of experiences: from the legendary and tubular waves of Zicatela in Puerto Escondido and the bohemian atmosphere of magical river towns such as Mazunte and Zipolite, to the protected and crystalline ecological bays of Huatulco, all impregnated by the rich culture and traditional Oaxacan gastronomy.

Famous for

Zicatela Beach in Puerto Escondido, world famous for its powerful giant wave ('The Mexican Pipeline')
Punta Cometa in Mazunte, a sacred viewpoint and energy point over the ocean to contemplate unforgettable sunsets
The Huatulco National Park and its nine bays of crystal-clear waters surrounded by virgin jungle
Zipolite, the free environment beach and the only one officially tolerated for nudism in Mexico
The rich marine biodiversity, including the massive arrival of sea turtles to lay their eggs in protected sanctuaries such as La Escobilla

Highlights

Zicatela Beach, the international mecca of big wave surfing in Puerto Escondido.

Punta Cometa (Mazunte), a mountain jutting out to the sea considered a pre-Hispanic ceremonial center and a natural observatory for whales and sunsets.

Huatulco Bays, a system of nine bays and dozens of sheltered beaches ideal for snorkeling and sailing.

La Ventanilla, a protected mangrove lagoon where you can spot crocodiles, exotic birds and turtles in their natural habitat.

Carrizalillo Beach, a beautiful protected cove with turquoise waters in Puerto Escondido ideal for swimming and learning to surf.

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Water Activities

Dive into unique adventures and discover the sea from another perspective

Surfing in Puerto Escondido

Learn to surf in the accessible waves of La Punta or witness the impressive professional waves at Playa Zicatela.

Water Activity

Boat tour through the Bays of Huatulco

Sail through the Huatulco National Park to discover virgin coves such as Cacaluta and Chachacual, ideal for snorkeling among coral reefs.

Water Activity

Live the adventure on the water!

Click on "Book" to find water activities in Oaxaca Coast

Nature and Hiking

Connect with nature and discover unique landscapes that will leave you breathless

Ecological Trail in Huatulco National Park

Guided walks through the low deciduous forest that connect panoramic viewpoints with virgin beaches inaccessible by road.

Natural space

Explore nature and go on an adventure!

Click on "Route" to find hiking tours and activities

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Local Gastronomy

The gastronomy of the Oaxaca coast combines the culinary excellence of the Central Valleys (with its ancestral moles, tlayudas and chocolate) with the absolute freshness of seafood.

Main Dishes

Fish to size

Fish opened lengthwise, marinated with dried chilies, spices and slowly roasted over wood embers.

Tlayudas with Tasajo or Seafood

The emblematic crispy corn tortilla spread with appetizers, beans, Oaxacan cheese and roast beef.

Typical Drinks

Oaxacan Artisan Mezcal

Endemic agave distillate produced in the mountainous regions of Oaxaca, traditionally served with worm salt and orange slices.

Sweets and Desserts

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Climate and Conditions

Temperatures by Season

Spring

30-34°C

Summer

31-35°C

Autumn

30-33°C

Winter

28-32°C

Precipitation

Warm and dry tropical climate with a marked rainy season from June to October (frequent night storms). The dry and sunny season runs from November to May.

Water Conditions

Water Temperature

Warm waters all year round, with very pleasant temperatures that range between 27°C and 30°C.

Precautions

Rip currents and strong waves in the open sea

Ocean beaches like Zicatela or San Agustinillo have very powerful breakers and dangerous underwater currents; You should swim with extreme caution and follow lifeguard instructions.

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🏛️ UNESCO Sites

Huatulco Biosphere Reserve (Protected Natural Area)

Ecosystem of low deciduous forest, mangroves and coral reefs under federal protection.

🏙️ Nearby Cities

Oaxaca de Juárez (Capital)

📍 250 km • ⏱️ Approximately 2 and a half to 3 hours by car on the new Mitla-Tehuantepec highway or 40 minutes by regional flight.

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Traveler Information

Everything you need to know to plan your visit

Best Time to Visit

November to April (dry and sunny season, with excellent conditions for surfing, whale watching and boating).

Transport Tips

Explore by local transportation or rental car

Moving between Puerto Escondido, Mazunte, Zipolite and Huatulco is very easy using collective vans (*colectivos*) or renting a car for greater flexibility.

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Plan your visit to Oaxaca Coast!

Discover everything Oaxaca Coast has to offer

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Before you go

Quick answers to plan your trip with confidence

6 days cover beaches and a town or two. Add more for hikes or nearby islands.

Start with the featured beaches and towns on this guide; mix downtime with a hidden gem.

The nearby cities listed here usually work well for day trips along the coast.

Swimming, coastal walks, seafood, and seasonal water sports when available.

Many coasts are — look for easy-access beaches and towns with services.

Most visitors arrive via a nearby city, then use buses, cars, or local boats.

Oaxaca Coast

General information

Description

Famous for

Highlights

Water Activities

Surfing in Puerto Escondido

Boat tour through the Bays of Huatulco

Nature and Hiking

Ecological Trail in Huatulco National Park

Local Gastronomy

Main Dishes

Fish to size

Tlayudas with Tasajo or Seafood

Typical Drinks

Oaxacan Artisan Mezcal

Sweets and Desserts

Climate and Conditions

Temperatures by Season

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Winter

Precipitation

Water Conditions

Water Temperature

Precautions

Rip currents and strong waves in the open sea

🏛️ UNESCO Sites

Huatulco Biosphere Reserve (Protected Natural Area)

🏙️ Nearby Cities

Oaxaca de Juárez (Capital)

Traveler Information

Best Time to Visit

Transport Tips

Explore by local transportation or rental car

Plan your visit to Oaxaca Coast!

General information

Description

Famous for

Highlights

🏖️Coasts

🏖️Zicatela Beach (Puerto Escondido)

🌟 Features

🌴 Services

🏖️Carrizalillo Beach (Puerto Escondido)

🌟 Features

🌴 Services

🏖️Zipolite Beach

🌟 Features

🌴 Services

Coastal Towns

🏘️ Puerto Escondido

Famous for:

🏘️ Mazunte

Famous for:

Water Activities

Surfing in Puerto Escondido

Boat tour through the Bays of Huatulco

Hidden Gems

Punta Cometa (Mazunte)

Special note:

Ventanilla Lagoon

Special note:

Nature and Hiking

Ecological Trail in Huatulco National Park

Local Gastronomy

Main Dishes

Fish to size

Tlayudas with Tasajo or Seafood

Typical Drinks

Oaxacan Artisan Mezcal

Sweets and Desserts

Climate and Conditions

Temperatures by Season

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Winter

Precipitation