Mazunte is small, but it offers far more than a day at the beach.
This Pueblo Mágico on the Oaxaca coast has famous sunsets, beaches that are completely different from one another, a history tied to protecting sea turtles and a relaxed atmosphere that makes many travelers stay longer than they planned.
The best news is that almost everything can be done on foot. You can walk the village from one end to the other, and the places farther away, like La Ventanilla, San Agustinillo or Zipolite, are just a few minutes away by taxi or local transport.
In this guide we have gathered the best things to do in Mazunte, when to do them and a few tips that will save you time once you are here.
Mazunte, a Pueblo Mágico since 2015
On September 28, 2015, Mazunte was declared a Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) of Mexico. The title is awarded by Mexico’s federal Ministry of Tourism through a program created in 2001, and it recognizes towns that have preserved, valued and defended their historical, cultural and natural heritage.
In Mazunte’s case, the recognition has a lot to do with its recent history: a village that left sea turtle hunting behind to protect them instead, and that chose tourism on a human scale, with palm-thatched houses, local businesses and plenty of nature all around.
For you as a visitor, being a Pueblo Mágico means you are in a place with its own identity and a commitment to sustainable tourism. And no, it has not turned into a big resort destination: it is still a small village where almost everything is a few minutes’ walk away.
1. Watch the sunset from Punta Cometa
If you only do one thing in Mazunte, make it this one. Punta Cometa is the rocky headland at the western end of the village, and from its viewpoints the sun sets straight into the Pacific.
The climb takes 15 to 20 minutes from the main entrance, a donation is requested to enter and alcohol is not allowed. Start walking up 60 to 90 minutes before sunset so you can explore the trails calmly and choose your viewpoint.
If you are staying several days, it is worth going back early in the morning, when there is hardly anyone there. Everything you need to know is in our complete guide to Punta Cometa.
2. Visit the Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga
Mazunte’s history is tied to sea turtles. For years, the village lived off hunting them, until it was banned in 1990. From then on, the community turned to conservation and ecotourism, and today the Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga is the symbol of that change.
There you can see sea, freshwater and land turtles in observation tanks, learn about the incubation areas and walk through a botanical garden with plants from the region. Guided tours are offered in Spanish and English.
It is open Wednesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 16:30 and on Sundays from 10:00 to 14:30; it is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. According to the center’s own website, updated in 2026, general admission is 50 pesos, students pay half and entry is free for children under 12 and adults over 60. Hours and prices may change, so confirm them before you go.
More information: Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga hours and prices · the center on Mazunte’s official tourism website · see the location on Google Maps
3. Spend the day at Playa Mazunte
The village’s main beach is a wide bay of golden sand, with palapas, beachfront restaurants and fishing boats on the sand. It is the natural place to spend the morning, eat by the sea and watch village life go by.
Sea conditions change depending on the part of the bay and the season. Check the flags and ask locals before going in, especially when there are waves.
4. Swim at Playa Rinconcito
At the western end of the bay, at the foot of Punta Cometa, is Playa Rinconcito. It is smaller and usually more sheltered than the rest of the bay, which makes it a favorite for swimming and spending the afternoon before heading up to watch the sunset.
Arrive early in high season: the restaurants and the shade fill up fast.
5. Walk along Playa Mermejita
On the other side of Punta Cometa lies Playa Mermejita: dark sand, almost no buildings and much stronger waves. It is ideal for walking, watching the sunset or simply sitting and looking at the sea.
It is not a swimming beach. The currents can be dangerous even when the water looks calm.
6. Take a boat tour of the La Ventanilla lagoon
A few kilometers west of Mazunte, La Ventanilla is a community that runs an ecotourism project in its lagoon and mangroves. Tours are done in rowboats with local guides, last about an hour and a half, and you will usually see crocodiles, iguanas and lots of birds.
There is also a crocodile breeding area and a turtle camp. It is one of the best ways to spend a morning, especially if you want to see another side of the coast besides the beach.
7. Join a sea turtle release
During nesting season, the local turtle camps release hatchlings into the sea, usually at sunset, and sometimes invite visitors to join them.
Only do this with authorized camps, such as those in La Ventanilla or through the Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga. Follow the staff’s instructions, do not touch the hatchlings and do not use flash. Dates depend on each season, so ask around the village when you arrive.
8. Go whale watching
Roughly from December to March, humpback whales pass along the Oaxaca coast. Local fishermen offer boat trips from the beach in Mazunte and from San Agustinillo, and along the way it is also common to see dolphins and sea turtles.
In 2026, trips cost between 400 and 600 pesos per person. Go early: the sea is usually calmer in the morning. And if you would rather not get on a boat, in season it is worth watching the horizon from Punta Cometa.
9. Take home natural cosmetics made in Mazunte
When the village left turtle hunting behind, community projects emerged to create new sources of work. One of the best known is the making of natural cosmetics with local ingredients: soaps, creams, shampoos and oils.
They make a useful souvenir and an easy way to support the local economy.
10. Take a yoga class or try a temazcal
Mazunte is one of the best-known yoga and meditation destinations in Mexico. There are drop-in classes for every level, centers with programs lasting several weeks, and temazcal ceremonies, the traditional Mesoamerican steam bath.
If you are coming as a group for a small retreat, Mazunte has everything you need: teachers, spaces and a natural setting that helps you slow down.
11. Visit San Agustinillo and Zipolite
East of Mazunte, the coast continues with two very different beaches that you can visit on the same day.
San Agustinillo is laid-back, with a family-friendly feel and waves that are often good for learning to surf; there are surf schools and board rentals. Zipolite, a little farther on, is a long beach famous for its free-spirited vibe, its nightlife and for being one of the few nude beaches in Mexico. Its waves are strong, so be careful when swimming.
You can get there by taxi or colectivo in a few minutes, or walk to San Agustinillo if you feel like it.
12. Stroll through the village at night
When the sun goes down, Mazunte’s main street comes alive: food stalls, cafés, live music, crafts and travelers coming back from Punta Cometa. It is the perfect time for an unhurried dinner.
If you are looking for where to eat, in our complete guide to the Oaxaca coast we share our recommendations.
Bonus: the Mazunte Jazz Festival
Every year, usually in the second week of November, Mazunte holds the Festival Internacional de Jazz y Algo Más, with music, workshops for all ages, sports activities and food. In 2026, the 19th edition takes place from November 13 to 15 at the village soccer field. The program is released little by little on Mazunte’s official tourism website.
If you plan to come on those dates, book ahead: it is one of the busiest weekends of the year.
When to visit Mazunte?
The dry season, from November to April, brings clear skies, generally calmer seas and whale season. It is also when the village is busiest, especially over Christmas and New Year and during Semana Santa (Holy Week).
From May to October it rains more, the landscape turns very green and the village is much quieter. It is a good time if you want fewer people and better prices, and it coincides with turtle nesting season.
Tips for getting around Mazunte
- You can explore the village on foot; for La Ventanilla, San Agustinillo or Zipolite there are taxis and colectivos.
- Bring cash: many small businesses do not accept cards.
- Use biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Bring a flashlight or a charged phone if you will be walking back from Punta Cometa or the beach after dark.
- Respect sea conditions: not every beach is safe for swimming.
Frequently asked questions about things to do in Mazunte
How many days do I need in Mazunte?
With three or four days you have time to watch the sunset at Punta Cometa, visit the Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga, tour La Ventanilla and see San Agustinillo and Zipolite without rushing. If you are coming for yoga, to rest or to work remotely, a week flies by.
Fair warning, though: you may never want to leave. It happens to a lot of people who come to Mazunte for a few days and end up staying for weeks, months or even years.
Can you swim in Mazunte?
Yes, but it depends on the beach and the day. Playa Rinconcito is usually the most sheltered. At Playa Mermejita and Zipolite the waves and currents can be strong.
Is Mazunte walkable?
Yes. The center, the main beach, Playa Rinconcito and the trail to Punta Cometa are all a short walk away. You only need transport to visit the neighboring villages.
Heading up to Punta Cometa? Read our guide to watching the sunset.
Where to stay in Mazunte: Casa La Vista Mazunte
Casa La Vista is a private, adults-only villa on the hillside above Mazunte, with an infinity pool, three ocean-view suites and a rooftop terrace with a pergola. You can book a suite for two or the entire villa for up to six.
The location makes everything in this guide easy: you are a 3-minute walk from the center of Mazunte and a 10-minute walk from Playa Rinconcito and Playa Mazunte. Spend the day exploring, head up to Punta Cometa for sunset and come back to your pool overlooking the Pacific.
Best price, no platform fees