Things To Do on
a Day Trip to Mazunte

Things To Do on a Day Trip to Mazunte

By Kristy Martin. Photos: Jarryd Bravo.

Mazunte is an ultra-relaxed seaside hamlet where you can do as much or as little as you like. A haven for hippies, yogis and backpackers, it has become a trendy stop-off for international visitors, many of whom come for a few days and end up staying forever. A pleasant day trip from Puerto, Mazunte offers a variety of things to see and do.

Things To Do on
a Day Trip to Mazunte

Take a morning yoga class

Yoga offers a total mind-body workout that not only stretches and strengthens the body, but also focuses on breathing, meditation and relaxation. The best part about yoga in Mazunte is that anyone, from beginners to experienced participants, can take a casual class at one of the centres in town. Both Hridaya Yoga and Comunidad Om Shanti offer regular hatha yoga classes during the week. Check their websites for times.

Visit the National Mexican Turtle Center

Things To Do on
a Day Trip to Mazunte

Created in 1991 to combat the eradication of local turtle populations, the National Mexican Turtle Center is a research and rehabilitation center with aquarium viewing. This important conservation site showcases a large variety of turtles including all eight species of marine turtles, plus some freshwater and land turtles. It is a delight to see so many different species up close, from tiny babies to huge sea turtles and even large, horned turtles that look like they belong in Jurassic Park.

Hike up to Punta Cometa

Things To Do on
a Day Trip to Mazunte

A short 30-minute hike will take you to the nature reserve of Punta Cometa. The point juts out from the western end of the main beach and is a great place to watch the sunrise or sunset. But it can get crowded. If you head up in the early morning, you are likely to have the place to yourself and can see birds, butterflies, giant termite nests and intricate spiderwebs.

Visit the beach

Things To Do on
a Day Trip to Mazunte
Photo: Ernesto J. Torres.


The beaches in Mazunte are postcard pretty and it is easy to be seduced by their charms. The town’s main beach is El Rinconcito, a curving bay with golden sand and a top spot for swimming. Further along you will find the wilder coastline of Playa Mermejita, a stunning beach with marble sand and dramatic cliffs, which is not recommended for swimming. You can also visit the nearby beaches of San Agustinillo and Zipolite by taking a colectivo or taxi.

Hit up the restaurants and juice bars

With the abundance of food options in Mazunte, you definitely won’t go hungry. Tasty Mexican fare — like tacos, tlayudas and tortas — is widely available and there are also numerous international eateries, including pizzerias, burger joints and plenty of cafes serving hot coffee and breakfast. Enjoy a juice or smoothie at one of the town’s juice bars for a refreshing pick-me-up.

Or do absolutely nothing

Things To Do on
a Day Trip to Mazunte
Photo: Ernesto J. Torres.


Quiet roads, colourful murals and thatched-roofed buildings make Mazunte a photogenic spot, so if you don’t feel like doing much at all, you can simply wander the pretty streets, snapping away with your camera and then take up a spot on the beach or while away the afternoon in a hammock.

How to get to Mazunte

Mazunte is located about one hour’s drive from Puerto Escondido on the Coastal Highway towards Huatulco. Buses run frequently from Puerto, but you must get off at San Antonio and take a taxi or colectivo from there.

San Agustinillo beach

San Agustinillo

Photos: Ernesto J. Torres.

From 1960-1990, the turtle slaughter-house and processing plant in San Agustinillo, next to Mazunte, provided much of the world’s turtle skin for boots and purses and turtle shell for combs and eyeglass frames, not to mention meat and eggs for the Mexican market. In those days Mazunte was famous for its stench of rotting turtle carcasses. So no need to worry about having missed the good old days when you enjoy a day at the beach in San Agustinillo, just a hop, skip and jump from Mazunte.

San Agustinillo surfers

San Agustinillo surfers

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