Looking for an idyllic escape for some sweet winter sun?
The answer used to be Oaxaca before towns like Puerto Escondido grew too fast.
But don’t fret; there’s a secret beach getaway home to a welcome community of laid-back locals ready to welcome you with open arms.
Mostly known amongst the surfer and yogi community, don’t let the “hippie” vibes turn you away. You don’t need dreadlocks or pretzel-like flexibility to fit in around here.
The small town of Mazunte is home to roughly 1,000 residents and is a far cry from Puerto Escondido or even Huatulco’s shores as it’s white-knuckled its ‘hidden gem’ status.
Here, you can expect wide-open beaches, small-town charm, and cheap stays in this undiscovered paradise.
Puerto Escondido’s Best Oaxacan Alternative
Islands.com recently revealed ‘Mexico’s best beaches’ – two being in Oaxaca. So you might be wondering why I am only unveiling one for you…
They claimed Playa Carrizalillo is an alternative to Puerto Escondido, but that’s not exactly true, given it’s just a stone’s throw from the town center.
Yes, it may be tucked away and only accessible by a steep hike, but it’s not even a locals’ favorite hideaway, as they claim.
Puerto Escondido became so popular at one point, locals had to ‘fight back‘ to avoid tourists overrunning their beloved hometown.
That’s where Mazunte steps in since there is no longer a secret in Puerto Escondido, including Playa Carrizalillo.
Mazunte is a sleepy getaway, but that doesn’t mean it’s boring. It’s the ultimate place to catch some waves, align your frequencies at numerous yoga retreats, and simply unwind along the beach or waterfront eateries with a cold cerveza in hand.
Getting here is just as easy as Puerto Escondido or any other hyped-up coastal town around here. If you didn’t know, Oaxaca’s road systems have been much improved, so you can fly into Oaxaca City or Puerto Escondido, or even the lesser-known Huatulco by comparison.
Travel Tip: There’s no bad time to visit Mazunte, so be on the lookout for Mexico’s exciting new train connecting Cancun to Oaxaca for the ultimate Mexican adventure!
Pristine Beaches And Cheap Stays
Not to go on a tangent about how Mexico is often misclassified as a dangerous no-go zone, but if Mexico certainly deserves credit for one thing, it’s the preservation of most of their beaches (hence, Americans flock south of the border so frequently).
Mazunte has been blessed with the honor of being one of Mexico’s many pueblo magicos.
For those who failed Spanish class, all that means it’s considered to be a ‘magical town’, lauding recognition for its natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Natural beauty is the main draw, as the beaches here are breathtaking. The downside is that the conditions aren’t always suitable for swimming, but hey, you’ll never hear surfers complain.
Walking the scenic shores of crashing waves and warm year-round weather never gets old; it’s truly a little slice of paradise away from Oaxaca’s more famed destinations.
Playa Rinconcito is the place to be, packed with casual bars and eateries offering epic waterfront views.
Better yet, there is a secret cove for those looking to take a dip in the cool waters rather than catch some waves.
More importantly, there is a lifeguard on duty, and the beach is equipped with umbrellas, lounge chairs, and restrooms.
But where should you stay?
Despite being off the radar for many, there is a 4-star hotel here, the Zoa Hotel.
But your best value is going to be staying at boutique hotels, often under $60 per night, such as Oceano Mar.
A Rising Digital Nomad Hotspot
Mazunte may still fly under the radar for mainstream travelers, but it’s no longer a secret in the world of digital nomads.
As winter nears, more remote workers will pack up in search of sun and sand with Mazunte being one of Mexico’s rising digital nomad destinations.
With a welcoming community, chill vibes, and affordable long-term stays, there’s no better place to skip out on shoveling driveways than Mazunte’s peaceful shores.
It’s well-documented how Mexico is a staple for digital nomads. Mazunte is no different from ticking off a lot of boxes, such as:
- Plentiful cafes
- Cheap apartments ($330 – $600 on Airbnb in January)
- Even cheaper hostels
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