Zipolite

Zipolite is a growing backpacker beach destination on the south-western Pacific coast of Oaxaca, Mexico. Known as Mexico's only officially clothing-optional beach, it offers a relaxed hippy vibe with cheap, excellent seafood and stunning sunsets over Roca Blanca. The 2024 highway cut travel time from Oaxaca city to just 4 hours by bus, while Huatulco airport is one hour away, making this increasingly accessible for travelers.

Zipolite sits between Puerto Escondido to the north and Huatulco to the east, with neighboring villages Mazunte and Puerto Angel. The town attracts laidback naturists, a growing scene of swingers and adult couples, and travelers seeking a quieter alternative to more developed resorts. You can watch whales and dolphins pass by offshore while relaxing on the golden-brown sand. The town has expanded in recent years while maintaining its distinctive atmosphere.

The new highway completed in 2024 has cut bus travel time from Oaxaca city to just 4 hours. Direct buses run regularly from Oaxaca de Juárez. Huatulco airport, one hour away, is a popular entry point with flights from Mexico City and other major cities. Collectivos and taxis connect Zipolite to nearby towns along the coast.

Zipolite stretches about 2 km along the beach, so no motor vehicle is needed. Taxis and collectivos are abundant on any road. The main street closes to traffic every evening around 17:30, transforming into a lively pedestrian-only night market with local shops and restaurants. You can walk through the jungle to Mazunte to the west, where the famous turtle museum is located, but return collectivos stop running around 18:00.

A large number of low-cost rooms line the beach with varying quality. Budget options start around M$600-650 per night for basic accommodations. For something special, Shambhala Visión offers a relaxed guesthouse perched on a hill with a wonderful cliffside restaurant overlooking the beach. Posada Mexico provides quintessential Mexican beach resort vibes with palapa huts, hammocks, and a pool with slide, fronting directly onto the beach.

Seafood is cheap and excellent throughout town. Sal y Pimienta serves fantastic food right on the beach with awesome burgers and fresh fish. El Alquimista, behind the rocks on the west side, offers arguably the best food in town in a beautiful setting. La Providencia at posada Las Casitas serves contemporary Mexican food for dinner during summer and winter seasons. Don de Franco in Roca Blanca is one of two Italian-owned restaurants in town, both highly regarded.

Zipolite offers surfing with three board rental places on the west side and rentals sometimes available from lifeguards on the east side. The consistent strong waves attract boogie boarders to the rocks on the east side in early evenings. Visit Playa del Amor, a beautiful cove accessible by climbing steps at the east end of the beach, known for calm water and stunning viewpoints. Every sunset creates a masterpiece with golden-brown sand and Roca Blanca's guano-covered rock offshore. Snorkeling trips to Puerto Angel with Byron Luna can include dolphin, sea turtle, and whale sightings. Ultralight aircraft flights depart every two weeks from Lyoban on the east side, offering 12-minute coast flights for US$500.

The waves and currents present serious danger with extremely strong rip tides; drownings are unfortunately common. Pay attention to red, yellow, and green flags posted by volunteer lifeguards indicating safe swimming areas. There is no active police force, which means drugs are easy to come by since the 1960s. Marijuana smoking is commonplace and tolerated, but police target people passing joints on the beach. If approached by police, you may be able to pay M$200 to avoid trouble. Past cases of mugging and rape have been reported, though no major crime for several years. Avoid walking on the dark beach alone at night, and secure your valuables.

Zipolite offers excellent value for backpackers. ATMs are scarce and frequently out of order or out of cash, so withdraw enough for your entire stay before arriving. Handmade crafts on the beach include sarongs and hippy beach trousers for M$80-120, with hammocks selling for M$200-350. Coconut lamps on Main Street range from M$45-800. Oaxacan cheese, available at local stores, comes in two varieties: salty and stringy, or crumbly like ricotta. Budget accommodation starts around M$600-650 per night.

Head east to Huatulco for more resort amenities and infrastructure. West to Mazunte to visit the famous turtle museum and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. Puerto Angel to the north offers excellent snorkeling opportunities with local boat operator Byron Luna.