Mazunte, FOUND: The Bohemian Beach Town We Can't Stop Thinking About

Mazunte is what you imagine when you dream of a low-key coastal escape — sun-warmed cliffs, golden beaches, handwoven hammocks, and the kind of stillness that makes you want to stay a while. It's tiny, walkable, and deeply soulful.

Tucked along Oaxaca's Pacific coast, Mazunte has a slower, simpler magic. At FOUND, we love it for wellness retreats, unplugged honeymoons, and creative resets that don’t require an agenda. If you're looking for something off the radar, with only smaller eco and boutique hotels that are deeply rooted in vibe and intention, this is the place for you.

  • Getting There

    Fly into Huatulco (HUX) or Puerto Escondido (PXM)

    Drive from airport ~ 1 hour and 15 minutes– (Taxi, Private Transfer, or Car Rental)

    Found Tip: Taxis and private transfers can be prebooked or purchased on-site at the airport. Taxi stands are located immediately following the exit doors. Inform the attendant of your destination, and they will provide you with the price up front before departure.

    Taxis accept both credit cards and pesos, and the fare should cost approximately MXN 1,300 (approximately USD 70).

  • Where to Stay

    Zoa Hotel – Boutique, adults-only luxury retreat, awarded the 2024 Michelin Key for exceptional experiences beyond accommodation. ZOA is comprised of eight handcrafted, private bungalows, each with a private plunge pool perched on the cliffs above the Pacific. The hotel offers an outstanding culinary experience, featuring Mexican Pacific cuisine adjacent to the property's clifftop infinity pool. They do offer a full buy-out for larger groups. 

    Casa Pan de Miel– Chic, nine-room, adult-only, eco-conscious boutique hotel perched on a hilltop with stunning Pacific views and direct beach access.

    Monte Uzulu Boutique Hotel - an 11-suite boutique hotel perched on a hillside jungle in San Agustinillo, a small fishing village just south of Mazunte, transforming into a holiday destination. Lush gardens give way to a secluded plunge pool. 

    La Valise Mazunte–From renowned architects Alberto Kalach, Biblioteca Vasconcelos, CDMX, and Ignacio Urquiza comes their joint project opening in Summer 2025. Upscale, adults-only boutique hotel offering six curated suites and a standout private villa. Minimalist luxury, open-air layouts, private beach access, and panoramic ocean views. 

    Private Villa Rentals - Casita Erizo en La Extraviada, Casa de Mayo, Architectural Retreat

  • Things to Do Part One

    Punta Cometa Hike (Sunrise or Sunset) Punta Cometa, or Cerro Sagrado, is the southernmost point in Oaxaca with sweeping views over the Pacific. Take the free 1.8-mile round-trip trail from Camino A Punta Cometa (the Rinconcito Beach route is currently closed). Sunset is popular—arrive 30 minutes early—or enjoy a quieter sunrise. Stick to marked trails and leave no trace. Nearby beaches to explore include San Agustinillo and Zipolite.

    La Escobilla Turtle Sanctuary
    Just 35 minutes by taxi from Mazunte, you will find Playa Tortuguera, a 74-acre sanctuary, consisting of 15 miles of coastline and home to one of the most remarkable olive ridley turtle nesting sites in the world. In 2024, 625,000 turtles nested during the season, which ran from June to July through February. Due to the fragility of this ecological event, public access is restricted. However, you can book an experience through Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga in Mazunte or Centro Ecoturistico Escobilla, which is located and marked with a roadside sign in La Escobilla.

    There are multiple tour options. The hatchling release tour, which is available year-round, takes place at sunset. During this tour, you will be paired with a community guide and release newly hatched turtles onto the beach and watch them begin their journey to the sea. The second, Arribada Night Visit, occurs three to five times per month during the peak nesting season. Here you will observe turtles hauling onto shore and nesting.

    Once again, you must have an advanced reservation. Entrance fees go directly to support community conservation. Most importantly, follow the rules. No flash photography, stay quiet, and DO NOT touch the turtles or their nests. Remember, it's not just a courtesy, it's the law.

  • Things to do Part Two

    Whale Watching (Dec–Mar) From December to March, humpback whales migrate along the Oaxacan coast. If you would like to take a boat tour to see whales, dolphins, and turtles, we recommend booking a tour. Most tours begin around 7:45 am when sea conditions are calmer. For humpback whales, it's essential to manage your expectations, as wildlife sightings depend on natural behavior and may not always occur. We saw two humpbacks breach from our balcony at ZOA. Punta Cometa is also an excellent spot to catch a sighting.

    Boat Charters & Yachting
    Charter a yacht for a half- or full-day trip from Puerto Escondido or Huatulco to spot dolphins, turtles, and whales. We have used LuxuryCharters.mx and had great experiences.

    Hridaya Yoga & Meditation
    Mazunte hosts one of only two Hridaya Yoga centers in the world. Drop in for Hatha yoga or join multi-day meditation retreats and workshops.

    Surf Lessons
    Learn to surf at San Agustinillo or Playa Mermejita. For advanced surfers, try the big waves at Punta Cometa. We recommend always going with a guide, as Pacific waves can be intense.

    Meditation Station
    The Wellness Center, located next to DOBA, offers inner connection through holistic therapies and conscious vibes. The center provides daily yoga classes, breathwork, ice bath therapy, and massage, tailored for healing, as well as co-working spaces with Starlink high-speed internet.

  • Where to Eat & Drink Part One

    La Baguette – “The exclusive bakery in Mazunte” on Calle Rinconcito, offering an array of fresh items daily.

    DOBA – One of our favorites in Mazunte, offering creative culinary combinations with half of the menu being plant-based. Excellent coffee, juice, and cocktails. 8-4 Sunday thru Thursday.

    La Pizzeria – Another of our favorites, as well as locals, and for a great reason. Wood-fired pizzas are made in the clay oven, which opens to the restaurant. Great drinks, friendly staff, and live music on certain nights. Don’t miss out on the complimentary pesto and chimichurri sauces.

    Arena Negra – Local seafood-based menu in an upscale but relaxed atmosphere.

    UMAMI Café– Cafe specializes in health-focused cuisine. Vegetarian and Vegan bowls, smoothie bowls, and fish tacos are featured alongside a great juice and espresso bar.

    TIKATANI Cocktail Bar – Creative cocktial bar in a super cool space.

    MFC Pollo – KFC meets Mazunte street food—excellent fried chicken from really friendly locals.

    Ícaro Café – Amazing pastries in a cozy and inviting artisan setting. High-quality coffee, cacao beverages, and herbal teas.

    Panchatantra Café – Boho-chic coffeehouse specializing in creative coffee blends and focusing on sustainable products. Don't sleep on the Kombucha or the open mic nights.

    The Fish Burrito – You guessed it….The best fish burritos and tacos in Mazunte. While fish is their specialty, they also offer a variety of other proteins, as well as vegan options. Friendly staff will not let you miss out on their homemade salsas. Located in central Mazunte, we purchased Elote: Mexican street corn (on the cob) from a local abuela in her food cart, right outside, to complement our meal.

  • Where to Eat & Drink Part Two

    A la Mexicana – no-frills, local spot for genuine Mexican food, flavors and vibes.

    Poblanos Tacos – Go to cart for nighttime street food, traditional al pastor tacos

    El Cenzontle– For the best burger in Mazunte, head straight in the door and up the stairs to the terrace for seating with street views and people watching: beef, fish, and vegetarian options on the menu complemented by homemade rosemary fries. Don’t forget to grab a local cerveza.

    La Palapa Cometa – Beachside restaurant/bar offering open-air/coastal ambiance from excellent staff.

    Cocol Bar – Popular local hangout featuring tropical cocktails, mezcal, and beautiful Pacific sunsets. Live music on some nights.

    La Bodega – Just steps from the beach, a laid-back spot to enjoy your morning coffee or simple, approachable cocktails.

    Los Mejores Mojitos – Master Guarapos. Mojito cart on Rinconcito beach that only uses freshly pressed cane juice.

    Tiburón Juice Bar– Adjacent to La Baguettea cafe that begins the day offering fresh juice, smoothies, and cold-press but transforms into a cocktail bar as the sun sets. Don’t forget to try their mango-mezcal fusions.

  • Found Travel Tips

    Bring cash (a few ATMs and some places are cash-only)

    Limited Wi-Fi – download maps, playlists, and travel docs ahead of time

    It’s warm year-round, but cooler at night – bring layers

    Insect repellent and reef-safe sunscreen are musts

scroll the gallery below for some of our favorite moments in Mazunte

Mazunte doesn’t want to be trendy. It just is what it is — beautifully slow, intentionally simple, and full of peace.

If you’re craving nature, quiet connection, and barefoot luxury, you might just find your rhythm here.

Ready to start planning your trip?

LET US PLAN YOUR MAZUNTE ESCAPE