- Playa Zicatela (Puerto Escondido) — The heavyweight of the coast: world-class, heavy beach break famous for elbow-to-elbow pro surfing and towering barrels. Even if you don’t surf, watching the surfers from the sand or a cliffside palapa at sunset is cinematic and uniquely Zicatela.
- Zipolite Beach — Mexico’s famously permissive, bohemian beach: wide, rugged sand, dramatic cliffs, and a relaxed vibe that feels nowhere near resort-tourist Mexico. Nights here are low-key and local—great for long walks, bonfires, and the rare chance to really unplug.
- Punta Cometa (Mazunte) — A rocky headland that juts into the Pacific with one of the coast’s best sunset panoramas; short hikes across cactus and scrub lead to cliffs, tide pools and whale/sea-bird viewing in season. Sacred to local Zapotec communities
- Playa Zicatela (Puerto Escondido) — The heavyweight of the coast: world-class, heavy beach break famous for elbow-to-elbow pro surfing and towering barrels. Even if you don’t surf, watching the surfers from the sand or a cliffside palapa at sunset is cinematic and uniquely Zicatela.
- Zipolite Beach — Mexico’s famously permissive, bohemian beach: wide, rugged sand, dramatic cliffs, and a relaxed vibe that feels nowhere near resort-tourist Mexico. Nights here are low-key and local—great for long walks, bonfires, and the rare chance to really unplug.
- Punta Cometa (Mazunte) — A rocky headland that juts into the Pacific with one of the coast’s best sunset panoramas; short hikes across cactus and scrub lead to cliffs, tide pools and whale/sea-bird viewing in season. Sacred to local Zapotec communities and surprisingly wild—personal favorite for pure, empty-coast atmosphere.
- Playa Mermejita — Hidden gem. A small, largely undeveloped cove near Mazunte you reach by a short walk; it’s quiet, raw and often empty, with good snorkeling off the rocks and prime turtle-nesting season sightings. No facilities, so bring water and leave it as you found it.
- La Ventanilla (Laguna Ventanilla) — Hidden gem. A community-run mangrove and wildlife refuge where local guides take tiny boats through channels to see crocodiles, waders and iguanas up close. It’s intimate, supports locals directly, and feels like real conservation in action rather than a staged attraction.
- Lagunas de Chacahua — A multilagoon system and black-sand coastline reached by small boat; expect mangroves, fishing villages, rustic cabins and remote beaches only accessible by water. Boats, local guides and lazy lagoon swims make this an excellent day trip for birding, kayaks and slow coastal life.
- Bahía de Cacaluta (Huatulco) — A pristine, boat-only bay with clear water and excellent snorkeling; undeveloped sand and coconut palms give a “private island” feel even in high season. The best part: no cars, no big hotels—just the sound of the surf and snorkelers poking around reefs.
- Barra de la Cruz — Hidden gem. A remote village with one of Mexico’s most consistent right-point breaks; surf here is long, fast and largely uncrowded compared with bigger resort breaks. The town itself is workmanlike and authentic—expect simple palapas and excellent fresh grilled fish.
- Puerto Ángel harbour & fish market — A small, working fishing port where you can buy the day’s catch and have it prepared next door; colorful pangas, a real fishermen’s rhythm, and nearby small beaches mean you taste the coast as locals do. Great for early mornings and casual seafood feasts.
- Mazunte/Zipolite turtle-release nights — Hidden gem. Seasonal community-led turtle releases (olive ridley, mostly) let you watch hatchlings scramble to the sea or see adults returned to the surf—powerful, hands-off experiences run by local conservation groups and volunteers. Check timing and book locally; it’s one of those moments you won’t forget.
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Best Backpacking
Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.