Oaxacan Coast, Oaxaca - Mexico
Oaxacan Coast: The Tropic of Mexico
Listen every night to the crashing waves, zing and sing to seafood cuisine and be met in Mexico like an old friend. Fortunately, this Mexican stretch of coast in the state of Oaxaca still offers up great value especially for those willing to look for it.
The rising star of this wild tropical coastline is Puerto Escondido. Being more developed than its neighbours, there is a busy cafe, restaurant and bar scene. Cafecito is the perfect beach side brunch spot while Almoraduz offers up imaginative haute Mexican cuisine. Walking the streets will reveal its predominant past as a fishing port and market town. The main stretch of sand, Playa Zicatela, is home to the legendary surfing waves of the Mexican Pipeline. While on the northern edge, close to town are instagram worthy swimming bays. At the end of a steep set of stairs is the picturesque cove, Playa Carrizalillo. Here, surfers and swimmers coexist harmoniously along a beach line fringed by thatched-hut beach bars.
For a bohemian alternative visit the neighbouring beaches of Mazunte and Zipolite. Zipolite is uncrowded but has strong and challenging surf. This makes it only safe enough to splash in its shallow waters. At its eastern edge Playa Amore is slightly more protected with beach-goers who tend to be completely uncovered. The area’s magnetism has attracted its fair share of expats who have helped shape unique Mexican liberalism. Get your feet wet while waiting for excellent value fish at Sal y Pimienta or treat yourself to the always delicious La Providencia.
Mazunte has a thriving alternative community sustained by a growing number of backpackers. All the Mexican fare is served up simply with some Italian inspired eateries like the pizzeria, Alessandro. The beach is relatively protected while Punta Cometa provides a great hiking opportunity to an even more remote beach. The National Mexican Turtle Centre is also based here as the coastline is one of the world’s top five turtle nesting areas.
Puerto Angel is a thriving fishing community where Mexican families come to holiday. The sunny palm lined bay holds on more strongly to its Mexican heritage. Pick any one of the restaurants for some of the freshest seafood or pull up a stool come nightfall for a zesty taco. The serene cove of Playa Panteon is a welcome reprive after the swell further along the coast. While three adjoining bays are a short walking distance away. If you’re really up for a Mexican adventure hail a taxi to La Boquilla, this remote beauty is said to be best of all.
Collectively these seaside towns make up a coast unique with dry tropical forest, undisturbed beaches and still-intact mangroves. The region is especially worth visiting during winter when its beautifully warm blue sky delivers big on the promise of a summer holiday.
