Oaxaca Coast

Introducing Oaxaca Coast

Oaxaca’s spectacular Pacific coast really has everything any traveler needs for a great time by the ocean. With half a dozen relaxed beach destinations each offering their individual take on the coast’s manifold attractions, and the near-empty shoreline between them strung with long, long golden beaches and lagoons full of animal life, it’s hard to go wrong. Offshore, you can sail in search of dolphins, turtles and whales, or go diving, snorkeling or sportfishing – not forgetting some of the best surfing swells in North America and plenty of gentler beaches where beginners can learn to surf. In the inland mountains, visit an organic coffee farm, raft white-water rivers or ride horses along jungle trails.

In this tropical climate, the pace of life is never too hectic and the people are welcoming. In the center of the coast sits the small fishing port and beach town of Puerto Ángel. Just to its west are strung three beach villages – Zipolite, San Agustinillo and Mazunte – that are perfect havens for just taking it easy, with a laid-back traveler vibe and plenty of good-value accommodations and food. Further west lies Puerto Escondido, a bigger fishing and market town with a succession of great beaches (including Playa Zicatela, home to the pumping surf of the Mexican Pipeline) and a range of appealing sleeping, eating and nightlife options for all budgets. Toward the eastern end of the coast is Bahías de Huatulco, a modern beach resort along a string of idyllic bays that mostly retains a pleasantly low-key atmosphere.

The spectacular coastline is one of the world’s most important sea turtle nesting areas, and the many lagoons behind it are full of birdlife that will delight wildlife lovers. The coastal plain is backed everywhere by dramatic, forested mountains – and the trip down to the coast from Oaxaca city is a spectacular experience in itself, whether you go by bus, car or light plane.

Most of the year’s rain here falls between June and September, turning everything green. From October the landscape starts to dry out, and by March many of the trees are leafless. May is the hottest month. A great information website for this coast is the Pacific Coast of Mexico (www.tomzap.com).

Last updated: Mar 2, 2009