Mazunte

Mazunte is a counterpart of Zipolite, a huddle of thatch and abode buildings that hug two elemental beaches – Playas Rinconcito and Mermejita – on either side of a wave-lashed headland called La Cometa. Wellknown on the independent travelers’ circuit, it’s a motley melange of tattoo parlors, yoga studios, Che Guevara T-shirts and people who see their future in tarot cards. It’s also very beautiful and – courtesy of a recent pueblo mágico (magical village) listing – the most visited of the beach villages hereabouts.

Mazunte is known for its sea turtles: an interesting research center just off the main drag has an aquarium open to the public. It’s also a good place to learn Spanish, practice yoga or simply do nothing.