Zipolite Beach (Playa Zipolite)

Stretching almost 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) from the eastern Playa del Amor to the western Colonia Roca Blanca, Zipolite Beach is the perfect place to wile away the day or rent a rustic beachside cabin for a longer stay. Combine a trip to Zipolite Beach with visits to nearby Mazunte and Puerto Ángel; take an eco-tour from Huatulco; or dedicate the entire day to enjoying Mexico’s only nudist beach. Most tours typically include round-trip transportation

• Zipolite Beach is a renowned nudist beach that has excellent surfing conditions.

• Prepare for spotty cell reception and somewhat unreliable Wi-Fi on Zipolite Beach.

• There are several stores and restaurants close to Zipolite Beach but ATMs in the area are often out of service—take plenty of cash for emergencies.

• Zipolite Beach is known for rough waters and strong currents so swim only when lifeguards declare the conditions to be safe.

• Film buffs won’t want to miss Zipolite Beach, the filming location for the Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna film Y Tu Mamá También.

• Zipolite Beach is not wheelchair or stroller accessible.

Zipolite Beach is situated on the Oaxaca coast, 160 miles (257 kilometers) south of Oaxaca City and 25 miles (41 kilometers) from Huatulco International Airport. While most visitors find it easiest to get there by private vehicle, there are several public transit options—from Huatulco, take an ADO bus to Pochutla before transferring to a shuttle headed for Zipolite. Many Zipolite Beach excursions include round-trip transportation.

Playa Zipolite is a year-round destination that offers a quieter alternative to other Mexican beach resorts. Visit during the first weekend in February for the annual Nudist Festival but skip Easter Week when Playa Zipolite gets especially crowded with Mexican visitors.

Oaxaca’s coastline is a mostly untapped destination for international visitors, but it has some of the best beaches in the country. Puerto Escondido is perhaps the best known of them all, while Mazunte is quietly growing in popularity. To really get off the beaten path in Oaxaca though, visit Chacahua Beach in the Lagunas de Chacahua National Park.