Located 170 miles south of Oaxaca, the quiet village of Mazunte (Mah-zoon-tay) stretches for a half-mile-long yellow-ochre sand beach of the Pacific Ocean at the most southernmost point of Mexico. It is on the open ocean, but protected by offshore rock, and it's gentle surf welcomes visitors to enjoy a long walk on the beach, a dip into the waters warmed by average year-round 85-degree weather, or enjoy a cold beverage at one of the many quaint palapas. The beach is never crowded, but families both local and visitors find their way there on weekends and holidays to bask in the soothing waters and warm sun.

Sea Turtles - Expect to see sea turtles lumber onto the shoreline during season and lay their eggs which are harvested by local youth and taken to protected areas where they are kept safe from other animals until they are hatched and returned to the sea. Until it was banned in 1990, Mazunte and it's neighbor San Agustinillo depended on the harvesting of sea turtles for their existence. Today, the locals have opened their village to tourists wishing to escape their busy lives for a few days of peaceful existence. Nearby Playa Mermejita is one of only two area nesting grounds for the rare leatherback turtle.

Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga - Also known as the Mexican Turtle Museum has undertaken a conservation program that is attempting to restore the sea turtles and their habitat. The museum, which opened in 1991, is actually more of a reserve, holds a turtle hatchery, aquarium, and study center where you will find displays illustrating the ongoing research and conservation program. Eggs are collected on the nearby beaches and put into protective shelter until the young turtles are hatched and able to survive the elements and their natural predators. You will see most of Mexico's turtle species that are being brought back to health after being injured by predators in the open sea. They have a cafeteria and gift concession. They are open to the public for a small fee, Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Playa La Ventanilla - Once a coconut grove inhabited by a few families, this area is now a protected reserve for many beautiful birds including the cormorants, pelicans and herons which nest there. You will also find a large population of wild crocodiles and iguanas making a comeback. Take a canoe trip though the mangrove lagoons to see wildlife not normally seen otherwise.

Barra del Potrero Iguana Sanctuary - Just outside of Mazunte, along the highway toward Puerto Escondido, the sanctuary offers the opportunity to see hundreds of green and black iguanas as well as several other reptiles native to the area.

Mazunte Natural Cosmetics - The Milagro de Mazunte Natural Cosmetics Project was created by Anita Roddick, the founder of The Body Shop, who visited Mazunte in 1993. Heavily interested in ecotourism, reforestation and organic agriculture, her idea was to help the ex-turtle hunters take advantage of the ecotourism. The cosmetics business is owned by the ex-turtle hunters and villagers who use locally grown and cultivated products that help to stimulate the sustainable agriculture of the area. She put together a group of 15 families from Mazunte and helped found the cooperative. She arranged for her chemist, David Hitchen to visit the cooperative in 1996 and 1997 to oversee the creation of formulas for shampoo, hair conditioner, moisturing cream and various oils. The products are manufactured and sold in Mazunte as well as in other Body Shop locations worldwide. The products are made out of maize, coconut, sesame seeds, avocado. Also have organic coffee & mosquito repellents for sale. Definitely a worthwhile project to support. The cosmetics factory is located on the main street of Mazunte. You can't miss it as there is only one main street in Mazunte.

Fishing - The fishing is excellent throughout the year, either in the surf or from the rocks at either end of the beach. You can also rent a boat from a local fisherman who will gladly take you to the offshore hot spots that are unreachable otherwise.

Boat Tours - There are many different opportunities for boat excursions where you may have an opportunity to swim with the sea turtles, have up-close encounters with whales and dolphins many the species of birds. Some tour operators will take you to visit the natural nesting habitat of various sea turtles and perhaps you will see the hatching of baby turtles, which takes place in the Escobilla Natural Reserve if you plan your trip accordingly. You can also arrange a sunset tour, which will take you to an isolated beach on the far side of Punto Cometa from Mazunte, where you can enjoy a private swim and watch the sunset on the horizon.

Excursions: There are lots of opportunites for excursions in Mazunte and the surrounding area. You will be able to also enjoy raft tours, snorkling, surfing and many other water sports.

There are lots of nearby attractions that can be reached on a day trip, and a few attractions can be seen with a short overnight trip while maintaining Mazunte as your base. Pochutla is the closest town and offers a great shopping experience. Mondays are Market Days in Pochutla and are not to be missed.

Punto Cometa - Watch the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets from this wonderful vantage point at the west end of Playa Mazunte.

Where to Stay - There are many places to stay in the area. You can choose from one of the fine hotels, a palapa, or sleep in a hammock on the beach, if you choose. Tenting is available at many of the beach restaurants, usually for little more than the food that you eat during your stay.

Where to Eat - Mazunte has great dining options, including several vegetarian fare restaurants. Enjoy a dinner of locally caught fish, lobster or go for the pastas. Pizza's are a major menu item.

Services - There are several internet cafes with broadband DSL hookups, and wireless communications have been installed at a few places as well. Imagine sitting on the patio of Posada Arigalan, enjoying the panoramic vistas and cool ocean breeze while closing on that important business deal back home on your wireless laptop. The nearest money exchange, ATM and banking is in Pochutla or Puerto Angel. You will also find a post office where you can mail your purchases back home if you purchased more than your suitcases will hold.

Transportation - Flights are available to Hualtulco on a regular basis on several major airlines. Once in Hualtulco there is bus service to Pochutla where you can take a taxi for about $5 USD to arrive in Mazunte. Or you can take a taxi from the airport for about $40 USD directly to Mazunte. From the smaller airport in Puerto Escondido you can take a van service to Mazunte.