March 2012

The state of Oaxaca possesses an endless amount of natural, architectural and gastronomical attractions, as well as great cultural traditions that make it a unique place.

The pleasant weather makes its beaches a spectacular landscape that covers about 340 miles of the Mexican Pacific. Joy, mysticism and challenges await those visitors submerging on the turquoise waters and the warm environment of the inhabitants in Oaxaca’s coast.

• Puerto Escondido

Called the Emerald Coast due to the turquoise tone of its crystal clear waters, Puerto Escondido is one of the region’s oldest and most popular tourist spots. It also possesses beaches and sites as diverse as the activities practiced there.

Its downtown is also a very popular spot among strollers since the main corridor, commonly named “Adoquin”, at night provides a light show accompanied by an attractive ambiance of bars, dance clubs and entertainment spots.

Its beaches

Zicatela: This beach on the open ocean and known around the world for its huge waves that measure up to 20 feet in height, is considered the ideal site for surfing in Mexico.

National and international experts meet annually for one of the most important international surfing tournaments, which is a spectacular event.

Principal Beach and Angelito Port: The golden colors reflected off the sun, the ideal temperature to dip into the water and the beautiful views of these bays provide a true pleasure on the beachside.

Sport and recreational fishing are the main activities on Principal Beach, where one can make great catches of sailfish, golden fish, marlin and four-spot megrim.

Walking along the pedestrian corridor, one can arrive at the “natural pool” of Angelito Port, who’s beautiful, shallow and peaceful waters are ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling. Manzanillo Beach and Carrizalillo, with the same characteristics as Angelito Port, also provide beautiful underwater views.

Lush vegetation and a beautiful view can be found at Bachoco Beach and Marinero Beach, which enchant visitors with its splendid sunsets and activities such as kayaking, surfing and scuba diving.

Its flavors

The sea delicacies are the main gastronomical attraction on this coast. The pescado a la talla (open flame grilled fish), shrimp and coconut, oysters prepared in different ways, seafood soup and snail soup are part of the delicious dishes found around the area.

• Mazunte

Mazunte, located on the way to Puerto Escondido, is an admirable natural habitat named by the community as a “Rural Economic Eco-preserve” with the objective of preserving the region’s biodiversity.

Mazunte possesses the most golden beach of Oaxaca’s coast and the Mexican Turtle Center, which is home to samples of all marine and land turtle species found within Mexico.

Besides boasting peaceful, temperate and crystal clear waters, this site shows off its regional fauna, in total freedom, through rides on horseback, on foot or in boats with no engines.

• Puerto Angel

This important Oaxaca coast expands along beautiful beaches with soft sand that enchant visitors with turquoise waters and its warm and uninhibited environment that permeate the coast.

Its beaches

Zipolite: Over a mile long, this nudist beach provides a fun, comfortable and peaceful spot for Mexican and foreign tourists that enjoy the coastal breeze and the shining sun.

Swamps, jungles and a very diverse flora and fauna coexist on the Amor, Panteon, Boquilla, Mina and Estacahuite beaches, spots also suitable for scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, but above all, to rest peacefully.

• Huatulco

Made up of 36 beautiful beaches distributed on nine warm-water bays, Huatulco shows off the preservation of its culture and traditions, and of its splendid natural areas as well.

This coastal paradise was named a Natural Protected Area, and is an ideal place for scuba diving and snorkeling along coral reefs and multicolored fish. Kayaking and water rafting can also be enjoyed in this area.

Coffee plantations, large rivers and amazing waterfalls complement Huatulco’s beautiful landscape.

Its Bays

Tangoluda Bay: This spot is Huatulco’s most popular bay, where the sun’s shine mixes up with the splashing Mexican Pacific breeze to offer the port’s best activities. Its Manzanillo, Ventura, Tangoluda, Rincon Sabroso and Tornillo beaches standout due their fine, white sand and their moderate sloping, which allows practicing any water sport without any dangers.

Cacaluta Bay: This bay, outlined in a heart’s shape, is the ideal spot to rest enjoying its attractive vegetation that provides an unmatched view. The Cacaluta and Arroyo beaches are found within Cacaluta Bay, two places that merge on their crystal clear waters and the brilliance of their waves.

Chachacual Bay: This ecological preserve possesses two virgin beaches of an amazing peacefulness. The Chachacual Beach, with a moderate maritime activity; and La India Beach, isolated and with fine, white sand, this coast is home to a diverse fauna, such as seagulls, herons, eels, jellyfish, morays, coral reefs and even deer.

Chahue Bay: Surrounded by tropical vegetations and wild rock formations, this Oaxaca coast is made up by three attractive beaches: Chahue Beach, with temperate waters and moderate waves; Esperanza Beach, with emerald green waters; and Tejon Beach, with white and golden sand in some spots.

Esperanza Beach, located about three quarters of a mile away from Chahue, is the ideal place for surfing and windsurfing with its temperate waters and strong waves.

The Conejos, Riscalillo, Santa Cruz and San Agustin bays encompass colorful animal and plant species, as well as a magnificent ocean view that make visitors walk along their beaches.

Its flavors

A delicious giant shrimp soup, an exotic broiled pineapple stuffed with seafood or liquor-style shrimp, are the most requested dishes on this Oaxaca coast.

The state’s traditional flavors are also present with the tlayudas (a sort of chalupa), the tasajo (dried beef) and cheese, grasshoppers and Mexican sausage always on hand.