The sky is about to change its color, from blue to orange to red; and the sun is about to disappear on the horizon.
Mazunte looks serene, even more than at any other time ... and it cannot be otherwise, since it is a synonym of peace, tranquility, a unique meaning for those who visit it. Hidden between the arms of the Oaxaca jungle and the Pacific Ocean, this beach provides days of deep rest, the kind that are urgent when living in the city.
You would think that in a place, whose extension is barely a kilometer, there is not much to do, and it is not like that.
Yes, the tourist infrastructure is basic, but made in communion with its surroundings. There are no spas, but that doesn't mean there are no massages. There are no star-rated restaurants, but that doesn't mean there aren't fresh fish to eat. There are no international chain hotels, but that does not mean that there are no clean and comfortable places to sleep.
This place of golden sand and blue green sea surprises with its simple and natural personality, without conservatives.
A lesson learned
How did Mazunte emerge? This name, which comes from a Nahuatl word, began to circulate at the end of the eighties, when the Council of Visions was held, a kind of free assembly to propose, discuss and practice new ways of living in harmony with the planet. .
The event attracted people not only from Mexico, but from various countries in America and Europe.
But this site rose to fame in 1991, when the Mexican government - due to international pressure - passed a law that indefinitely prohibited the killing of turtles because they are an endangered species. This ecological victory, however, had a negative impact on the then 544 inhabitants of Mazunte, whose economy depended on the only local industry (if it can be called that): turtles, coveted for their shells, meat, oil and skin. Their eggs were also attributed aphrodisiac characteristics.
A solution had to be found. Thus, inns and small hotels began to open in Mazunte and in the rest of the communities along the Oaxacan riviera. There are even more hotels in this area than in Huatulco (more hotels, not more rooms). Tourism was the hope… And the visitors began to arrive.
In 1994, the Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga began operations forever changing Mazunte's life. Another option where to work. Jobs were created with the collection and labeling of eggs, and the protection of newly hatched hatchlings until they were released into the sea.
And it is that of eleven varieties of turtles (eight species and three subspecies), Mexico has the privilege that ten live in national waters and nine spawn on various beaches in the country. That is why Mexico is known as the country of sea turtles, an honor that should not be lost. Thus, while the locals evolved from their life of slaughter to one of protection of these chelonians, visitors polished a tourist jewel on the coasts of Oaxaca.
Polishing paradise
It is an Eden defined as hippie by the backpackers who come to this beach, by the Europeans who refused to leave the unspoiled beauty of Mazunte, and by the simple fact of how life is lived there.
Later, Ana Roddick, creator of The Body Shop International, knows the projects in development of ecotourism, reforestation and agroecology and this is how Cosméticos Naturales de Mazunte arises, after investigating what products from the region were used to make cosmetics such as honey and avocado creams. exfoliating herbs, coconut shampoos, herbal lipsticks, and beeswax, as well as an oil that is said to work wonders on aging skin.
After the new attitude assumed, the inhabitants self-declared Mazunte as a Rural Ecological Economic Reserve. And it is that from this place you must learn. It is an example of how you can travel while conserving the environment and, in addition, maintaining the well-being of the locals. Simply be in balance with the environment.
Although Mazunte is no longer that virgin, lonely and wild paradise of yesteryear, it has managed to preserve that simple personality that invites you to return again and again, running the risk of staying there forever. You will find stories like that everywhere. The same is enjoying the lull of the sea in a hammock than going out for a boat ride with the fishermen, or taking a bike ride or on foot guided by the same locals, helping to release turtles from February to October. In this way, travelers with a spirit of adventure begin to enjoy the hospitality of the residents, who also offer accommodation and food in their homes.
And do not forget to bring two or three books, those that you have never read due to lack of time, and with liters of repellent because - according to a French woman - the accommodation can be free of any vermin, but never mosquitoes. Part of the charm.
For those who find it impossible to stay in the same place, they can visit the neighboring beaches, also with unique characteristics: Zicatela and its wild waves that surfers fall in love with; Zipolite, with its total nudity (not mandatory); Chacahua, with its lagoon system full of birds and mangroves, as well as its crocodile farm.
There is also Punta Cometa, the southernmost point of the Mexican Republic, where you can watch the sunrise and sunset; Mermejita Beach, to enjoy its sky full of stars; or the Bays of Huatulco, when you begin to miss the comforts of modernity.
In a sentence, the best thing about Mazunte is how good it makes you feel being there with its simple and natural life, practically organic.
The sky darkened, and the song of the waves and the crickets say goodbye to this day. Tomorrow there will be more stories to tell.
To reach…
It is located 264 kilometers south of the city of Oaxaca, along federal highway 175, until it connects with federal highway 200, passing through San Pedro Pochutla.
In the direction of Puerto Escondido, travel 25 kilometers to San Antonio and take the deviation to the left along the paved road to Mazunte.
If you travel by public transport, it is recommended to first get to Puerto Escondido or San Pedro Pochutla and from there take a bus or taxi.
