Mazunte is a small town located on the Pacific Ocean coast in the state of Oaxaca, situated 264 km away from Oaxaca City.
Mazunte, derives its name from a red and blue crab native to the area. However, in the Nahuatl, Mazunte means "let me watch you spawn," referring to the beaches in this location that serve as nesting grounds for marine turtles. This connection shapes the town's history. Since the 1960s, Mazunte's pristine beaches have been visited by hundreds of turtles of the Golfina species, which lay their eggs at night during specific lunar phases. This natural phenomenon is known as "morriña."
The area is currently experiencing a tourism boom, attracting visitors who seek unique experiences. It is the only community in the region with an internal construction regulation, which promotes buildings that harmonize with the surrounding nature. This feature defines Mazunte's rustic charm and its direct connection with nature.
Mazunte boasts an extensive list of natural attractions, with the main highlight being Punta Cometa, also known as Sacred Hill. It is the southernmost mountain in Mexico on the Pacific Coast. Its strategic location offers stunning sunrises and breathtaking sunsets. The area plays a significant role in the migration of marine species and birds. Of particular note is the humpback whale migration, occurring from December to March. These whales use Punta Cometa as a route and geomagnetic reference. Observing their passage from this point poses no risk to either people or the whales. Similarly, visitors can witness the migration of flocks of pelicans gracefully playing in whimsical formations in the sky.
As a prominent point, Punta Cometa serves as a shortcut for all types of vessels along their routes. It is possible to observe large ships navigating just 500 meters away from the coast..
THE MAGIC OF PUNTA COMETA
Punta Cometa is regarded as a magical and healing place due to its historical significance as a ceremonial center. Its strategic position offers a commanding view of the sea with a 180-degree panorama. Today, it stands as a community-based ecological sanctuary, boasting remarkable biodiversity in its mountain and marine cliffs. People from around the globe visit seeking faith, healing, and to leave offerings in hopes of abundance. Remarkably, even the Dalai Lama sent a vessel to Punta Cometa, which traveled through 150 countries as a symbol of his plea for world peace.
Local legends tell of an Aztec treasure hidden somewhere in Punta Cometa. During pre-Hispanic times, it served as a military enclave for the Aztecs, who built a small overlapping stone wall that locals now call the "corral de piedra." In the colonial era, Punta Cometa became a stronghold for the Spanish, as well as pirates. The area is also rich in medicinal plants, including copal, from which a resinous gum is extracted. This substance plays a vital role in healing ceremonies and is also used in Catholic Church rituals.
MAZUNTE AND THE TURTLES
Mazunte is a community that has proven its ability to adapt to change and has developed around the presence of marine turtles. The region began to be settled in the early 1970s. The first families to arrive on these coasts were Zapotec Indigenous people and mestizos who had previously worked for large landowners. They came from the southern Sierra in search of better living conditions.
The settlers engaged in migratory farming, extensive livestock raising, and wood extraction, activities that led to deforestation and erosion, causing significant ecological damage.
During those years, as crocodile skin became scarce, turtles were abundant, capturing the attention of a Spanish entrepreneur. He purchased land on San Agustinillo Beach to establish a turtle processing facility, intending to commercialize the meat, bones, shell, and eggs of these marine creatures.
The slaughterhouse became a source of employment for the fishermen who began settling in Mazunte. It is said to have been a profitable business; however, up to 2,000 turtles were slaughtered daily to commercialize or process the various products derived from them.
This massacre continued for approximately 30 years, leading to a global decline in turtle populations. Action became necessary, as seven of the eight marine turtle species worldwide nest on Mexican coasts.
In the early 1990s, a complete ban was declared to prevent the slaughter of turtles and the commercialization of their eggs, which were falsely believed to be aphrodisiacs. This protective measure gained recognition from environmentalists worldwide. However, for the people of Mazunte, unfamiliar with alternative livelihoods, the ban forced them to abandon the area. This led to migration to major cities and deforestation of infertile lands where crops like corn and beans could not thrive.
Unfortunately, the government's ban did not account for this critical factor, no alternative employment projects were created for the community. As a result, Mazunte's fragile economy suffered a dramatic collapse.
When the turtle slaughterhouse was shut down, much of the population was left without its primary source of livelihood. The region had suffered severe environmental damage due to deforestation and the traditional "slash-and-burn" farming method, leaving both fishermen and farmers in a desperate situation.
Among the alternatives offered by the federal government to the cooperatives and workers who were previously engaged in turtle exploitation were new fishing tools and training programs, as well as the promotion of ecotourism. This activity was entirely new for the community and one for which they were unprepared. However, over the years, it became the foundation of their livelihood.
Through the efforts of a civil association that arrived in the area to provide guidance on creating sustainable development projects, initiatives like environmental education workshops and rational resource management were introduced. Supported by other associations, these efforts led to the emergence of small cooperative enterprises.
The challenge was to transform the image of sacrifice and devastation tied to turtles in this region into a thriving tourist attraction. By leveraging the area's natural resources, tourism became a sustainable livelihood alternative that fosters development while preserving the environment.
In 1992, the federal government initiated the construction of the Mexican Turtle Center (CMT), which today houses an aquarium showcasing five species of marine turtles and 16 non-marine freshwater species that are native to Mexico. This center serves as a sanctuary for the protection of turtles. Visitors can explore the facility to observe living specimens or actively participate in nesting, tagging, and hatchling release projects.
This site features an aquarium, parking areas, a café, a handicraft store, an entrance pavilion, offices, and storage spaces. It is operated by the National Fishing Institute, with its main goals being:
- Conducting scientific and technological research for turtle management, development, and conservation.
- Promoting knowledge about the biology, conservation, and legislation protecting turtles.
- Encouraging ecological tourism while supporting the growth and development of regional communities.
In recent years, the perspective on conserving emblematic species like marine turtles has broadened, emphasizing the need to preserve their habitats. For this reason, the CMT, alongside the National Turtle Program managed by the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas, employs a conservation strategy that not only protects turtle habitats but also actively involves local communities in these efforts.
THE OTHER MAZUNTE
From this magical foundation, the community organizes a variety of festivals that celebrate Mazunte's culture and regional traditions, while also emphasizing environmental conservation. These events are coordinated by community committees with the active participation and cooperation of all residents, private companies, and government entities.
One of the most notable celebrations is the popular festival honoring the Patron Saint of Esquipulas, held annually on January 15th. Over the course of three days, visitors and locals can enjoy activities such as processions (calenda), parades (convite), fireworks displays, the sale of regional cuisine, artisan showcases, live concerts, and much more.
The Spring Equinox Festival or Año Sol, held in March, is a captivating celebration organized by local tourism service providers to showcase Mazunte's rich culture. Rituals led by healers take place at Punta Cometa, while a variety of traditional and modern dances are performed at the municipal agency's esplanade.
The festival also highlights the International Dance Showcase, celebrated during the spring equinox on March 21st. This event stands out as one of the most significant in Oaxaca and southern Mexico, promoting all forms of dance—from classical and breakdancing to pre-Hispanic, belly dance, and folkloric styles—with participation from renowned artists.
Additionally, activities focusing on environmental conservation, sustainability, and traditional medicine add depth to the festivities
The International Jazz Festival is held annually during the last weekend of November, lasting three days. It celebrates jazz in all its forms, featuring performances by national and international artists. Complementing the musical events, the festival showcases regional gastronomy, artisan crafts, paintings, and various other activities.
The community has also organized efforts to operate cooperative enterprises, such as a factory for hurricane-resistant bricks and adobe, looms, silk-screen workshops, agroecology initiatives, and palanqueta (nut brittle) production. Tourism accommodations have been developed with eco-friendly practices, including waste separation, water reuse, and the implementation of ecological toilets.
Another inspiring example of local innovation is the Mazunte Natural Products Cooperative, run by women and supported by Anita Rodik, founder of The Body Shop. This English company provided formulas to create beauty products using locally cultivated ingredients. Today, the cooperative produces items such as mosquito repellents made from lemon, coconut-based tanning oils, body creams with beeswax, avocado-based conditioners, and more.
Beyond the previously mentioned attractions, Mazunte offers diverse natural wonders, including a wetland area where visitors can observe crocodiles and migratory birds. Its beaches of fine sand are particularly enchanting, each with unique qualities:
- Playa Bermejita: Located west of Mazunte, this beach has moderate waves and lush vegetation, providing a peaceful atmosphere ideal for meditation. At night, during starry skies, the waves create a mesmerizing sparkling effect when they crash onto the sand.
- San Agustinillo: Just 5 minutes from Mazunte, this family-friendly beach boasts the calmest waves in the area and medium-sized waves perfect for beginner surfers. It’s an excellent spot for diving or snorkeling, thanks to its abundant marine corals.
- La Ventanilla: A beach kissed by ocean waves, featuring a natural “window” carved into the rocks over centuries. Visitors can explore the lagoon by canoe, immersing themselves in the mangroves while observing a variety of birds, iguanas, and crocodiles in their natural habitat.
- Agua Blanca: A tranquil oasis amidst a region of large waves, where rocks act as barriers, creating small pools of calm water. These pools are ideal for both children and adults to safely enjoy the ocean.
- La Escobilla is a crucial nesting site for the Golfina turtle and also home to the lagoon "La Salina." Within its mangroves, migratory birds can be observed, making it a haven for both marine and avian life.
- The Iguana Sanctuary at Barra del Potrero is another noteworthy attraction, where over 3,000 green and black iguanas are protected and conserved, showcasing Mazunte's commitment to preserving biodiversity.
Adding to its charm, Mazunte's culinary offerings are truly exceptional. The local gastronomy shines with dishes featuring fish and seafood such as agujón (needlefish) and pescado barrilete (skipjack fish), caught by locals and prepared in various nutritious and flavorful ways. Visitors can enjoy traditional Mexican fare and international cuisine in its diverse restaurants.
Mazunte’s attractions are carefully protected by the community, ensuring that visitors can fully appreciate and enjoy its natural beauty. Its structures, crafted with adobe, wood, and palm, blend harmoniously into the environment, showcasing dreamy lilac and misty sunrises.
Despite being ravaged by Hurricanes Paulina and Rick in 1997—which brought destruction and economic collapse—the community of Mazunte has risen above adversity. By promoting its natural treasures, prioritizing environmental care, and fostering tourism, Mazunte has rebuilt itself with resilience and purpose.
Now a favorite destination, Mazunte has transformed from a place dependent on turtle exploitation to one that coexists peacefully with these magnificent creatures. Nestled at the base of low jungle-covered hills and surrounded by crystal-clear waters that dance in shades of blue, Mazunte continues to enchant all who visit the Oaxaca coast.
Gallery
Video
Location Map
