about mazunte
Mazunte is a
very special place. One of the few places in North America
where one can watch the sunrise and sunset over the ocean, one of only
four areas in the world where one can watch hundreds of thousands of
golfina turtles deposit their eggs on the beach, and one of the
spiritual
sanctuaries recognized by indigenous cultures since the pre-Columbian
era for its healing energy, Mazunte has a power that is impossible to
deny. Its tranquil atmosphere and amazing natural beauty make
it a center of attraction for those in touch with healing energies.
This is why all around Mazunte, one can find experts in
various healing arts. Below, you will find an explanation of
the natural sites of interest, as well as centers and activities worth
exploring while you are here.
punta cometa
A sacred sanctuary that has been honored and protected for centuries, Punta Cometa is the perfect place to watch the sunrise or the sunset over the ocean. Below the point to the right there is a small uninhabited quiet beach, and to the left are the natural jacuzzis.
natural jacuzzis
Follow the path down from Punta Cometa and you'll find the natural jacuzzis, a natural rock formation that acts as a healing pool. The waves of the ocean enter and recede through a gap in the rocks, creating a soothing swirl of calm surf that cycles in and out of the pools. There are certain places in the rocks where one can sit and receive a water massage that flows along one's back, due to the ebb and flow of the waves. The salts in the water are particularly good for cleansing the skin of the everyday impurities it has built up on the surface.
Healing Centers
Because of its powerful energy, Mazunte is a natural site for
healers in touch with the energies around us. There are many
centers in and around Mazunte that focus on various healing arts,
including:
Centro Nijo A.C.: A non-profit center for alternative medicine, located
outside of Mazunte, near Ventanilla, offering personalized treatments
as well as courses in healing practices. These include reflexology,
oriental massage, acupuncture, reiki, temascal, and more. The center
offers an interactive cultural space for courses, sports, and art
activities that is open to all who are interested in participating.
Tierra Verde: A tranquil healing and meditation space near Punta
Cometa, with biomagnetism and massage therapies available.
Balamjuyuc: A center near Punta Cometa that offers massages,
reflexology, and more.
Neem/Océano: An esoteric boutique and tea lounge between
Mazunte
and San Augustinillo, with a center that offers courses and treatments
in a wide variety of healing practices, including reflexology, massage,
acupuncture, aromatherapy, and much more.
Boat Tours
Tours are organized at the hostel to travel by
boat along the beaches around Mazunte to swim with manta rays,
dolphins, turtles, whales, and exotic fish. Led by the amiable and
knowledgeable Luis, these tours never disappoint. The tours
last for many hours, and are specially tailored to your interests.
Anything you want to see that lives in the area can be found
with a strong enough will. During the tour, you will receive
knowledgeable explanations of all the wildlife and habitats that you
will encounter. Snorkel equipment is available for everyone
on board, and fishing lines are provided so that you can cook and eat
whatever you are able to catch on the tour.
Ventanilla crocodile tour
Only a few minutes down the road from Mazunte is the beach of Ventanilla, where an ecological cooperative raises turtles and crocodiles and provides a tranquil tour by rowboat of the nearby lagoon. On the tour, you'll see crocodiles, iguanas, exotic birds and endangered trees, with expert explanations from the guide. Near the end of the tour, the boat docks at an island within the lagoon to see crocodiles, turtles, and other animals in captivity, where they are being raised and mated. The island also has a small restaurant where you can snack on quesadillas and juice straight from a freshly cut coconut.
Turtles on the Beach
Starting in May, and continuing for several
months, ten days after each
full moon, hundreds of thousands of golfina turtles arrive on the beach
of Escobilla in three nights to deposit their eggs. This
natural phenomenon, an awe-inspiring sight to behold, only occurs in
four places in the world: Costa Rica, Australia, India, and here on the
coast of Oaxaca.
National Mexican Turtle Center
This is what
the Turtle Center has to say about itself:
"In the face of the imminent
extinction of the diversity of turtle species, the Mexican government
called
for the creation of the National Mexican Turtle Center in September of
1991.
All varieties of sea turtle that live in coastal waters of Mexico are
on
exhibit. Additionally, there are 6 species of fresh water turtles and 2
species
of land turtles. The complex covers 4 hectares (10 acres).
The research
area
coordinates the operation of satellite stations for the protection of
important
beaches in Oaxaca state. Biologists, veterinarians, and research groups
study
turtle behavior, diet, and monitor the quality of water in the tanks to
gain
insight into the problem of the protection of the species. Specific
objectives
are: 1) To distribute information regarding conservation and
legislation for
turtle protection, 2) to conduct scientific and technological research
for
turtle management, development, and conservation, 3) to promote the
ecological
tourism concept in the region, and 4) to support the community growth
and
development in the region."
Music and Entertainment
You can check out an impressive variety of live music
performances at
the Luna Nueva Cultural Center, Estrella Fugaz, and occasionally
outdoors in the center of the town, in addition to the music and
dancing at the hostel's Titanic Bar.
In town, you can join in pick up games of basketball at the court in the center of town, volleyball on the beach, and soccer on the field at the local school.
Food
There is an impressive variety of food to choose from in this small tranquil beach town. Delicious pizza, pasta, sushi, seafood, traditional Mexican, vegetarian specialties, fresh baked bread, and gourmet ice cream can all be found on the main road. Some of the highlights include:
La Termita: Just down the road from the hostel, you can find gourmet pizza and mouth-watering ice cream made by friendly folks from Italy. The atmosphere at this relaxed outdoor restaurant will make you want to stay for another glass of wine and talk the night away.
Armadillo: A French-Mexican restaurant tucked away just off the road to Punta Cometa, this place serves great pasta, pies, fresh lemonade, and sells a selection of different fresh-baked breads and organic honey. A cozy outdoor location on a hillside, delicious food, great music, and beautiful sculptures made by the owner of the restaurant combine to make this an ideal location to relax the day away.
Restaurante Tania: This restaurant on the main road makes just about everything, and does it all well, serving impressive portions. They boast an impressive selection of delicious vegetarian options.
Mi Kasa: You can get pancakes in the morning and sushi in the evening at this beautiful spot on the main road, where there is always great music playing.
San Augustinillo Library
Just down the road to the east is the quiet beach town of San Augustinillo, where you will find one of the best libraries in Mexico. The space is small, but the collection is rich with amazing books in many different languages. There are no membership requirements, late fees, or check out limits, and the woman who runs the library is always on hand to provide friendly advice and enthusiastic conversation. Book trades can be negotiated, and book donations are always welcome. A real gem for travelers who find themselves unable to pull themselves away from Mazunte.