While it is also possible to rent a car and drive yourself to Zipolite, this road trip is not recommended for those inexperienced with driving on narrow, winding mountain roads. If you are confident in your driving skills, only tackle this drive during the daytime to avoid having the hairpin turns sneak up on you.
Read on for the ultimate guide on getting to Zipolite.
What Does Zipolite Mean?
The name “Zipolite” is derived from the Nahuatl language word “sipolitlan,” which means “a place of continuous bumps or hills” or simply “a bumpy place.” This certainly describes the topography of the area, as well as some of its roads.
Other sources state that in the Zapotec language, “Zipolite” translates to “beach of the dead.” According to local folklore, the indigenous Zapotec people offered the bodies of their dead to the sea. This is why the beach was never occupied until foreigners began to arrive here in the Seventies.
Where is Zipolite in Mexico?
Zipolite is a town located within the San Pedro Pochutla municipality of the state of Oaxaca. The official name of Zipolite is “Playa Zipolite.” Stretching 1.8km along the Pacific Ocean coast of Mexico, Zipolite is famous for being a nudist beach.
What is the Beach Like in Zipolite?
Stretching 40 meters wide and almost 2 kilometers long, Playa Zipolite is a pristine beach with golden sands fringed by clear turquoise waters. The beach is dotted with swaying palm trees and an array of lodgings, from rustic cabins with hammocks to sophisticated hotel rooms. Although it is possible to swim here, caution is strongly advised due to the strong undertow, ocean currents and waves.
How Far is Zipolite from Huatulco?
The distance from Huatulco to Zipolite is 50.8 kilometers. It takes just over an hour to drive from Huatulco to Zipolite using the Mexico 175 and Acapulco – Salina Cruz/Salina Cruz – Santiago Pinotepa Nacional/Santiago Pinotepa Nacional – Salina Cruz/Mexico 200 roads.
How Do I Get From Huatulco to Zipolite?
Here is a list of options for getting to Zipolite from Huatulco:
- Local Taxi: The fastest way to get from Huatulco to Zipolite is by taking a local taxi. Cab fares along this route are set in advance and costs around 600 pesos. Because there are so many taxis available in Huatulco, there is no need to worry about having to find a taxi stand. Simply stand by the road and a taxi will appear within no time.
- Bus: The cheapest way get from Huatulco to Zipolite is by taking the bus to Pochutla (45km), and then shared transportation to Zipolite. Simply stand by the roadside and flag down the bus marked “Pochutla,” which roughly costs 20 pesos and runs every 20 minutes. Alight at “Crucero de Pochutla” and then take a camioneta, colectivo or taxi to Zipolite for around 15 pesos.
- Shuttle: Transfer by shuttle is the most convenient way of getting to Zipolite from Huatulco. With a shuttle transfer service, you are driven by a professional driver in a newer model, air-conditioned vehicle, without having to make many stops en route. Shuttles must be booked in advance, and you can choose between private transfers or shared shuttles (max 10 passengers).
- Car Rental: Another convenient way of getting to Zipolite from Huatulco is by renting a car and driving yourself. You can rent a compact vehicle from the airport at between 700 – 1,500 pesos per day. Car rentals provide you with the freedom and flexibility to get around and even beyond Zipolite, where you can visit nearby beach towns like Mazunte.
How Do I Get From Huatulco Airport to Zipolite?
Here is a list of options for getting from Huatulco Airport to Zipolite:
- Airport Taxi: The fastest way to get from Huatulco Airport to Zipolite is by taking a taxi. To get an airport taxi, simply visit the Authorized Taxi Booth at Huatulco airport, make your payment and you’ll be issued a taxi voucher. Airport taxi fares cost around 1,050 pesos. With an airport taxi, you get to be driven by an authorized driver in an air-conditioned vehicle without many stops.
- Local Taxi: Cheaper than airport taxis, local taxis are another way to get to Zipolite from Huatulco Airport. The local taxi stand is located outside the airport, and fares on this route typically cost 600 pesos. This option is suitable for tourists who are confident in their ability to negotiate fares in Spanish, as well as for those traveling without much luggage.
- Bus: The cheapest way get to Zipolite from Huatulco Airport is by taking the bus to Pochutla, and then other transportation to Zipolite. Walk out of the airport and onto the highway. Flag down the bus marked “Pochutla,” which runs every 20 minutes and costs 20 pesos. Get off at “Crucero de Pochutla” and then take a taxi, colectivo or camioneta to Zipolite which costs 15 pesos.
- Shuttle: Shuttle transfer services are the most convenient means to take you from Huatulco Airport to Zipolite. Shuttles are typically newer model, air-conditioned vehicles that do not make multiple stops along the way. Shuttles need to be booked in advance, with the option of a private transfer or a shared shuttle with 4-10 passengers.
- Car Rental: It is also possible to rent a car from Huatulco Airport and drive yourself to Zipolite. Compact vehicles are available for hire at between 700 – 1,500 pesos per day. Renting a car gives you the flexibility and freedom to get around and outside Zipolite, where you can visit other beach towns like Mazunte.
How Far is Zipolite from Puerto Escondido?
The distance from Puerto Escondido to Zipolite is 72 kilometers. It takes about 1.5 hours to drive from Puerto Escondido to Zipolite using the Acapulco – Salina Cruz/Salina Cruz – Santiago Pinotepa Nacional/Santiago Pinotepa Nacional – Salina Cruz/Mexico 200 roads.
How Do I Get From Puerto Escondido to Zipolite?
Here is a list of options for getting from Puerto Escondido to Zipolite:
- Local Taxi: The fastest way to get from Puerto Escondido to Zipolite is by taking a local taxi. Luckily, you don’t have to go to a taxi stand, as local taxis are readily available by the roadside in Puerto Escondido. Taxis in Puerto Escondido don’t have meters, so it is recommended to negotiate the fare with the driver before you get into the vehicle.
- Bus: The cheapest way to travel from Puerto Escondido to Zipolite is by first getting the bus to Pochutla, before connecting to Zipolite. Simply stand by the roadside and flag down the local bus written “Pochutla,” which costs 40 pesos. After a 45 minute drive, get off at “Crucero de Pochutla” and then take a taxi (100 pesos), camioneta or colectivo to Zipolite.
- Shuttle: The most convenient way of getting from Puerto Escondido to Zipolite is via shuttle transfer. With this service, you get to be driven by a professional driver inside a newer model van with air-conditioning, and don’t have to make many stops along the way. You must book this service in advance, and may choose between shared shuttles and private transfers.
- Car Rental: Renting a car and driving yourself is another good way to get from Puerto Escondido to Zipolite. Rental cars also provide you with the flexibility and freedom to get around and beyond Zipolite, enabling you to visit beach towns nearby such as Mazunte. Puerto Escondido has several rental companies that hire out vehicles from US $40 per day.
How Far is Zipolite from Oaxaca?
The distance from Oaxaca City to Zipolite is 255.9 kilometers. It takes almost 6 hours to drive from Oaxaca City to Zipolite using the Mexico 175 road.
How Do I Get From Oaxaca to Zipolite?
Here is a list of options for getting from Oaxaca City to Zipolite:
- Airplane: The fastest albeit most expensive way to get from Oaxaca City to Zipolite is by first flying to Huatulco Airport, and then taking a taxi (600 – 1,050 pesos) to Zipolite. Flights with major airlines take less than an hour and cost roughly US $100. There are also smaller airlines and private planes that fly direct to Huatulco Airport from Oaxaca City.
- Bus: The cheapest albeit longest way (6 hours) to get from Oaxaca City to Zipolite is by taking the bus to Pochutla and then shared transportation to Zipolite. From the terminal, board the bus marked “Pochutla”, which costs 170 pesos. Drop off at “Crucero de Pochutla” and then take a shared truck, colectivo or taxi to Zipolite (16km) for roughly 15 pesos.
- Car: Renting a car and driving yourself from Oaxaca City to Zipolite is another great choice. Oaxaca City has lots of companies that rent out cars at between US $40 – 80 per day. So why not go on a scenic road trip across Oaxaca and see a whole new side of Mexico? Just be sure to tackle this drive during the daytime so that the hairpin turns do not sneak up on you.
How Far is Zipolite from Mexico City?
The distance from Mexico City to Zipolite is 717.9 kilometers. It takes just over 11 hours to drive from Mexico City to Zipolite using the Mexico 175, Mexico 135D and Mexico 150D roads.
How Do I Get to Zipolite From Mexico City?
Below is a list of options for getting from Mexico City to Zipolite:
- By Plane: The fastest and most convenient way to get from Mexico City to Zipolite is to first fly into Huatulco Airport, and then take a taxi to Zipolite. This is a quick 1.5 hour flight that costs around US $100. Situated outside the airport, local taxis (600 pesos) are more affordable than airport taxis (1,050 pesos).
- By Bus: Because there are many low cost carriers available, it often is cheaper to fly in Mexico than to take the bus. But if you’re traveling on a budget, there are buses available to take you from Mexico City to Huatulco, from where you can take other shared transportation to Zipolite. Comfortable evening buses depart daily from the capital and take around 12 hours to Huatulco.
- By Car: Renting a car and driving yourself is another convenient way to travel from Mexico City to Zipolite. There are lots of rental car agencies available in the Mexican capital that hire out vehicles for a minimum of US $40 per day. Taking this scenic road trip will show you a different side of Mexico – one that not many tourists get to see.
