6 Best Sights in Oaxaca, Mexico

This divine stretch of sand between Zipolite and Playa Mazunte is fringed by elegant coconut palms. It's somewhat safe for swimming, although the current can be strong. Keep to the western edge of the beach for the calmest waters. Early mornings you're likely to see people practicing yoga poses on the sand; there are several yoga schools nearby, including the world-renowned Hridaya Yoga Center and Solstice Yoga. Afternoons, as on neighboring beaches, vendors roam the sand selling ice cream, roasted peanuts, and serapes. Several excellent restaurants offer grilled fish, pizza, and welcome shade from the strong sun. Hang out for the day in a beach lounger; they're free with the purchase of food. Amenities: food and drink; water sports. Best for: swimming; walking; surfing.

Mazunte's local economy was once based on processing the golfina (olive ridley) turtle for its meat, shell, and oil until the government put a ban on turtle hunting in 1990. Poachers aside, Mazunte is now devoted to educating the public on the species. Four of the world's eight species of marine turtles come to lay their eggs on Oaxaca's shores. July through September is peak nesting season. At the Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga, a dozen aquariums are filled with the turtles that flourish here: green turtles, hawksbills, leatherbacks, and olive ridleys. Tour guides give explanations in English and other languages.

Cosméticos Naturales de Mazunte, an association of natural cosmetic producers in Mazunte, began in 1996 with a group of mostly women and funding from The Body Shop. Their workshop still produces natural cosmetics made with ingredients such as avocado oil, coconut oil, beeswax, and sea algae. Tour the facility and learn about the production process and then stock up on aloe vera shampoo, conditioner, natural insect repellent, scented soaps, and other tempting products in the store. Prices are lower and the selection better here than in other outlets.

Tour operators often combine a trip to Playa Mazunte and its sea turtle center with a visit to Laguna de Ventanilla to see resident and migratory species of birds, as well as crocodiles. Alternatively, you can arrange a 1½-hour tour of Laguna de Ventanilla directly from boat owners from the Ventanilla Ecotourism Cooperative at the lagoon's entrance, about 10 minutes by taxi west of the Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga.

Eight km (5 miles) west of Zipolite, Mazunte is a stunning stretch of soft sand carved out of rocky headlands. Although the town's main drag, Paseo del Mazunte, is freshly paved, the beach zone hasn’t lost its bohemian roots. You’ll still see lots of dreadlocks, tattoos, and handwritten signs announcing alternative healing treatments. The paths to the beach are lined with eclectic restaurants, artisanal bakeries, and low-key beach accommodations. The higher up the hills you go, the more upscale the properties become. The surf is rougher here than at Playa San Agustinillo, and attracts bodyboarders. A short walk west along the sand gets you to Playa El Rinconcita, a smaller but more swimmable bay. Further west yet (by taxi or a 20-minute thigh-burning walk) across Punta Cometa is rustic Playa Mermejita. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: sunrise; surfing.

Spend any time along this mile-long stretch of cottony sand, and you'll soon be convinced that this beautiful beach is Mexico's most relaxed and liberal. It's home to the Pacific Coast's best known (but still unofficial) nudist beach, and you should not be surprised if you catch the occasional aroma of pot mingled with the sea air. There are a growing number of upscale options for hotels and dining, but if you don't mind roughing it, Zipolite offers the best bargains on the Pacific coast. The cafés, pizza joints, and casual hippie-style restaurants along the beach are great for a bite to eat. Due to strong currents and whirlpools in even the shallowest waters, the red flag is always flying. Heed the warning signs even if you're a strong swimmer. The riptides near the rocks at the western edge of the beach are especially treacherous, and many visitors need to be rescued each year. Amenities: lifeguards; food and drink. Best for: partiers; walking; sunrise; sunset.