Nostalgia in Motion

In November 2023, I took a quick trip to Zipolite, a small beach town located on Mexico’s Pacific coast in the state of Oaxaca, about halfway between Puerto Escondido and Huatulco. Zipolite is best known as Mexico’s only officially recognized nudist beach, but more than anything, it’s a laid-back, welcoming place where everyone is free to relax and just be themselves.

From Huatulco International Airport, it’s pretty easy to get to Zipolite. There are tons of taxi’s right outside the terminal, however they charge about $50-$75 CAD, and since I was already familiar with the collectivo’s of Mexico, I chose the budget option instead. I walked about 5–10 minutes out to the main highway, caught a colectivo heading toward Pochutla, and then grabbed a quick taxi from Pochutla to Zipolite. It was simple, cheap, and gave me a chance to experience a bit more of the local vibe right from the start.

The town has a strong bohemian atmosphere, with simple accommodations, local restaurants, and a slower pace of life compared to larger resort areas. Zipolite is popular with backpackers, naturists, and LGBTQ+ travelers, and offers a unique alternative to more developed beach destinations in Mexico.

Zipolite is known for its colorful street art, with murals covering many walls and alleyways throughout the town. The artwork often seemed to feature themes related to nature, freedom, and local wildlife, making the community feel really connected to its natural surroundings and its open, laid-back culture. The murals added so much to the town’s character with different pieces down every street and alley offering a glimpse into the creative spirit of the area.

Prior to the 1960s, Zipolite was a small fishing village with minimal infrastructure. It remained relatively isolated until the arrival of counterculture travelers in the late 1960s and early 1970s. In the 1970s, Zipolite became a popular destination for hippies and backpackers seeking an alternative lifestyle. The town’s laid-back atmosphere and natural beauty attracted those looking to escape more commercialized tourist spots.

While I was only in Zipolite for a couple of days before heading up to Puerto Escondido, it definitely felt like the kind of place you could settle into for a while. The vibe was incredibly relaxed, with beachside restaurants where you could sit for hours with your feet in the sand, small cafés tucked along the streets, and a real sense of community among travelers and locals. I would have loved to stay longer to soak in more of the easygoing rhythm, discover more of the restaurants and hangouts along the beach, and just take my time getting to know the town.