Zipolite, Mexico’s famous nude beach and LGBTQ+ friendly paradise, is a dream destination for those seeking laid-back beach life, breathtaking sunsets, and a welcoming bohemian vibe. Whether you’re a digital nomad, an expat looking for a long-term stay, or just hoping to escape the hustle of city life, finding the perfect rental in Zipolite can be challenging—but totally worth it!
Unlike larger cities like Puerto Vallarta or Playa del Carmen, Zipolite has a small-town charm with a unique rental market. Many landlords don’t list properties online, so finding a great place often requires local connections and old-school footwork. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to secure a long-term rental in Zipolite.
Sunset at Playa del Amor
Why Choose Zipolite?
Zipolite is not for everyone, but if you love chill beach vibes, barefoot living, and a close-knit community, you may never want to leave. Here’s why so many fall in love with Zipolite:
Perfect Weather for Beach Lovers – With warm temperatures year-round, Zipolite is a dream for those who love sunny days, ocean breezes, and the occasional refreshing rain shower in the summer months.
LGBTQ+ & Nudist-Friendly – Zipolite is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly and nudist-friendly destinations in Mexico, with clothing-optional beaches, gay-owned businesses, and an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere.
Affordable Beach Living – While prices have risen recently, Zipolite remains more affordable than major resort towns. Ocean view rentals can be pricey, but just a few blocks inland, you can find great deals.
Relaxed & Off-the-Grid Vibes – No high-rise condos, no all-inclusive resorts—just bungalows, casitas, and eco-friendly rentals. This is the place to unplug and slow down.
Amazing Restaurants & Beach Bars – From local taco stands to low-key beach hangouts, Zipolite offers an incredible mix of cheap eats and gourmet dining. Sunset cocktails at Hotel Naked or El Alquimista are a must!
Walkable & Easy to Get Around – Most rentals are within walking distance of the beach, restaurants, and grocery stores. If you need to venture further, taxis and colectivos (shared vans) are inexpensice and easy to find.
ZIPOLITE TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Planning your trip to Zipolite? These travel tools and services will save you money and make your visit stress-free:
Travel Insurance – Don’t leave home without it! SafetyWing offers super affordable travel insurance with straightforward pricing and flexible extensions—even if your trip is already underway. Protect yourself from unexpected medical expenses and travel mishaps while you explore Zipolite and beyond.
Hotel Discounts – Unlock unbeatable deals with Hotels.com. Create a free account to save 10% or more on over 100,000 hotels. Plus, you can snag perks like free room upgrades—perfect for enjoying the city in style.
Car Rental Deals – Hit the road with Discover Cars and find the best rental rates worldwide. Compare prices from top providers and score incredible discounts. Their inexpensive full coverage option gives us peace of mind, and free cancellations up to 48-hours before pickup ensure flexibility when plans change.
Tours & Experiences – Book unforgettable Zipolite adventures with Viator. Whether you're exploring the Oaxaca Coast from Huatulco or discovering Zipolite on a full day private tour, Viator makes exploring this beach town easy and fun.
Foreign Exchange & Money Transfers – Save on foreign exchange and money transfers with Wise. Not only do we use it for sending money between our U.S. and Mexican bank accounts, but its fair rates and transparent fees make it a go-to for travelers everywhere.
e-SIM Cards – Stay connected abroad with Airalo. An e-SIM is the easiest way to avoid hefty roaming charges. Just download the app, purchase a local or regional data plan, and toggle between your plans with ease. We love the convenience!
Surfshark VPN – Safeguard your personal data when using public Wi-Fi and stream your favorite shows abroad with Surfshark VPN. This budget-friendly product lets you bypass content restrictions, avoid censorship, and secure unlimited devices with ease.
🌟 Pro tip – Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. By booking services or shopping through these links, you’ll save money AND help keep our blog posts and videos coming your way. Thanks for the support!
Playa Zipolite
Best Neighborhoods in Zipolite
Zipolite is a small community with an approximately one-mile stretch of beach. You can easily walk from one end of the beach to the other in about 20-minutes. The western end of the beach is busier and livelier than the eastern end.
Playa Zipolite (Best for Beachfront Living) – If you want to be steps from the sand, Playa Zipolite is the place to be. Expect higher prices, but you’ll wake up to ocean views every day.
Adoquín & Town Center (Best for Convenience & Social Scene) – The main commercial area near the beach, full of shops, restaurants, and bars. A great choice if you want to be in the heart of the action.
Arroyo Tres (Best for Jungle & Ocean Views) – A quieter, more residential area on the hills behind Zipolite, offering stunning ocean views and a more local feel.
Nearby Towns: San Agustinillo & Mazunte (Best for Nature & Tranquility) – These charming beach towns offer a similarly laid-back vibe with a focus on eco-friendly living. They’re perfect alternatives to Zipolite if rentals are scarce or if you prefer a quieter setting with easy access to Zipolite’s nightlife and beaches.
Pet-Friendly Morning Coffee
How to Search for Long-Term Rentals in Zipolite?
Finding a great deal requires patience and the right strategy. Here are the best ways to search:
Walk Around & Look for “Se Renta” Signs – Many rentals in Zipolite aren’t listed online. The best way to find hidden gems? Walk around and look for signs on properties—especially in less touristy areas further away from the beach.
Facebook Groups – Join Facebook groups like “Mazunte / Zipolite - Ventas / Rentas” or “Mazunte, Zipolite, Y Puerto Angel Compra Y Vende” to find rental listings and get recommendations from locals and expats:
We’ve been watching these groups closely for over a year, researching rental trends in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico City, and Zipolite as we contemplate signing a long-term lease or even purchasing a condo for our next adventure. Since we already own a Villa in Tulum (which we rent on Airbnb), we’ve learned the importance of patience when looking for the right deal.
Facebook groups are also great for getting a feel for the market—what’s overpriced, what’s reasonable, and what deals to jump on. You’ll also quickly learn to spot red flags and common scams (if it seems too good to be true, it probably is). Plus, engaging with the community can help you find leads through comments and recommendations from other renters.
Word of Mouth – Another powerful tool—chat with locals, expats, and bartenders, and ask other long-term renters where they found their place. Many landlords prefer renting to people they meet in person rather than listing their properties online.
Consider Airbnb for Monthly Stays (Negotiate Long-Term Rates) – When we slow travel, Airbnb is often our go-to for monthly stays. Why? Because once you hit that 28-night mark, many hosts offer built-in discounts, making it a great alternative to a traditional long-term lease—especially if you're not ready to commit to a full year.
Airbnb isn’t always the cheapest option compared to a local lease, but for flexibility, convenience, and fully furnished rentals, it’s been a game-changer for our slow travel lifestyle.
🌟 Pro tip – Many Airbnb hosts are open to offering discounts for long-term stays. Book a short stay first, then negotiate directly with the owner.
Beach Path
Tips for Securing the Best Rental Deals
Start Your Search Early – The best deals go fast, especially before the high season (December–April).
Be Careful of Scams – Never send money before seeing a place in person. Trust your gut!
Negotiate in Spanish – If a listing is in English, it’s likely overpriced. Even basic Spanish helps get better deals. Download Whatsapp (which everyone uses in Mexico) and Google Translate if necessary.
Short-Term Before Long-Term – Renting an Airbnb for your first month (or a hotel for a couple of weeks at a minimum) gives you time to explore neighborhoods and find the best fit.
Build Relationships – Many landlords prefer renting to tenants they trust. If you’re reliable, they may offer a discount for a long-term stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners rent property in Zipolite?
Yes! Residency is not required to rent, and many landlords prefer foreign tenants who pay in cash.
Is it hard to find a long-term rental in Zipolite?
It depends on your budget and time of year. The best rentals go fast, but there are always options if you’re persistent.
Do I need a visa for long-term stays?
If you’re on a tourist visa (180 days max), some landlords may be hesitant to rent long-term. Consider getting a Temporary or Permanent Resident Visa (we have videos on the process!).
Are rental contracts in Spanish?
Usually, yes. If you don’t speak Spanish, get a local friend or lawyer to review the lease before signing.
How do I pay rent in Zipolite?
Most landlords accept bank transfers from Mexican (preferable) or international accounts, and of course, cash (pesos). Always confirm payment terms before signing anything. If you’re paying from an international account, Wise is a great option to avoid high transfer fees.
Whether you’re here for a few months or planning a longer stay, this beach town offers a one-of-a-kind lifestyle with breathtaking scenery, a welcoming community, and endless opportunities to relax and connect with nature.
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