If you're planning your very first trip to Zipolite, Mexico, you’re in for a truly one-of-a-kind beach adventure. From its famous clothing-optional shoreline to its chill, off-the-grid energy, Zipolite has a way of pulling you in and making you stay longer than planned. What starts as a few days often turns into a week… or more.
We’ve spent months here over the past five years, and it remains one of our favorite LGBTQ+ beach escapes in the world. In this guide, we’re sharing everything you need to know for your first visit — from how to get here and where to stay to what to expect once you arrive.
Playa Zipolite
Where Is Zipolite?
Zipolite is a small beach town on the southern coast of Oaxaca, Mexico, located between Huatulco and Puerto Escondido along the Pacific Ocean.
It’s best known as Mexico’s first officially recognized nude beach, but what really defines Zipolite is its energy — laid-back, inclusive, and completely judgment-free. You’ll find a mix of gay travelers, nudists, yogis, backpackers, and locals all sharing the same stretch of sand.
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 – Score unbeatable deals with Booking.com, our preferred website to book hotels when traveling in Mexico. Create a free account to instantly unlock savings of 10% or more on over 100,000 hotels worldwide. You’ll also find member perks like free breakfast, early check-in, or even surprise room upgrades—perfect for elevating your stay.
🌟 Pro tip – Some links on this post are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you book through them—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our travels and helping us create more content like this!
Huatulco International Airport
How to Get to Zipolite
Getting to Zipolite takes a little effort — but that’s part of what keeps it special.
By Air
Your two main airport options:
Huatulco International Airport (HUX): ~1 hour away
Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM): ~1 hr 15 min away
We usually recommend Huatulco — closer and often cheaper.
Airport to Zipolite
Taxi (best option): Rates are typically around 1200 MXN ($65–70 USD)
Pro tip: Walk out of the airport and grab a taxi across the street (near the Pemex) for better pricing
Note: Road construction near Huatulco can add delays — build in buffer time
From Oaxaca City
Flight (fastest): ~30 min via Aerotucán
Minivan (budget): 3–4 hours via Lineas Unidas
Playa del Amor
When to Visit Zipolite
Zipolite is a year-round destination, but timing changes the experience.
December–April (High Season): Best weather, busiest, most social
January–February: Our favorite — calm water + Nudist Festival energy
🌟 Pro tip – Want to know where we stay long-term? That’s one of our most-asked questions! We share those exclusive booking links (hello, outdoor shower and nudist-friendly pool) on our Patreon, along with behind-the-scenes videos and extra spicy content you won’t find on YouTube.
El Alquimista
Where to Eat & Drink
Zipolite’s food scene is one of the biggest surprises.
Start your day with breakfast or lunch at El Alquimista—a stunning beachfront restaurant known for its fresh, flavorful dishes and breezy, design-forward setting. It’s the perfect spot to fuel up before a day of sun and surf.
After sunset, don’t miss Mao Mau, a gay-owned spot serving up amazing Thai cuisine in a lush, jungle setting. Order the Pad Thai with shrimp or Pad See Ew with chicken and thank us later.
Want more? We’ve rounded up all our favorite restaurants, cafés, and beach bars—from vegan breakfast spots to mezcal cocktail lounges—in our Zipolite Dining Guide. Bookmark it now for your trip!
Av. Roca Blanca ("Adoquín")
What to Do
Zipolite is as active (or inactive) as you want it to be.
Playa Zipolite – Main beach, clothing-optional, social
Playa del Amor – Must-visit gay sunset spot
Adoquín – Main street for shops, food, nightlife
Punta Cometa (Mazunte) – Epic sunset hike
La Ventanilla – Crocodile + wildlife boat tours
Most nights follow a rhythm: Sunset at Playa del Amor → dinner → drinks → beach bars → wherever the night takes you.
What to Pack for Zipolite
Zipolite is hot, humid, and wonderfully laid-back—so when it comes to packing, less is more. You’ll be barefoot half the time, and clothing is totally optional in many places, so don’t overthink it. That said, here are a few essentials we never visit without:
Quick-dry shorts (Dri-Fit or similar fabrics are your best friend)
Bug spray and sunscreen—the mosquitos and sun are no joke
A sand-friendly beach towel or sarong
Comfortable sandals
Sunglasses for eye protection
Cash—most places take cards, but power and internet can be spotty
And don’t forget to download WhatsApp before you go! Nearly everyone uses it in Zipolite—from hotel staff to taxi drivers
Zipolite Taxi
Getting Around + Essentials
Zipolite is small, walkable, and refreshingly simple — but knowing where to find the basics will make your stay much smoother.
Getting Around
Walking: The best way to explore. Most beaches, restaurants, and nightlife are within a short stroll.
Taxis: Easy to find along the Adoquín and affordable for longer distances or late nights.
Rideshare: Uber and InDrive are not yet available in Zipolite.
Where to Find Essentials
Don’t worry if you forgot something. The Adoquín (Zipolite’s main street) is your go-to hub for daily essentials, and you’ll find almost everything you need within a few blocks.
Pharmacies: Stock up on sunscreen, bug spray, aloe vera, Tylenol, condoms, and basic medical supplies. Some also offer simple consultations if needed.
Mini-markets & fruit stands: Perfect for bottled water, snacks, fresh fruit, and quick grab-and-go items for the beach.
Liquor & wine shops: Ideal for stocking your room or grabbing a bottle before sunset drinks.
Swimwear & beach vendors: In case you decide to wear something — or just need a backup sarong.
ATM at Hotel Playa Zipolite ATMs & Money
Main ATM: Located at Hotel Playa Zipolite on the Adoquín
🌟 Pro tip – Get cash at the airport — ATMs in Zipolite are unreliable and often have low withdrawal limits.
Fitness
Neuro Gym: The best-equipped open-air gym in town, located just off the Adoquín
Offers daily, weekly, and monthly rates
Expect a casual, no-frills setup — but everything you need for a solid workout
Playa Zipolite Emergency Numbers
Emergencies & Medical Services
We hope you won’t need it—but it’s always worth knowing your options before you do.
Zipolite has a handful of pharmacies along the Adoquín that offer basic medical care, and at least one provides 24-hour emergency service, which can be a lifesaver for minor issues like dehydration, sunburn, or stomach problems. You’ll often find that these pharmacies act as a first point of contact for travelers needing quick help.
For anything more serious, there are small clinics in nearby Mazunte, while larger hospitals are located in Pochutla, about a 25-minute drive inland. It’s a good idea to keep a taxi number saved on your phone just in case you need to get there quickly.
🌟 Pro tip – We’ve included a photo below with the main emergency contact details on the Adoquín so you have it handy if needed.
Pharmacy on Roca Blanca
Travel Insurance Reminder
Zipolite may feel like paradise—and it is—but it’s still travel, and things don’t always go as planned.
From sunburns and dehydration to scooter mishaps or food poisoning from that one late-night taco, having coverage can make a huge difference. Most U.S., Canadian, and international health insurance plans won’t cover you in Mexico, which is why we always travel with insurance.
For years, we’ve used SafetyWing for our trips. It’s affordable, flexible, and especially great for longer stays or digital nomads. One of the biggest perks? You can even start coverage after your trip has already begun—something that’s surprisingly hard to find.
Zipolite isn’t polished — and that’s exactly why we love it.
It’s raw, real, and refreshingly unfiltered. A place where you can disconnect, meet people easily, and feel completely comfortable being yourself.
If you’re looking for luxury perfection, this isn’t it.
If you’re looking for freedom, connection, and unforgettable moments… you’re in the right place.
🌟 Pro tip – Want the full Zipolite experience? From Playa del Amor after dark to our favorite hidden spots, we share everything (and we mean everything) over on Patreon. Join us there to make the most of your trip.
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