First Timer’s Guide to Zipolite, Mexico: Everything You Need to Know
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 leaving a lasting impression—and we mean that in the best way possible.
We’ve spent months living in Zipolite over the past five years, and it’s still one of our favorite gay beach towns in the world. In this guide, we’ll share everything we wish we knew the first time we came: how to get here, where to stay, what to eat, and the quirks you need to know before you go.
We’ve spent months living in Zipolite over the past five years, and it’s still one of our favorite gay beach towns in the world. In this guide, we’ll share everything we wish we knew the first time we came: how to get here, where to stay, what to eat, and the quirks you need to know before you go.
Where Is Zipolite?
Zipolite is a small beach town on the southern coast of Oaxaca, Mexico, nestled between Huatulco and Puerto Escondido on the Pacific Ocean. It’s famously known as Mexico’s first and only legal nude beach, and the vibe is exactly what you’d expect—laid-back, body-positive, and beautifully open-minded.
ZIPOLITE TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Planning your trip to Zipolite? These travel tools and services will save you money and make your visit stress-free:
🌟 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!
Planning your trip to Zipolite? These travel tools and services will save you money and make your visit stress-free:
- Hotel Discounts – Score unbeatable deals with Booking.com and Hotels.com. Create a free account on either (or both!) 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. We’re members of both platforms and always compare deals to find the best rate before we book.
- 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.
🌟 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!
How to Get to Zipolite
Your best bet is to fly into either Huatulco (HUX) or Puerto Escondido (PXM). American Airlines flies into Huatulco weekly, and United now offers service to Puerto Escondido. From there, you can reach Zipolite in about 1–1.25 hours by taxi (expect to pay around 1000–1200 pesos, or $50–60 USD).
🌟 Pro tip – We recommend getting cash from the airport ATM to avoid the 3000-peso cap and high conversion fees at local machines.
When to Visit Zipolite
High season runs from December through Easter (Semana Santa). This is when the weather is ideal, the waves are calmer, and the town is most alive. The ocean can get rough in the summer months (May–September), and the humidity is no joke, so pack light and prepare to sweat.
For calm ocean conditions and vibrant energy, our favorite time is January and February, especially during Zipolite’s Nudist Festival. You’ll see locals and visitors of all backgrounds and body types soaking up the sun—no clothes required.
Safety First: What to Know
Zipolite is stunning, but the undertow is powerful. The town’s name comes from Zapotec and translates to “beach of the dead”—a sobering reminder to always watch the surf and follow flag warnings. Red and black flags mean stay out or be extremely careful if you are an advanced swimmer. And yes, we’ve seen rescues almost every trip.
Where to Stay
Zipolite is small—just about 2 km long—but there’s a wide range of places to stay, from rustic hostels to upscale nudist-friendly hotels. Most accommodations are in the town center, west end, or up in the hills with ocean views.
And here’s the best part—Zipolite faces directly south, which means you get sunrises and sunsets right from the beach. Total magic.
We’ve made an entire blog post on the Top 5 Nudist Hotels in Zipolite, which we highly recommend if you want to enjoy the town's clothing-optional freedom in style.
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.
Where to Eat
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. Pro tip: 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 Ultimate Zipolite Dining Guide. Bookmark it now for your trip!
What to Do
Besides lying on the beach in nothing but a smile, make time to explore the Adoquín, Zipolite’s main street. It’s where you’ll find shops, restaurants, and bars along with a nightly pedestrian-only zone with eveything from taco stands to hand-made local crafts.
Looking to venture out? Grab a taxi from the Adoquín to Mazunte to hike Punta Cometa at sunset or visit La Ventanilla for an eco-boat tour to see crocodiles and wildlife. These can easily be done in a half-day and are totally worth it.
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 (Mexoni has gorgeous ones if you want to buy locally)
- Comfortable sandals
- Sunglasses for eye protection
- Cash—some 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
Forgot Something? Here’s Where to Go
Don’t worry if you forgot to pack something—you’re not alone. Zipolite may be small, but the Adoquín (its charming main street) has just about everything you’ll need for a beachside escape. Think of it as your one-stop shop for sundries and daily essentials. Here’s what you’ll find:
- Pharmacies: stock up on sunscreen, bug spray, Tylenol, aloe vera, condoms, and more
- Mini-markets and fruit stands: perfect for water, snacks, or fresh produce
- Liquor and wine shops: for stocking your beach bungalow or pre-gaming before sunset
- Swimwear and beach vendors: in case you decide to wear something (or need a backup sarong)
Emergencies & Medical Services
We hope you won’t need it—but it’s always smart to know where to go in case of a medical emergency. Zipolite has a few pharmacies offering basic medical care, and at least one offers 24-hour emergency services right on the Adoquín. You can find their number in the photo below if needed. You’ll also find small clinics in nearby Mazunte and larger hospitals in Pochutla, about 25 minutes away.
Travel Insurance Reminder
Zipolite may feel like paradise (and it is!), but accidents still happen—sunburns, scooter mishaps, or food poisoning from that “one taco too many.” Most U.S., Canadian, and international health insurance plans don’t cover you abroad, which is why we always recommend having travel insurance.
Before we switched to private healthcare in Mexico, we used SafetyWing for all of our international trips. It’s affordable, flexible, and perfect for digital nomads, long-term travelers, or anyone who wants peace of mind without spending a fortune. Bonus: you can start coverage even if your trip is already underway.
Final Thoughts
Is Zipolite worth the trip? Absolutely. It may be a bit off the beaten path, but the freedom, beauty, and authentic local charm make it one of our top LGBTQ+ destinations in the world. Once you go, you’ll wonder why you waited so long.
And who knows… maybe we’ll see you there on the beach next time.
🌟 Pro tip – Zipolite books up quickly during high season, so don’t wait to book your room! Search hotels now on Hotels.com.
Found this post useful? The easiest way to support Two Gay Expats is to subscribe (free!) to our YouTube channel and tell your friends and family about us to help us grow (also free)! And if you find our content helpful and/or entertaining, please consider joining our Channel Membership on YouTube to directly support our videos or Patreon to gain access to exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
Did we get something wrong? Has a business we highlighted closed or perhaps something new and fabulous opened? Are you interested in working with us? In all cases, we'd love to hear from you! Email us at hello@twogayexpats.com.
