If you’re tired of corporate-sponsored Prides and are craving something raw, real, and completely clothing-optional, let us introduce you to Zipolite Diverso—a growing grassroots Pride celebration on Mexico’s wild and beautiful Oaxaca Coast.
Each spring, the small beach town of Zipolite transforms into a colorful, community-focused celebration of LGBTQ+ diversity and radical body positivity. As long-time Zipolite lovers (we’ve been coming here for years), this is easily one of our favorite events anywhere in Mexico. Whether you’re here for the sunsets, skinny dips, or dance floors, Diverso brings it all with zero judgment—and zero corporate branding.
What is Zipolite Diverso?
Zipolite Diverso is a weeklong celebration that typically takes place in May, perfectly timed ahead of Vallarta Pride and the rest of the global June Pride season. But unlike big-city Prides with sponsors, floats, and merch booths, Diverso is proudly grassroots and local. Events are hosted by small, LGBTQ+ friendly businesses, and everyone—locals and travelers alike—shows up to support, dance, and maybe shed a few layers along the way.
ZIPOLITE TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
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!
Fashion Show at Budamar
The Events: Art, Fashion & Dance
Zipolite Diverso kicks off with an intimate cocktail and art night showcasing queer artists and musicians from across the region. Think photography exhibits, acoustic sets, mezcal tastings, and lots of mingling. This event sets the tone—more than a party, Diverso is about community.
Dance parties at Hotel Naked, where things really heat up after dark
The Calenda One of our favorite moments? The Calenda parade—a traditional Oaxacan procession with dancers, drummers, fireworks, and mezcal being poured straight into your mouth. It’s part cultural celebration, part Pride party, and all kinds of magical.
The Calenda winds its way through town and along the beach, building energy with every step until it reaches the main stage—where the night truly begins. Expect dazzling costumes, electrifying dance performances, and live music that keeps the party going late into the night, marking the perfect finale to an unforgettable week of queer joy and community.
🌟 Pro tip – Planning a trip to Zipolite? From the best LGBTQ+ hotels to must-visit attractions, gay nightlife, and travel tips, find it all in our Gay Travel Guide to Zipolite.
Where to Stay During Zipolite Diverso
Zipolite may be small, but it offers some of the most unique nudist-friendly hotels in Mexico—many of which are LGBTQ+ owned or proudly welcoming. Whether you're here for the parties or the peaceful mornings after, these three favorites will elevate your Diverso experience:
1. El Alquimista Hotel, Restaurant & Spa
We reviewed this adults-only, clothing-optional hotel on YouTube and our blog, and it remains one of our all-time favorite stays in Mexico. Nestled on a quiet stretch of Zipolite's iconic nude beach, El Alquimista offers rustic-luxury cabanas, a tranquil spa, and one of the best beachfront restaurants in town. It’s the perfect escape to recharge between beach parties and nighttime festivities. Read our full hotel review here.
Diverso Party at Hotel Naked 2. Hotel Naked Zipolite
If you're looking to stay where the action is, Hotel Naked is the heart of the party during Zipolite Diverso. This adults-only, clothing-optional hotel is right on the beach and doubles as one of the town’s top party spots, with a poolside bar, weekend DJ sets, and even drag shows. By day, it's a laid-back beach club with “naked fries” and cocktails in the sun. By night, it transforms into one of the sexiest scenes on the coast. Don’t forget to grab a day pass if you're not staying here—it’s worth it for the crowd alone.
Casa Nudista is Zipolite’s only gay, nudism-required hotel—and it’s a vibe. Just two blocks from the beach and one block from the Adoquín, this boutique property blends social energy with lush, tropical privacy. With a mix of private bungalows, shared rooms, and a central pool area, it’s one of the easiest places in town to make friends. Plus, don’t miss the legendary Saturday pool party—it’s one of the hottest events during Diverso. Read our full hotel review here.
There’s something wildly liberating about being in a space where you can wear what you want—or nothing at all—and feel completely accepted. Add in mezcal, sunshine, the sound of crashing waves, and a warm, welcoming local community, and you’ve got one of the most unforgettable Pride celebrations anywhere in the world.
No corporate floats. No rainbow capitalism. Just good vibes, queer joy, and body positivity by the beach.
Plan Your Trip to Zipolite Diverso
Fly into: Puerto Escondido (PXM) or Huatulco (HUX)
Travel Time: About 1-1.25 hours by taxi or rental car
🌟 Pro tip – Zipolite books up quickly during Diverso week, so don’t wait to book your room! Search hotels now on Hotels.com.
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