Puerto Angel, a Naked Beauty

During the 19th century, the heavenly Puerto Angel, Oaxaca, was an important pier where ships loaded coffee and wood. However, the new land roads linking Salina Cruz to Oaxaca, placed this port city in the back burner. Only a few people ventured into the long and battered roads leading to this isolated spot. The reward was well worth it: vast beaches with smooth, golden sand, crystal-clear emerald waters offering the perfect spot to feel throughout the body the ocean’s breeze. This is how Zipolite, one of the most popular beaches in Puerto Angel, became Mexico’s most famous nudist beach.

Just like the neighboring Puerto Escondido and Bahias de Huatulco, Puerto Angel is the ideal spot if your objective is to get close to nature. From the town, located on Principal Beach, or from the pier, visitors can take several tours to landscapes of an unmatched beauty: the Ventanilla Lagoon, where magnificent bird-sighting tours are offered; the crystal clear waters of the Paraiso spring to take a refreshing splash; or a boat ride to neighboring beaches, where scuba diving and snorkeling are some of the available activities.

Several beaches make up Puerto Angel, offering visitors different water activities, or they can just relax under the sun. In the downtown area, in addition to the Principal Beach and the pier, visitors will find the Panteon Beach, with calm waters. Towards the east, we find the Estacahuite, La Mina La Boquilla and La Tijera beaches; La Tijera is the favorite spot for scuba divers. Towards the west, we find the beaches of Zipolite, San Agustinillo, Ventanilla and Mazunte, where the Mexican Turtle Center is located.

Even though Zipolite is one of the most popular beaches, especially for Europeans, it is a beach with high waves that also attracts surfers, but it is somewhat risky for swimmers. However, nearby, we find one of the most peaceful sites of Puerto Angel: the Amor Beach, where the quiet environment and calm waves provide a peaceful atmosphere.