Mazunte
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mazunte is a small beach town on the Pacific coast in Oaxaca,
Mexico(15.66485°N 96.55388°W). Mazunte is located 22 km southeast of
San Pedro Pochutla on coastal Highway 200. Mazunte is located some
10 km to the west of Puerto Angel and just about 1 km from San Agustinillo
and 264 km south of the capital of Oaxaca.[1] There are two etymologies
for the name. Some sources state that “Mazunte” is derived from a Nahuatl
phrase, “maxotetia” which means “please deposit eggs here.”[1][2] However,
older residents of the community state that it is from the word “mizontle,”
used by locals to refer to a crab species that used to be very abundant in
the area.[3][4][5]
Mexico(15.66485°N 96.55388°W). Mazunte is located 22 km southeast of
San Pedro Pochutla on coastal Highway 200. Mazunte is located some
10 km to the west of Puerto Angel and just about 1 km from San Agustinillo
and 264 km south of the capital of Oaxaca.[1] There are two etymologies
for the name. Some sources state that “Mazunte” is derived from a Nahuatl
phrase, “maxotetia” which means “please deposit eggs here.”[1][2] However,
older residents of the community state that it is from the word “mizontle,”
used by locals to refer to a crab species that used to be very abundant in
the area.[3][4][5]
Mazunte is famous for sea turtles. Before the mid 20th century, it had
nearly no population, but that changed when a market for sea turtle meat
and eggs developed. due to the many turtles that come to Mazunte to lay
eggs, by the 1970s, Mazunte was the center of sea turtle hunting in
Mexico, with its own slaughterhouse.[2][6] Concern over the declining
number of sea turtles eventually led to an absolute ban on turtle meat
and eggs in Mexico, and deprived most families in Mazunte of their
main source of income. To replace it, ecotourism based on the
conservation of turtles and natural cosmetics developed. The main attractions
of Mazunte today are the Mexican National Turtle Center and the Cosméticos
Naturales de Mazunte.[4][6]
nearly no population, but that changed when a market for sea turtle meat
and eggs developed. due to the many turtles that come to Mazunte to lay
eggs, by the 1970s, Mazunte was the center of sea turtle hunting in
Mexico, with its own slaughterhouse.[2][6] Concern over the declining
number of sea turtles eventually led to an absolute ban on turtle meat
and eggs in Mexico, and deprived most families in Mazunte of their
main source of income. To replace it, ecotourism based on the
conservation of turtles and natural cosmetics developed. The main attractions
of Mazunte today are the Mexican National Turtle Center and the Cosméticos
Naturales de Mazunte.[4][6]
Contents[hide] |
[edit]History
Up until the middle of the 20th
century, very few people lived in
this area as it was isolated and
inaccessible. Only about two or
three homes belonging to families
who made a living by subsistence
fishing and agriculture were here.
[2][4]The population began to rise with the
establishment of sea turtle hunting, which
began in nearby San Agustinillo.[4] In the
1970s a turtle slaughterhouse was built in
Mazunte, making the area the center of
sea turtle exploitation,[6] and the town
became almost wholly dependent on the
trade of turtle meat and eggs, the latter
considered to be an aphrodisiac. Legally about 30,000 animals a year were butchered,
but some environmentalists believe the illegal take may have been more than twice that.[6]
century, very few people lived in
this area as it was isolated and
inaccessible. Only about two or
three homes belonging to families
who made a living by subsistence
fishing and agriculture were here.
[2][4]The population began to rise with the
establishment of sea turtle hunting, which
began in nearby San Agustinillo.[4] In the
1970s a turtle slaughterhouse was built in
Mazunte, making the area the center of
sea turtle exploitation,[6] and the town
became almost wholly dependent on the
trade of turtle meat and eggs, the latter
considered to be an aphrodisiac. Legally about 30,000 animals a year were butchered,
but some environmentalists believe the illegal take may have been more than twice that.[6]
The idea of ecotourism based on sea turtles began in the 1970s when a company
called the Pesquera Industrial Oaxaca, became concerned with the over exploitation
of sea turtles and proposed an industry based on the raising and release of
turtles as well as the monitoring of the commercial capture. They founded a
center which was taken over in 1985 by the Institiuto Nacional de la Pesca,
naming it after Daniel León de Guevara.[2] In 1971, Mexico banned egg collection,
but this prohibition was mostly ignored.[6]
called the Pesquera Industrial Oaxaca, became concerned with the over exploitation
of sea turtles and proposed an industry based on the raising and release of
turtles as well as the monitoring of the commercial capture. They founded a
center which was taken over in 1985 by the Institiuto Nacional de la Pesca,
naming it after Daniel León de Guevara.[2] In 1971, Mexico banned egg collection,
but this prohibition was mostly ignored.[6]
By 1988, the number of nests here dropped to 100,000 from an earlier average of 900,000.
After the moratorium on sea turtles, nest number quickly rose again.[2]
After the moratorium on sea turtles, nest number quickly rose again.[2]
The trade in turtle meat and eggs was banned by the Mexican federal government in
1990 causing most families to lose the primary source of income.[4][5][6] Government
and private organizations stepped in to provide alternatives. The federal government
established the Mexican National Turtle Center as the center of an effort to promote
sea turtles as a base for tourism.[4][5] The community was also assisted by an
environmental group known as Ecosolar in Mexico City and developed plan to educate
about the environment, reforestation and ecotourism. By the end of 1993, these groups
along with Accion Forestal Tropical planted about 6,000 trees and bungalows for guests
made from traditional materials, such as palm fronds and abobe, were built.
These bungalows originally were built adjacent to family homes, with guests sharing
in family meals, and accompanying fishermen out to sea.[7]
1990 causing most families to lose the primary source of income.[4][5][6] Government
and private organizations stepped in to provide alternatives. The federal government
established the Mexican National Turtle Center as the center of an effort to promote
sea turtles as a base for tourism.[4][5] The community was also assisted by an
environmental group known as Ecosolar in Mexico City and developed plan to educate
about the environment, reforestation and ecotourism. By the end of 1993, these groups
along with Accion Forestal Tropical planted about 6,000 trees and bungalows for guests
made from traditional materials, such as palm fronds and abobe, were built.
These bungalows originally were built adjacent to family homes, with guests sharing
in family meals, and accompanying fishermen out to sea.[7]
In 1993, Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop, was invited to visit Mazunte.
Impressed with efforts here, an agreement was reached to distribute cosmetics
made here with local ingredients. This effort also resulted in the creation of
Cosméticos Naturales de Mazunte, a cooperative of fifteen families that produce
and sell their own line of cosmetics in 1996.[7] The community has declared
itself a "Reserva Económica Ecológica Campesina" (Peasant Ecological
Economic Reserve) as it has stopped hunting turtles and their eggs and work
towards preserving them.[1] The number of turtle nests increased from 60,000
in 1988 to nearly 700,000 in 1995 and the number continues to rise.[8]
Impressed with efforts here, an agreement was reached to distribute cosmetics
made here with local ingredients. This effort also resulted in the creation of
Cosméticos Naturales de Mazunte, a cooperative of fifteen families that produce
and sell their own line of cosmetics in 1996.[7] The community has declared
itself a "Reserva Económica Ecológica Campesina" (Peasant Ecological
Economic Reserve) as it has stopped hunting turtles and their eggs and work
towards preserving them.[1] The number of turtle nests increased from 60,000
in 1988 to nearly 700,000 in 1995 and the number continues to rise.[8]
In 1997, Mazunte was devastated by Hurricanes Pauline and Rick, which caused
widespread destruction and economic collapse.[4] Almost everything built here
was destroyed.[9]To rebuild tourism, annual events such as the Spring Equinox
Festival, The International Dance Festival and the Jazz Encounter were founded,
which are the largest of their kind in Oaxaca.[4]
widespread destruction and economic collapse.[4] Almost everything built here
was destroyed.[9]To rebuild tourism, annual events such as the Spring Equinox
Festival, The International Dance Festival and the Jazz Encounter were founded,
which are the largest of their kind in Oaxaca.[4]
Since the ban and the change in economy, household income has improved by
an average of 17%. Before many residences had no running water, electricity,
schools or health centers, which exist now. Now there is universal running water,
three schools and a wider variety in diet. Land prices have risen as well as rents.[10]
an average of 17%. Before many residences had no running water, electricity,
schools or health centers, which exist now. Now there is universal running water,
three schools and a wider variety in diet. Land prices have risen as well as rents.[10]
[edit]The community
Mazunte is a small village wedged between a wide, one km long beach and the
Sierra Madre del Sur. Parallel to the beach is the Avenida Paseo del Mazunte,
the main street, which connects the village with others nearby.[11] The area has
mostly deciduous trees which drop leaves in the dry season. About twenty different
species can be found here as well as a number of cactus and mangroves.[3]
It is still mostly a rural village, with mornings filling with the sound of roosters crowing.
[5] The village is somewhat larger than San Agustinillo, but the main distinction
is that its architecture is based on the use of natural materials.[12] Mazunte
has building codes that stipulate that all constructions must blend with already
existent structures.[4] The community has strict rules about how, where and
what to build in the community. Part of the reason for this is to discourage
land speculation and over development.[7]
Sierra Madre del Sur. Parallel to the beach is the Avenida Paseo del Mazunte,
the main street, which connects the village with others nearby.[11] The area has
mostly deciduous trees which drop leaves in the dry season. About twenty different
species can be found here as well as a number of cactus and mangroves.[3]
It is still mostly a rural village, with mornings filling with the sound of roosters crowing.
[5] The village is somewhat larger than San Agustinillo, but the main distinction
is that its architecture is based on the use of natural materials.[12] Mazunte
has building codes that stipulate that all constructions must blend with already
existent structures.[4] The community has strict rules about how, where and
what to build in the community. Part of the reason for this is to discourage
land speculation and over development.[7]
Guido Rocco is simply called “the Italian” or
“the architect” and is well known and respected
for building many of the eco-friendly cabins and
other buildings here, which he calls
“bio-architecture.” These structures consists
mostly of palm fronds, adobe, bamboo, shells
stones coconut shells and wood, designed to
blend in with the landscape. He arrived in
Mazunte in the late 1980s and has remained
since. He and his family first arrived in the
1970s as visitors when there were no roads
and Mazunte was accessible only by boat.[9]
“the architect” and is well known and respected
for building many of the eco-friendly cabins and
other buildings here, which he calls
“bio-architecture.” These structures consists
mostly of palm fronds, adobe, bamboo, shells
stones coconut shells and wood, designed to
blend in with the landscape. He arrived in
Mazunte in the late 1980s and has remained
since. He and his family first arrived in the
1970s as visitors when there were no roads
and Mazunte was accessible only by boat.[9]
Other Italians have immigrated to Mazunte
and other towns along this stretch of coast.
Their presence is most easily seen in the Italian restaurants that have been
established, some of which offer pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven.[5]
Cosméticos Naturales de Mazunte is a community enterprise dedicated
to making high quality make-up that is 100% environmentally friendly. This
began a decade ago with the sponsorship of British companyThe Body Shop,
[13] and the Mexican federal government.[4] This and other projects were
also supported by non-governmental agencies such as the embassies of
Canada, France and England as well as universities such as Stanford,
National Polytechnic Institute and National Autonomous University of Mexico,
which helped with industrial design, knowledge of local products and cosmetics
making.[14] The cooperative produces shampoo, conditioner, bath gels, soap
and other items[13] and is a tourist attraction as well,[4] with tour busses parking
in front to let visitors see how the cooperative works and to shop. The cooperative
has the slogan of “el milagro de Mazunte” (the miracle of Mazunte).[14]
and other towns along this stretch of coast.
Their presence is most easily seen in the Italian restaurants that have been
established, some of which offer pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven.[5]
Cosméticos Naturales de Mazunte is a community enterprise dedicated
to making high quality make-up that is 100% environmentally friendly. This
began a decade ago with the sponsorship of British companyThe Body Shop,
[13] and the Mexican federal government.[4] This and other projects were
also supported by non-governmental agencies such as the embassies of
Canada, France and England as well as universities such as Stanford,
National Polytechnic Institute and National Autonomous University of Mexico,
which helped with industrial design, knowledge of local products and cosmetics
making.[14] The cooperative produces shampoo, conditioner, bath gels, soap
and other items[13] and is a tourist attraction as well,[4] with tour busses parking
in front to let visitors see how the cooperative works and to shop. The cooperative
has the slogan of “el milagro de Mazunte” (the miracle of Mazunte).[14]
The Mazunte Jazz Festival was begun in 2005 and is held annuals. It is one of
the largest in Oaxaca state. The 2009 Jazz festival included artists such as
Kati Mejía of the U.S., Samuel Piña of Tabasco state, the Adrian Oropeza
Trio, the Jazz Oaxaca Big Band as well as Flamenco guitarist David Jenkins.[15]
the largest in Oaxaca state. The 2009 Jazz festival included artists such as
Kati Mejía of the U.S., Samuel Piña of Tabasco state, the Adrian Oropeza
Trio, the Jazz Oaxaca Big Band as well as Flamenco guitarist David Jenkins.[15]
The annual Fiesta de Mazunte, held in January, includes events such as floats,
a Miss Bikini contest and a needlefish fishing contest.[16]
a Miss Bikini contest and a needlefish fishing contest.[16]
Public transportation in Mazunte is based on pick up trucks that have been
outfitted to carry passengers as well as cargo. These “camionetas” connect
Mazunte with nearby San Agustinillo, Zipolite and the city of Pochutla.[11]
outfitted to carry passengers as well as cargo. These “camionetas” connect
Mazunte with nearby San Agustinillo, Zipolite and the city of Pochutla.[11]
[edit]The beaches
Mazunte is a 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) stretch of beach with a secluded cove on
the far west end.[11] Boats on this beach offer tours to Zipolite, Puerto Ángel,
Estacahuite, La Mina and La Boquilla. Depending on the season, it is
possible to see whales, dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays and other aquatic species.
Rentals for sports fishing are also available.[4] The main beach and the cove on
the west end both have a number of small hotels and restaurants. All beaches
have lifeguards during the tourist seasons.[12] There are two other secluded and
non-developed beaches in the area, Playa Mermejita on Punta Cometa and
Playa Escobilla just west of the principle beaches.[8]
the far west end.[11] Boats on this beach offer tours to Zipolite, Puerto Ángel,
Estacahuite, La Mina and La Boquilla. Depending on the season, it is
possible to see whales, dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays and other aquatic species.
Rentals for sports fishing are also available.[4] The main beach and the cove on
the west end both have a number of small hotels and restaurants. All beaches
have lifeguards during the tourist seasons.[12] There are two other secluded and
non-developed beaches in the area, Playa Mermejita on Punta Cometa and
Playa Escobilla just west of the principle beaches.[8]
All but one of the marine turtles come to the Mazunte area to lay their eggs,
as well as a few land and freshwater turtle species.[13] The Pacific coast
town of Mazunte is famous for its sea turtles. Thousands of Olive Ridley
turtles arrive en masse to lay their eggs in nearby Escobilla Bay. The nesting
season generally begins in May and lasts for several months. Although an
endangered species, the turtles come to the beach in large numbers for a few
nights after a full moon. These events are called arribadas.[8] Other turtles that
lay eggs here are the Hawksbill turtle, the “prieta” (a subspecies of green turtle),
and some leatherback turtles.[2][6] In 1997, The Centro Mexicano de Tortuga
counted the arrival of about 900,000 sea turtles to La Escobilla beach alone.[2]
as well as a few land and freshwater turtle species.[13] The Pacific coast
town of Mazunte is famous for its sea turtles. Thousands of Olive Ridley
turtles arrive en masse to lay their eggs in nearby Escobilla Bay. The nesting
season generally begins in May and lasts for several months. Although an
endangered species, the turtles come to the beach in large numbers for a few
nights after a full moon. These events are called arribadas.[8] Other turtles that
lay eggs here are the Hawksbill turtle, the “prieta” (a subspecies of green turtle),
and some leatherback turtles.[2][6] In 1997, The Centro Mexicano de Tortuga
counted the arrival of about 900,000 sea turtles to La Escobilla beach alone.[2]
Volunteers from the Center monitor nesting areas in and around Mazunte.
When females come onto the beaches at night, generally just after a full
moon, they are measured, tagged and their eggs collected for incubation
at the Center. The process ends with the liberation of the hatchlings from
the same beaches they were collected from. On many of these occasions,
the public may participate in the freeing of the hatchlings.[2]
When females come onto the beaches at night, generally just after a full
moon, they are measured, tagged and their eggs collected for incubation
at the Center. The process ends with the liberation of the hatchlings from
the same beaches they were collected from. On many of these occasions,
the public may participate in the freeing of the hatchlings.[2]
[edit]National Mexican Turtle Center
The idea of promoting sea turtles as an ecotourism base began in the 1970s
when the hunting of sea turtles in Mazunte and other nearby seaside
communities was at its height. An organization to promote the idea was founded
at that time, which became a small center in 1985, operated by the Instituto
Nacional de la Pesca (National Fishing Institute) and named Daniel León de
Guevara.[2]
when the hunting of sea turtles in Mazunte and other nearby seaside
communities was at its height. An organization to promote the idea was founded
at that time, which became a small center in 1985, operated by the Instituto
Nacional de la Pesca (National Fishing Institute) and named Daniel León de
Guevara.[2]
The modern Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga (Mexican National Turtle Center)
was founded by the federal government in 1991 after the sea turtle trade was
completed banned in the country.[13] The Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga is
an aquarium and research center dedicated to turtles, especially sea turtles.
The installation covers four hectares located in Mazunte right next to the beach,
[1] near where the sea turtle slaughterhouse used to be.[6] The Center contains
specimens of all marine turtles native to Mexico as well as six species of fresh
water and two species of land turtles also found in the country. It contains tanks
and other habitats in which a variety of turtle species can be seen. The buildings on the site are
designed to be similar to those around it, both traditional and modern. Outdoor tanks hold turtle
species of different ages and include both natural and artificial incubators for turtle eggs. The
installation also contains a multipurpose room, gift shop and a cactus garden. Research objectives
include developing techniques to manage, increase and preserve the turtle species of the country
as well as promoting knowledge and ecological tourism based on turtles.[1] This facility receives
60,000 visitors a year.[2]
was founded by the federal government in 1991 after the sea turtle trade was
completed banned in the country.[13] The Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga is
an aquarium and research center dedicated to turtles, especially sea turtles.
The installation covers four hectares located in Mazunte right next to the beach,
[1] near where the sea turtle slaughterhouse used to be.[6] The Center contains
specimens of all marine turtles native to Mexico as well as six species of fresh
water and two species of land turtles also found in the country. It contains tanks
and other habitats in which a variety of turtle species can be seen. The buildings on the site are
designed to be similar to those around it, both traditional and modern. Outdoor tanks hold turtle
species of different ages and include both natural and artificial incubators for turtle eggs. The
installation also contains a multipurpose room, gift shop and a cactus garden. Research objectives
include developing techniques to manage, increase and preserve the turtle species of the country
as well as promoting knowledge and ecological tourism based on turtles.[1] This facility receives
60,000 visitors a year.[2]
[edit]Punta Cometa
The far west end of Mazunte beach is bordered by Punta Cometa (Comet Point),
which is a small peninsula or mountain that juts out from the shoreline. Punta
Cometa is also called Cerro Sagrado or “Sacred Hill”. It is the southernmost
point of the state of Oaxaca and an important stopping place for migratory birds
and marine mammals such as whales. There is also a small virgin beach called
Mermejita on the west side.[4]
which is a small peninsula or mountain that juts out from the shoreline. Punta
Cometa is also called Cerro Sagrado or “Sacred Hill”. It is the southernmost
point of the state of Oaxaca and an important stopping place for migratory birds
and marine mammals such as whales. There is also a small virgin beach called
Mermejita on the west side.[4]
In pre-Hispanic times this area was a military enclave of the Aztecs, who
constructed a small wall around Punta Cometa, the remains of which are
locally called the “corral de piedra” or stone corral. During the colonial period,
the area was a stronghold for both Spanish forces and pirates who used Punta
Cometa’s location to survey the seas at 180 degrees of visibility. There are
also stories about Aztec and or pirate treasure hidden at Punta Cometa.[4][5]
constructed a small wall around Punta Cometa, the remains of which are
locally called the “corral de piedra” or stone corral. During the colonial period,
the area was a stronghold for both Spanish forces and pirates who used Punta
Cometa’s location to survey the seas at 180 degrees of visibility. There are
also stories about Aztec and or pirate treasure hidden at Punta Cometa.[4][5]
| Mazunte | |
|---|---|
| — Town — | |
 | |
 
Mazunte
| |
| Coordinates: 15°40′03″N 96°33′13″W | |
| Country |  Mexico |
| State | Oaxaca |
| Municipality | Santa María Tonameca |
| Elevation | 30 m (100 ft) |
| Population (2005) | |
| • Total | 702 |
| Time zone | CST (UTC-6) |
| Area code(s) | 958 |
