Playa Zipolite. Welcome To The Beach Of The Dead!

A little about Playa Zipolite, The Beach of the Dead . . .

Playa Zipolite, Oaxaca, Southern Mexico, on the Pacific Ocean. A little bit about my favorite little get-away on this small world of ours.

Zipolite, a sweaty 30-minute walk west from Puerto Angel, brings you to Playa Zipolite and another world. The feeling here is 1970's - Led Zep, Marley, and scruffy gringos.

A long, long time ago, Zipolite beach was usually visited by the Zapotecans...who made it a magical place. They came to visit Zipolite to meditate, or just to rest.

Recently, this beach has begun to receive day-trippers from Puerto Angel and Puerto Escondido, giving it a more TOURISTY feel than before.

Most people come here for the novelty of the nude beach, yoga, turtles, seafood, surf, meditation, vegetarians, discos, party, to get burnt by the sun, or to see how long they can stretch their skinny budget.

I post WWW Oaxaca, Mexico, Zipolite and areas nearby information. Also general budget, backpacker, surfer, off the beaten path, Mexico and beyond, information.

REMEMBER: Everyone is welcome at Zipolite.

ivan

Monday, June 11, 2012

El 3 Diciembre: Vegetarian Situation

Jetgirly 915 reviews

Located a block or two off Zipolite's main strip, El 3 Diciembre is the town's most famous (only?) vegetarian restaurant. Tables have been arranged on a patch of packed dirt as the owner's family cook up all sorts of vegetarian concoctions in their palapa-covered kitchen. I had the vegetarian special, which basically consisted of everything on the entire menu placed on a platter, covered in cheese and baked. The flavor was great but the grease level was off the charts and heating was a bit uneven. It might be worth sharing between two people, along with a salad or something.

(I know it's MEXICO and I'm supposed to chill out about hygiene and whatnot, but I should also add that I observed a waitress sneeze on her hands and then immediately pick up a plate of food, which she brought to a table of customers. Even if it's just for show I would like to see staff keep their hands clean! It's hard enough for foreigners to adjust to the local water without also having to worry about germs from human mucus!)

Written Jun 9, 2012

Read more: http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/North_America/Mexico/Estado_de_Oaxaca/Zipolite-2272250/Restaurants-Zipolite-TG-C-1.html#tip=2233242#ixzz1xVjwlUFZ

Shambhala: Naturally Mexican(ish)

Jetgirly 915 reviews

Besides being a spiritual retreat and host of an epic, free New Years party, Shambhala also serves up some of the best food in Zipolite (if not THE best food in Zipolite). For my breakfast visit I had huevos oaxaquenas, which is eggs scrambled in a spicy tomato sauce, along with beans and potatoes. Wanting some fruit as well I opted for a smoothie made with fresh fruit and their house-made, thick, tangy yogurt. I credit that good bacteria with keeping my digestive track happy! When I had a chance to sample some of their dinner dishes I was also very impressed. The menu is varied and features food and flavors from around the world, all made with care. The restaurant is perched high atop a hill overlooking the beach, and is probably the most beautiful place to take in the view of Zipolite. Don't miss a meal (or two!) here!

Written Jun 9, 2012

La Choza: Fruit Salad of My Dreams

Jetgirly 915 reviews

La Choza is right on Zipolite's main beach, and serves up a variety of different foods. I stopped by for lunch after a morning spent volunteering in the hot sun, and was appreciative of their willingness to serve me a gigantic fruit salad (some places won't cut up fruit for me after the breakfast hour- seriously?). Papaya, mango, pineapple, cantaloupe and banana were all cut up, covered in lovely yogurt and topped with crispy, crunchy, sweet granola. Delicious! The server was very friendly and very kind as well.

Written Jun 9, 2012

Read more: http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/North_America/Mexico/Estado_de_Oaxaca/Zipolite-2272250/Restaurants-Zipolite-TG-C-1.html#tip=2233242#ixzz1xViZJcxr

A Nice Place on the Beach: More Dreamy Fruit Salad

Jetgirly 915 reviews

Okay, I have a fruit salad problem. Deal with it. Besides La Choza, another great place to enjoy fresh, local fruit, yummy yogurt and crunchy granola is "A Nice Place on the Beach", which also doubles as a bar and hotel. Service here was a little bit slower than at La Choza, but the food was just as good. Their menu also includes lots of other dishes as well.

Written Jun 9, 2012

Address: Calle Adoquinado

Website: https://www.facebook.com/ANicePlaceOnTheBeach

Read more: http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/North_America/Mexico/Estado_de_Oaxaca/Zipolite-2272250/Restaurants-Zipolite-TG-C-1.html#tip=2233242#ixzz1xVhxF0Pc

El Alquemista: Tastes of the World

Jetgirly 915 reviews

I really enjoyed my lunch at El Alquemista restaurant. I can't recall what I'd initially wanted to order, but I remember that it was too early in the day (maybe they hadn't turned on the pizza oven or something?). However, I was able to order pasta with creamy curry sauce and vegetables. The vegetables were just red bell peppers, but the creamy curry sauce was a real treat. After days of eating almost nothing but salad and fruit salad, I'd forgotten there were other flavors out there! The restaurant is located right on the beach and has tables in the sun, as well as the shade. There is a full bar and the most zen bathrooms I saw in Mexico. It's worth a visit!

Written Jun 9, 2012

Website: http://www.el-alquimista.com/es/restaurant.html

Related to:: Budget Travel; Food and Dining; Spa and Resort

Read more: http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/North_America/Mexico/Estado_de_Oaxaca/Zipolite-2272250/Restaurants-Zipolite-TG-C-1.html#tip=2233242#ixzz1xVhFwukW

Castillo Oasis: Best Hotel in Zipolite!

Castillo Oasis is the best place to stay in Zipolite. Located on the far east end of the beach, this little five-room hotel is clean, comfortable and adorable. We stayed in the double room, which is on the "first" floor (above ground level), and which opens onto a small balcony where you can read in a hammock and watch iguanas climb down the trees. Our bed had good mosquito netting, and there was ample room for our belongings on the bench, table, shelves and hangers in the room. Downstairs there was a bathroom that was supposed to be shared with the single room next door, but seemed to be used by all the hotel guests (this was only a minor inconvenience). The family running the hotel was amazing. They were very helpful and extremely kind; in some ways the woman was like a mother to us! We wired the money to the hotel in advance; this took two trips to the bank but once the money was sent Castillo Oasis confirmed our reservation right away. Through meeting other travelers I had the chance to check out a number of hotels in Zipolite (not overnight... get your mind out of the gutter!) and none were as nice as Castillo Oasis. It's the only place I would stay if I returned to this little slice of beach!

Opinion of Price: more expensive than average
Website: http://www.costachica.net/castillooasis/
Related to: Budget Travel, Backpacking, Adventure Travel
Written June 9, 2012

Castillo Oasis Sign

Go Swimming

Jetgirly 915 reviews

To go swimming, you have to leave Zipolite.

My top recommendation for swimming is to take a tour with Azul Profondo (Deep Blue). They have an office on Zipolite's main strip, and they offer snorkeling tours leaving daily around 9:00 am. They will drive you out to their base in Puerto Angel, from which they'll take you on a scenic tour to spot turtles, dolphins and even seasonal whales (sadly, we didn't see anything) before stopping at four different beaches for swimming and snorkeling. If you'd like flippers, pick them up at the office before your departure. Sadly, when I took the tour there was a major jellyfish infestation at some of the beaches. This did mean, though, that we got to spend a lot of time at the last stop, which had some good coral reefs and lots of fish. I found the waters to be quite calm; I snorkeled for about forty-five minutes without fins or a life jacket. Many of the Mexicans on the tour did not ever go in the water, or did so only for a few minutes with their life jackets, so you may feel a little bit uncomfortable being one of few swimmers in the water.

If you don't want to do an organized tour, as I noted in my other tip, take a taxi or collectivo to one of the nearby beaches like San Augastinillo or Mazunte.

Written Jun 9, 2012

Phone: 958 584 34 38 (Azul Profondo)

Related to:: Budget Travel; Diving and Snorkeling; Beaches

Ring in the New Year Like Never Before

Jetgirly 915 reviews

For the past thirty or more years, Shambhala Resort in Zipolite has been opening their doors to locals and visitors alike for a New Years party like no other.

The Shambhala website states, "It welcomes all brothers and sisters on the path to higher consciousness. Just be present and enjoy the wonderful sacred dance, chanting and building the tree of life. We have a procession to the beach from the meditation point and a party with food and drink to bring in the New Year. Our celebration has been a tradition for over 25 years and many people participate in the ceremony wearing white with headbands of fresh flowers. We have Aztec dancers and musicians celebrating with us at this special time of the year."

This describes my experience perfectly. Everyone wore white, I got a beautiful floral headdress, there was dancing and chanting, Shambhala generously shared free food and (non-alcoholic) drink with everyone, and I even had my chakras cleansed by a traditional healer at the bonfire.

To make your experience more meaningful, considering volunteering in the day or days leading up to the event. They always need people to help with decorations and other preparation work, and considering that the event is free for everyone the least you can do is spend a few hours helping out.

Written Jun 9, 2012

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Puerto Escondido Eco-Adventures Mexico

Puerto Escondido Eco-Adventures Mexico
PHOSPHORESCENCE PHENOMENON In the peaceful waters of Manialtepec Lagoon, Mother Nature periodically bestows the very special gift of luminescent ...
www.ecoadventurespuertoescondido.com/phosphorescence.html

PHOSPHORESCENCE PHENOMENONIn the peaceful waters of Manialtepec Lagoon, Mother Nature periodically bestows the very special gift of luminescent phosphorescence. Sparkly plankton, with its rich marine alga, once you see this phenomenon, you’ll never forget it.
On our evening boat tour, you’ll be able to swim through the plankton laced water, and see your body shimmer with what appear to be little stars, like in a dream. Come experience an unforgettable adventure with us. Because the plankton’s appearance is the lagoon is unpredictable, contact us to see if this memorable opportunity is available during your visit.

Price per person: $25.00 U.S
Includes transportation and English speaking guide (bring swimsuit)
We departure from your hotel at 8:00 p.m. And return at 10:00 p.m.

TOURS DE LA FOSFORESCENCIA“FOSFORESCENCIA” un fenómeno inolvidable. Te gustaría nadar y bañarte de estrellas? Ven y compruébalo. Este fenómeno se produce cuando millones de microorganismos bioluminiscentes provenientes del mar, entran a la laguna de Manialtepec, sin embargo solo se puede ver de noche y en ciertas temporadas, es posible contemplar este espectáculo que es para mirar y disfrutar, jamás lo olvidarás ya que te sentirás dentro de un sueño. Te recomendamos consultar las temporadas en que esta maravilla de la naturaleza se puede observar.

Precio por persona: $250 pesos
Incluimos tu transportación desde tu hotel y un guía profesional.
Recomendación: Traer traje de baño
Salida: desde su hotel 8:00 p.m. Regreso: 10:00 p.m.

ZIcatela 2 - Puerto Escondido, México

Another large chain store chooses Puerto

Posted by Palomas

Forum List Message List New Topic

Palomas

Another large chain store chooses Puerto
June 04, 2012 04:55PM

IP/Host: ---.prod-infinitum.com.mx
Registered: 2 years ago
Posts: 186

Auto Zone, a large U.S. chain which sells auto parts and offers full service repairs and diagnosis, is under construction on the Coastal Highway next to Nissan. Auto Zone's website states that they recycle all used motor oil and batteries. That's a plus. According to the new store's architect, un caballero from Tampico, the terms of the construction contract call for the store to be completed at the end of August.

That another large chain has opted for Puerto Escondido speaks of an optimism I can't quite fathom, but it's certainly possible they know something I don't.

Sheila

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/04/2012 04:59PM by Palomas.

Reply Quote

Dogtown

Re: Another large chain store chooses Puerto
June 04, 2012 05:19PM

IP/Host: ---.prod-infinitum.com.mx
Registered: 1 year ago
Posts: 387

Not long till McDonalds or Burger King............. :- (

Reply Quote

BDR

Re: Another large chain store chooses Puerto
June 04, 2012 05:41PM

IP/Host: ---.hsd1.wa.comcast.net
Registered: 7 months ago
Posts: 37

@ Dogtown, like they say in Spanish: "Que la boca se te haga chicharron"... (which implies the same as knock on wood).
I truly hope I never see those food chains in Puerto.

Reply Quote

Imago

Re: Another large chain store chooses Puerto
June 04, 2012 07:02PM

IP/Host: ---.prod-infinitum.com.mx
Registered: 5 years ago
Posts: 2,168

Whatever became of the Soriano store that was supposed to be built on the highway in Emiliano Zapata? Remember all the buzz?

Reply Quote

hazmatt

Re: Another large chain store chooses Puerto
June 04, 2012 07:05PM

IP/Host: ---.prod-infinitum.com.mx
Registered: 2 months ago
Posts: 12

Where is Emilio Zapate in relation to the El Che and Playa Zicatela? I assume this is nearby?

Reply Quote

Imago

Re: Another large chain store chooses Puerto
June 04, 2012 08:11PM

IP/Host: ---.prod-infinitum.com.mx
Registered: 5 years ago
Posts: 2,168

Emiliano Zapata is the colonia after Lázaro heading east on the Highway. It's opposite Los Tamarindos.

Reply Quote

mexpipe10

Re: Another large chain store chooses Puerto
June 04, 2012 09:36PM

IP/Host: ---.lightspeed.dlmrca.sbcglobal.net
Registered: 1 year ago
Posts: 627

that is good news.

I sure hope puerto gets a sewer system before mickey d, that could get real ugly real quick.

Reply Quote

L.T.

Re: Another large chain store chooses Puerto
June 04, 2012 10:35PM

IP/Host: ---.prod-infinitum.com.mx
Registered: 5 years ago
Posts: 2,271

Mickey Ds and a nice Cinema are on the way. A nice level piece of land out by.......Oh well you wouldnt believe it.

Puerto Escondido, Mexico Weather

Puerto Escondido is located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico with the Sierra Madre Mountains to the north and rainforests to the south. Puerto Escondido enjoys a tropical climate with an average temperature of 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), with seasonal fluctuations of 4 to 6 degrees. The rainy season is said to begin in May but normally arrives in June or July and continues until October. During this time, there can be extended periods of rain and cloud, although it is typical to have sunny mornings with heavy rain and thunderstorms occurring late in the afternoon and evening. The dry season runs from November to April, which is a popular time for surfers and tourists.
Check out our Puerto Escondido, Mexico Weather Forecast below for the current weather conditions.

Sunwing makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein and cannot be held responsible for changes, errors or omissions. Please note that all pricing listed is subject to change with or without notice.

Huatulco (La Crucecita : Profile

Location

Huatulco (Bahias de Huatulco) is a resort town located at the southern end of Mexico’s Pacific Coast, south of Acapulco. It sits at the foot of the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains on a series of nine bays, surrounded by quiet, unspoiled tropical beauty.

It is a very useful location to wait out strong winds or to clear in or out of Mexico.

Location 15° 45.97'N, 96° 07.2'W.

Clearance

The marina also cannot assist with zarpes or clearance out of the country. After obtaining proof that your marina bill is paid, you must go to the Port Captain in Santa Cruz, then to the bank, then to Immigration, then to Customs (with perhaps another bank visit). Customs makes arrangements to inspect your boat. You will need to start all this several days in advance of your anticipated weather window for the Tehuantepec if you are going south.

The Port Captain and Customs are only open 9-5 on weekdays. Immigration office closes at 13:00.

Last updated June 2012.

Docking

There is a marina here which is reported to be expensive. It is about a 30 minute walk from the town centre.

The anchorage to the south west, at Santa Cruz, has room for several transient boats to the east of the cruise ship dock. The anchorage is limited by coral, the channel to the darsena, and panga moooring bouys. It is possible to use the sea wall behind the tour boat dock to secure the dinghy. If going into the town, if will be cheaper to walk a couple of blocks away from the cruise ship berths before picking up a taxi.

The town, has a supermarket, also hardware stores and some chandlery/fishing supplies.

Last updated June 2012.

Marina Chahue
Tel:(958)587 2652 marinachahue@hotmail.com
Opening Hours: 9-5 on weekdays and 9-2 on weekends
The entrance to the marina is extremely narrow and has several jogs; cruisers advise to stay in the exact centre. Power and water to all pontoons. Cold water outdoor showers. Surge and current in the marina makes safe manuevering very difficult for boats over 30ft long. For fuel, yachts must go to the commercial dock in town.
The current Harbour Master, Ezequiel Gutierrez Arechiga, speaks English.

The Bogaards in Mexico

SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2012

Los Delphines De Puerto Escondido

Last weekend, we spent the morning out on the ocean. We hired "una lancha" - a narrow motor boat and a guide, Ivan, to take us out on the water on a tour to look for dolphins, sea turtles, and maybe fish a little as well. We left shore about 7:30 am, and planned to return before 11 in order to avoid the heat of the day.

We made our way east along the coast, past the city of Puerto, and then took a right and headed straight out to sea. The water was rising and falling in long, lazy swells. It was calm. After about 45 minutes, Amy and I began to wonder if this was really the way to find dolphins. Small fish periodically would break the surface and shoot across the water. Turtles heads and shells would also appear and disappear among the swells. After probably an hour a half, Ivan and his colleague suddenly shouted "Delphines!"

Sure enough, about 1/2 mile away, we could see dolphins shooting into the air. Apparently they regularly gather up in the morning off the coast, sometimes in the hundreds, and swim together before breaking up into smaller groups to hunt. There are a number of varieties of dolphins that frequent these waters, but we only saw white-sided or white belly dolphins. There were at least a hundred - shooting under the boat, bursting out of the water just beyond the boat's bow or beyond its wake. They seemed curious, were fantastically fast and energetic.

At one point we jumped in the water (amid hundreds of tiny stinging jelly fish, I might add). Underwater, we could hear their faint whistles in the distance. Me and kids got out after a few minutes, and then Amy got out suddenly, at the urgent request of Ivan. They had spotted a highly venomous sea snake on the other side of the boat. Only 2-3 feet long, these snakes live all their lives out in the middle of the ocean. Their bite is very dangerous, and occasionally fatal.

Here a few photos and a little video from our trip...

Liesl, at the start of the trip. 7 am.

Amy and some weird dude who kept following her around.

Our guides Ivan and Ray.

Ray jumped in the water and grabbed this turtle and he and Ivan hauled it aboard. They assured us that the turtle didn't mind. I am not so sure...After about 30 seconds, we pushed him back overboard.