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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

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Mazunte



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]
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]

Contents

  [hide

[edit]History


A Map of Mazunte
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]

[edit]The community



Main street of Mazunte
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]

Building palapa roof with palm fronds
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]
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]
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 annual Fiesta de Mazunte, held in January, includes events such as floats,
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]

[edit]The beaches


View of Mazunte beach from Punta Cometa
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]
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]
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]

[edit]National Mexican Turtle Center


Hawksbill turtle in the aquarium of the 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]
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]

[edit]Punta Cometa

Tip of Punta Cometa jutting into the Pacific Ocean
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]
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]
Mazunte
—  Town  —
Mazunte and Punta Cometa



Mazunte is located in Mexico
Mazunte
Location in Mexico
Coordinates: 15°40′03″N 96°33′13″W
Country Mexico
StateOaxaca
MunicipalitySanta María Tonameca
Elevation30 m (100 ft)
Population (2005)
 • Total702
Time zoneCST (UTC-6)
Area code(s)958






San Agustinillo



San Agustinillo

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
San Agustinillo
—  Town  —
Playa Rinconcito at San Agustinillo

San  Agustinillo is located in Mexico
San Agustinillo
Location in Mexico
Coordinates: 15°39′58″N 96°32′32″W
Country Mexico
StateOaxaca
MunicipalitySanta María Tonameca
Elevation25 m (82 ft)
Population (2005)
 • Total229
Time zoneCST (UTC-6)
Area code(s)958
San Agustinillo consists of a small fishing village and a stretch of beach at a place with 
the Sierra Madre del Sur meets the Pacific Ocean in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico.[1] It is
 located in the municipality of Santa María Tonameca just east of the coastal communities 
of Mazunte and La Ventanilla, connected by a road that runs from these towns to Zipolite 
andPuerto Ángel to the west.[1][2] These coastal communities together are known as the 
"Riviera Oaxaqueña[3] or "La Costa Chica Oaxaqueña.[1] The community was established 
about the same time as Mazunte.[4] Fishermen in San Augustinillo made a living by hunting 
sea turtles until this was banned in 1990.[5] (secturoax) Major economic activities here 
for most residents are still agriculture and small scale fishing, with some tourism, based 
on the beach.[4]
The beach of San Agustinillo is about 1300 meters long facing open ocean and divided 
into three sections by rocky outcroppings the jut out from the reach into the ocean.[2][4] 
The sands of the beach are medium grain, of gold color and spread as wide as fifty 
meters. The waters just offshore are warm with green and blue tones.[4] The far west 
end is called Playa Rinconcillo, which is relatively well-sheltered and considered safest 
for swimming. The easternmost section is called Playa Aragon and has both strong 
waves and strong undertow.[2][4] As these beaches face open ocean caution is advised, 
especially when tropical waves and other weather phenomena cause abnormally high 
waves, which can cause beach restrictions and closures.[6] In 2009, at least three 
drownings were reported off this beach, including a six-year-old girl who was caught 
while on the shoreline by an unusually high wave. A nineteen-year-old was dragged 
out to sea when he was surprised by an undercurrent and his body was not found 
until five days later.[6][7][8][9]
The fishing village is located at the far west end at Playa Rinconcillo.[1] The fishermen 
offer boat tours of area as well as rental for sportsfishing.[2] Just immediately to the 
east of the village are palapas but almost nothing has been built at the far eastern 
end.[1] From June to December it is possible to see Olive Ridley turtles laying their 
eggs on this beach.[2]
The beach is encroached by hills and steep cliffs that make the building of large hotels 
and other resort features impossible.[1] However, the shoreline and some of the hills 
surrounding it are dotted with small rustic establishments which show ecological and 
European influence.[1] The European influence is because a number of establishments 
here are owned by Italians and some French. Restaurants include La Termita, owned 
by an Italian-Argentinian, and Tio Nerone, owned by an Italian-German.[1] The Mexico 
Lindo hotel on the beach is owned by a Mexican from Tabasco by the name of Fausto
 and also serves Italian food along with Regional favorites. Another Italian-owned 
lodging is the Posada La Termita, also on the waterfront. Casa Pan de Miel has a 
French owner. It is not on the beach but on a hilltop overlooking the area.[10] Since 
the area emphasizes eco tourism, many of the lodging here were built as “low-impact” 
that blend in with the topography. One of this is La Posada del Arquitecto which is 
carved into the rocks of Playa Rinconcito. The rooms have hanging beds and a shower 
built into a tree trunk. Everything is constructed with wooden pegs instead of nails.
 Many of the lodgings here do not have web sites or even phones but are popular 
with backpackers nonetheless. None have running hot water.[11] Most hotels 
do not have televisions, phone or wireless connections or air conditioning.[5]
The library of San Agustinillo is called “Las cuatro amigas” referring to the four 
women who opened it in the Casa Municipal (municipal office building) on Highway 
200. The library is free to residents and tourists may borrow books for a nominal fee. 
About half the collection is in Spanish, about half in English and the rest in other 
languages such as French and German. The library also offers English classes 
for children of the town.[12] The organization that runs the library has a website 
at La Biblioteca de San Agustinillo.
San Agustinillo
—  Town  —
Playa Rinconcito at San Agustinillo

San  Agustinillo is located in Mexico
San Agustinillo
Location in Mexico
Coordinates: 15°39′58″N 96°32′32″W
Country Mexico
StateOaxaca
MunicipalitySanta María Tonameca
Elevation25 m (82 ft)
Population (2005)
 • Total229
Time zoneCST (UTC-6)
Area code(s)958




cielos en Mazunte, Oaxaca

cielos en Mazunte, Oaxaca | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
This photo belongs to. anitamess' photostream (666) · Mazunte · cielos en Mazunte, Oaxaca · olas en Mazunte · cocodrilo en Ventanilla, Oax.
www.flickr.com/photos/anitamess/7271482368/

Posada Dos Estrellas Adoquín, Colonia Roca blanca, Zipolite, Mexico 70904


We are in Mexico, you can find el hotel in Playa Zipolite. In the middle of the beach, it's a nice place to stay in your trip in Mexico.
The hostel is quite traditional with all necessary services for a comfortable stay. You can spend your holidays watching the sea and the sunset... We have a bar with beers and cocktails : mojito, piña colada, margarita, mezcal...

Posada Dos Estrellas, Zipolite, Mexico: Book Now!
Search the cheapest beds available at the Posada Dos Estrellas in Zipolite, Mexico. Book Posada Dos Estrellas and all Zipolite hostels with no booking fees at ...
www.hostelbookers.com/hostels/mexico/zipolite/82566/

Tropical Depression BUD


Tropical Depression BUD



Tropical Depression BUD


Home   Public Adv   Fcst/Adv   Discussion   Wind Probs   Graphics   Archive  

Huatulco Has It All!





« Where Having Fun Comes Easily!

“ Tropical Depression 2-E? May 21, 2012, 1:25 PM


Redmond...
posts: 274
reviews: 5
 Tropical Depression 2-E? 
I see on Wunderground a storm developing TD-2E, any thoughts on how this could impact the Huatulco area this week since we our scheduled to arrive on Thursday? It says it could develop into a Hurricane.
4 replies
Huatulco...
posts: 1,265
reviews: 51
1. Re: Tropical Depression 2-E?
Destination Expert   What's this?
for Huatulco
Looking at the projected storm path I would say it won't impact Huatulco at all.
NYC / Fire...
posts: 2,981
2. Re: Tropical Depression 2-E?
It looks like Two-E is headed between Manzanillo and Zihuatanejo, and even missing Acapulco which is way west and north of Huatulco. For more information see:
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_ep2+shtml/144951.shtml?gm_track#contents
Note: the hyperlink (above) may need to be copy-and-pasted into your browser's URL box.
The surfers are probably hoping for some good wave action.
CH
Edited: 4:08 pm, May 21, 2012
Huatulco...
posts: 1,099
reviews: 8
3. Re: Tropical Depression 2-E?
No problems here in Huatulco
Wayne Overby
Villa Sol y Mar
(House of the Sun & Sea)
NYC / Fire...
posts: 2,981
4. Re: Tropical Depression 2-E?
Hola.
Looks like “Two-E” has become Tropical Storm “Bud” and is well west and north of Huatulco.
For an update see:
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_ep2+shtml/203510.shtml?5-daynl#contents
Note: the hyperlink (above) may need to be copy-and-pasted into your browser's URL box.
Hope this helps. Your questions are always welcome.
Abrazos,
Matt
Casa Hoffa (South), Bahia Chahue, Huatulco, MX
Casa Hoffa (North), Fire Island, NY USA
Edited: 6:01 pm, May 22, 2012