Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Naked in Zipolite, the hippie beach ARMANDO GUTIERREZ JULY 19, 2013
Naked in Zipolite, the hippie beach
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| Z Photo: Armando Gutierrez |
ZIPOLITE, Oaxaca. (Proceso.com.mx) .- This quiet village in the Oaxaca coast is famous for its nude beach, where foreign and domestic visitors discover that not only clothes and leave her modesty aside but also bare their senses to soak in an exotic paradise.
Zipolite is definitely far from the traditional tourist packed beach destination and luxury hotels; It is rather a place to have intimate contact with nature, to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy the simple.
Although this town is predominantly rustic and has no large tourist infrastructure, its residents say its visitors are captivated by its charm and stay longer than planned.
Proof of this is that in recent years -europeos people of different nationalities, Canadians, Americans, Argentines, among others, took root here and even established businesses such as bars, shops, hotels and restaurants.Many others have simply opted for the "love and peace" and forget the daily responsibilities to settle in hippie mode of life.
During the decades of 60 and 70 to this town, located 230 kilometers from the city of Oaxaca, they came hundreds of hippies because it was the only nudist beach in Mexico, the ideal place for them due to minimal police surveillance and the easy access to drugs.
Currently you can still see young and old hippies nostalgic walking the streets and even backpacking adventurers from Europe and elsewhere. Make this your "base of operations" permanent or seasonal stay.
Foreigners and locals are in Zipolite a point of identification that allows them to live together in tolerance and willingly share Oaxacan traditions.
With only 2.5 kilometers long beaches of Zipolite, adorned with palapas, let forget inhibitions and tan naked in the sand, without fear that someone call attention to bathers or scandalized.
For that reason, in high season hundreds of tourists flock to the "Love Beach" where nudity is allowed, although this is a common practice throughout the zipolitense beach, as discussed residents.
The nudity is however still under curiosity and not a few blush between Mexicans. And the location of the "Love Beach" does little to counter this argument, because it is behind a rocky hill, somewhat secluded, which gives some clandestine air.
Zipolite should exercise caution during the rainy season (July to September) because ocean currents are extremely strong and make it almost impossible to swim. Usually a red flag on the beach warns against entering the water. Yellow means caution; green instead means that you can swim without problem.
This season is well used by surfers who have the ability to ride the huge and furious waves. Still very experienced swimmers have drowned, according to accounts from residents.
But the raging sea is not an impediment to enjoy the beaches in the area, for about 10 minutes is Zipolite Puerto Angel, where considerably gentler waters allow the whole family a dip. You can get there by taxi or bus.
A good option is to stay in a hotel in Zipolite and explore nearby places like Mazunte, Ventanilla, Bermejita or San Agustinillo. Worth sleep near the sea in a cabin and delight sleep with the sea breeze or the murmur of the waves.Mazunte is a particularly attractive spot for children, because there is the Mexican Turtle Center. Furthermore, the ecological community of Ventanilla there is a mangrove crocodile and turtle beach.
Whether you are traveling alone, with friends, with family or backpacking, Zipolite offers many accommodation options to suit all budgets: hotels, cabins, cottages and even hammocks to sleep on the beach for only 20 pesos a night.
Among the most recommended hotels are Brisa Marina, The Alchemist, Posada Dos Estrellas, Nude Zipolite, Heven, Castillo Oasis, Villa Escondida, the cosmic and Zipolite Plaza.
Of course, you should go forewarned because Zipolite is exempt from ATMs and banks. A good bottle of repellent is also necessary, if you are involved in a massive attack of mosquitoes.
The commercial and nightlife in this town is concentrated on a cobbled street, a few meters, where there are bars, hotels and restaurants offering seafood and Oaxaca. Artists, musicians and dancers make waste of his talents in that area where jewelry and ornaments are also sold.
Zipolite nights are bohemian, conducive to sit at the beach and breathe the sea while having a beer or coconut ice cream in the middle of a talk to some batucada or in a bar drinking.
If what is sought is to use the holiday to "find himself" spiritually speaking, some hotels offer yoga and meditation at affordable costs.
In the village there are some agencies that sell group tours to explore around in boats. Although they are recommended and relatively cheap (about 200 pesos per person), you should not believe everything they promise. You will not see dolphins or whales during the trip. Nor can snorkel. What I see are beautiful landscapes, unspoiled, and perceive the essence of blue marine world.
If the "travel" it is, do not be alarmed if to walk the beaches or streets offer some type of drug as marijuana, cocaine or hallucinogens. If you reject the offer, nothing happens; if you accept it, that's his business.
Late at night some families leave "armed" with lamps, and a mysterious expedition to collect crabs and then prepare "yellow", a typical stew: In some areas of Zipolite a strange start event occurs surprise the visitor this Oaxacan region.
Zipolite is another wonder that at night something as simple as watching the sky becomes a show, as it is revealed in the eyes a blanket of stars delightfully airy, especially on the beach or in areas with little artificial light.
With absolute certainty the visitor never forget Zipolite or his kind, noble and warm people.
Love and peace.
To reach
By car, from Oaxaca , take highway 175 towards Ejutla-Ocotlan-Miahuatlán. Follow direction Pochutla Puerto Angel and until the junction with the federal Coastal Highway 200. It takes about six hours, although the road is winding, curvy and is in very poor condition. Try to travel by day. By public transport, there are two options: one is the kind Van service trucks, for 160 pesos. The units arrive at the town of Pochutla and then you can take a bus or taxi to Zipolite (located about 25 minutes). If you are looking to travel convenience, there are departures to Pochutla from the bus station in Oaxaca, although the cost is 330 pesos and the journey time is increased to eight to nine hours.
From Huatulco , on leaving the airport, on the road, there are taxis and buses to Pochutla second class. The people of Zipolite, Puerto Angel, San Agustinillo, Mazunte and other small towns are transported in taxis, in which several passengers traveling, unlike the regular taxi, and their rates are much cheaper.
From Mexico City, Puebla, San Cristobal de las Casas and Tapachula, Chiapas there are also runs buses to Pochutla.
Twitter:armandogtzrdz
The Worst Travel Advice We've Ever Heard September 17, 2015 by Ashley Rossi,
The Worst Travel Advice We've Ever Heard
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When it comes to travel advice, some of the most common suggestions are the worst. And trust us, we’ve heard it all. From dubious ways to cut costs to travel strategies that never end well, here’s a round-up of the worst advice we’ve ever received, why you shouldn’t follow it, and better advice to pave your next vacation path.
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Treat Yourself, You're On Vacation!
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We've all been told to not worry about money on vacation because the experience will be worth it. While that may be true, not everyone can afford to splurge. Sure, you don’t want to miss out on great experiences, but you also don’t want to be hit with a big credit card bill post-vacation.
Do This Instead: From alternative accommodation sites to new booking platforms, technology gives the savvy traveler a variety of ways to save. Associate Editor Shannon McMahon says, "it's not too hard to find affordable flights and cheap or even free lodging via house-sitting or couch surfing. There are a lot of museums and sites you can see for almost nothing. It's also very possible to see generally expensive cities, like Paris, for cheap, if you use hostels or Airbnb."
Avoid Tourist Traps
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There's a reason why tourist traps are crowded. The Eiffel Tower really is a marvel to stand under, and the Sagrada Familia does take your breath away. So, before you dismiss doing brave touristy activities, shift your thinking and consider what makes a destination special, then evaluate if it’s worth visiting in spite of crowds.
Do This Instead: If you do chose to brave popular attractions, consider doing it as part of a tour. Many times they offer special access or run at off-peak times to allow participants to enjoy the destination without the crowds. I recently booked a guided drive for the Great Ocean Road in Melbourne, Australia and ended up getting a discounted helicopter tour out of it. If you can afford to spend a little more, boutique tours or tours with smaller groups are a great way to enjoy an overcrowded tourist destination.
RELATED: 10 Tourist Traps We Secretly Love
Be Spontaneous With Accommodations
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While it's nice to be flexible with travel dates, booking accommodations in advance is one thing you shouldn't mess around with, unless you are traveling for an extended period and aren't picky about where you're sleeping … or whom you're sleeping next to.
Do This Instead: Senior Editor Caroline Morse has worked in a hostel and has "seen firsthand that literally every hotel, hostel, or bed and breakfast can unexpectedly book up on certain weekends." Instead, she does her research in advance and can then "be able to land, check-in, and hit the ground running."
Try To See As Much As Possible
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Sometimes it really is better to follow the mantra "less is more." When you try to squeeze too much into your itinerary, you may end up with additional flight and hotel expenses, unnecessary exhaustion, missed connections, more transit time, and general frustration.
Do This Instead: Make a wish list of your must-see spots and map out your days realistically. This will give you not only a more relaxed experience, but likely a more authentic one as well. While living in London, I was tempted to jet off to a new city each weekend, and even sometimes hit two cities within a few days. Even though Europe allows for easy multi-destination travel, I quickly learned I was missing great restaurants and museums that were closed on certain days by traveling so quickly. I trimmed my wish list down to allow for more time at each destination and added the spots I didn’t get to see to my bucket list.
Travel In A Group
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At some point in time, we've all thought it was a good idea to plan a vacation with a large group of family or friends, and then ended up more stressed out than relaxed. The logistics associated with traveling in a large group—as well as the inevitable difference in travel styles—can turn a dream trip into a miserable vacation. While cruises, pre-planned tours, and resorts can be exceptions, we still suggest slimming down the number of travelers you directly travel with.
Do This Instead: Editorial Assistant Olivia Briggs has traveled with groups large and small, and says that "while it may be true it's safer [to travel in a group], it makes planning and getting around a lot more difficult—it's better to go with one or two people you are really compatible with."
Stay Outside The City To Save
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Many travelers try to save on accommodations by staying far from the city center. However, the value may not add up when you factor in the wasted vacation time you'll spend commuting and the cost of getting to and from your hotel to popular tourist spots.
Do This Instead: Senior Editor Christine Sarkis suggests looking at vacation rentals or alternative booking sites like Airbnb for centrally located rentals. "I have stayed in some very cool apartments for less than the cost of a hotel in the same neighborhood. And I end up with more space, a kitchen, and often a washing machine as well."
Stay Away From Strangers
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Exploring new cultures can be difficult if you don’t open yourself up to interactions with locals. Locals give a unique and genuine perspective on a destination, and are great resources for amazing restaurants and hidden museums that you can't find online. Although safety can be a real concern, there are plenty of ways to be safe and engage with the world around you.
Do This Instead: Whether it's just asking for directions or a restaurant recommendation, you'll get a better sense of your destination by a asking locals for advice. Don’t be afraid to ask your barista about a great restaurant or your taxi driver about cool alternative tourist destinations. Social Media and Editorial Intern Jamie Ditaranto also suggests talking to other travelers. "If I hadn't said 'Hello' to the woman sitting across from me in the hot spring inIceland, I would have never learned she worked as a polar bear researcher in the Yukon and would have missed out on one hell of a conversation."
Book The Cheapest Flight
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Often, the cheapest flights are at inconvenient travel times. And that might save you money, but it will also waste your precious vacation time, especially on multi-destination trips. Red-eye flights in particular pose a problem, since most hotels and hostels won't let you check in until well after noon, so when you arrive off a 6 am flight, you may well find yourself both exhausted and stuck with your bags for hours.
Do This Instead: Consider your travel style. If you're like me and can't sleep on planes, red-eyes are not for you. If you're the type of traveler who can handle little sleep, by all means go for the cheaper, earlier flights. Make sure to pay attention to connection times, as many cheaper airlines, especially in Europe, require more time to queue up before your flight.
RELATED: 14 Myths About Booking Cheap Flights
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