I haven't been there at Christmas, but I understand the coast everywhere is very busy since that is when most Mexicans get their holidays and get out of the city. It could be difficult to find accommodation if you arrive in the middle of the Christmas-New Year's holiday period and it will be more expensive.
Hi,
I am travelling to Mexico on the 28th December. I should arrive in Oaxaca on the 29th. I want some where to chill and have fun and meet other travellers for the first week or so. I am thinking Zipolite. Is this a good place for a good beach party to see in the New Year? What are the surrounding beaches like and how do they compare? We are two single thirty-somethings, looking for fun and a good time.
After that we have two week's to explore Oaxaca. Any recommendations appreciated. I haven't researched the area so much as as yet, there seems to be a lot of nice beaches and then Oaxaca City itself. I really wanted to get to Palenque, but is the journey too much. I read 14 hours. I've travelled India so used to long bus journeys. I love places of outstanding natural beauty, any good national parks etc?
Any help appreciated, thanks.
1
I haven't been there at Christmas, but I understand the coast everywhere is very busy since that is when most Mexicans get their holidays and get out of the city. It could be difficult to find accommodation if you arrive in the middle of the Christmas-New Year's holiday period and it will be more expensive. I'm sure they have beach parties at New Year's, it's up to you whether it's worth the potential hassle.
2
Right on, Satchie. Sometimes during this period, even if you have reservations, they aren't honored if a "friend," or "family" type person shows up. After New Years lodging choices should open up, although some Mexicans celebrate through Jan. 6. January is the best beach month, in my opinion, then it gets a bit more crowded in Feb/Mar. However, many, most? foreign travelers seem to hit the beaches at high season.
Have you tried reserving by Internet or phone in Zipolite yet? I don't think it will be easy to do...not impossible, but it WILL take perseverance.
3
What about Mazunte? Do you think a better area for good beach parties etc NYE? How does Puerto Angel compare?
Thanks for the info.
4
That depends on what you are blooking for. Zipolite is quite unique in whole mexico as its the only nude beach and the kind of partying you will find there is also different...very layd back and more of a campsite than a a resort
5
Finding a good beach party won't be any problem. It will undoubtedly be one big beach party from San Agustin to Mazunte to Zipolite to Puerto Angel. They are all quite close together, like probably not more than 2 or 3 miles total. The challenge will be finding lodging.
6
What are the surrounding beaches like and how do they compare?
I think what distinguishes Zipolite is its tolerance for foreign tourists' behaviour. As already mentioned, and I saw it this summer, nudity is acceptable on the beach. It was also reported to me by a long time traveler to Mexico that drug use is accepted there, but I saw no evidence about that subject. It seems to me I also saw at least one hotel that catered to the gay crowd, but don't remember the name. (As an aside, I saw two girls, perhaps 16, making out on an underground rail car in Mexico City, and except for one older couple, nobody else raised an eyebrow. Further, I watched a gay-pride parade in Cuernavaca that was well attended and attracted few signs of disapproval).
I love places of outstanding natural beauty, any good national parks etc?
I suggest lagunas Chacahua and Manialtepec further west along the coast, or perhaps a stopover at San Jose del Pacifico in the Sierra Madre: all beautiful places in my opinion.
7
Thanks all for your advice. I am going to book some accommodation for the first week very soon. Cheers!
