ZIPOLITE: (Zee-po-LEE-tay) a genuine, magical Mexican beach town. Born out of the 60’s and 70’s, its “hippie” vibe continues to this day. There is an acquired taste for the rustic simplicity of life here. This is no mainstream hustle and bustle tourist town. Yoga, meditation and massage are very much a part of the landscape, as are street & beach performers, especially in the busier seasons. Many international visitors are drawn back year after year for increasingly longer stays.
NEARBY: Zipolite is one of four small communities nestled closely together on the south coast of Oaxaca state, along Highway 175. From Casablanca: 5 kms east is Puerto Angel, mainly a fishing town and a small naval port. To the west (3 kms), San Agustinillo, smallest & quietest of the four, has beautiful usually calmer beaches. Mazunte, a bit larger and busier, is just a quick walk westward. The Mexican National Turtle Center and the Cosméticos Naturales de Mazunte are here.
A LITTLE FURTHER: west, about 45 minutes, (71 kilometres) is Puerto Escondido, a world renowned surfers destination, and popular vacation area for Mexicans and international visitors. There is a small “international” airport here, but all airlines stop at Mexico City Airport for customs. The area of Huatulco, (44 kms) to the east, is where the larger direct International Airport lies & the nearest sleek “all inclusive” type tourist hotels. Inland, is Pochutla, (26 kms) the closest large centre.
THE MAIN STREET: still known to locals as the “Adoquin”, is now cobblestones and been renamed “Av Rocca Blanca”. It is less than a half a kilometre long & runs very close behind the beach. There are many small stores where you can purchase fresh fruits & vegetables as well as other groceries, alcoholic beverages, some clothing and gifts. Everything you “need” is here, if your needs are simple. There is even a surprisingly well stocked small pharmacy which is often manned by one of at least two local doctors.
RESTAURANTS: the diversity is amazing, as is the quality of the international and Mexican cuisine. We do, of course, have our favourites. You will need an extended stay to try ALL there is even in Zipo, not to mention San Agustinillo and Mazunte. So many delicious and affordable choices.
THE BEACH: about 1.6 kilometres long, golden brown sand & world class sunsets! Each evening, folks gather at the local restaurants and bars, right on the beach, to watch the sun sink into the water near the famous Rocca Blanca landmark.
WATER SAFETY: One must be respectful of the currents and rip tides of Zipolite. Fortunately, the local lifeguard service is very well trained & diligent in patrolling. Every morning they make sure the many warning flags along the beach are flying the appropriate colours (red, yellow, green) & keep a watchful eye at all times. You will often hear their whistles asking people not to swim out too far.
NUDITY: is allowed on Playa Zipolite. The most popular areas for this are at either end. In recent years it has become a favourite pastime, especially in the slightly cooler mornings, to walk the entire length of the beach and back naked. Some hotels allow nudity, Casablanca is a clothing optional guest house.
GAY CULTURE: is a substantial & welcome part of the Zipolite mix of international and Mexican travellers and residents. Casablanca’s doors are open to all.
ACCOMMODATIONS: There are rustic cabanas on the beach & places where small tents & campers are welcome. Most of these are towards the eastern end, as are most of the beach bars, popular with the younger folk. Throughout Zipo there are several hotels of varying levels. The west end of Zipo is the quieter side, including the Bahia Camaron area, where there is a cluster of newer and more comfortable accommodations, including Casablanca. A ten minute walk along the dirt path, visible on Google Maps as “Calle Shambala”, will get you from our area to the main street or beach. A flashlight is required at night for this.
FUTURE: There is a fear among some, that Zipolite is gaining too much attention and may, over the next few years, start to grow too quickly and lose it’s mystique and charm. So far this is NOT the case and the few newer accommodations now available have only enhanced the experience. But, best not to wait…
CASABLANCA: Is our home. Of all the places in the world, this is where we chose to live. There are few such places in the world, where you can rely on the weather as you can here!
We love it. If all of the above sounds good to you… come on down! You will love it too!
It is affordable. It is magical!
Nuestra casa es tu casa.