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Mazunte is a small town along the Oaxaca Coast that’s become one of the most popular destinations in the region because of its dramatic coastline, wildlife, and yoga retreats. It’s also home to Punta Cometa ✨ the southernmost point along the Oaxaca Coast. Mazunte is a designated pueblo magico, and, yet, it’s mostly off the radar due to its remote location.
✅ Mazunte or Huatulco? Check my complete guide to decide which town is right for your vacation.
Travelers are attracted to Mazunte’s relaxed lifestyle and mild year-round climate. This town is also home to one of the best beaches in Mexico, and if you want to visit this hidden gem, the best time to do it is now.
Most travelers arrive in Mazunte from Puerto Escondido Airport (PXM) or Bahías de Huatulco International Airport (HUX) ✈️ In this article, we will look at all of the possible transportation options from Huatulco Airport to Mazunte and tell you how you can plan your trip.
Huatulco to Mazunte: a complete overview
How far is Huatulco Airport from Mazunte?
Huatulco Airport is about 58 km (36 miles) away from Mazunte.
What’s the closest airport to Mazunte?
Bahias de Huatulco International Airport is the closest airport to Mazunte. It has daily flights from Mexico City, Oaxaca and Toronto. Another option is Puerto Escondido Airport which is slightly further away.
How long does it take to get from Huatulco Airport to Mazunte?
It takes between 40-50 minutes to get from Huatulco Airport to Mazunte by car or taxi. Public transportation will take about 1,5 hours because there’s no direct transfer from Huatulco Airport to Mazunte. To arrive in Mazunte via public transport, you will need to get to Pochutla first and continue your journey from there.
How much does it cost to get from Huatulco Airport to Mazunte?
The price of getting from Huatulco Airport to Mazunte depends on your transportation. Public transportation is the cheapest way to get from Huatulco to Mazunte, but it’s also the slowest way. Taxi is the most expensive way to get to Mazunte from Huatulco Airport, but you will also get to your hotel much faster.
Huatulco to Mazunte by taxi
Taxi is the most expensive way to get from Huatulco to Mazunte. Expect to pay about 600-800 Pesos ($20-40 USD) for your trip depending on the time of the day. If you arrive late, you will pay more than during the day, as there will be fewer taxis available during this time 🚕
Speaking Spanish could help you out, as you will be able to negotiate the rate with your driver ✔️Read my Mexico travel tips to have a pleasant and safe trip and avoid most common mistakes.
✅ Check my complete guide to the best hotels in Mazunte for your stay
PRO TIP: If you can get outside the Huatulco airport, you will have a better chance of getting a more favorable rate than at the airport in Huatulco.
Is there an Uber in Huatulco?
No, there’s no Uber or Lyft in Huatulco. If you want to get from Huatulco Airport to Mazunte or other beach towns in Oaxaca, you can choose from rental cars, taxis, and public transportation to the district of Santa Maria Huatulco. There is also private transportation which you can arrange ahead of your trip.
Huatulco Airport to Mazunte by rental car
Renting a car in Huatulco Airport is a pretty straightforward process, just like anywhere else in Mexico. You will need your driver’s license, credit card, passport and Mexican car insurance.
✅ Check my complete guide to renting a car in Mexico.
Do I need a rental car in Mazunte?
Mazunte is a small town, and you can explore it on foot in a couple of hours. While you don’t need a car in Mazunte and surrounding places like Zipolite and San Agustinillo, having a rental car is a good idea if you want to see other towns along the Oaxaca coastline without relying on public transportation and travel at your own pace.
I rented a car in Puerto Escondido 🚘 and visited Huatulco, Mazunte, San Agustinillo, and some of the most remote beaches in the area where public transportation doesn’t go. I highly recommend renting a car in Huatulco, as you can get more out of your trip and explore the area around Mazunte whenever you want.
Renting a car in Huatulco
The best place to find rental cars in Huatulco is DiscoverCars, an online car rental platform where you can find dozens of rental cars at affordable rates.
You can also purchase your car rental insurance for a low price through DiscoverCars. Car rental insurance is required in Mexico for all drivers. DiscoverCars offers a great way to save money, as you can buy car insurance when you book your vehicle. When you arrive at the car rental office, all you need is to sign the paperwork and pick up your car.
I’ve rented a car with DiscoverCars several times, and always had a great experience with them.
CLICK HERE TO FIND CHEAP CARS FOR YOT TRIP TO MAZUNTE
Tips for renting a car in Huatulco
- Check reviews – You can find what other customers have to say about a given company. DiscoverCars automatically finds the best rates and you can also check reviews before booking your car rental.
- Book your car rental at the airport – If you book your car ahead of time, you will not have to pay higher prices.
- U.S. car insurance is NOT valid in Mexico and car rental companies in Huatulco will not accept it. Some credit cards in the U.S. offer car rental insurance, but chances are you will still have to pay for car rental insurance in Mexico.
- Take photos of your car before leaving – Take photos and videos of the interior and exterior after signing the paperwork. This is especially true if a car has scratches, dings, or any other visible damage, so you don’t have to pay for them when you return the car.
Do I need insurance for renting a car in Huatulco?
Insurance is mandatory for all rental cars in Mexico, including Huatulco. Most car rental companies in Huatulco will not allow you to rent a car unless you buy personal liability insurance that covers the bare minimum in case of accidents or damages.
You can also buy a full insurance which will cost more, but will protect you if your rental car is damaged or totaled, so you don’t have to pay anything out of pocket.
✅ DiscoverCars is one of the few platforms where you can buys Mexican car insurance ahead of your trip.
Huatulco Airport to Mazunte by public transportation
Public transportation is the most popular and economical option from Huatulco Airport to Mazunte. You can catch a colectivo (a small shared van) from Huatulco Airpot to Pochutla for 50 Pesos (or a truck that has an open space in the back for 40 Pesos).
Once you get to Pochutla, a small town north of Mazunte, you have to get off and hop on another truck 🛻 that will take you to Mazunte for 35 Pesos.
The same truck that takes you from Pochutla to Mazunte will also stop at Puerto Angel and Zipolite, the two neighboring towns near Mazunte. You can catch this truck in the center of Pochutla or along the highway toward the entrance to Pochutla.
All payments have to be in cash 💵 as credit cards are not accepted.
PRO TIP: A truck is called a “camioneta” in Spanish. If you choose public transportation from Huatulco Airport to Mazunte, I suggest learning some Spanish words, as local drivers don’t always speak or understand English.
A colectivo or truck will take longer than a taxi to Mazunte, but it will be considerably cheaper, which is a perfect option if you are traveling on a budget.
Mazunte to Huatulco Airport
Finding transportation options from Mazunte to Huatulco Airport is a lot easier than the other way around. First, taxis in Mazunte are abundant and fairly affordable, so you don’t have to scramble trying to find the first taxi that comes along. Second, you can always catch public transportation.
Guided tours of Mazunte
If you are staying in Huatulco, you can book a guided tour of Mazunte, which includes stops at Ventanilla National Park and Puerto Angel, a nearby town that’s home to one of the best beaches in Oaxaca.
There are several types of tours from Huatulco to Mazunte that include several highlights of the area like the beaches where you can watch nesting turtles; natural reserves, and other points of interest.
Huatulco to Zipolite
Zipolite is another coastal town located about 15 minutes from Mazunte. You can get from Huatulco to Zipolite by rental car, taxi or public transportation. The same truck that takes you from Huatulco Airport to Mazunte will also stop in Zipolite.
What is Zipolite known for?
Zipolite is known as Mexico’s only nudist beach and a hippie spirit that attracts travelers who want to enjoy a laid-back vacation.
Puerto Escondido to Mazunte
If you are traveling from Puerto Escondido to Mazunte, you can either take a taxi, rent a car or catch a public transport, which will also get you to Pochutla from where you will need to catch either a taxi or another “camioneta” to Mazunte.
✔️ Check my complete guide to the best hotels in Puerto Escondido
Where to stay in Mazunte
- Luxury: Casa Lu Mazunte – One of the most beautiful boutique hotels in Mazunte, Casa Lu is a gorgeous beachfront hotel that offers free parking, pool and a gorgeous on-site bar and restaurants where you can grab a margarita and guacamole.
- Mid-Budget: Casa Mazunte Tierra Viva – Located on the edge of a mangrove and in the center of Mazunte, this cute hotel is only 2 minutes away from Playa Rinconcito by walking and 9 minutes away from the Mexican Turtle Center.
- Budget: Casa Rinconcito – A perfect budget hotel in Mazunte, El Rinconcito tucked away in a quiet streets of Mazunte and offers a quiet atmosphere and a quick access to some of the best things to do in Mazunte within a walking distance
Huatulco Airport to Mazunte: FAQ’s
What is Mazunte known for?
Mazunte is a small town along the Pacific Coast of Mexico that’s known for its beaches with nesting turtles and relaxed lifestyle. The best time to see nesting turtles in Mazunte is from May through October when thousands of turtles come to the nearby Escobilla Bay to lay eggs.
Is Mazunte safe?
Mazunte is a small coastal town that doesn’t have gang-related violence or drug trafficking. While Mazunte is generally considered safe, that doesn’t that crime can’t happen there. To stay safe, always be aware of your surroundings, keep an on your belongings and avoid desolate areas, especially after dark.
What’s the cheapest way to get from Huatulco to Mazunte?
The cheapest way to get from Huatulco Airport to Mazunte is by public transportation which should be less than 5 USD (100 Pesos)
What’s the fastest way to get from Huatulco to Mazunte?
The fastest way to get from Huatulco to Mazunte is by taxi, but it’s also the most expensive way.
Is it safe to take a taxi from Huatulco Airport to Mazunte?
Yes, taking a taxi from Huatulco Airport to Mazunte is safe, but I always recommend purchasing travel insurance ahead of your trip to stay safe during your time in Mexico.
Safety Wing is one of the best insurance plans for long-term travelers and digital nomads that covers you in the event of stolen and lost luggage, hospital visits, and other unforeseen circumstances. WorldNomads is one of the most popular travel insurance options that offer plans for long and short-term travel.
Huatulco to Mazunte: final word
Getting from Huatulco to Mazunte is a fun trip that will show you the beauty and authenticity of the Oaxaca State. Whether you rent a car, catch a taxi or take public transportation for your journey, you will enjoy the spectacular views and will have a chance to see some local flair before arriving at your hotel.