The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Oaxaca, Oaxaca

June 30, 2021 Christa Meece

Discover the best top things to do in Oaxaca, Southern Mexico including Bahia de Cacaluta, Presa El Cedral, Playa Zipolite, Playa Carrizalillo, Playa Bacocho, Tangolunda Bay, Bahia San Agustin, Isla Cacaluta, Chachacual, Laguna de Manialtepec.
Restaurants in Oaxaca

1. Bahia de Cacaluta

Huatulco Mexico
Excellent
85%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 173 reviews

Bahia de Cacaluta

Reviewed By jrf25

This beach was beautiful and calm and well worth the 3-kilometer walk through the jungle to get there. When we were there (December 2018), the taxi driver knew right where to drop us at the trail entrance, and there were security people there to give directions (in Spanish only) and a person offering rides for hire (we walked instead). Directions weren't too necessary - there's just one left turn you need to make on the path, so we were grateful the man had told us about it, but we'd have probably figured it out. There were a couple of little eateries on the beach and a port-a-potty, so some services seem to have been added since prior reviews. It was lovely to sit and swim and watch the water. The only disappointment is that we'd read this was a beach the boats regularly bring snorkelers to and we didn't find any interesting snorkeling. However, visiting La Entrega after made up for it!

2. Presa El Cedral

Parque Nacional el Chico Hidalgo, Pluma Hidalgo Mexico http://www.visitingmexico.com.mx/blog/presa-el-cedral-en-hidalgo.htm
Excellent
82%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 28 reviews

Presa El Cedral

3. Playa Zipolite

Zipolite 70904 Mexico
Excellent
81%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 90 reviews

Playa Zipolite

Reviewed By Destination798943

We stayed in Zipolite in late January early February, which coincided with the 3-day 2020 Nude Festival. The beach is wide and a bit over a mile long. There are all manner of accommodations from a place to pitch a tent on the beach to a $200/night hotel. Most of the hotels are pretty basic without AC, but they are right on the beach so many don't appear to need AC (I'm not one of them.) We sat at a hotel's beach chair all day, ate their food and was allowed to swim in their pool -- our tab most days was about $20-$25 including coffee, breakfast, lunch and beer. The vibe at the beach is completely chill and truly clothing optional. My wife felt completely comfortable walking the entire beach alone wearing nothing but sunglasses. The nude festival drew a lot more people to the beach for the weekend (many of whom stayed clothed oddly enough), but only a few dozen participated in the yoga, body painting, volleyball and the like. A pleasant surprise was the options and quality of the food. Even though it is fairly remote (one hour from HUX), there was a broad variety of all kinds of cuisine. I had some of the best steak and octopus I've ever had anywhere in Zipolite for $8-$12. Amazing values. We're definitely going back. It is a bit surprising it hasn't been overrun and ruined like so many other Mexican coastal towns. I think the CO element and the dangerous waves will discourage families and other casual beach goers from attending.

4. Playa Carrizalillo

Puerto Escondido 71983 Mexico
Excellent
65%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 540 reviews

Playa Carrizalillo

Small, lesser-known cove that isn’t usually crowded.

Reviewed By nhbezerkeley

We were lucky enough to stay at a hotel on this gorgeous beach, so spent a lot of time there. The water was warm and beautiful and great for swimming or bobbing in the gentle waves. Renting loungers is a must to get some shade (the place with blue loungers was 250 for two, the next door place with orange loungers was 150 each), or claim a restaurant table and order food.

5. Playa Bacocho

Playa Bacocho, Puerto Escondido 71980 Mexico http://www.facebook.com/Vivemarcom-1483866288572367
Excellent
71%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 418 reviews

Playa Bacocho

The westernmost beach in Puerto Escondido.

Reviewed By blumtnguy - Blue Mountains, Canada

Unrivalled in the area for its thunderous waves on a virtually deserted beach that seems to go on forever Playa Bacocho is the gem in the crown of Puerto Escondido (secret port). Easily accessed by taxi and through either of the two beach clubs at the southern end. Every day at sunset the turtle rescue center releases baby turtles to the ocean ... a must see for the children in your group or even for the child in you! Pez Gallo Restaurante at Playa VillaSol Beach Club provides excellent cuisine as well as an amazing view of the beach as the waves crash onto the rocks.

6. Tangolunda Bay

Blvd. Benito Juarez, Bahia Tangolunda, Huatulco 70989 Mexico
Excellent
63%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 572 reviews

Tangolunda Bay

Reviewed By 59ML

Beautiful islands in the view of our Barcelo Huatulco.The Bay is particularly beautiful at night with the lights in the distance & stars shining above the palms. We took Jose'Lopez Lopez tour to see the other bays with white sand beaches & variety of wave action. We did see sea turtles, dolphins, & others saw whales on the previous day. Its a great idea to limit resorts to a small area to reserve the natural beaches & habitat.

7. Bahia San Agustin

Huatulco Mexico 981113885 http://www.huatulcohost.com/bahia-san-agustin-en-bahias-de-huatulco-oaxaca.html
Excellent
71%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 725 reviews

Bahia San Agustin

This beach is perfect for snorkeling and diving and features fresh-seafood restaurants.

Reviewed By CasaHoffa - Huatulco, Mexico

Playa San Augustin is among our 3 favorite beaches in Huatulco for snorkeling, swimming and EATING. The reef here is filled with colorful fish of every size and the restaurants serve-up fresh fish pulled out of the waters (try the Huachinango restaurant!!)

8. Isla Cacaluta

Huatulco Mexico
Excellent
76%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 17 reviews

Isla Cacaluta

Incredibly undeveloped and accessible only by boat, bike or quadrunners.

Reviewed By GrandTour426979 - Zipolite, Mexico

Very beautiful and peaceful place. The waves are amazing on one side and calm on the other so you can swim and enjoy the sun.

9. Chachacual

Huatulco Mexico
Excellent
67%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 39 reviews

Chachacual

Beach allowing swimming, snorkeling, diving and fishing, but not recommended for inexperienced swimmers.

Reviewed By kswmd

Took a catamaran cruise to the outer bays around Santa Cruz. This one is just beautiful. Tranquility.

10. Laguna de Manialtepec

Las Negras Mixtepec km 123 preguntar por Agustín o Gloria en el restaurant vista hermosa, Puerto Escondido 71981 Mexico
Excellent
74%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 601 reviews

Laguna de Manialtepec

Lagoon a few miles away from Puerto Escondido featuring lush plant life and pristine beaches.

Reviewed By 98chips - Calgary, Canada

Look! Look! Look! Wherever you turn, there is a new bird and this was in March, off of breeding season for many species when song activity is not high. It's local folks who are making their living here. Support them and see nature up close. It's the only way to really SEE this extensive mix habitat. Go early. Take the 6:30 launches and avoid the heat. Best for pics, too. Be sure to bring binoculars. Funny how many people think that they'll see everything like on TV.

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