Oaxaca City to the Pacific Coast
Cross the mountains from Oaxaca City to the ocean, connecting Puerto Escondido, Mazunte, and Huatulco.
Start by exploring the valley culture in Oaxaca City, then take the newly opened highway down to the coast. Stay in three different spots along the coast from west to east: surfing and lagoons in Puerto Escondido, sea turtles and sunsets in Mazunte, and boat trips around the bays of Huatulco. The trip relies on buses and local shared transport (colectivos) for a relaxed pace, perfect for those wanting to combine culture with beaches. The more distant Chacahua Lagoon is omitted.
The dry season from December to April is the most comfortable and busiest; lagoon bioluminescence tours are best experienced on dark nights around the new moon.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive in Oaxaca Old Town
Oaxaca（Zócalo & Oaxaca Cathedral、Templo de Santo Domingo & Museum of Oaxacan Cultures、Mercado 20 de Noviembre）
Take a taxi from the airport to the old town (approx. 20 minutes). Stroll around the main square, churches, and markets on foot in the afternoon.
Stay: Historic Centre (around Constitution Square)
Day 2 · Valley Ruins & Hierve el Agua
Oaxaca（Árbol del Tule、Teotitlán del Valle、Mitla、Hierve el Agua）
Join a local day tour or hire a driver to travel east and back, taking about 8 to 9 hours for the full day.
Hierve el Agua is occasionally closed due to land disputes; confirm its status a day or two in advance.
Stay: Historic Centre (around Constitution Square)
Day 3 · Take the New Highway to the Coast
Puerto Escondido（Playa Zicatela）
Take an ADO bus or private transfer along the new 135D highway (approx. 3 to 6 hours); some minibuses still use the old winding route.
Confirm that your ticket is for the new highway when booking. It is best to travel the coastal highway during daylight hours.
Stay: Carrizalillo
Day 4 · Coves & Beach Day
Puerto Escondido（Playa Carrizalillo、Puerto Angelito & Playa Manzanillo、Playa Bacocho (Turtle Release)）
Take taxis or walk short distances within the town, taking 10 to 20 minutes to travel between the various bays.
The waves at Zicatela are too strong for swimming; head to smaller coves like Carrizalillo for swimming and wading.
Stay: Carrizalillo
Day 5 · Manialtepec Lagoon
Puerto Escondido（Laguna de Manialtepec、Roca Blanca (Cacalote)）
Drive west for about half an hour to the lagoon for a boat or kayak tour. You can also visit Tierra Blanca beach during the day.
To see the bioluminescence, you must join a night tour; avoid dates around the full moon.
Stay: Carrizalillo
Day 6 · Head East to Mazunte for Sunset
Mazunte & Zipolite（Mexican Turtle Center、Mazunte、Punta Cometa）
Travel east along Highway 200. Take a minibus to Pochutla, then a taxi to Mazunte (approx. 2 hours in total).
The trail to Punta Cometa has no shade; bring a flashlight for the walk back after sunset.
Stay: Mazunte
Day 7 · Slow Travel Through Beach Villages
Mazunte & Zipolite（La Ventanilla、San Agustinillo、Zipolite）
Ride in the back of a local pickup truck (pasajera) or take a taxi along the coastal road, taking 10 to 15 minutes between villages.
Zipolite has strong rip currents; do not swim out into deep water.
Stay: Mazunte
Day 8 · Transfer to Huatulco
Huatulco（La Crucecita、Bahía Santa Cruz）
Take a taxi or minibus east for about 1 hour to Huatulco. Spend the afternoon around the town and Santa Cruz Bay.
Stay: Santa Cruz Bay
Day 9 · Bay Cruise & Departure
Huatulco（Huatulco National Park、Bahía Maguey）
Take a small boat from Santa Cruz pier in the morning for a bay cruise and snorkeling. Take a taxi to the airport after lunch (approx. 20 minutes).
Book an afternoon flight, as boat trips may be adjusted depending on sea conditions.