Best of Oaxaca’s Pacific Resorts

Playa Estacahuite [1]: This intimate cove, sheltered by friendly offshore rocks, enfolded by breeze-swept headlands, and teeming with colorful fish, ranks among Oaxaca’s loveliest beaches.

Playa Zipolite [2]: A little bit for everyone — surf, sun, and plenty of clean golden sand — makes Zipolite a choice spot for a relaxing day, week, or a season.

Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga [3]: Far-seeing government action and community cooperation has converted a former turtle processing factory into a center for the recovery of Oaxaca’s Pacific sea turtles.

Playa Zicatela [4]: The two types of Zicatela waves, simply mountainous and super-mountainous, make for lots of excitement, for both the intrepid surfers and the spectators on the beachfront.

West-Side Beaches [5]: Rewarding off-beach snorkeling, golden sand, and palapa restaurants make Playas Manzanillo, Carrizalillo, and Bachoco local favorites for Sunday family outings.

Laguna Manialtepec [6]: Easy access, mirror-smooth oft-fresh water, and dozens of bird species identifiable in an afternoon make this a prime adventure ground for kayakers, boaters, and campers.

Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Juquila [7]: Several duplicate images of the beloved patron are accessible to accommodate the hundreds of thousands of adoring pilgrims who arrive in Juquila yearly.

La Capilla del Pedimento [8]: This small hilltop chapel is a necessary second devotional stop for Juquila pilgrims, who adorn a life-size replica image of the Virgin of Juquila with daily dozens of milagros (metal wish tokens).

Huaxpáltepec Pre-Easter Fair [9]: If you can, plan your Oaxaca trip to coincide with this exceptionally colorful Mixtec country fair on the fourth Friday of Lent.

Pinotepa Market [10]: Among the picked-from-the-garden vegetables, mountain-gathered herbal remedies, and piñatas, you may see an heirloom pozahuanco (Mixtec wraparound skirt) for sale at this market.