So, here’s the deal: I’m NOT a surf pro. I mean, I’ve wiped out more times than I care to admit. But there’s something about the whole surf town vibe that’s just plain addictive, you’ll see.
I had heard so much about the beach towns in Mexico. So, they were amongst the first places I’ve visited when I embarked on my first Latin American backpacking adventure as an eighteen-year-old solo American traveller.
Now don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t on the hunt for killer waves. I was after those good vibes, the community, the whole shebang that makes these places buzz. I found a lot of these, but my journey could’ve come to a permanent end at the hands of a deadly “treat”. More on that later…
I spent a lot of time scouting out THE BEST beach towns in Mexico, and I have managed to narrow them down to this list of the greatest Mexican coastal towns, with some of my experiences whilst there.
So, if you’re all about that soul-filling, beach-loving, barefoot, and free kind of travel, then this guide is like your golden ticket to Mexico’s surf towns and what to do apart from the waves… I’m gonna cover the backpacking scene, rather than luxury resorts. I’ll mention the highlights of each town, top beaches per area, where to stay, slow travel tips, nearby day trips, safety advice, what to pack, and mucho mas babyyy.
Photo: @audyscala
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Why Travel to THESE Mexican Beach Towns?
When I first started solo travelling in Mexico, I went to some nice beach towns where the water was clear, the sand was white, and the waves were rolling.
But you know what? Something wasn’t quite right. I found myself surrounded by families, grandparents, or spring breakers and as a young backpacker, I just didn’t fit in. I knew I was on the hunt for a specific vibe, but couldn’t place my finger on it.
Then one day, while I was strolling barefoot through a bustling market in Guadalajara’s city centre, this laid-back backpacker guy in his twenties, rocking a colourful shirt and a big ol’ grin, came up to me. He chuckled and pointed at my feet, saying, “What are you doing barefoot here…? You belong in Sayulita.” And just like that, he was gone… I took this meeting as a sign, and the next day there I was, on a bus to Sayulita; a truly special place that would change my life forever.
It was one of the first beach towns I visited, which made me fall in love with the community-focused, surf-heavy playas which often have a ton of hostels, a great slow travel scene, and traditional markets. Throw in the fact that they cost peanuts, and the whole culture of hitting the waves at sunrise and cocktails at sunset turns a dreamlike fantasy into a real backpacking adventure.
They have a lot of character which draws in your spirit and gives you a sense of belonging, a far cry from the soulless resorts where Spring Breakers and resort lovers collide, without mentioning any names of course. Cough, Cancun, splutter, Playa del Carmen. Ahem…
These towns are where the soulful vagrant with sandals will be welcomed into a community of like-minded people, and be able to form some friendships that will stick with you forever.
Sayulita
- Best for: First-time backpackers, surf lessons, markets, social hostels, nightlife
- How long to stay: 3-5 days minimum, longer if you get hooked
- Closest major hub: Puerto Vallarta
- Vibe: Colourful, social, surfy, bohemian, increasingly touristy, but awesome
- Best beach: Playa Carracitos for quiet, Playa Sayulita for convenience
- Good to know: Popular and busier than it used to be
Sayulita is an official “Pueblo Magico” a.k.a. magical town located on the coast of Nayarit, Mexico, just a few hours west of the city of Guadalajara and an hour north of Puerto Vallarta. This was one of my favourite places to go when backpacking around Mexico.
The cool part about Sayulita is that it has held onto its hippie and surfer vibe since the ’90s, and doesn’t feel too removed from its fishing village origins in the ’60s. The counterculture spirit is still prevalent and alive!
What to Do in Sayulita
Sayulita is a great place to start if you are backpacking on a budget, as it’s pretty affordable! This area is surrounded by mountains begging to be explored, and it’s relatively easy to get out into nature.
The trek that takes the cake? Monkey Mountain. Warning: It’s a tough one, but the view from the top? A total game-changer. I suggest going up at sunrise for lower crowds and views that will blow you away!
You may have some pretty magical wild horse encounters. If you’re lucky, you might meet the Huichol Indians conducting a ceremony, as this is considered a sacred mountain. Bring lots of water and sun cream as it can be brutal when the heat of the day kicks in.
Fun Fact:
The Huichol people have a deep and complex spiritual belief system that centres around the adoration and worship of nature. They are known for their peyote rituals, which involve the consumption of the peyote cactus to induce trance-like states and connect with the spirit world. This is where a lot of the inspiration for their art stems from, and you can tell.Make sure you stop by the weekend market in Sayulita for some crafts, tacos, and live music. I loved this market, with my favourite souvenirs, of course, being the ones from the Huichol Indians.
As the sun goes down in Sayulita, that’s when the fun comes out, the place comes alive with music, energy, and good vibes, making it one of the best beach towns in Mexico.
Photo: @audyscala
Check out places like Don Pedro’s, which has themed nightly parties, or the great street parties around town. You’ll dance all night and end up eating street tacos at 4 a.m. and sleeping on the beach…
Another great thing to do in Sayulita is to visit the Sea Turtle Camp. This is just a small hut located on the main beach in Sayulita.
Here, you can volunteer to help relocate the turtle eggs as well as release the hatchlings! Volunteering in Mexico is a very powerful way to inject more meaning into your travels! It was one of my favourite experiences here. Just make sure you book with a reputable operator though so you can have a great experience, whilst also respecting the turtles.
Photo: @audyscala
Best Beaches in Sayulita
Sayulita is beach paradise!! Here are some of my absolute faves.
Photo: @audyscala
- Playa Sayulita is the main beach in town. Head here for sunset, enjoy the plethora of beach bars and restaurants, and surfing on the chill waves you can find here, plus a great social scene. Also, be sure to bring your camera, you don’t wanna miss it!
- Isla de Marietas is home to hidden beaches. Tours leave from Punta de Mita, but I would recommend finding some friends from a hostel and getting your own private boat. I accidentally ended up on a booze cruise with a bunch of uni kids who got so drunk that the boat turned into a giant orgy when all I wanted was a chill snorkelling day. Get a private boat, TRUST ME!
- Playa Carracitos is a quieter option. It’s a remote beach perfect for journaling, meditating, and reconnecting with nature. I would go here everyday and have the whole beach to myself! Perfect for escaping the crowds.
- Playa La Lancha is where the surf crowd normally hangs out. This beach is perfect for surfers and surf watchers, as it offers loads of trees with ample shade. It’s also a longer beach, perfect for a nice stroll.
- Playa Los Muertos means “beach of the dead”. Don’t let the name freak you out – it’s called this because, on your way, you’ll pass by this incredible graveyard, fully decked out in photos, food, and flowers, and painted in all the colours of the rainbow. It’s located right next to the main beach of Sayulita, but way less crowded. Like a quick 15-minute walk from town.
Day Trips from Sayulita
Photo: @audyscala
Sayulita has some great day trips!
My favourite is the nearby town of San Pancho, a smaller, quieter version of Sayulita. Here, the town goes silent as everyone meets on the beach for sunset. Every. Single. Night. You’ll also find small beach bars with open mic nights, sound healing sessions, and yoga. It’s calm and alternative. I love it!
An absolute must-try in San Pancho is experiencing a Temazcal, a traditional Mexican sweat lodge. Forget the fancy spas; this is the real deal, an ancient ritual that connects you to the land, the culture, and yourself.
Don’t treat this like some tourist gimmick though. Temazcal can be brutal. Dehydration is a real possibility in this heat-heavy purification ritual.
If you’re looking for a more local vibe, check out Lo de Marcos, a quieter beach town with calm waters and a super relaxed atmosphere. You can get a glimpse into local Mexican life here.
Photo: @audyscala
One of my other FAVOURITE day trips from Sayulita is visiting the Pueblo Magico of San Sebastian De Oeste! This quaint mountain town lies just a two-hour drive away from Sayulita.
My journey to San Sebastián was quite spontaneous – a result of going hitchhiking with no particular destination in mind, often my favourite way to travel. You can get here by the local bus system as well.
This town is nestled in the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains. It offers charming colonial-era architecture and culture that give a glimpse into Mexico’s rich history and natural beauty. A lovely contrast to the coast!
Photo: @audyscala
Quick Tip: DON’T eat random fruit you find on the beach
As I was wandering the beach in Sayulita, on a nice stroll with a sweet Polish girl I had met at a hostel… we took a break from walking to sit on a log, taking a rest under a beautiful shaded tree.
As we chilled, she picked up a small green apple from the beach and began talking about how much she loves this fruit and how she eats it all the time… so naturally, we started snacking on them.
Fast forward a bit, and let me tell you, things took a crazy turn. Our throats started tingling, then feeling like they were inflating. We waved down a ride, raced back to town, and hightailed it to the hospital like our lives depended on it. Spoiler alert: They kinda did. Now, this is one of the things I wish I knew before travelling. This fruit is so poisonous that it can kill you two hours after ingestion, but luckily we got to the hospital before that, leaving with just minor some intestinal damage…. So my advice to you is… if you see some yummy tasting green fruit on the ground, DO NOT EAT IT, even if a cute Polish girl tells you to.
Photo: @audyscala
Friends…. ALWAYS Get Insured
Now if you’re like me, and you’ll accidentally eat the world’s most poisonous fruit… then I recommend ALWAYS getting quality travel insurance when travelling!
I use World Nomads, and it’s never let me down.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Where to Stay in Sayulita
Sayulita is full of amazing hostels, but La Redonda Hostel was my favourite.
They’ve created a hostel with such a wonderful social vibe. I made so many friends here. They’ve got an in-house bar and have surfboards and bicycles for rent too!
Backpackers in Mexico could find really cool places to stay in Sayulita where they can meet, greet, and ‘hon hon hon’ to their heart’s content.
Sayulita accommodation can fill up during peak season, so book ahead if arriving around holidays or festivals.
Guerrero Negro
- Best for: Whale watching, Baja road trips, wildlife lovers, offbeat travellers
- How long to stay: 1-3 days
- Closest major route: Baja California road trip
- Vibe: Quiet, desert, practical, wildlife-focused
- Best season: Whale season, usually winter to early spring
- Good to know: Not a classic beach-party town
Tucked into the north end of Baja California, this sleepy desert town might not scream “beach paradise” at first glance, but give it a minute.
It’s got salt flats that shimmer under the Mexican sun, tantalising tacos that taste like someone’s abuela made them just for you, and, oh yeah, some of the most magical whale encounters on the planet (!!!) It’s kinda more a gateway to Baja than the star attraction, but still worth a couple of days.
What to Do in Guerrero Negro
Let’s start with the obvious: whales.
Every winter/spring from December-April, thousands of grey whales migrate from Alaska to the warm, shallow lagoons around Guerrero Negro to mate and give birth. And here’s the wild part – they’re friendly. Like, really friendly.
These massive creatures will glide right up to your boat, sometimes nudging the hull or poking their heads out for a look. It’s surreal.
The best way to experience this is by hopping on a small panga boat with a local guide. Go early in the morning when the water’s glassy and the whales are feeling social. February is peak season, but January through early April is solid.
If you want to experience it for yourself, there are a few tours that can take you here; our favourite is The Broke Backpacker founder, Will Hatton’s Baja Grey Whale Expedition. It is a seriously magical option for those wanting to invest in the experience. Will’s been here a few times now, so there’s no better way to experience this, as he has the connections and knows the best bits.
Best Beaches Nearby
Okay, Guerrero Negro isn’t exactly a beach town in the traditional sense, but if you’re craving sand and sea, head south to San Ignacio Lagoon or even further to Bahia Concepción. These spots offer gorgeous turquoise waters, kayaking, and more whale watching if you didn’t get your fill.
San Ignacio, in particular, is another hotspot for grey whale encounters, and the town itself is a beautiful oasis with palm trees, a colonial-era vibe, and an old school energy – in the best way.
Day Trips from Guerrero Negro
If you’ve got your own wheels, you can take a detour to the Sierra de San Francisco to see ancient cave paintings tucked into the cliffs. It’s a bit of a trek, but the art is mind-blowing – like, thousands of years old and still vivid. You need permits to access them, and will need to contact the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) to arrange this.
Or head to Mulegé, a lush river town surrounded by desert, with a laid-back charm and some of the best fish tacos I’ve ever had. You’ll find quiet beaches, friendly locals, and a slower pace that will no doubt make you extend your trip for longer than you had planned!
It can be a bit of a pain to reach by bus though, so renting a car will defo make it more accessible. One thing I found in Baja is that journeys can be wayyyyy longer than they appear, so try and allot a few more hours than you think you’ll need 🙂
Puerto Escondido
- Best for: Surf scene, nightlife, digital nomads, backpackers, sunsets, beach hopping… everything!
- How long to stay: 4-7 days minimum
- Closest major hub: Puerto Escondido airport or Oaxaca City by bus/shuttle
- Vibe: Surfy, social, hot, increasingly popular and a little bit hipster
- Best beach: Carrizalillo for swimming and beginner surf, Zicatela for big-wave watching
- Good to know: Zicatela waves can be dangerous
Puerto Escondido is a wonderful coastal town located in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico, and is a great place for solo travel in Mexico.
This town is known for killer beaches, amazing surf vibes, and just a whole lot of character. While it used to be more of a backpacker’s hidden gem, it has become a bit more mainstream. The secret is out and people just want to see it for themselves.
What to do in Puerto Escondido
Most backpackers flock to La Punta, an area known for its laid-back vibes, vibrant nightlife, and good sunsets. There are incredible activities in Puerto Escondido and this is a great base for them!
Spend your days participating in beachside games or learning how to surf! A lot of people describe La Punta as its little bubble, as most people who come here never want to leave. It’s the most backpacker-friendly part of Escondido, and a surfers’ dream!
Rinconada is my favourite neighbourhood in Puerto Escondido. This is where you’ll find plenty of digital nomads living in Mexico and backpackers alike.
It is tucked away from the chaos and has a great mixture of locals and tourists. It’s far from the busy streets, and it’s packed with cute cafes, nice shops, and just a great, chill atmosphere. For fellow Bali lovers, it’s like the Canggu of Mexico, but cheaper!
A MUST do while here is watch the sunset from the 3km stretch of white sand and palm trees that is Zicatela Beach. Here you can find loads of beach bars, restaurants, and markets. DO NOT SWIM here though. It’s super dangerous with wild rip currents that would suck even Michael Phelps into the abyss. Playa Carrizalillo is better for swimmers.
When you’re walking around, make sure you check out Mercado Benito Juárez to immerse yourself in local culture. You can wander around, hit up cool art galleries, snag some local goodies at the markets, and eat some wonderful Oaxacan food.
I must admit though, that Puerto Escondido is a victim of its own success, and has become pretty touristy in recent years, with prices rising to match.
Best Beaches in Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido has some of the best beaches in Mexico, each with its own vibe and character. I’ve been to several of them so I can share with you guys the best ones!
- Playa Carrizalillo is a chill spot for swimming and beginner surfing. The cove is pretty scenic too. I enjoyed the calm vibes here.
- Playa Bacocho has sunsets that are soooo beautiful. You can even see turtles being released into the ocean, which is a year-round activity here. And there’s several beach clubs to get your boogie on and party the night away.
- Playa Puerto Angelito is the spot for snorkelling with vibrant sea life. The waters here are calm, so it’s safe to go in.
- Playa Zicatela has beautiful sunsets, but shouldn’t be treated lightly. The waters are deadly with rip currents and strong waves found here. Pro surfers may be tempted by the challenge, but I really don’t recommend going in the water yourself.
- La Punta is social, surf-friendly, and has a huge backpacker vibe. Fun place to sink a few tinnies as the sun goes down.
Check conditions before swimming. Puerto Escondido beaches can have strong currents. Zicatela is especially bad, but others can be risky if the weather takes a turn for the worse. Check with locals before going in.
Where to Stay in Puerto Escondido
If you wanna know my top areas to stay in, here they are:
- La Punta for banging nightlife, a huge backpacking scene, and surf spots that aren’t too challenging.
- Rinconada for cafes, calmer stays, and digital nomads looking to work in a peaceful environment without being woken by some nutter off his face on psychedelics. Yeah, the party scene can be wild in some spots – but not here!
- Zicatela for beach bars and surf watching. Unless you’re a true pro though, heed my warnings and give the water a miss. It’s muy peligroso as the locals would say.
- Centro for local prices and good transport. It’s not that exciting, but you avoid the gringo trap prices, and can put more cash aside for activities.
Whether you’re into surfing, partying, or simply want to lounge in the sun with your toes buried in fluffy marshmallow sand, you’ll find heaps of great places to stay in Puerto Escondido based on your needs and budget.
The best hostel I stayed in is the Tower Bridge Hostel. They have a great surf vibe with hammocks, a pool, a volleyball net, and a bar! I found some great taco spots nearby too.
Day Trips from Puerto Escondido
If you want to explore something truly magical… take a bioluminescent lagoon tour at nearby Laguna de Manialtepec! You can also have a guided nighttime kayak tour to witness the water light up with naturally glowing organisms.
Ever read/watched “The Life of Pi?” Well, this is the real-life scene from that movie…
Check out Chacahua, a lagoon and national park. You can take a boat tour through the mangroves and spot some pretty amazing birds, crocodiles, and other wildlife. I also recommend you visit the Chacahua village for a true taste of Mexican coastal living.
Photo: @audyscala
One of my favourite places on Earth is San Jose Del Pacifico, about a 4-hour drive from Puerto Escondido.
You can take a shuttle/bus that runs quite frequently but make sure you bring some car-sickness pills/ginger as the road is so windy that they call it the vomit bus! Stay overnight to avoid rushing around.
This place is a MAGICAL little mountain town above the clouds, known for forest walks amongst the misty trees, and its magic mushroom culture. Here you can find mushrooms in many places.
During the mushroom season, there are ceremonies with some of the local shamans where they take you mushroom hunting in the forests and teach you how to prepare them.
I particularly loved the mystical forest vibes here, it felt like something out of a fairytale.
You can even spend a night at the mushroom dome. It’s a special one, TRUST ME!
Mazunte and Zipolite
- Best for: Slow travel, bohemian travellers, beach community, sunsets, alternative vibe
- How long to stay: 3 days minimum, longer if slow travelling
- Closest major hub: Puerto Escondido or Huatulco
- Vibe: Relaxed, artistic, clothing-optional in parts, social, non-judgmental
- Best beach: Zipolite for long beach life, San Agustinillo for calmer middle ground, Punta Cometa for sunset
- Good to know: Zipolite’s waves can be strong, and the town is very laid-back
These two beach towns in Mexico are located just 10 minutes from each other, just about an hour south of Puerto Escondido. It can easily be grouped into a day trip from Puerto Escondido. But I believe you need to spend at least a couple of weeks here on this portion of the coast.
Mazunte is an amazing little town full of bohemian shops, vegan restaurants, and local artisans. You can also do long-term volunteer work in Mazunte.
Mazunte is better for cafes, wellness, eco-stays, and a slightly more polished backpacker feel. It’s kinda like the Ubud of Mexico, minus the crazy monkeys you’ll find in its Indonesian counterpart.
Photo: @audyscala
I spent a month in Zipolite, the next town over from Mazunte. To get transportation between the two towns, you can take the “colectivo,” a truck with a seating area in the back that costs anywhere from $0.50 to $1.50, depending on where you choose to hop off.
It’s a super convenient way to jump between towns and an easy way to make friends!
You can also ride between the towns by scooter, but be aware that in general, scooters aren’t available for rent like how they are when backpacking Southeast Asia, where you can rent them by the day.
A couple of my friends purchased their scooters for the time they were living in the area and then were able to sell them for about the same price when they were finished! Always make sure you have a helmet though, I know just how gruesome things become if you don’t have one…
Photo: @audyscala
In Zipolite, you’ll find some of the most amazing funky people. It’s known for its clothing-optional beaches and resorts. You’ll also find a wonderful and non-judgmental atmosphere and community. It’s one of my all-time favourite places in Mexico to visit.
Chill on the beach at sunset and enjoy the fire shows, buskers, local artisans, and bakers who come to share their arts and talents with the community. Zipolite is better for long beach days, alternative community, nightlife, and slow travel.
There’s also San Agustinillo, which is a quieter alternative between Mazunte and Zipolite.
Best Beaches in Mazunte & Zipolite
Let’s talk beaches! You’ve got options, and many great ones in my eyes.
- Mazunte Beach is a chill spot, perfect for sunbathing and splashing in the waves. Sometimes, during sunset, you might even catch some local folks having a drum circle near the rocks at the end of the beach. Don’t forget to grab a coconut and groove to the music! This is also a great place to make friends if you’re travelling solo!
- Playa Mermejita is a bit wilder and great for those who love surfing. The waves here are huge, and the natural beauty is rugged.
- San Agustinillo Beach is the cool middle ground between the two. It’s not super crowded, and you’ll find some quiet beach bars and restaurants to chill at.
- Punta Cometa is a popular sunset spot in Mazunte where you can find the locals congregating to play music and serenade the sea.
- Playa Zipolite, the big deal is the looong beach that stretches along the whole town. You can walk from one end to the other in about an hour.
- Playa del Amor is more quiet and secluded. It’s a cosy cove tucked away at the south end of Zipolite Beach. You’ll have to climb a set of stairs over a ridge to get there, but it’s worth it for some peace.
Photo: @audyscala
Zipolite and some nearby beaches can have powerful waves and currents, so swim carefully and follow local warnings.
Discovering the Joys of Slow Travel
After months of hopping between hostels every other day, I decided to settle down in Zipolite for a couple months. To my pleasant surprise, I found a deep love and appreciation for the slow travel lifestyle. What truly amazed me was the community you can create when you stay in one place for a while. The most rewarding aspects of my slow travel experience was being able to rent a beachfront room for a mere $75 a month in comparison to the average hostel price in the area being $15-20 a night. I was also able to cook my own food! Slow travel, I soon realised, wasn’t just about leisure; it was the ultimate money saving strategy.
Photo: @audyscala
Where to Stay in Zipolite and/or Mazunte
To be honest, a lot of the hostels and accommodations in Zipolite aren’t available online… it’s just that kind of place.
But a great place to stay in Mazunte is Cabañas Balamjuyuc Mazunte Ecohostel. This hotel has an AMAZING view and is very ECO-friendly, using solar and natural building materials.
What to Pack for Backpacking Mexican Beach Towns
Thinking of heading to one of all of these beach towns but unsure what to pack? Some of my favourite beachy essentials include the following, with some much as reef-safe sunscreen being especially Mexico-specific.
- Reusable water bottle: I always use a filtered water bottle to keep bacteria out so I can safely drink tap water in Mexico. Having been doing this with zero issues since 2019, it definitely works, so I recommend it.
- Reef-safe sunscreen: You’ll need sunscreen here, but it can damage reefs, so ensure you put reef-safe stuff on to keep the environment in top condition.
- Hat and sunglasses: Mexican sun ain’t no joke, you’re gonna overdose on Vitamin D anyway, but it’s best to keep your eyes protected.
- Light long-sleeve layer: An important thing for me to stop sunburn in exposed environments, like many beach towns in this wonderful country.
- Sandals and one pair of proper shoes: Sandals for the beach, trainers for walking around town or doing nearby hikes. The best of both worlds.
- Dry bag: It isn’t safe to leave things on the beach in Mexico, so a dry bag is great for keeping everything in good nick when you hit the water.
- Mosquito repellent: Mexico is a tropical country, and unfortunately mozzies carry a lot of diseases. I always use DEET repellent (and long sleeves) to protect against possible issues.
- First aid kit: In Tulum I saw a lady come flying off her scooter onto the tarmac. Good thing I had some antiseptic wound wipes and plasters to help her before she was able to see a doctor.
- Motion sickness tablets for mountain/coastal roads: This isn’t quite Bolivia, but Mexico’s mountain roads can still be a rocky ride.
- Swimsuit: Kinda self-explanatory for beach life.
- Portable charger: You don’t wanna run out of juice in an unfamiliar place. A charger will make sure you can still access the internet and check directions where needed, or even call for help.
There’s quite a lot to consider, and here are some other things I never travel without…
Travel Security Belt
This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.
Microfiber Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.
‘Monopoly Deal’
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Mexican Beach Towns Are Best When You Slow Down
The beach towns in Mexico aren’t just about hitting the waves and partying until the sun comes up. They’re slow-paced community spots where you can mingle in the markets, feel the wind breezing through your hair, and pack into a colectivo for adventures in nature nearby.
If you haven’t already guessed, I loooooove Sayulita, and would say it’s a top beginner spot for backpackers finding their feet on the Mexican beach town trail. Puerto Escondido is perhaps a better option if you want crazy nightlife, a decent digital nomad community, and some solid surfing. Mazunte and Zipolite are more about slow travel, they’re better for a long-term base.
I loved my time in Guerrero Negro too, but would say that appeals mostly as a stop in Baja on the way to see the whales. Wherever you stop, you should leave gaps in your itinerary. Part of Mexico’s beauty is slowing down, not spending days glued to your iPhone planning out the next stop. Slow down, enjoy life, and tuck into a slew of yummy tacos!
Travel respectfully, support local businesses, stay safe, and do not treat beach towns like party playgrounds only. Dress like a local, eat like a local, brush up on your Spanish, and act like a local. Cultural appreciation is a wonderful thing!
Come for the beach, but stay long enough to find the community, rhythm, and slow coastal magic that make Mexico’s beach towns so hard to leave.
Photo: @audyscala
