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Zipolite: A view of the entire Zipolite beach looking east from up at Shambalah. Photo by Doug Dosdall
An Undiscovered Gem Where Almost Anything Goes
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Zipolite is one of the highlights for a gay or nudist visitor to Mexico. It has Mexico's only real nude beach and the whole town is very gay friendly. The beautiful approximately 2 km long beach is fronted by a collection of beachside restaurants and hotels. Nudity is entirely accepted and normal on the entire beach as are displays of affection between same-sex couples.
The middle sections of the beach though are primarily straight and primarily clothed. The beach faces almost directly south so you can catch both beautiful sunrises and sunsets. At the west end of the beach is El Alquimista hotel and restaurant and Shambala. El Alquimista's beach restaurant is a popular gay gathering spot and the rocks and beach in front are as well. The most gay section (and the most nudist) is Playa del Amor, reached by walking to the far east side of the main beach, wading a small pond depending on the tide and then climbing a stairway up and back down to the small hidden beach. This is the most popular and the most cruisy spot for gay men (although it is also mixed).
The Adoquín, or main street, runs parallel to the beach and is lined by shops and restaurants. It is car free after 5 pm daily.
Many hotels and restaurants but limited services
There are many gay owned and managed businesses in town and virtually everyplace is welcoming of gays and lesbians. The businesses below tend to be the most popular with the gay crowd but everyone is welcome. Other places in town may have more of straight or party vibe. You'll find the majority of businesses either on the Adoquín (main street just off the beach) or along the beach itself.
Zipolite's everything goes sort of vibe has attracted a number of communities to the area which in some ways complement each other and in other ways compete. As well as the gay and nudist presence, there are a number of places for yoga and massage which have a more spiritual vibe. And there are is also a young party crowd that comes down for all night raves on the beach.
Note that there are few services in Zipolite other than hotels, restaurants, bars, some basic groceries, pharmacies and souvenirs. There is no bank but there are several private ATMs (try beside Casa Mexoni, Hotel Nude or in the pharmacies on the Adoquin) but they are not infrequently out of service/out of cash and so if you run out you may need to go to a real bank, the closest of which is Pochutla (there is also an ATM in Puerto Angel outside the Agencia Municipal). More places accept credit cards than in the past but you will still need cash at many places so it is best to plan ahead and bring what you'll need for your stay. Wifi is plentiful but generally not super reliable. The area is decently covered for cell service with Telcel and perhaps other carriers but the coverage is spotty in some areas and is not the fastest.
The least expensive way to get around is via shared transport on a camioneta. Taxis though are also available and are reasonable.
Getting Here
To get to Zipolite, most people arrive at the Huatulco or Puerto Escondido airports. Huatulco is about an hour drive, Puerto Escondido about 1.5 hours drive. From Huatulco airport, official taxis are waiting but you can save a substantial amount if you walk out of the terminal about 5 minutes towards the highway and at the OXXO/Pemex you'll see many taxis waiting. The last price we were quoted for a taxi from the OXXO to Zipolite is 800 pesos (about $45US), check the rate here but don't be surprised if it a bit more than quoted there.
The cheaper option is to take a bus or camioneta (shared pickup truck transport) to Pochutla then a taxi or another camioneta to Zipolite. To do so, exit the airport as per the above but then turn right at the highway and wait across the road from the OXXO and wait for a "collectivo" on the main road. There should be others waiting there. It could be simply a car with 4 or 5 seats or a van or minibus. Confirm with the driver your destination by just saying "Pochutla?". Expect to pay around 30-50 pesos, depending on time of day and whether it's a bus/taxi/minibus. Take it to "las cruses" which is the fork in the road where the turnoff is for Zipolite (the highway continues west toward Puerto Escondido). Then from there you need a second colectivo or a camioneta (covered pickup with wooden benches in the back) to Zipolite. It goes from outside a little restaurant opposite the bus stop. If unsure, ask, people are very friendly and will direct you to the right place. Zipolite colectivos usually have 'Zipolite' written in the front window. Expect to pay 30-50 pesos per person for this leg by collectivo too, a little less by camioneta. A direct taxi takes about an hour, if you're lucky you can do it this cheaper way in a little over an hour but sometimes you may have to wait a while for your ride. On the way back, the trip is similar. You can wait for the Pochutla bound collectivo or camioneta where Calle Pelicano meets the main road. The collectivos are often quite full so keep that in mind.
Puerto Escondido is a bit further so taxi all the way would be somewhat more. The Puerto Escondido airport is not far from town so you could take a short taxi ride to the Puerto Escondido bus station where you should be able to get a bus towards Pochutla. You should be able to ask to get off where the road forks towards Mazunte and Zipolite where you can wait at the fork in the road for a collectivo or camioneta to Zipolite as per the above. If you end up going all the way into Pochutla you can get a camioneta from the crossing or from the center of Pochutla at La Capilla de Niño Jesus.
Getting to Oaxaca city is about a 7 hour winding and nauseating drive over the mountains on route 175. There are two companies which make the trip in about 12 passenger vans, Lineas Unidas and Eclipse 70. In June 2023 the price quoted was 360 pesos (cash only). Note that if you're at all subject to motion sickness this is a vomit inducing ride. The other alternative is to take a larger more comfortable bus from Pochutla which take the longer route on highway 190 but that will take more like 9 hours. There are also several small turboprop airlines which fly Huatulco or Puerto Escondido to Oaxaca but no major airline flights.
For listings in other places in Oaxaca state including Oaxaca City, go to our Oaxaca state page
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Beaches
Playa del Amor
The whole of Zipolite beach is a nude beach, even if clothed people are the majority. But the more secluded Playa del Amor is the most gay (and has the most nudity). It is reached by walking to the far east end of the main beach and wading through a shallow pond (depending on the tide) and the up some stairs and down to the beach. There are two vendors selling beers and some food as well and offering chairs and umbrellas to customers. There are also visits from roaming food vendors. After sunset it can get cruisy.
View on map
Playa Roca Blanca
The beach on the west side of town in the Roca Blanca neighborhood (so named for the whitish rock a km or so offshore) is the second gayest beach in Zipolite (after Playa del Amor). Directly in front of the Alquimista is where the gays hang out and around the rocks on the beach. After sunset things are occasionally known to get frisky. View on map
Hotels, B&Bs
Casa Nudista 
casanudista.com
Hotel that offers a unique and different space, with a pool and a bar in the center of the bungalows. Bungalows, dormitory and glamping accommodation options. 100% nudist (required), adults only, no pets. An LGBT and heterofriendly place. Day passes for non guests 150 pesos. Pool Party 100% nudist every Saturday from 3pm to 8pm. Chill & House music.
Book directly with property
Average room rate: $1400 MXN
Average rating: 94 Excellent View on map
El Alquimista Yoga Spa
One of the original and largest hotels in Zipolite with a big variety of room types from on the beach cabinas to luxury suites. Not a gay establishment but the restaurant and beach in front are very popular with gay clientele and the hotel is gay friendly. 
958 587 8961
View on booking.com Average room rate: $100 USD Average rating: 92 Excellent View on map
Camp Zipolite
Gay friendly hostel which also has various events, retreats, workshops and art events including occasionally LGBT focused events. Average room rate: $945 MXN Average rating: 94 Excellent View on map
Casa Flor de Mar
Hotel with 6 rooms, either 1 or 2 bedrooms, with modern design surrounded by lush jungle. All rooms with A/C, Wifi, room safe, minibar, private bath, terrace with hammock. French, English and Spanish spoken. +52 958 119 8200 View on booking.com Average room rate: $90 USD Average rating: 89 Excellent View on map
Casa Sol
Guesthouse with 6 rooms in a lush natural setting and dramatic ocean views. Large shared patio area for socializing as well as private patios and secluded gardens. In the tropical garden there are lounge chairs, a shady palapa and a salt water pool. Located above Playa Camaron, Playa Zipolite is a ten minute walk down the jungle path. All rooms with private baths, AC, cable TV, safe, Wifi. Some with kitchenette. Gay owned. They also own the nearby Maquil Villas. +52 55 7938 0657 View on booking.com Average room rate: $95 USD Average rating: 96 Exceptional View on map
Gustavo's Place
Gay owned guesthouse with 6 rooms, each with a mini fridge, A/C, microwave, queen bed, private bathroom, hot water, ceilings fans, smart TV with Netflix, WiFi, safe, private screened porch with loveseat, table and chairs. Communal rooftop terrace with dipping pool, full kitchen and lounging areas. Note: Gustavo's has a no visitors policy. Average room rate: $700 MXN Average rating: 96 Exceptional View on map
Heven
8 apartments located on the hill above the west end of Zipolite beach. Pools, common area palapa, views. Clothing optional, adult only property. Each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen, private bath, ceiling fans, wifi, private terrace, ocean views. Gay owned, mixed clientele. +52 958 106 2018 View on booking.com Average room rate: $90 USD Average rating: 97 Exceptional View on map
Hotel Neptuno
Mostly gay hotel which is open to everyone. A variety of rooms from basic affordable rooms with shared bath to rooms with private bath, sea view and balcony. Restaurant and beach chairs in front. Armonia Spa on property. They've made some improvements lately so older reviews may not be representative. +52 958 584 3219 Average room rate: $50 USD Average rating: 72 Good View on map
Maquil Villas
Nine luxurious one and two bedroom vacation rental villas from the same owners as nearby Casa Sol. Most villas include kitchens, some have private pools, all have A/C. ClubHouse bar and Q at Maquil restaurant onsite. +52 55 7938 0657 Average room rate: $150 USD Average rating: 97 Exceptional View on map
La Maxima Nue Hospedaje
House a short distance behind the LGBT beach bar of the same name offering bed and breakfast accommodation. Rooms with shared and private bath. Also called Casa Demetria. +52 443 108 6311 View on booking.com Average room rate: $57 USD Average rating: 79 Good View on map
Naked Zipolite
Mixed but gay friendly hotel right on the beach. Note there are three hotels with some version of naked in the name, this one is mixed with a gay friendly vibe, Casa Nudista is all gay and Nude has a more straight vibe. Restaurant and beach club. Rooms and suites. +52 958 107 0595 View on booking.com Average room rate: $150 USD Average rating: 86 Very Good View on map
Posada Brisa Marina
Hotel with seaview room with balcony and private bath or budget rooms facing courtyard with shared bath. One of the larger hotels in town, the rooms at the back are said to get quite cruisy, especially during peak times. That said, it is a mixed crowd and not an exclusively gay hotel. +52 958 584 3193 View on booking.com Average room rate: $40 USD Average rating: 83 Very Good View on map
Sebastian de los Milagros
Hotel, bar, restaurant and beach club which has taken over the former Lyoban space. The place is mixed but gay friendly and they also are the host location for various queer themed events such as Horsemeat Disco and Por Detroit. +52 958 107 2906 View on booking.com Average room rate: $2100 MXN Average rating: 92 Excellent View on map
Villa Aikia
Gay owned adults only boutique hotel. 18 rooms, all with with ocean view, A/C and private bath, some with kitchenettes. Pool, restaurant and bar. Day passes available to non-guests. +52 55 4386 7566 View on booking.com Average room rate: $150 USD Average rating: 92 Excellent View on map
Bars, Discos
Chiwi's 
Gay owned bar and restaurant. Snacks, sangria, mezcal and more. Average rating: 94 Excellent View on map
ChiZme Café + Bar
Colorful fun gay owned hangout in a new larger location. Cocktails, big selection of mezcals, chilled beers. Great music and nude original art. +52 958 174 1898 Average rating: 90 Excellent View on map
Delfina Beach Club
Bar, restaurant and beach club for LGBT and all people. Average rating: 86 Very Good View on map
La Maxima Nue Beach Bar
LGBT bar and beach club. Drag shows and special events. They also have bed and breakfast accommodations at their house a bit behind the club. Club Demetria was in this location before and some still refer to this place as Demetria. +52 958 109 7244 Average rating: 80 Very Good View on map
Roaming Events/Popups, weekly and monthly events
DominGo Disco
Queer dance parties with touring or local DJs which happen on an irregular schedule and at different venues. Check their social media for dates and locations.
El Zanate Project
Electronic dance music parties with touring DJs that happen on an irregular schedule (check social media for dates and details) usually at La Venita Surf Bar. Not exclusively gay but very welcoming to all dance music lovers. Average rating: 82 Very Good View on map
Restaurants
El Alquimista Restaurante
Large restaurant on the beach with a full menu and full bar available whether or not you are guests of the attached hotel. El Alquimista is by no means exclusively gay but it is a popular gathering spot for gays as is the beach in front. Yoga classes. 958 587 8961 Average rating: 90 Excellent View on map
Les Délices
Gay French owned café for Coffee, breakfast, desserts and coworking. The same owner as Mediterráneo Garden Bistro. Average rating: 96 Exceptional View on map
Mao Mau
Authentic Thai and Asian cuisine in a lovely garden setting. Gay owned. +52 958 187 0266 Average rating: 94 Excellent View on map
Mediterráneo Garden Bistro
Restaurant with a Mediterranean menu and a gay French owner/chef. Open for dinner. The same owner as Les Délices. Average rating: 96 Exceptional View on map
Orale Cafe
This gay owned and run garden café in a quiet part of town is consistently mentioned as the best breakfast in town. Open for breakfast, lunch and desserts. Espresso drinks. +52 958 117 7129 Average rating: 96 Exceptional View on map
La Providencia
Probably the fanciest restaurant in Zipolite with the most upscale menu serving a variety of contemporary Mexican cuisine. Gay owned and the owner Javier's touch is everywhere in the art decorating the walls (which he painted) to the creative menu and space. Great for groups with a special group room available. +52 958 100 9234 Average rating: 92 Excellent View on map
Restaurante El Mare
Italian food with a good selection of wines, tequilas and mezcals. Gay owned by a Mexican/Italian couple. +52 958 584 3137 Average rating: 83 Very Good View on map
Gyms, Yoga, Spas, etc
Move Gym
Gym open daily with weights and machines, classes such as Yoga, HIIT, circuit and Zumba. Juice bar. Day and week passes for visitors or monthly rates for locals. Gay friendly. +52 81 3618 1026 Average rating: 96 Exceptional View on map
Shopping
Casa Mexoni
Gay owned shop which offers their famous colorful beach towels and other souvenirs and supplies as well as a great selection of mezcals. One of the ATMs in town is located next door. +52 55 2106 1515 Average rating: 100 Exceptional View on map
Permanently closed places
The following venues have been reported as permanently closed but we have listed them here as other less current websites may still be listing them as open. If there is a place in this list that has reopened or one above that has closed, please advise us at info@gaymexicomap.com
Bars, Discos: Colores Zipolite
Bars, Discos: Vista Del Amor
Bars, Discos: Xizalo Bar and Guesthouse
Upcoming events in Zipolite, Oaxaca
No events found
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Daniel
There are many gay owned hotels and businesses in Zipolite and many of the hotels and restaurants listed here are in fact gay owned. Zipolite does however tend to be an inclusive, live and let live environment so everyone gay and straight mix. The beach in front of the Alquimista is definitely a gay hangout especially in high seasons. It attracts people from all over the world and has really grown up in the last 15 years and become a gay destination yet has maintained its bohemian vibe.
July 10, 2016
Robert W
Been spending 3 moths in Zipoolite for 6 years and long vacations before that. IT IS GAY HEAVEN! Good food, sun and great yoga to keep you in shape. We stay at the east end with Sara and Carlos (ask the locals, they all know Sara & Carlos). It is great weather, clear water, beautiful sand and great food. Cheap by international standards, friendly people and just a great place to call your winter home. Just don't tell the riff-raff that this place really exists. You meet the nicest people here. Oh, if you can't find it here, you really don't need it.
August 15, 2015
Bob
I was in Zipolite last March (2015). Here' some useful tips: 1- There is no specific gay places (or business) but it seems to me that they are all gay friendly. 2- To me the "gay section" of Zipolite is located on the west end side, where the Alquimista bar-restaurant is. OK, there are gays going at Playa del Amor (located on the very east end side) but that's about all it for that part of the beach so I found much more interesting the west end side (where El Alquimista is). Oh!, to make yourself oriented about east-west direction, when you look at ocean, east direction is on your left side, so west is on your....yeah right! 3- Gay beach (if there's one because once again, as I said, there is no gay specific place in Zipolite), sould be the beach in front of El Alquimista. Also they have long chairs that you can use if you patronize for about 25 pesos per beer. Good deal. 4- Very nice Hotel Nude, just 3 minutes walking direction east from El Alquimista, has a very nice pool inside, is a good choice for gays but it's a bit pricy, rooms start at 800 pesos (March 2015). 5- Good place for breakfast is Restaurant Orale, gay owned, once you're on back of Nude Hotel, turn left, walk one minute and you'll see the sign at entrance. They serve succulents breakfasts for 50 pesos but they close at 3:00 pm. Jean Francois (one of the frendly owner from Canada) will be please to give you loads of infos about Zipolite. 6- Since you were patient reading me up to this point, here's the most secret about Zipolite: Yes there's a gay nude little hidden beach. It's one step (100 feet) west of the El Alquimista. Go over the rock and there you are. Or from the beach, walk toward Hotel Shambala, after 100 feet you'll see it, you just can't miss that little secretive gay only beach. So that's it, enjoy Zipolite.... -Bob, SF.
April 27, 2015
Steve
Thanks for your input. It helps so much!!!!
May 06, 2019
Pedro Pereira
This pictures are awesome. Hope i can visit one day!
April 22, 2015
Doug from Vancouver, Canada
Visited Zipolite around New Year's 2013/2014 and it was a great time. I've heard how quiet it can be there but that's certainly not true at new year's (or apparently not at Easter). Lot's of people, lot's of hot men! It's a really open and diverse scene, other than Playa del Amor, nothing feels primarily gay but yet everywhere is super gay friendly in a way I've never seen anywhere else in Latin America. Guys holdings hands (foreigners and Mexicans) on the main street or on the main beach for example. Given the lack of services in the town (if you want anything but a restaurant, bar or the most basic of groceries you're heading out of town) I can see it must get a lot quieter at other times and prices do apparently go down significantly for most hotels so that might be a good time to visit for many.
January 29, 2014