Essentials
- City
- Mazunte, Santa María Tonameca, Oaxaca, Mexico
- Population
- Approximately 1,200
- Internet Speed
- 15-50 Mbps (Starlink is common; local fiber optic is expanding via providers like Wizz)
- Currency & Banking
- 1 MXN ≈ 0.059 USD. Cash is king; the only ATM (Santander) is often out of cash or service.
- Tap Water
- Not drinkable; use 20L 'garrafones' (approx. 40-50 MXN)
- Power
- 127V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets; frequent power outages during rainy season
- SIM Card
- Telcel (best coverage), AT&T; available at OXXO in nearby San Antonio
- Banking for Expats
- Revolut or Wise (USD/MXN) used for transfers; cards accepted at major hotels like Zoa Resort
- Accommodation
- Eco-lofts, palapas, and boutique hotels (500 - 3,500 MXN per night)
- Cashless Friendly
- No; most local 'comedores' and shops are cash only (Efectivo)
- Short Term Rentals
- Airbnb, Booking.com, and local WhatsApp groups for monthly rates (average $800 - $1,500 USD/mo)
- Budget Accommodation
- Hostal La Isleta (approx. 350 MXN/night) or Posada del Arquitecto
- Best Area to Stay for Tourists
- Playa Rinconcito (close to the beach and main street restaurants)
- Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
- San Agustinillo (neighboring beach) or upper Mazunte hills for better Starlink visibility
Working and Networking
- Best Coworking Space
- Manta Raya (nearby San Agustinillo) offers reliable Wi-Fi and workspace
- Best Cafe for Work
- Icaro Cafe (good espresso and decent Wi-Fi) or El Copal (ocean view workspace)
- Networking Events
- Ecstatic Dance Mazunte at Tierra Viva or community meetings at Hridaya Yoga
- Social Events for Expats
- Mazunte/San Agustinillo Locals & Expats Facebook Group for meetups
Transportation
- Best Taxi/Ride App
- No apps; use local Taxis (approx. 50-100 MXN within town) or 'Pasajeros' pickup trucks
- Bike/Scooter Rental
- Mazunte Scooter Rentals (approx. 400-600 MXN per day)
- Best Beach Nearby
- Playa Mermejita (wild, sunset beach) and Playa Rinconcito
- Top Regional Airline
- VivaAerobus or Aeromexico (flying into Huatulco-HUX or Puerto Escondido-PXM)
- Top International Airline
- United, American Airlines (via Houston/Dallas to Huatulco)
- Highway Access
- Federal Highway 175 connects to Oaxaca City; Highway 200 along the coast
- Main Train/Transit Hub
- OCC Bus Terminal in Pochutla (25 mins away)
- Public Transport Passes
- None; pay cash per ride on 'Colectivos' (10-20 MXN)
- Regional Travel
- Shuttles/Suburbans to Oaxaca City (approx. 300 MXN, 3.5-7 hours depending on route)
Health and Wellness
- Best Hospital
- Hospital General de San Pedro Pochutla (25-30 mins drive)
- Yoga & Wellness Centers
- Hridaya Yoga (specializing in meditation retreats) and Solstice Yoga Center
- Gyms & Fitness Centers
- Pueblo Blanco Gym (basic weights) or outdoor training at the beach
- Laundry Services
- Lavanderia 'La Ola' (approx. 20-25 MXN per kg)
Food and Drink
- Best Food Delivery App
- None available; contact restaurants directly via WhatsApp
- Best Local Dish to Try
- Tlayudas and Mole Oaxaqueño at Comedor los Arcos
- Vegan/Vegetarian Options
- La Vita è Bella (Italian/Vegan options) and El Armadillo
- Best Dessert Spots
- Panadería La Baguette (Famous for 'picos' chocolate pastries)
- Affordable Shopping Spots
- Lunes Market (Monday market) for fresh organic produce
- E-commerce/Online Store
- Mercado Libre (delivery takes 3-7 days via local collection points)
- Grocery Delivery
- Not available; shop at local 'fruterias' or Super Che in Pochutla
- Bar/Nightlife Area
- Main street leading to Rinconcito (El Mason, Cava)
- Local Brewery
- Cervecería de la Costa (found at El Copal or local bars)
- Wine Bars
- Cava Mazunte (offers select Mexican and international wines)
- Street Food Stalls
- Al pastor taco stands on the main road at night (approx. 15-20 MXN per taco)
- Popular International Cuisine
- Siddhartha (Mediterranean/Fusion) and La Termita (Argentine Pizza)
Culture and Attractions
- Must-See Landmarks
- Punta Cometa (southernmost point of Oaxaca for sunset)
- Museums & Art Venues
- Mexican Turtle Center (Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga)
- Historical Sites
- Nearby ruins of Copalita (90 mins away in Huatulco)
- Religious Sites
- Parroquia de Santa María Tonameca
- Annual Events
- Mazunte Jazz Festival (November); New Year's Eve on the beach
- Cultural Districts
- The 'Eco-Village' zone centered around sustainable building
- Theater Venues
- Teatro del Mar (Outdoor amphitheater for community events)
- Local Markets
- Pochutla Tianguis (Every Monday - massive regional market)
- Music Scene
- Live acoustic and jazz at various beach bars on weekends
- Street Art
- Murals along the Calle Principal depicting marine life
- Cooking Classes
- Local workshops often advertised on community boards near the bakery
- Art Galleries
- Small independent stalls along Rinconcito selling Huichol art
- Historic Buildings
- The original Natural Cosmetics Factory (Cosméticos Naturales de Mazunte)
- Local Heritage
- Turtle conservation history; Mazunte was transitioned from a turtle hunting site to a sanctuary
Nature and Outdoor Activities
- Nearby Nature Escapes
- Ventanilla Lagoon (Crocodile and mangrove tours; 10 min drive)
- National Parks Nearby
- Huatulco National Park (1 hour drive)
- Cycling/Walking Paths
- Walking trail to Punta Cometa; coastal road to San Agustinillo
- Scenic Viewpoints
- The 'Cerro de la Luna' overlooking Playa Mermejita
- Birdwatching Locations
- Laguna Ventanilla
- Bonfire-Friendly Spots
- Playa Mermejita (Check local seasonal turtle nesting restrictions)
Other Services and Amenities
- Parcel Delivery Service
- Estafeta or DHL pickup points in Pochutla
- Tech Repair Services
- Small phone repair shops in Pochutla (25 mins away)
- Table Tennis Spots
- Hostel common areas in San Agustinillo
- Language Classes
- Spanish lessons at various hostels or private tutors
- Libraries & Study Spots
- Biblioteca de Mazunte (Community library)
- Community Centers
- Mazunte Community Center near the main plaza
- Gaming Lounges
- None available; very low-tech town
- Casino & Gaming Halls
- None; illegal in this municipality
Business
- Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $45,000 MXN per m² ($100k - $180k USD for land/small build)
- Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $30,000 MXN per m² (further up the hills)
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $5,500,000 MXN ($150,000 - $250,000 USD via trust/fideicomiso)
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $3,500,000 MXN
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $8,000,000 MXN+
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $6,000,000 MXN
- Corporate Tax
- 30% (Standard Mexican Rate)
- Dividend Withholding Tax
- 10% for residents
- Tax System
- Residency-based; worldwide income for tax residents
- Highest Income Tax Bracket
- 35%
- VAT
- 16% (IVA)
- Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
- Yes, Mexico has specific anti-tax haven legislation (REFIPEs)
- Property Tax
- Predial (very low, usually under $200 USD annually for homes)
- Property Transaction Tax
- 2% to 5% acquisition tax (ISAI) depending on state
- Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
- No specific DN tax law, but many live on 180-day tourist permits which technically exempts foreign income if not derived from Mexican sources