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March 17, 2025, 3:18 p.m. | Reading time: 5 minutes
Tulum, with its beautiful beaches, is at the top of many lists that praise Mexico's coastal beauty. Unfortunately, this also means that a number of people flock here regularly to discover these stretches of coast and spend their holidays here. Sunnytrips has found a nice alternative for everyone who doesn't feel like being around a lot of people.
Crystal clear, turquoise waters on white sandy beaches; fascinating, well-preserved ruins of a former Mayan port town; underground freshwater caves (cenotes); Dense mangrove forests – there are many good reasons for a vacation in Tulum. Accordingly, the coastal town on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula is a popular vacation spot. And in addition to a number of worthwhile reasons for a vacation, it also has some disadvantages. Is Tulum a little too popular and crowded for your taste? The coast of Oaxaca offers a nice alternative to Tulum.
Why Oaxaca is a good alternative to Tulum
Three places worth visiting on the Oaxaca coastPuerto EscondidoZipoliteMazunte
Puerto Escondido
Capital Oaxaca de Juárez
Mayan sites and natural beauty
Why Oaxaca is a good alternative to Tulum
Tulum is now increasingly seeing its dream destination status. The city on the Caribbean coast of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula has adapted to demand, and in addition to the tourist facilities, this can also be seen in the prices. On the other hand, Oaxaca continues to offer a predominantly authentic insight into Mexican life. The region in southern Mexico has not yet been overrun by influencers and other travelers and is correspondingly more relaxed. Food, accommodation, etc. are also affordable for those who want a more affordable vacation.
BILD Reisen: Discover the best hotels on the Pacific coast now!
Now it is precisely the natural beauties, especially the beaches, that make Tulum a dream destination for many travelers. The coast of Oaxaca, the Riviera Oaxaqueña, can actually keep up here. Unlike the city of Tulum on the Caribbean coast, the coast of the state of Oaxaca is on the Pacific Ocean. However, the clear argument in favor of Oaxaca here is not the beauty of the beaches, but rather their atmosphere. The coastline is not yet overcrowded; instead, travelers can expect a relaxed backpacker and surfer lifestyle here. In addition to numerous surfing towns and charming fishing villages, there are also bays where you can sometimes find yourself alone. There are now lovely boutique hotels here too, so it seems like you should be quick about this alternative to Tulum to still experience its relaxed authenticity.
Three places worth visiting on the Oaxaca coast
Puerto Escondido
According to the travel magazine “Afar”, the most popular stretch of coast in the area is that between Puerto Escondido and Huatulco. The 30,000-strong port city of Puerto Escondido is particularly known for its huge hollow waves, which are also known as the “Mexican Pipeline”. In addition to these exciting surfing conditions, there are golden sandy beaches, romantic resorts and a lively nightlife.
Things are a little more relaxed in the beach town of Zipolite, which, according to “Afar”, is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly travel destinations in Mexico. Backpackers and hippies alike feel at home in the town lined with beach huts. It is also home to Mexico's only official nudist beach.
Mazunte is recognized by the Mexican government as a “place of special cultural, historical and natural importance,” writes “Afar,” one of 177 so-called Pueblos Mágico. Mazunte is not a luxury destination either, but one that primarily attracts more relaxed travelers such as yogis, hippies and backpackers.
Fantastic beaches, picturesque old town The new season of “The Bachelor” was filmed here
Sunnytrips AWARD 2023Oaxaca de Juárez in Mexico is one of the world's best cultural cities
Capital Oaxaca de Juárez
In addition to the coastline and its relaxed towns, a visit to the Mexican state is also worth visiting its lively capital, Oaxaca de Juárez. And not least because it is considered the culinary capital of all of Mexico. In addition, the city was even named one of the world's best cultural cities at the Sunnytrips Awards 2023 (Sunnytrips confessed). Why? Among other things, because of its numerous sights such as the impressive cathedral or the former monastery Templo Santo Domingo de Guzmán as well as the Guelaguetza cultural and dance festival that takes place every July. There are also a number of art galleries to see in Oaxaca de Juárez, as well as numerous Spanish colonial-era buildings in the historic city center, which has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Mayan sites and natural beauty
In addition to beautiful beaches, relaxed coastal towns and the lively capital, landscapes such as the mountains of the Sierra Norte, some of which are more than 3,000 meters high, or the series of waterfalls of the Hierve el Agua are impressive on the Oaxaca coast, as well as in the interior of the state. The small indigenous villages of the Pueblos Mancomunados are also exciting to see.
Now Tulum's impressive Mayan sites are also part of the reason why the city is so popular. But the alternative to Tulum can also offer something in this regard: Monte Albán. The former capital of the Zapotecs is considered an insider tip among Mexico's temple cities. Former palaces, courtyards and temples can be seen here. And they are usually not very busy, so this attraction can also be discovered in a relaxed manner. But, as is the case with insider tips and alternative travel destinations: little by little, these will certainly become more popular. So travel to Oaxaca today rather than tomorrow.
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