Oaxacan Coast Hit List — Someday Sherpa

Escaping the hustle of the Mexico's cities, we've headed to the south coast for a bit of timeout. Located a 12 hour ride from Mexico City - reaching the coast is quite the journey. Break it up with a few days in the wonderfully colourful city of Oaxaca.

Mexico's pacific coast is relentless and has some hectic surf breaks. In fact, Puerto Escondido is home to the world's third best pipeline. Given my recent near death surf experience in Bali, we've opted for something a little more chilled.

And thank you Mexico - you did not disappoint. Turquoise waters, pumping tunes, 35 degrees heat, chilled cerveza and endless seafood direct from sea to stomach. Paradise - yes the coast will do nicely.

I'm almost certain this is Sherpa's first trip to the seaside so I've packed him some floaties and goggles so he can frolic in the shallows.

Introducing Zipolite and San Agustinillo - places we could have easily stayed for months.

Zipolite
This spectacular beach with a hippe-vibe ranks within my top 10 of all time for both beach and atmosphere. You'll feel like you've taken a trip to the 1960s (not that I was there) with the pony tales, liberalness (nudity) and untouched, rustic charm of this super-chilled beach.

DO

Nothing!
Beachside morning yoga. Listen to the sounds of the powerful surf crashing on the sand while you lie in savasana.
Swing in a hammock
Walk along beach
Climb the rocks

EAT & DRINK

Breakfast, lunch, happy hour and dinner all at El Alquimista's seaside restaurant - you won't want to leave.
Any beachside bar - they all have 2-for-1 cocktails 'todo el dia' (all day)
La Providencia for made-with-love food featuring seafood and local fair.

SLEEP

El Alquimista is tucked in at the west end of the beach and is as private as they come. Get bendy with daily yoga in the ocean-view yoga pavilion or dart between the salty sea and infinity pool. Dotted with private beachside cabanas, each with their own hammock, this is a place you won't want to leave. MX$750 per night.

IF YOU DARE

Swim, surf, strut or yoga - In. The. Nuddie.

San Agustinillo
This sleepy little fishing village with a population of 230 will have you blissed out in no time at all. Thunderous waves beat the beach and will have you mesmerised for hours.

DO

Absolutely nothing!
Jog to Mazunte, a nearby town, and back (about 5km) to checkout the neighbouring chilled-out town. Prepare to sweat.
Adopt a dog - they'll want to hang out with you as you strut the beach
Watch the surf pound the beach relentlessly - seriously it's mesmerising.
Walk the beach in each direction
Check out the turtle conservation area at nearby Meztune

EAT & DRINK

Savour a beachside breakfast of fruit, yoghurt and granola washed down with a freshly blended juice at Un Sueno's sandy cafe - Un Secreto.
La Mora Cafe - watch the world go by from the beachfront balcony while eating some of the tastiest food. See if you can resist the chocolate cake.
El Sueno de Frida, Christina makes the best margarita's in town
Woodfired pizza washed down with a margarita? La Termita is your place. They have a woodfired pizza oven basically on the beach!
Devour a freshly roasted pollo (chook) from a roasting house directly across the road from Un Sueno. They do the BEST guacamole I've had in Mexico to date

SLEEP

Un Sueno - ask for the absolute beachfront cabana. The thunderous waves will lull you to sleep and your cabana comes complete with a picture perfect hammock to swing the day away. MX$800 per night.

IF YOU DARE

Tempt your swim skills against the heavy surf. I challenge you not to get dumped.
Hike up a massive mountain with your dirty laundry in tow, festering in its own filth and ask the angry Mexican lady at the laundromat to wash your clothes. If you don't have 3kg of clothes to wash - prepare to die - she will accept no less.
Take a MX$15 (AUD$1) roadside shower before you board your overnight bus. Nothing quite like having a flimsy plastic door between you and all the streetside hombres.