Huatulco International Airport (HUX) is the closest airport to Puerto Ángel, Zipolite and Mazunte, roughly 30 to 50 minutes away by car. Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM) is a good alternative, about 50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes away. From either airport you can book a private transfer, take a taxi, rent a car or use public transport via Pochutla.
The beaches of the Oaxaca Coast are a little off the beaten track, and that's part of their appeal. From the laid-back beach village of Zipolite to the beautiful bays of Puerto Ángel and the bohemian atmosphere of Mazunte, this stretch of coastline offers a very different experience from Mexico's larger resort destinations.
But if you're planning a visit, one of the first questions is likely to be: how do you actually get there? In this guide, we'll explain how to get to Zipolite, Puerto Ángel and Mazunte from both airports, compare the different transport options and share a few practical tips to help make your arrival as smooth as possible.
Key takeaways
Closest airport: Huatulco (HUX), about 30 minutes to Puerto Ángel, 40 minutes to Zipolite and 50 minutes to Mazunte.
Alternative airport: Puerto Escondido (PXM), about 50 minutes to Mazunte, 1 hour to Zipolite and 1 hour 10 minutes to Puerto Ángel.
Easiest option: a private transfer, especially with luggage, children or a late arrival.
Most flexible option: a rental car, particularly for stays of a week or longer.
Budget option: public transport, usually connecting through Pochutla, best if you're travelling light and have time to spare.
Which airport should you fly into?
If you're travelling to the central and eastern part of the Oaxaca Coast, the two main airport options are:
Huatulco International Airport (HUX): generally the most convenient airport for Puerto Ángel, Zipolite and Mazunte.
Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM): a useful alternative, particularly if you're visiting Puerto Escondido as part of a longer trip along the coast.
Both airports have road connections to the coastal communities, although your journey will involve travelling along the region's coastal roads.
Huatulco International Airport (HUX)
Huatulco Airport is usually the most convenient arrival point for visitors heading to Puerto Ángel, Zipolite or Mazunte. It is located inland from the coast, and the journey west takes you towards Pochutla before continuing along the smaller coastal roads to your destination.
Approximate transfer times from Huatulco Airport:
Puerto Ángel: about 30 minutes
Zipolite: about 40 minutes
Mazunte: about 50 minutes
These are planning estimates rather than guaranteed journey times. The exact route, accommodation address, traffic and road conditions can affect the journey. A property or hotel located above the village may also require a little extra time.
Huatulco is particularly convenient if you're planning to spend most of your time around Puerto Ángel, Zipolite, San Agustinillo or Mazunte.
Bahías de Huatulco International Airport (HUX). Photo: Vmzp85 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM)
Puerto Escondido Airport is another option for reaching the Oaxaca Coast. From here, you'll travel east along the coastal highway towards Mazunte, Zipolite and Puerto Ángel. The journey is straightforward by private vehicle, although it takes longer than travelling from Huatulco.
Approximate transfer times from Puerto Escondido Airport:
Mazunte: about 50 minutes
Zipolite: about 1 hour
Puerto Ángel: about 1 hour 10 minutes
Allow additional time if you are travelling during busy periods, making stops or arriving at an accommodation that is some distance from the main road.
Puerto Escondido can be a good choice if you're combining your visit with time in Puerto Escondido itself, or if your flight options make it more convenient.
Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM). Photo: Vmzp85 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting from Huatulco Airport to Zipolite, Puerto Ángel and Mazunte
Once you arrive at Huatulco Airport, there are several ways to reach the coast.
Option 1: Book a private airport transfer
For most international visitors, a private transfer is the simplest and most comfortable option. Your driver meets you at the airport and takes you directly to your accommodation. You don't need to navigate unfamiliar roads, organise several connections or worry about finding onward transport after a flight.
Private transfers can generally be arranged from Huatulco Airport to Puerto Ángel, Zipolite, Mazunte and San Agustinillo. This option is particularly useful if you're travelling with family, have several suitcases or arrive later in the day.
Some local providers publish fixed prices per vehicle, rather than per passenger. It is worth comparing a few quotes and checking exactly what is included. Before booking, confirm:
The total price and currency
The number of passengers and luggage allowance
Whether the driver will monitor your flight
Where you will meet the driver
Whether your accommodation is accessible by the vehicle
Whether child seats or larger vehicles are available if needed
Option 2: Take a taxi
Taxis are another option from Huatulco Airport. You can arrange an airport taxi for a direct journey to your destination. This can work well if you prefer to organise transport on arrival, although we recommend confirming the fare and destination before setting off.
For a longer journey to Puerto Ángel, Zipolite or Mazunte, it is sensible to check the price in advance rather than assuming it will be the same as a short local taxi ride. If you are arriving late, travelling with a group or carrying substantial luggage, arranging a transfer beforehand can make the arrival easier.
Option 3: Rent a car
If you want the freedom to explore the coast, renting a car is worth considering. Having your own vehicle makes it easier to visit different beaches, restaurants and nearby villages without having to arrange transport every time you go out. You could spend the morning in Puerto Ángel, have lunch in Zipolite and head to Mazunte for the afternoon, all at your own pace.
A rental car can be especially useful if you're staying for a week or longer, or if you plan to explore beyond your immediate destination. Before renting, consider:
Whether your accommodation has secure parking
The condition and size of the roads leading to your property
Whether you are comfortable driving on unfamiliar coastal roads
The rental company's insurance and deposit requirements
Whether your insurance covers the vehicle for the full journey
Some properties are located up steep or unpaved roads, so it is worth checking access before choosing your vehicle.
Getting from Puerto Escondido Airport to Zipolite, Puerto Ángel and Mazunte
Travelling from Puerto Escondido Airport is also relatively straightforward if you arrange the right transport. The route follows the coast eastwards towards Mazunte, then continues towards Zipolite and Puerto Ángel.
Option 1: Private transfer from Puerto Escondido
A private transfer is a convenient way to travel directly from Puerto Escondido Airport to your accommodation. Local providers offer transfers to Mazunte, San Agustinillo, Zipolite and Puerto Ángel. Some services also monitor flight arrivals and adjust pickup times if a flight is delayed.
This is a good option if you want a door-to-door journey without having to organise connections along the way. For groups, it can also be worth comparing the cost of a private vehicle with the combined cost of individual taxis or public transport.
Option 2: Take a taxi
You can arrange a taxi from Puerto Escondido Airport to the coastal villages. As with Huatulco, we recommend confirming the fare before departure, especially for the longer journeys to Zipolite and Puerto Ángel. If you are arriving during the evening or have a specific check-in time, pre-arranging your transport is a sensible option.
Option 3: Rent a car in Puerto Escondido
Renting a car in Puerto Escondido is a practical option if you intend to explore more of the coastline. The drive east takes you towards Mazunte first, followed by San Agustinillo, Zipolite and Puerto Ángel. Having a car gives you flexibility to visit beaches and local attractions that are less convenient to reach using shared transport.
If you are planning to drive, check your route and accommodation access in advance. Some smaller roads and access tracks are not as straightforward as the main coastal highway.
Can you get to Zipolite, Puerto Ángel and Mazunte using public transport?
Yes. It is possible to reach the coastal villages using public transport, although it generally involves more planning and may require a change of vehicle.
Shared passenger vehicles, buses and local taxis connect communities along the coast. Pochutla is an important transport hub for people travelling between the larger road network and the smaller coastal villages.
San Pedro Pochutla. Photo: AlejandroLinaresGarcia / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
A typical journey may involve:
Taking a taxi or other local transport from the airport to a suitable bus or transport terminal.
Travelling towards Pochutla or another relevant connection point.
Taking a local shared vehicle or taxi to your final destination.
Shared passenger vehicles connect Pochutla with Puerto Ángel and Zipolite, while Mazunte is commonly reached through the San Antonio junction. The exact route depends on where you start and which service is operating. There isn't one universal timetable or fare covering every connection.
Public transport from Huatulco Airport
If you arrive at Huatulco Airport and want to use public transport, you will first need to organise transport away from the airport to connect with services heading towards the coast. This can be more complicated with luggage, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the area. For this reason, public transport is generally better suited to travellers who are comfortable navigating local connections, have flexible schedules and are travelling light.
Public transport from Puerto Escondido Airport
The same principle applies when arriving at Puerto Escondido Airport. You will need to connect with transport heading east towards Pochutla and the coastal villages. Depending on your final destination, you may need to change vehicles along the way. Check the route, departure point and final service before travelling, and don't assume that a bus or shared vehicle will take you directly to your accommodation.
Our advice: If you're travelling with several suitcases, children or arriving late in the day, a private transfer is usually worth considering. If you're travelling on a tighter budget and have time to spare, public transport can be a good alternative.
How to travel between Zipolite, Puerto Ángel and Mazunte
One of the great things about this part of the Oaxaca Coast is how close the villages are to one another. You don't need to choose just one destination. Each has a different atmosphere, and they are close enough to explore during the same visit.
Puerto Ángel to Zipolite
Puerto Ángel and Zipolite are neighbouring coastal communities. The drive between them is short, making it easy to enjoy the restaurants and beaches in both places. Puerto Ángel has a traditional fishing-village atmosphere, with sheltered bays and a working harbour. Zipolite is known for its long beach, relaxed character and independent restaurants.
Zipolite to Mazunte
Mazunte is a short drive east of Zipolite, with San Agustinillo in between.
Mazunte is known for its independent cafés, wellness scene, shops and access to Punta Cometa. San Agustinillo offers a smaller beach setting, with a sheltered bay and a relaxed atmosphere.
Punta Cometa seen from San Agustinillo. Photo: AlejandroLinaresGarcia / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Local taxis and shared vehicles
You can use local taxis and shared passenger vehicles to move between the villages. Before boarding a shared vehicle, confirm where it is going, where it will drop you off and whether it is the right service for your destination. If you're planning to return later in the evening, check the availability of return transport in advance. Services may be less frequent later in the day.
Practical tips before travelling
A little planning can make your arrival much easier.
1. Arrange transport before you arrive
If you're travelling during a busy holiday period, it is worth arranging a transfer or rental car ahead of time. This is particularly useful if you are arriving with family or have a specific check-in time.
2. Share your exact accommodation address
Don't simply give your driver the name of the town. Some accommodation is located on hillside roads, outside the main village or along unpaved access routes. Sharing the exact address or location pin helps the driver plan the final part of the journey.
3. Allow extra time
Journey times are estimates. Roadworks, traffic, weather and local conditions can all affect the journey. If you have a connecting flight or an important appointment, allow a comfortable buffer.
4. Carry some Mexican pesos
Although card payments are increasingly common, cash is still useful for local transport, small shops and other everyday expenses. If you're using local taxis or shared vehicles, having smaller denominations can be helpful.
5. Check your return journey in advance
Don't leave airport transport until the last minute. If you're staying in a smaller village, confirm your return transfer or local transport arrangements before your departure day.
6. Consider your luggage
If you're carrying large suitcases, surfboards or several bags, make sure your chosen vehicle has enough space. A shared vehicle may not be suitable for oversized luggage, and some private transfer providers have specific luggage allowances.
FAQs
Which airport is closest to Zipolite, Puerto Ángel and Mazunte?
Huatulco International Airport (HUX) is the closest. Puerto Ángel is about 30 minutes away by car, Zipolite about 40 minutes and Mazunte about 50 minutes.
How long does it take to get from Puerto Escondido Airport to Zipolite?
About 1 hour by private vehicle. Mazunte is about 50 minutes from Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM), and Puerto Ángel is about 1 hour 10 minutes.
What is the easiest way to get from the airport to Zipolite?
A pre-booked private transfer. The driver meets you at the airport and takes you straight to your accommodation. Confirm the total price, luggage allowance, meeting point and whether the vehicle can reach your property.
Can you get to Zipolite, Puerto Ángel or Mazunte by public transport?
Yes, usually by connecting through Pochutla. Shared vehicles run from Pochutla to Puerto Ángel and Zipolite, and Mazunte is commonly reached through the San Antonio junction. Expect to change vehicles at least once.
Do you need a car on the Oaxaca Coast?
Not necessarily. The villages are close together and connected by local taxis and shared vehicles. A rental car is worth considering if you're staying a week or longer or want to explore beyond your immediate destination.
Discover the Oaxaca Coast
Getting to the Oaxaca Coast takes a little more planning than travelling to some of Mexico's larger beach destinations, but that's also part of what makes the region special. Whether you arrive through Huatulco or Puerto Escondido, you'll find a coastline made up of distinctive communities, beautiful beaches and a more relaxed way of life.
Puerto Ángel offers traditional coastal charm and sheltered bays. Zipolite has an independent, welcoming beach culture. Mazunte brings together nature, wellness and a lively village atmosphere.
For visitors, it's a wonderful region to explore. For people considering a longer-term move or a property purchase, spending time in each community is one of the best ways to understand which place feels right. Our guide to the best beach towns to invest in Oaxaca is a good place to start, and you can see our current projects, including Mirasol in Puerto Ángel and ICON in Zipolite.
At Oaxaca Land Co., we're passionate about helping people discover this part of Mexico. If you're thinking about visiting, relocating or buying property on the Oaxaca Coast, we'd be happy to help you get to know the area. Get in touch with Oaxaca Land Co. to start exploring the possibilities.
Travel information note: Journey times are approximate and can vary depending on the precise destination, road conditions, weather and traffic. Transport schedules, fares and availability can change. Confirm details directly with the relevant transport provider before travelling.
