April 7, 2025, 9:47 am | Read time: 5 minutes
Tulum, with its beautiful beaches, is at the top of many lists promoting the coastal beauty of Mexico. Unfortunately, this also means that many people regularly flock here to discover these coastal areas and spend their vacations here. TRAVELBOOK has found a great alternative for those who don’t want to be crowded.
Crystal-clear, turquoise water on white sandy beaches; fascinating, well-preserved ruins of a former Mayan port; 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 destination. In addition to a number of worthwhile reasons for a vacation, there are also some disadvantages. Is Tulum now a little too popular and crowded for your taste? The coast of Oaxaca offers a nice alternative to Tulum.
Overview
Why Oaxaca is a Good Alternative to Tulum
Tulum’s dream destination status is becoming more and more apparent. The city on the Caribbean coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula has adapted to the demand, which can be seen not only in the tourist facilities but also in the prices. Oaxaca, on the other hand, continues to offer a predominantly authentic insight into Mexican life. The region in the south of Mexico has not yet been overrun by influencers and other travelers and is correspondingly more relaxed. Food, accommodation, and the like are also affordable for those looking for a more budget-friendly vacation.
It is the natural beauty, especially the beaches, that makes Tulum a dream destination for many travelers. Here, the coast of Oaxaca, the Riviera Oaxaqueña, can actually keep up. Unlike the city of Tulum on the Caribbean coast, the coast of the state of Oaxaca is located on the Pacific Ocean. However, the clear argument for Oaxaca at this point is not the beauty of the beaches but their atmosphere. The coastline is not yet overcrowded, instead travelers can expect a relaxed backpacker and surfer lifestyle here. In addition to a number of surfing towns and charming fishing villages, there are still bays here where you can sometimes find yourself alone. There are now pretty boutique hotels here, too, so it seems that you need to be quick to experience the relaxed authenticity of this alternative to Tulum.
Three Places Worth Visiting on the Coast of Oaxaca
Puerto Escondido
According to the travel magazine Afar, the most popular stretch of coast in the area is the one between Puerto Escondido and Huatulco. The port city of Puerto Escondido, which has a population of 30,000, is particularly known for its huge hollow waves, also known as the “Mexican Pipeline.” In addition to these exciting surfing conditions, there are also golden sandy beaches, romantic spots, and a lively nightlife.
Zipolite
Things are a little more relaxed in the beach town of Zipolite, one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly destinations in Mexico, according to Afar. Backpackers and hippies alike feel at home in this place lined with beach huts. It is also home to Mexico’s only official nudist beach.
Mazunte
Mazunte is recognized by the Mexican government as a “place of special cultural, historical and natural importance,” writes Afar; Mazunte is one of 177 so-called Pueblos Mágico. It is not a luxury destination either, but one that primarily attracts more relaxed travelers such as yogis, hippies, and backpackers.
Capital Oaxaca de Juárez
In addition to the coastline and its laid-back towns, the Mexican state’s lively capital, Oaxaca de Juárez, is also worth a visit. Not least because it is considered the culinary capital of Mexico. In addition, the city was even named one of the world’s best cultural cities at the TRAVELBOOK Awards 2023. Why? Because of its numerous sights, such as the imposing cathedral or the former monastery complex Templo Santo Domingo de Guzmán, as well as the Guelaguetza cultural and dance festival, which takes place every year in July. Oaxaca de Juárez is also home to a number of art galleries, as well as numerous buildings from the Spanish colonial era in the historic city center, which has been declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco.
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Mayan Sites and Natural Beauty
In addition to beautiful beaches, relaxed coastal towns, and the lively capital, the Oaxaca coast and the interior of the state are home to impressive landscapes such as the Sierra Norte mountains, some of which are more than 3000 meters high, and the Hierve el Agua series of waterfalls. The small indigenous villages of the Pueblos Mancomunados are also fascinating to see.
The impressive Mayan sites of Tulum are another reason why the city is so popular. The alternative to Tulum also has something to offer in this respect: Monte Albán. The former capital of the Zapotecs is considered a well-kept secret among Mexico’s temple cities. Here, you can see former palaces, courtyards, and temples. And they are generally less crowded, so this sight can also be discovered in a relaxed manner. However, as is the case with insider tips and alternative travel destinations, little by little, these are sure to become more popular too. So it’s better to travel to Oaxaca today than tomorrow.