Zipolite to Huatulco: 5 Best Ways To Travel [2024]

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Wondering how to get from Zipolite to Huatulco?

Even though they are only about 35 miles apart, it’s definitely worth planning your trip in advance. The last thing you want is to get an unpleasant surprise when you’re in-country and about to make the trip along the Oaxaca coastline.

The good news is that you’ve got lots of options. I’ve set out below a comprehensive guide that has helped loads of people find out how to get from Zipolite to Huatulco cheaply, simply and safely.

Ready to go? Let’s get right into it.

How to Get From Zipolite to Huatulco

Why Should You Visit Huatulco?

If you love stunning beaches, awesome waves, and a relaxed vibe, you absolutely need to visit Huatulco. If you’ve never heard of it, it’s a coastal paradise tucked away in the beautiful state of Oaxaca, Mexico.

Huatulco is known for having nine bays and 36 beaches with beautiful clear waters, hence its formal name, Bahías de Huatulco. There are great surfing beaches like Playa La Bocana, beaches with a more tranquil vibe like Bahía El Órgano, and famous romantic beaches with sunsets you won’t forget like Bahía de Cacaluta.

You don’t need to love the beach to enjoy the lazy seaside atmosphere of Huatulco. Many of the best hotels in Huatulco have fantastic sun-decks where you just can relax on a sun lounge by the pool.

And for nature-lovers, Huatulco is a nesting ground for sea turtles. You can even participate in turtle releases, which is a heartwarming experience you won’t forget.

Before we get to how you get from Zipolite to Huatulco, let’s take a very quick look at why you should visit Zipolite in the first place.

How to Get From Zipolite to Huatulco

Why Should You Visit Zipolite?

Zipolite is sandwiched between Mazunte and Puerto Ángel, about 35 miles south-west of Huatulco along the idyllic Oaxaca coastline.

Zipolite is known principally for its main beach, Playa Zipolite, which is Mexico’s only legal nude beach. It’s also known for having some fantastic hotels, such as Hotel Nude, which offer rooms that open right up onto Playa Zipolite.

While Mazunte and Puerto Ángel are known for being laid-back and attracting visitors interested in wellness and yoga activities, Zipolite is known for its party vibe and great nightlife. Everything is within a stone’s throw of the beach, and there’s no cover charge unless there’s a live act performing.

Beyond enjoying the great bars and restaurantes in Zipolite, it’s perfectly located for you to easily reach the attractions of Mazunte. You can watch the sunset at Punta Cometa, visit beautiful Playa del Amor, and if you’re feeling brave, you can even book a tour to visit the nearby crocodile sanctuary.

Whether or not the nude beach is for you, Zipolite is a great base on the Oaxaca coastline that offers you loads of options, depending on what you want to do. Whatever you’re keen on, you’re going to have a wonderful time here.

So let’s look at how to get from Zipolite to Huatulco and the different options available to you.

How to Get From Zipolite to Huatulco

1. Rental Car To Huatulco

A road trip from Zipolite to Huatulco is a great option that offers the freedom to explore at your own pace.

There’s nothing quite like the open road.

Fast Facts: Rental Car From Zipolite to Huatulco

Tip: Gas in Mexico will cost you around US$5 per gallon, and you’ll need 1 to 2 gallons to get to Mazunte.

How Do I Find A Rental Car?

If you’re staying for a few days in Zipolite, you may have rented a car in Huatulco International Airport when you arrived.

If you didn’t, you’ll need to go back to Huatulco International Airport to rent a car, as there’s no branch in Zipolite, and none in nearby Mazunte or Puerto Ángel either.

You can get a taxi to the airport or take the colectivo that runs along highway 175 from Zipolite to San Pedro Pochutla and then take a minibus service to the airport. A taxi will cost around US$25 to US$30. The colectivo and the minibus service will cost about 40 Mexican pesos (US$2.00) each.

At the airport, all of the rental booths are in the car rental center at the airport. You’ll see directions to it when you arrive.

Use DiscoverCars.com to find the best deal on a rental car before you go and then you can just pick up your car when you arrive without any fuss.

What Is The Best Route From Zipolite to Huatulco?

The route from Zipolite to Huatulco is an easy one as it follows highways the whole way.

If you’re coming from Huatulco International Airport, you’ll just set off to the east on highway 200 and follow it into Huatulco.

If you’re in Zipolite and already have your rental car, you’ll need to head east on highway 175 towards Puerto Ángel and follow it as it takes you north up to highway 200. After that, you’ll just follow highway 200 east until you reach Huatulco.

What’s Great About Renting A Car?

There are some great advantages of driving:

1. Freedom

Of all of the options, driving literally and figuratively puts you in the driver’s seat.

You get to choose every aspect of your journey, from departure time to the speed you travel to how often and where you stop.

2. Privacy

One of the best things about driving is that you don’t have to share your journey unless you want to.

If you’re traveling as a family, driving also means that you can have your familial privacy whilst you travel.

3. Convenience

Driving is the ultimate convenience. All you’ll need to do is keep it filled up with gas and jump in whenever you’re ready to go.

It’s particularly helpful if you have a family and don’t want to have to herd everyone into public transport or taxis to get from A to B.

How to Get From Zipolite to Huatulco

FAQs: Rental Car From Zipolite to Huatulco

I’ve set out below some frequently asked questions and answers about how to get from Zipolite to Huatulco using a rental car.

How Much Does It Cost To Drive From Zipolite to Huatulco?

A rental car that you pick up in Huatulco International Airport will cost you around US$35 a day plus gas. Most providers don’t charge you per mile traveled, but make sure you check before you sign on the dotted line.

What is the Route From Zipolite to Huatulco?

The route from Zipolite to Huatulco starts by heading east on highway 175 until you reach highway 200, and the you follow it the rest of the way to Huatulco.

If you’re picking up your car at Huatulco International Airport, then you just need to follow highway 200 east the whole way until you reach Huatulco.

What is the Travel Time?

You’ll be driving for just over an hour, depending on how often you want to stop.

What is the Distance From Zipolite to Huatulco?

The total distance is approximately 35 miles (56 km) from Zipolite to Huatulco.

Where Do I Rent A Car In Zipolite?

There are no car rental branches in Zipolite, so you’ll need to travel to Huatulco International Airport to rent a car.

Europcar, Hertz, Avis and Alamo each have branches in Huatulco International Airport.

Are The Rental Cars Comfortable?

The short answer is yes, you will be able to rent a comfortable modern vehicle in Huatulco Airport. However, the level of luxury that you enjoy depends very much on your budget.

Most major car rental providers have a range of vehicles that you can choose from, ranging from compacts up to luxury limousines.

How is the road to Huatulco?

Highway 200 is well-maintained and very safe to travel.

However, the average speed limit is about 35 miles an hour, as the road passes through lots of small towns and villages, so don’t expect to travel fast like on a US-style highway.

Is It Safe To Travel By Car?

Yes, it is safe to travel by car provided you take basis precautions such as wearing your seatbelts, traveling with the doors locked and driving safely.

Be aware that there are also speed humps on highway 200 when you pass through towns and villages, so make sure you keep an eye out for them.

How to Get From Zipolite to Huatulco

2. Scooter To Huatulco

Another rental option to get from Zipolite to Huatulco is a rented scooter.

It’s not as comfortable as a rental car, but it’s definitely an experience and you can get scooters at Playa Zipolite for around the same price as a rental car.

Fast Facts: Scooter From Zipolite to Huatulco

Where Can You Rent A Scooter in Zipolite?

There are a few different places along Playa Zipolite where you can rent a scooter.

You can try Los García’s as a first port of call. It’s family-operated and located right on the beach. Their details are below:

Los García’s Contact Details

What’s Great About A Scooter Rental?

If you’ve ever ridden a scooter before, you’ll know that there are some great aspects of it, even when compared to car rental.

1. You can rent in Zipolite

One very practical point is that you can get rent a scooter in Zipolite without needing to leave the beach.

Unless you’ve already rented your car when you arrive at the airport, that’s a big advantage, because Huatulco International Airport is nearly 20 miles away.

2. Easy to Handle

If you’ve every ridden a motorcycle of any kind, you’ll know that they’re quite heavy. All motorcycles hold themselves up when you’re moving, but getting on and taking off can be tough, particularly if you don’t weigh much and don’t have much arm-strength.

If you opt for a 50cc scooter, you’ll have a fairly easy time managing it, as they weigh as little as 90 pounds (40 kg).

3. Super convenient

Scooters really are ultra-convenient. You can park almost anywhere and you can zip through any gridlock, all with the wind in your hair while you do it.

They also run on the smell of an oily rag, so you won’t have to spend a fortune on fuel either.

How to Get From Zipolite to Huatulco

FAQs: Scooter From Zipolite to Huatulco

I’ve set out below some frequently asked questions and answers about how to get from Zipolite to Huatulco using a rented scooter.

How Much Does It Cost To Drive From Zipolite to Huatulco?

A scooter rental starts at around US$30 per day plus gas.

What is the Route From Zipolite to Huatulco?

The route from Zipolite to Huatulco with a scooter will follow the same route as you would take if you rented a car.

What is the Travel Time?

You’ll be driving for a little over an hour, depending on how often you want to stop.

Can I take a Scooter on the Highway?

Scooters have a top speed of around 60 miles per hour. On a US highway, that would be an issue, because you’d constantly be overtaken by louder, heavier vehicles, which can be dangerous.

In Zipolite, it’s a little different, because the maximum speed on highway 200 is usually around 35 miles per hour. On that basis, you shouldn’t have any problem driving on the highway with your scooter, as long as you drive safely.

What is the Distance From Zipolite to Huatulco?

The total distance is approximately 35 miles (56 km) from Zipolite to Huatulco.

Are The Scooters Comfortable?

Yes, the scooters that you can rent in Zipolite are clean and the seats are designed to be comfortable.

They’re obviously not as comfortable as a luxury rental car, and you may need to stretch your legs after the hour-long ride to Huatulco, but they’re comfortable enough.

Is It Safe To Travel By Scooter?

It will never be as safe to travel on a motorcycle, including a scooter, as it is when travelling by car. A car is essentially a metal box providing you protection from other vehicles and the elements, and you’ll miss out on that with a scooter.

If you ride a motorcycle, you need to be aware of everything around you at all times. If you’re riding in the wet, you also have to ride much slower to make sure that your tyres don’t slip on corners.

Having said that, I’ve ridden motorcycles for years and the only time I ever had any issue was when I wasn’t paying attention or was doing something unsafe.

So if you pay attention and drive carefully at all times, you’ll be safe travelling by scooter.

How to Get From Zipolite to Huatulco

3. Private Transfer To Huatulco

If you’re keen on a road trip from Zipolite to Huatulco but aren’t so keen to do the driving, you can arrange a private transfer.

It’s more expensive than renting a car and driving yourself, but it lets you relax and enjoy the scenery or even catch up on some sleep.

Fast Facts: Private Transfer From Zipolite to Huatulco

Where Can You Book A Private Transfer From Zipolite to Huatulco?

The easiest way to find a reputable private transfer service is by using a platform like Guatego.

If you would prefer to get a recommendation, speak to your hotel concierge and ask them to recommend a service for you.

What’s Great About A Private Transfer?

Although it is more expensive than a rental car, there are some benefits of getting a private driver rather than driving yourself.

1. No Need To Focus On The Road

The best thing about being chauffeured is that you don’t need to worry about driving.

Watching the road for up to two hours can be tiring and it means that you won’t be able to completely relax until you reach Huatulco.

2. Great For Groups

A private transfer is great if you’re traveling as a group.

You get to share the cost and just focus on having fun and let the driver bring you to Huatulco.

3. Capped risk

The other big benefit of having a private driver is that you don’t bear the risk of having an accident and damaging the car.

Your insurance would likely cover any damage, but having a driver just avoids the risk altogether.

How to Get From Zipolite to Huatulco

FAQs: Private Transfer From Zipolite to Huatulco

I’ve set out below some frequently asked questions and answers about how to get from Zipolite to Huatulco by private transfer.

How Much Does It Cost To Drive From Zipolite to Huatulco?

A private transfer starts at around US$137 per trip for a group of up to 4.

Most services cap the number of passengers, so make sure you check this before you book.

What is the Route From Zipolite to Huatulco?

The route from Zipolite to Huatulco by private transfer will follow the same route as you would take if you rented a car.

What is the Travel Time?

You’ll be driving for a little over an hour, depending on how often you want to stop.

What is the Distance From Zipolite to Huatulco?

The total distance is approximately 35 miles (56 km) from Zipolite to Huatulco.

Are The Private transfer Cars Comfortable?

Yes, the private transfer services offered on Guatego use comfortable modern vehicles.

Is It Safe To Travel By Private Transfer?

If you travel with a reputable provider such as those arranged via Guatego, you will be perfectly safe traveling by private transfer.

How to Get From Zipolite to Huatulco

4. Taxi To Huatulco

Another great option to mention is the good old taxi.

While not quite as comfortable as a private transfer, once you agree the price with the driver, it’s one of the best options if you haven’t planned in advance.

Fast Facts: Taxi From Zipolite to Huatulco

Tip: Make sure that you agree the price with the driver before setting off so that there are no misunderstandings.

Where Can You Book A Taxi From Zipolite to Huatulco?

If you want to book a taxi, the best way to do it is to ask your hotel to book one for you. It’s especially helpful if your Spanish isn’t great, as they can confirm the pick-up time and price and there’ll be no misunderstandings.

If you’d prefer to hail a taxi on the street for whatever reason, there’s nothing stopping you and it’s perfectly safe to do so. You’ll just need to confirm the price upfront.

Bear in mind that your taxi probably won’t have air conditioning. If you’re looking for a little more comfort, a private transfer might be a better bet.

How to Get From Zipolite to Huatulco

FAQs: Taxi From Zipolite to Huatulco

I’ve set out below some frequently asked questions and answers about how to get from Zipolite to Huatulco by taxi.

How Much Is a Taxi From Zipolite to Huatulco?

You’ll need to negotiate your fare, and you should always do this upfront.

You can expect to pay anywhere from US$35 – US$45, depending on how much the driver wants the fare.

What is the Route From Zipolite to Huatulco?

The route from Zipolite to Huatulco will be the same as you would take if you rented a car or booked a private transfer.

However, you should confirm the route with the driver before you set off.

What is the Travel Time?

You’ll be driving for a little over an hour, depending on how often you want to stop.

What is the Distance From Zipolite to Huatulco?

The total distance is approximately 35 miles (56 km) from Zipolite to Huatulco.

Are The Taxis Comfortable?

Taxis aren’t made for long distance passenger travel like a bus or a plane, and they’re unlikely to have air conditioning.

If you’re looking for more comfort, you might be better served renting your own car or arranging a private transfer.

Is It Safe To Travel By Taxi?

Yes, you will be safe enough traveling by taxi from Zipolite to Huatulco. This is particularly the case if you are traveling in a group.

If possible, I’d recommend asking your hotel to book the taxi, as they’ll have a record of the booking, which the driver will know. I would also recommend that sole female travelers avoid taking the taxi at night.

How to Get From Zipolite to Huatulco

5. Bus To Huatulco

It’s possible to take the bus from Zipolite to Huatulco, but there isn’t a direct service.

You’ll need to get a taxi or take the colectivo to San Pedro Pochutla first, which is about 10 miles to the north of Zipolite. The OCC bus services will then take you to Huatulco.

I’d recommend one of the other options set out above unless you’re on a very tight budget.

Fast Facts: Bus From Zipolite to Huatulco

Where Can I Book A Bus From Zipolite to Huatulco?

There is no direct bus from Zipolite to Huatulco. OCC (Omnibús Cristobal Colón) can take you from San Pedro Pochutla to Huatulco, but they don’t pick up in Zipolite.

You’ll need to take a taxi or the colectivo to San Pedro Pochutla and to then get the bus to Huatulco. A taxi will cost around US$10, and the colectivo will cost around US$2.

The OCC bus will then cost around US$7.50 from San Pedro Pochutla to Huatulco. I recommend using ClickBus or Busbud to check availability for your dates and to find the best deal.

Tip: there’s no WiFi in the bus, so download anything you need at the hotel. You might also want to bring a neck pillow to help you sleep and Benadryl or Dramamine if you get carsick.

What’s Great About Taking The Bus?

While it clearly isn’t as freewheeling as renting your own car, there are still some positives to taking the bus.

1. The Bus Is Cheaper

If you opt for the bus and taxi or colectivo opton, the bus is good value.

It’s cheaper than booking a private transfer and likely cheaper than renting a car (especially if you have to pay the one-way fee) and it still provides a comfortable trip that arrives in a reasonable timeframe.

2. Travel Like The Locals

If you want to get a local experience, takingy the bus is the way to do it.

If you speak Spanish, it could also be a great opportunity to hear about the lives of the people you’re traveling with on your way to Huatulco.

3. You’ll be Dropped Off At in Downtown Huatulco

If you take the bus from Zipolite to Huatulco, you’ll be dropped off in La Crucecita, which is downtown Huatulco, when you arrive.

How to Get From Zipolite to Huatulco

FAQs: Taking The Bus From Zipolite to Huatulco

I’ve set out below some frequently asked questions and answers about how to get from Zipolite to Huatulco by bus.

How Much Is The Bus From Zipolite to Huatulco?

Prices range from around US$10 to US$20, depending on whether you take a taxi or the colectivo from Zipolite to San Pedro Pochutla.

Which Buses Run From Zipolite to Huatulco?

OCC (Omnibús Cristobal Colón) is one of the largest operators in Oaxaca and will take you from San Pedro Pochutla to Huatulco. To get to San Pedro Pochutla, you’ll need to take a taxi or the colectivo.

Check out ClickBus or Busbud for deals on buses from San Pedro Pochutla to Huatulco.

What is the Travel Time?

Travel time is 1.5 – 2 hours.

What is the Distance From Zipolite to Huatulco?

The bus route is approximately 35 miles (56 km) from Zipolite to Huatulco.

Which Bus Stations Do I Use?

If you take a taxi, you’ll be picked up at your hotel.

If you use the colectivo, you’ll need to wave one down that is heading eastbound on highway 200. They’ve easy to spot and will usually have “Pochutla” or something similar written on the windshield.

In either case, you’ll be dropped off at the OCC Bus Terminal in San Pedro Pochutla on highway 175, and you can then take the first class bus from there.

In Huatulco, you’ll arrive at the ADO Terminal on Blvrd Chahue, which is in La Crucecita, the downtown area of Huatulco.

Are The Buses Comfortable?

The buses are modern and air-conditioned, and the seats are comfortable semi-recliners.

There is no WiFi, though, so download everything you need before you leave the hotel.

Is It Safe To Travel By Bus?

Yes, it’s safe to travel by colectivo and by bus provided you take basis precautions.

Most importantly, keep your belongings with you at all times and keep your valuables out of sight.

How to Get From Zipolite to Huatulco

What Are The Best Things To Do In Huatulco?

Huatulco is home to nine separate bays and 36 beaches, so as you might imagine, there are plenty of great things to do.

One of the best things to do is definitely a tour of the beautiful bays and beaches.  Some of them, like Playa La Entrega, are a little harder to access by land, so a tour is a practical as well as fun way to see the area.

There are lots of other fun things to do on the water.  In addition to swimming, you can go snorkelling, scuba-diving, kayaking or stand-up paddle-boarding on the water in the bays. 

Outside of the water, you can explore La Crucecita, which is essentially downtown Huatulco, and Santa Cruz Huatulco, which is where the large cruise ships dock.  There are great local markets where you can shop for textiles and fresh local food, and there are also some lovely old churches as well.

Almost all of the activities available are suitable for children, so it’s also a great place to visit as a family. For a small beach town, Huatulco really is full of great things to do and you’ll have no trouble filling the hours.

How to Get From Zipolite to Huatulco

Where Are The Best Places To Stay In Huatulco?

When you make it to Huatulco, the next obvious question will be where do you stay? Even though Huatulco is quite small in terms of population, it has a great range of accommodations in its various bays.

If you’re looking for luxury resorts, you have lots of options. There are several different bays where large resort complexes have been developed.

If you’re travelling as a couple, I think the adults-only Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa is one of your best options. It’s set in the beautiful Bahía Conejos and has a stunning pool area leading right down onto a huge beach.

If you’re travelling with a family, you have a few great options in neighbouring Bahía Tangolunda. Both Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa and Hotel Las Brisas Huatulco are family-friendly all-inclusive hotels with fantastic facilities.

For options in Santa Cruz Huatulco that are a little cheaper, Hotel Villa Blanca Huatulco and Quinta Bella Huatulco are both beautiful and very centrally-located.

As to budget options, the most popular hostel is Hostal Azul y Blanco. It offers dorms and private rooms, a communal kitchen, a salsa night, movie night, and can also connect you with local tour operators to help you see Huatulco.

How to Get From Zipolite to Huatulco

When is the Best Time to Visit Huatulco?

If you live in northern latitudes, you’re probably used to four defined seasons.  However, the more equatorial parts of the world like the state of Oaxaca don’t really follow this model. 

Instead, in Huatulco, there are really only two distinctive seasons, which are a dry season and a rainy season. The dry season runs from December to the end of April and the rainy season runs from June through to October.

The average maximum temperature doesn’t fluctuate much throughout the year.  You can expect a fairly constant maximum of 85°F (30°C), with lower temperatures during the dry season.

Unsurprisingly, the dryer, cooler weather of the dry season means that it’s the most popular time for tourists. If you can put up with the occasional deluge, you’ll get better rates in the rainy season. 

How to Get From Zipolite to Huatulco

What Should I Pack To Go To Huatulco?

Before you travel from Zipolite to Huatulco, you’ll need to know what to pack.

Huatulco has warm days all year round, averaging a maximum of 85°F (30°C) cooling off to 69.5°F (20.5°C) at night. On that basis, other than a jacket for the evenings, I’d leave the warm clothes at home. 

If you travel during the rainy season from June to October, you can expect some rain, so you’ll want to buy a fold-up umbrella when you arrive.  After a downpour, it can get a little humid, so you should also have a few more changes of clothes in case you get sweaty.

You’ll do a lot of walking in Huatulco, so bring or buy a comfortable pair of walking shoes and a hat for the sun.  It should go without saying, but obviously bring your swimwear, because you’ll want to spend at least a few days enjoying the beautiful beaches.

You should also be aware that there are also mosquitoes in Huatulco and it will be too hot to cover up entirely.  Mosquito repellent and anti-itch creams can be hard to come by, so I recommend that you bring some with you.  

How to Get From Zipolite to Huatulco

Final Thoughts

So, you now know how to get from Zipolite to Huatulco using various methods. Traveling from Zipolite to Huatulco is an experience you won’t quickly forget.

You’ll get to see the beautiful Mexican countryside, especially as you head inland toward the mountain ranges and past the national park just before reaching Huatulco.

Your options to get there are many, and all of them viable. Choose the one that most takes your fancy, and have an amazing time in Huatulco!