Mazunte… chilling 60’s style

Not far from our last stop, about half way up from Huatulco to Puerto Escondido, is the now well-known village of Mazunte.

Mazunte was very isolated with only a bit of subsistence fishing and farming until the mid 20th century when turtle meat and eggs became very marketable. By the ’70’s a turtle slaughterhouse became a magnet for workers resulting in a significant growth in population.

Not exactly camping but our abode is as close to it as we plan to get. In the heart of town this rustic, tropical spot grew on us quickly. The daily makings of coffee delivered to our door each morning by our host, Javier, helped.

A national, outright ban on turtle meat and eggs trade changed things in the early 90’s resulting in diversification. Huge decreases in turtle populations began to reverse.

Today the town has signifiant alternative initiatives including restocking the sea with newly released baby turtles of the species Golfina.

Our favourite time for swimming at the beach is before mid morning when the youth are still getting over the night before and the pelicans seem to be as well (they float around asleep).

One day we decide we need a good walk. We head down a road in a less touristy area, happy to see some local homes and country.

We are in awe at these cypress trees. They are very fast growing reaching 70 feet in 30 years with a spread of about 30 feet.

We wander further along a narrowing dirt road enjoying the peace other than construction sounds of the odd building project. Then suddenly a dog comes out towards us barking its head off. One is okay. But his bark is the cue for five or so others that come charging. We start grabbing stones and sticks to warn them off, moving along not turning out backs. They do not follow. Phew.

Still we don’t want to have to go back the same way so continue along the road. It leads us uphill to a dead end: some kind of small crop. No way through. We plot or way out: tip toe by the first dog and hope he has little time to give the others warning.

I am here to tell the tale so our method worked although there were some testy moments.

It wasn’t until later that I shared with Diane personal accounts of mine and friend’s regarding dealing with Mexican packs of dogs. They can be nasty.

Celebrating our survival we enjoy a wonderful meal at an Argentinean restaurant… All socially distanced.

The town has started to celebrate as well however.

Okay, there are a lot of unmasked youth in town. Just keep away from us. Well now there is a celebration about to happen: The popular three day festivity in commemoration of the Saint Patron of Esquipulas. (Huge Red Puppet, above).

Our BnB hosts warns us that our timing is good. We leave Sat (as he is) but Fri night things have already started up.

But our visit has been a good one.

In addition to tourism, turtle education, eco-trips the town has an interesting women’s cooperative business we visited: Mazunte Natural Products Cooperative.

The concept was promoted by Anita Rodik, founder of The Body Shop, English company that provided formulas to create beauty items with products that are grown in the area.

Products include the use of lemon, lime, coconut, beeswax, avocado, and many local herbs.

Our six days in Mazunte includes exploring neighbouring San Agustinillo. At the end of the day, the area of a fun pit stop but we are ready for Puerto!