In short
The 2026 Zipolite Nudist Festival (11th edition) runs January 29 to February 1, 2026, on Zipolite beach in the municipality of San Pedro Pochutla, Oaxaca. Clothing is optional, respect is mandatory. KORU does not operate in Zipolite yet: join the Zipolite waitlist; in the meantime, KORU operates nearby, in Puerto Escondido.
What is the Zipolite Nudist Festival really about?
The festival was born in 2016, the same year the municipality of San Pedro Pochutla legalized nudity on the beach: since then, Zipolite has been Mexico's first and only legally recognized nudist beach (Wikipedia — Playa Zipolite). It is organized by the Nudist Federation of Mexico together with the Zipolite Hoteliers Association and the municipality, with support from Oaxaca's tourism ministry (Sedetur). It is not a show or a spectacle: it is a celebration of bodily freedom where travelers from around the world, couples, families and locals coexist under one agreement of respect and no leering.
In 2024, the Congress of the State of Oaxaca declared Zipolite beach "Biocultural Heritage and the only nudist beach in Oaxaca" by decree (Ciudadanía Express). Zipolite sits in the municipality of San Pedro Pochutla, between Huatulco and Puerto Escondido: a strip of golden sand about 2 km long and 40 m wide (Wikipedia). All of this makes the festival more than a party: it is a meeting point with its own legal status on the Oaxaca coast.
When is it and how many people attend?
The festival takes place every year on the last weekend of January or the first of February, so it does not generically fall "in February". The 11th edition runs January 29 to February 1, 2026 (El Universal Oaxaca); the 10th edition ran January 30 to February 2, 2025, confirmed by Oaxaca's tourism ministry (Sedetur/Sectur). The 2025 edition reported more than 4,000 attendees according to the Zipolite Hoteliers Association and Oaxaca's tourism ministry (NVI Noticias). Book your lodging weeks ahead: the town fills up.
Golden rules
Nudity is optional; respect is not. No photos without explicit consent, not even "from afar". Respect personal space, avoid invasive staring, and remember any physical contact must be clear and voluntary. Zero harassment. Come with openness and a wish to share without judgment, and Zipolite welcomes you with open arms.
How to get there from Puerto Escondido
Zipolite is about 65-70 km from Puerto Escondido via Federal Highway 200. By private transport the trip takes roughly 54 minutes to 1.25 hours (YoTeLlevo estimates 70.5 km and ~54 min; Puerto Escondido MX calculates ~1 to 1.25 h), and around 1.5 h by colectivo, which departs every 30-45 minutes from 6:00 to 19:00. Along the way it shares a corridor with San Agustinillo, very close, and Mazunte, 3 km to the west, both with calmer waters: perfect for stringing together the Zicatela–Zipolite–San Agustinillo–Mazunte route.
“We don't operate in Zipolite yet, but we do very close by, in Puerto Escondido. Join the Zipolite waitlist and we'll let you know as soon as we have vehicles there; in the meantime, the coast is yours to explore at your own pace from Puerto Escondido.”
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Frequently asked questions
The 11th edition runs January 29 to February 1, 2026, in San Pedro Pochutla, Oaxaca (El Universal Oaxaca). The festival takes place every year on the last weekend of January or the first of February; it does not generically fall "in February". The 10th edition ran January 30 to February 2, 2025.
No, clothing is optional. Many people take part in swimwear, a sarong or light clothes and set their own pace. What is mandatory is respect: no photos without explicit consent, no invasive staring, no harassment. Any physical contact must be clear and voluntary at all times.
Since 2016, when the municipality of San Pedro Pochutla legalized nudity and the festival was born. Zipolite is Mexico's first and only legally recognized nudist beach. In 2024, the Congress of Oaxaca declared it Biocultural Heritage and the state's only nudist beach by decree.
It is about 65-70 km via Federal Highway 200: roughly 54 minutes to 1.25 hours by private transport, and around 1.5 hours by colectivo, which departs every 30-45 minutes. With a car or quad rented in Puerto Escondido you can go and return at your own pace.
Nude yoga at sunrise on Shambala beach, walks, body paint, photography classes, massage workshops, nudist volleyball, calendas, community dinners, concerts and beach clean-up days. Most are free; some are paid, such as the boat rides on the Pacific along the coast.
Not yet. KORU operates very close by, in Puerto Escondido, the ideal base for the Zicatela–Zipolite–San Agustinillo–Mazunte corridor. Rent your car, jeep or quad there and reach the festival at your own pace. Message us on WhatsApp to join the Zipolite waitlist.
Zipolite shows that true freedom lies not only in the clothes you wear, but in the roads you choose to travel. Go with an open mind, a calm heart and deep respect for those who share the sand with you. KORU does not operate in Zipolite yet, but it does nearby, in Puerto Escondido: send us your dates and join the waitlist; we'll let you know as soon as we have vehicles for Zipolite. Confirm insurance, deposit and fees with KORU before booking.