Mazunte is a small town on the Pacific coast in Oaxaca. It is home to an impressive turtle museum, the National Mexican Turtle Centre. The museum was opened in September 1991 to help the local economy since the turtle and turtle egg trade, which the area had previously relied on, was made illegal. There are two beautiful beaches surrounded by rocky outcrops. The water is azure blue, with big waves, but still great for swimming. The sunset is best seen at Punta Cometa, the most southern point of Oaxaca, that is within walking distance of Mazunte. Mazunte's gorgeous beach and the allure of its sea turtle museum and nesting grounds have contributed to Mazunte's reputation as a travel stop among backpackers - and created a booming market for cheap bars and accommodations for the shoe-string travel set. Mazunte is also just a short drive from the nude beaches of long-time hippie destination Zipolite.