After Oaxaca we decided to head back to the Pacific Coast for a few days at the beach. The drive was only 260kms but it took 7 hours including a stop for lunch. This was because it was a fairly narrow twisty road with lots of topes (speed bumps) all along the way. Also we went up from 1500m to 3000m and then all the way back to sea level. The scenery was very varied but in the mountains it poured with rain.

Right at the end we had to pass through a small town. We were heading down the Main Street when it was closed due to a market so we followed the cars down the back streets. The truck though is a bit bigger than your average car so it was really tight. We had almost made it back onto the main road but there was a parked car right on the corner. We managed to edge the truck through with only an inch to spare on each side.

We eventually arrived at lovely Playa Zipolite and pulled into the campground at the Rancho Los Mangoes hotel. The weather was so different at seal level. Very tropical and humid.

We spent the next couple of days relaxing. Walking along the beautiful beach and running in the surf. The waves were too rough for swimming and there were some bad rip rides so we stayed at the waters edge. We were able to swim in the hotel swimming pool though.

Zipilote is a really laid back place, more of a backpackers beach really. However it is also famous in Mexico as it is one of the few nudist beaches in the country. Fortunately most of the people on the beach are clothed and the ones that were not probably should have been. Interestingly Alisha and Lucy did not seem to notice the odd person walking along the beach with it all hanging out.

While we were there we went out for 2 lovely dinners, right on the sea front with our feet in the sand. This gave us a great view for sunset.

We reluctantly left after 3 nights. We were aiming for San Cristobel de las Casas but it is too far to drive in one day. So after 400kms we pulled into El Parador Autohotel, which is a kind of motel with a few camping spaces, in Arriaga. The weather has changed again. It is still warm although not as hot as Zipolite but it is also very windy as this part of Mexico is notorious for its strong winds. Still we are only here for one night and we should make it to San Cristobel de las Casas tomorrow.