Santa María Colotepec offers several very different reasons to visit: a ruined church in the town center, two annual celebrations in the municipality, the surf area of Zicatela, and nature excursions among mangroves, lagoons, and other ecosystems. For planning, it helps to choose your focus first. A visit driven by historical interest draws attention to the town center; a festival date, waves and nature, or the Reto Alacrán raises different questions about timing and what to include. This makes it possible to find suitable accommodation based on what you want your trip to be about, rather than trying to squeeze every theme into a single itinerary.
A historical landmark in the town center
In the town center of Santa María Colotepec is a ruined church dating from 1880. The building provides a precise historical anchor for anyone interested in the town’s history: the place and the year are directly linked. As a ruined church, it is a distinct landmark for the cultural part of a trip. It is important to keep the geographical distinction in mind: the church is in the town center, while several other topics relate to the municipality.
Festivals with different occasions
A Catholic festival honoring the town’s patron saint, Santa María Natividad, is held every year on September 8 in the municipality. The founding of Santa María Colotepec is also celebrated annually, on February 27. The two dates mark different occasions: the September celebration centers on the town’s patron saint, while the February date commemorates its founding. If you are planning your trip around one of these festivals, check the latest event information in advance.
Zicatela and nature in the municipality
Zicatela, an internationally known surf area with large waves and a lively atmosphere, is located in the municipality. Wave conditions are seasonal and changeable; if Zicatela is the deciding factor for your trip, take the time of year into account when planning.
Nature-based activities in the municipality include exploring mangroves, lagoons, and other unique ecosystems. The protection of nature is also emphasized. A nature-focused stay is therefore about more than choosing a landscape: treating nature with respect is part of the experience too. Ecological conditions and access rules can change, so check the current access options before visiting.
Route distances for the Reto Alacrán
The Reto Alacrán includes a 24-kilometer recreational route for people who want to enjoy the landscape and a shared experience without the pressure of competition. The full route for the 2026 edition is 58 kilometers long. Steep descents, challenging climbs, rocky trails, and nature-rich sections test endurance and technical skills. The two route distances therefore differ in both length and description: the recreational route focuses on enjoying the landscape together without competitive pressure, while the full route tests endurance and technical ability. The 58-kilometer distance applies to the 2026 edition; later editions may differ. Check the route details for the relevant edition if the Reto Alacrán is the reason for your trip.
Discover more destinations: Cuajimoloyas, San Pedro Pochutla, Puerto Escondido, Santa María Huatulco, San Jerónimo Tlacochahuaya, San Felipe Usila, Santa María Chimalapa, San Pablo Villa De Mitla.
For the broader travel overview: Oaxaca.
