As many nudists already know, Mexico offers an abundance of resorts where you can get naked anytime of the year. Surprisingly, Mexico has only one beach where nude bathing is approved: Zipolite, on the picturesque Pacific coast of Oaxaca state, far from any big tourist resorts.

December is the best time to visit this still largely wild area of the country, when nudi-tourists fill Zipolite. Most fly down from California, landing at Puerto Escondido , a small city renown for its surfing, or Huatulco, then renting a vehicle to make their way east. At Zipolite, there are several restaurants, shacks really, right on the beach, as well as El Solstice, a yoga school that also offers simple “palapa” lodging. To enjoy the excellent snorkeling and diving in the area, look for a reputable company that will take you to the best and safest diving spots.

While Zipolite is the ideal place to make a naked escape from the rat race, be weary of leaving anything valuable unattended and also be mindful of the dangerous currents that have reaped their share of souls — Zipolite actually means “beach of the dead” in the Mayan language! There’s also a bit of a drug problem that lingers from the hippie days. September is the low season, even if the weather is still hot, and the beach is virtually empty during this period.