Santiago Astata, Mexico

Surf & Culture Trip: Ride waves & support coastal communities in Southern Mexico.

4.8
(10 reviews)10

Go beyond the typical surf trip. This is a full immersion into the authentic soul of the Oaxacan coast. You'll spend your days catching waves on untouched beaches, hiking stunning dunes, and connecting deeply with the local community. Learn traditional cooking, try hammock weaving, and share stories around a bonfire. This experience is designed to support local families directly, offering a genuine connection to the people, the landscape, and the culture of this remarkable part of Mexico.

  • Wellness & Cultural Immersion

  • Camping

  • Requires Fluent English or Beginner Spanish

  • 8 days

  • Up to 14 travelers

Joaquin Maciel
Worldpackers host since Mar/2024

Starting from

US$ 2,024 for 8 days (US$ 253/day)

Check dates & prices

Starting from US$ 2,024
8 days 4.8
Check dates & prices

Available dates

Dec/20/2027 Dec/27/2027

  • Coming soon

More dates available soon

Dates to book this experience for 2026 and 2027 will be available soon, stay tuned!

Show more

Starting from

US$ 2,024

Itinerary

The activities in this itinerary and their order can be adjusted according to seasonality and the needs of the project.

What's included

Pre-trip support

Our support team is available via WhatsApp and email to provide quick answers to any questions you may have.

Comprehensive Program Guide

Get a complete and trustworthy go-to guide with travel logistics, destination highlights, full itinerary, host info, safety tips, and more.

Pre-trip preparation checklist

Get immediate access to a checklist outlining the essential steps you must take to prepare for a safe journey, with no surprises along the way.

Local guidance and support on the ground

Connect with grassroots hosts, passionate, reliable, and rooted in their communities.

7 Nights Accommodation

7 nights in a cozy shared dorm or bungalow.

3 Daily Meals

All-inclusive meals: featuring authentic Mexican cuisine prepared by a local chef.

Airport Pick-Up Included

Included pickup transfer from the designated meeting point; Huatulco International Airport (HUX), directly to the project site.

Guided Expeditions & Cultural Tours

All guided expeditions from the itinerary, including hikes, beach walks, and cultural tours to local villages.

Surf Lessons

Hit the waves with 7 guided surf sessions included in your trip. Whether you're a total beginner or refining your skills, our local instructors will get you riding. All equipment is provided.

Oaxacan Cooking Workshop

Learn the secrets of authentic regional food. This hands-on workshop, led by a local chef, will teach you to prepare traditional dishes—which you'll then get to eat for lunch!

What's not included

Flight tickets and info

Visas and documentation

Travel Insurance

Requirements

  • Fluent English or Beginner Spanish
  • Over 18 years old

Activities

See the activities that will make your trip into an epic adventure.

Learning opportunities

Contribute to your project and make a positive impact while developing new skills.

Immersion activities

Get to know the local culture and have an authentic travel experience with activities included in your itinerary.

Extra activities

Additional activities for you to enjoy this adventure even more in your free time.


Videos

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10 Reviews

4.8

Canada

5

Joaquin, Gabby, Ricardo & Sergio — thank you for this beautiful experience. From the surfing lessons to the incredible food, clean rooms, and community projects, everything felt so meaningful. As a beginner surfer, I never expected to get up on a board, but Joaquin taught me how to truly read the waves. Making street signs and piñatas for local children made this trip so special. I’ve travelled a lot, but this experience left a mark on my heart forever. Stevie — thank you for being so amazing. I’m so grateful to leave this trip with not just a travel buddy but a true friend 🌊
xx

6 months ago

Canada

5

This trip was an amazing experience. Joaquin and Ricardo were amazing hosts and made us feel very at home. Gabby’s cooking was some of the best food I have ever had. I will be back!!

6 months ago

Canada

5

I had the most amazing time! Ricardo and Joaquin made this week one to remember. I loved all the activities we did. The star of the show was Gabys cooking, it was some of the most incredible food I’ve ever had in my life! One of my favourite parts of this experience is how immersed we were in the community for the week. Living with the hosts families and meeting their friends was something I will char ish forever. This was such a special experience I cannot wait to go back.

6 months ago

Canada

4

I had a nice experience, great food and comfortable accommodations,
Surf lessons with Ricardo and overall activities with the host were amazing. Our travel buddy Steve was very professional navigating all questions and relaying daily activities.

6 months ago

New Zealand

5

Joaquin, Gabby and Kirra are super accommodating during your stay at the camping, they help out a great deal to make the stay as comfortable as possible. Cooking meals together was a highlight. They really want to share their special place they call home. The location is remote and living conditions can be difficult, but with the isolation comes disconnection with nature, great uncrowded surf (empty lineups at dawn/dusk) and stunning vistas. If you enjoy spending time in nature and away from the hustle n bustle and have a passion for surfing the camping is for you!

over 2 years ago

New Zealand

5

We had such an amazing time at the camping. Joaquin was an amazing host to us and many more people we met along the way, going above and beyond to make our time there seamless and as enjoyable as possible. What has been/is being created at this beautiful place is a must see and do! I have learnt so much through Joaquin's knowledge for the area and would not have had the same experience without him and his partner Gabi. Thank you both so much for this time, we will be back asap!!

over 2 years ago

Accommodation options

Shared Rooms (single beds)

Stay cool and comfortable in this 2-person, mixed-gender dorm. This room offers the convenience of air conditioning and the privacy of your own en-suite bathroom, providing a perfect retreat after a long day of surfing.

6 bedrooms 6 bathrooms
  • No laundry machine, but there's a free laundry space
  • Internet (over 100 Mbps)
  • Use our equipped kitchen
  • Surfboards
  • Dedicated Workspace

Shared Rooms (single beds)

This 2-person, mixed-gender dorm is equipped with air conditioning to keep you comfortable. You'll have access to a clean, shared bathroom, balancing modern comfort with the communal spirit of a mexican's home.

0 bedrooms 0 bathrooms
  • No laundry machine, but there's a free laundry space
  • Internet (over 100 Mbps)
  • Use our equipped kitchen
  • Surfboards
  • Dedicated Workspace

Shared Rooms (single beds)

For a truly authentic local experience, choose this 2-person, mixed-gender traditional bungalow. Embrace the coastal lifestyle with a fan to keep you cool and a mosquito net for a comfortable rest. This room uses the shared bathroom facilities.

0 bedrooms 0 bathrooms
  • No laundry machine, but there's a free laundry space
  • Internet (over 100 Mbps)
  • Use our equipped kitchen
  • Surfboards
  • Dedicated Workspace

Meals

Get ready for the gastronomic delights of Oaxaca. Meals are prepared by a talented local chef who specializes in crafting traditional Oaxacan dishes with a modern twist, using fresh, local ingredients. Expect mouth-watering fish tacos, fresh ceviches, delicious moles, and cochinita pibil. Breakfasts are a vibrant start to the day with fresh tropical fruits, natural juices, and classics like chilaquiles. This experience is vegan-friendly, vegetarian-friendly, and can accommodate lactose-free diets.

Included meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Dietary restrictions
Vegetarian friendly
Vegan friendly

Arrival orientation

Arrive at Huatulco International Airport (HUX) and connect with your driver for a direct transfer to the project site. A direct return shuttle back to Huatulco Airport is also included at departure. Full details are in your program guide once your spot is confirmed!

Pickup included
Huatulco International Airport (HUX)

About the project

Hosted by Joaquin Maciel
4.8
(10 reviews)10

Your host is a local surfer, born and raised on this stretch of the Oaxacan coast. Growing up in a fishing village, he developed a deep connection to the ocean. With over 15 years of experience as a surf guide, his true mission is to create sustainable opportunities by involving local communities in tourism. This project was founded in 2020 from a desire to share the magic of his homeland—untouched beaches and authentic culture—while ensuring that tourism respects the natural environment and directly benefits the local people. The team speaks both Spanish and English.

Languages spoken in this project
English, Spanish
How long does it exist
6 years
Worldpackers host
Since Mar/2024

About the destination

This experience is rooted in a small, authentic coastal community in Oaxaca, Southern Mexico. This is not a tourist hub; it's a place to experience the real, everyday life of the region. The pace here is beautifully calm, where mornings start with the sound of the waves and evenings are for sharing food and stories. Travelers should know that connectivity can be limited, but this is part of the magic—an opportunity to truly disconnect, relax, and live in tune with nature and the ocean.

Local currency
Mexican Peso (MXN)
Timezone
GMT-6

Impact & Purpose

This project tackles the lack of real economic opportunities for local communities, who are often bypassed by large tourism corporations. The goal is to create a sustainable, community-based tourism model that ensures locals are active participants and beneficiaries. Travelers are key to this mission. By choosing this experience, you directly support a responsible travel model that values local culture and nature. Your participation strengthens the local economy by ensuring the benefits remain with the families and artisans of the region.

This host contributes to Sustainable Development Goals


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