Discover Maruata Beach in Michoacan: Sun, Sand, and Serenity
Discover Maruata Beach in Michoacan: Sun, Sand, and Serenity
The coastline of Michoacán extends for over 200 km, along which are scattered beautiful pristine and semi-pristine beaches that are gaining recognition as a tourist destination.
Amongst this vast array of beaches, one particularly stands out for its natural beauty, picturesque landscapes, stunning sunsets, and tranquility.
I am referring to Maruata, a captivating beach where you can either spend a day or, perhaps, indulge in a relaxing and enjoyable vacation along the Michoacan coast.
The Michoacan coast is one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets. In this paradise, little explored by tourism is Maruata, considered by many as its most beautiful beach.
While Maruata is far from the luxurious allure of the coastal destinations in the Mexican Caribbean, it maintains the charm of locations untouched by humans.
Consequently, if you enjoy exploring places where nature takes center stage, Maruata is the perfect choice.
The name Maruata means “where there are beautiful beaches,” a term that honors this piece of land in Michoacán.
Visiting Maruata Beach in Michoacan is an excellent plan to do as a couple, with friends, family, or alone.
However you choose to travel, the experience will leave you with unique stories to tell and beautiful photographs to show.
Where is Maruata Beach, Michoacan?
Maruata Beach is on the Pacific coast, at kilometer 150 of the highway that runs along the coast of Michoacan.
It is about 880 km from Mexico City (about 10 hours by road) and almost 170 km from Lázaro Cárdenas, where many tourists usually arrive.
Getting to Maruata
Getting to Maruata by car from Morelia, the state capital, is not the best plan, as it is about 7 hours by road.
However, if you choose to travel this way, you should first go to Calzada La Huerta until you find the signs of Santa Clara del Cobre.
Further on, at km 218, you will see the detour to Lázaro Cárdenas. Once you arrive at this port city, take Federal Highway 200, which runs along the entire Michoacan coast.
The fastest option is to fly from Mexico City to Lázaro Cárdenas and then rent a car or take a bus to Maruata, which takes about 4 hours.
To access this beautiful beach you have to go towards the sea and cross a small community with a rustic atmosphere.
After crossing a small forest, a fascinating environment will appear before your eyes: green meadows, a sandy riverbed with clear water rivers, and small islands with aquatic plants around the beach.
7 things to see and do in Maruata Beach
There is not much to do in Maruata, other than relax and enjoy the environment that opens up around you.
In other words, the best plan is to relax, enjoy its crystal clear turquoise waters, walk along its golden sandy coastline, or lie down and read a book.
However, if you are the type of traveler who prefers to go with a more planned “routine,” here is a list of the main things you can see and do in this paradise.
1. Waterfowl watching
Maruata Beach has an extensive sandy area separated into sections by huge rock formations.
Another of its peculiarities is that two lagoons formed by the current of the Escobillero and Chipana streams flow into it.
The union of fresh and saltwater generates a favorable ecosystem for the arrival of marine birds.
Therefore, it is possible to see flamingos, herons, pelicans, and other species flitting along the beach and among the rocks. Hence, ecotourists consider Maruata a sanctuary of enormous value.
2. Take photos of Maruata’s famous “Dedo de Dios”
These enormous rocks form a sort of “fence” on Maruata Beach giving a certain intimacy to the environment (hence it is frequented by people who practice nudism).
Among these formations, one that stands out is the most famous postcard of the beach.
It is a pointed cliff that rises in the middle of the turquoise sea, known as the “finger of God” (since it seems to point to the sky). However, it is only one of the many natural wonders of this beach.
When the tide is low, the more restless tourists like to climb the rocks on the far right side of Maruata.
3. Explore the three bays that form Maruata
The rock formations separate Maruata into three bays that are bathed by calm, turquoise waters.
If you like swimming, the ideal is to look for the one with the calmest waters, so you can enjoy this activity without problems.
The beach is also frequented by surfers since some stretches of the coast have waves suitable for it.
The beach located to the east is the longest of the three. It is crescent-shaped and about 3 km long, so you will always have a place to stand.
This area has calm waves and is perfect for swimming or snorkeling and discovering the seabed.
The beach to the west is also known as the Beach of the Dead, as it has a strong swell and dangerous currents. So if you are looking to enjoy Maruata on a surfboard, this is the place.
4. Take a dip in a natural jacuzzi
Other activities you can enjoy doing in Maruata are horseback riding and boat rides. Regarding the latter, you should know that the beach is full of nooks and crannies that form natural pools.
Therefore, an excellent plan is to hire a boat ride that will take you to the famous natural jacuzzi hidden among the rocks, where you can take a bath immersed in nature.
These areas are also ideal for snorkeling and discovering marine life.
5. Find serenity at Maruata Viejo
Maruata Viejo is about a 30-minute walk from the main Maruata site and is home to a small bay perfectly protected, formed by a set of three coves and a large beach.
It boasts an unspoiled environment, in which there are no hotels or restaurants, only camping sites and palapas that offer Mexican delicacies.
One of the best things to do in Maruata Viejo is to hire a boat excursion and visit other beaches in the region, diving or sport fishing.
6. Experience turtle release activities
Every year thousands of olive ridley, black, and leatherback turtles (one of the largest in the world) come to the coasts of Michoacán to lay their eggs.
This natural phenomenon of enormous value is protected and, generally, the indigenous communities that inhabit the region manage the sanctuaries where they ensure that the turtles can complete this annual cycle.
In this sense, the calm and turquoise waters of Maruata favor the arrival of these three species to the beach, especially the black turtle, and turn it into a true sanctuary.
The turtles come to the coast to lay their eggs, which are transferred to safe places where they are protected from predators. Once the eggs hatch, thousands and thousands of hatchlings slowly make their way to the sea.
As a tourist, you are welcome to participate in this exciting event and learn all about sea turtle preservation.
7. Enjoy fresh seafood
Another of the best experiences you can have in Maruata is to delight yourself with its gastronomy, whose main protagonists are fresh seafood.
To try these dishes you can go to the simple restaurants around the main square of the community or in the thatched huts on the beach.
The specialties that you should not miss are the local Pacific lobster, ceviche, and other local delicacies.
Where to stay in Maruata Michoacan
Maruata Beach is an outstanding place for camping.
That is, rather than staying in hotels, camping is the main form of lodging in this destination.
Thus, many families or groups of friends come to the place and rent spaces under the palapas distributed at various points of the beach, or simple rustic cabins that provide food and restrooms.
The camping experience in Maruata is highly recommended, especially when the sky is clear and offers an incredible show of stars. This is possible thanks to the low light pollution on the beach, which allows the nights to be truly unique.
Traveler’s tip: the best place to camp is the beach on the left, which has easy and quick access to most of the restaurants in the area and is the sector where most travelers stay. As far as possible, try not to isolate yourself too much and guarantee your safety.
However, if you prefer to stay in a less rugged way, there is a lodging center built by the community of Maruata.
In turn, on a small hill near the beach, there are some picturesque ecological cabins, with all the services and an unbeatable view of the bays.
How much does it cost to go to Maruata?
Maruata is a destination perfectly suited for travelers on a budget.
For example, bus transportation from the city of Lázaro Cárdenas to the beach costs approximately 100 pesos (about 6 USD).
On the other hand, if you want to rent one of the ecological cabins in the mountains surrounding the beach, you can do so for about 400 pesos a night (25 USD).
If you want to spend less, remember that camping is a beautiful and much cheaper experience. The camping service costs about 50 pesos (3 USD) per person and includes the use of showers.
Food is another thing where you can save a few dollars. The restaurants in Maruata are actually rustic palapas that offer dishes such as grilled fish or lobster fresh from the sea at very reasonable prices.
Other expenses you may have in Maruata include renting a surfboard, which costs around 70 pesos per day (4 USD).
Regarding the price of boat rides, they are usually negotiated with the locals, although they are not excessive either.
Other Beaches nearby
One of the closest beaches to Maruata is Colola, a virgin and extremely clean sandy beach with some cabins to spend the night, palapas that prepare typical dishes, and stalls that sell the best handicrafts of the region.
Like Maruata, Colola Beach is one of the most important ecotourism destinations in Michoacán.
In fact, it is another valuable sea turtle nesting site and, along with Maruata, is one of the most important nesting sites on the planet.
Seventy percent of the black sea turtle breeding population nests at Colola Beach, making it a unique opportunity to witness the nesting of this rare species that only inhabits Mexican waters.
Colola Beach is located in the municipality of Aquila, just 8 km from Maruata.
To get there you have to take Federal Highway 200 and drive for a few minutes. Once there you will find a beach open to the sea and flanked by rocky outcrops at both ends.
Maruata Beach, Michoacan: Conclusion
In conclusion, Maruata Beach in Michoacán is a hidden gem that promises an unforgettable escape into sun-soaked bliss, pristine sands, and a serene atmosphere.
This coastal haven beckons to those seeking a respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and tranquility.
Whether you’re a sun worshipper, a nature enthusiast, or simply someone yearning for a peaceful retreat, Maruata Beach has it all.
From the rhythmic waves of the Pacific to the golden hues of the sunset, every moment spent here is a celebration of the simple joys of life.
So, pack your bags, leave your worries behind, and immerse yourself in the magic of Maruata Beach—an idyllic haven where sun, sand, and serenity converge to create an experience that lingers in your heart long after you’ve left its shores.
