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If you’re looking to learn about or explore Puerto Escondido in 2024 and don’t know where to begin then this guide is for you. The purpose of this guide is to answer all your questions and where the answers aren’t within this guide we’ll aim to redirect you to where you’ll find the answer.
Although it has been carefully constructed to assist you to the best of our ability if you find you’re still looking for answers or would rather chat with us, feel free to contact us or chat with us in the Whatsapp chat bubble at the bottom right corner of the screen.
Our team is passionate about Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, and will be more than happy to assist you regardless of what it is you’re looking for.
Located in Oaxaca on the Pacific coast of Mexico, Puerto Escondido is a small beach town approximately 800 kilometers southeast of Mexico City.
The destination has been a thriving spot for tourists for many years and it is the most populated city on the Oaxacan coast.
Its popularity has grown significantly in recent years with Airbnb going as far as to list it as one of the top ten summer destinations.
The destination is very popular with the likes of surfers, backpackers, and families flocking to explore the beauty of the Oaxacan destination.
The translation of Puerto Escondido is “Hidden Port” and the name originated from a legend of a pirate known as Andrew Drake.
The legend says that the pirates captured a young girl from Huatulco and brought her to the uninhabited beaches.
The young woman escaped from her cabin and jumped overboard before swimming to shore and hiding in the dense jungle.
On searching for the woman she was referred to as “La Escondida” and the area was given the name “Bay of the Hidden Woman” as they never were able to find her.
From the 20th century, the area became known as Puerto Escondido, and at the time it was a small fishing village known for exporting coffee.
Only in the 1930s did it become a proper town established as a commercial port and in 1960 a highway was built allowing the area to be connected to Oaxaca and Acapulco.
With the highway came surfers and the beginning of tourism in the area as the quiet Oaxacan beaches were and still are to this day some of the best in all of Mexico.
Depending on where you’re traveling to Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca from determines the method of transport that you’ll need to take in order to get here.
If you’re in Mexico already you can get the bus to Puerto from cities such as Mexico City, Oaxaca City, San Cristobal, or Guadalajara although it is usually recommended to fly.
With that being said the Puerto airport on 2024 still only has one terminal so to get here via plane the main cities you need to fly out of are Mexico City, Guadalajara, Tijuana and Monterrey.
International travelers are advised to first fly to Mexico City before flying to Puerto. A flight from Mexico City takes 1.5 hours and costs US $50 – $100.
For more flight connection options you may consider flying to Oaxaca City and then getting a bus to Puerto Escondido which will take approximately six and a half hours.
The Oaxacan town attracts visitors all year round however the ideal time of the year to visit Puerto is between the months of December and April.
During this time of year, the weather is great and there isn’t an excess of tourists which allows you more space and freedom to enjoy your time here without the crowd.
The busiest months are between January and March which is still a good time to visit with regard to the weather, however, you’ll be paying a premium on accommodation and dealing with the crowds.
The least desirable time to visit Puerto is between May and June as this is when the weather is hot and rainy which results in power outages and internet connection issues.
Normally people avoid this period however if your accommodation has air conditioning and a reliable internet connection then you’ll be able to enjoy the town with very limited crowds.
From exploring hidden beaches to swimming with dolphins, there is an abundance of exciting tours and other things to do in Puerto Escondido.
Within this guide Within this guide, we have broken down the things to do into different sections so as to help our readers find the best suggestions regardless of what their budget is.
There are a lot of things to do in Puerto Escondido that you can do without having to spend any money which makes it a desirable destination for travelers on all budgets.
The following things to do listed in this section won’t cost you anything apart from the transportation there and back if you don’t feel like walking.
Puerto Escondido has a plethora of gorgeous beaches to explore and they are definitely worthy of this list due to the fact that each beach is unique for its own reasons.
The most popular and famous beach is Playa Zicatela which is lined with some of the best restaurants in Puerto Escondido. This is the perfect beach if you are a keen surfer or want to watch a stunning Oaxacan sunset.
If you’re looking for something a little more exclusive and laid back we’d recommend Playa Coral which is located closer to Rinconada and is great for swimming. Regardless of whether you’re looking to play beach volleyball, grab a daybed, swim, or just kick back and relax there are multiple beach options to choose from.
One of the more scary yet exhilarating things to do in Puerto Escondido is to visit Laguna de Los Naranjos.
This small lagoon is a great place to go if you want to spot some crocodiles and a large variety of different bird species in the wild.
Located within La Barra, Laguna de Los Naranjos has some of the best nature that Puerto Escondido has to offer though we must issue extreme caution if you plan on visiting here as the lagoon is home to over 300 crocodiles and they’ll be watching you as much as you’re watching them.
Chingabal’e is a hidden gem that very few people know about and one of our personal favorite things to do in Puerto Escondido.
Located around the headland from the end of La Punta beach this spot is incredible for sunset especially if you climb up top.
This spot is rarely visited so sunsets can normally be exclusively enjoyed here as opposed to the La Punta crowds around the headland.
To get to Chingabal’e you can either do a short cliff climb/walk or wade around the edge of the headland when the tide is low.
There’s nobody who knows the best things to do in Puerto Escondido more than the locals do and if you’re looking for them you’ll be able to find them watching the sunset at Mirador Punta Colorada.
Although it can be a little difficult to get here via bike/scooter due to the fact that the roads are unsealed and very sandy at times, this is actually a good thing due to the fact fewer people bother going.
Though it can be difficult on a scooter it is by no means unreachable, just ensure to take your time. Alternatively, you can get a taxi or colectivo to the opposite side of the road from the airport and walk for 20 minutes.
Mercado Benito Juarez is one of the best markets in Puerto Escondido and it is by far the biggest and most popular.
Located in central Puerto, Mercado Benito Juarez is the perfect place to visit to buy clothing and/or gifts and to try some traditional Oaxacan food.
Some of the things to try here include the famous Oaxacan cheese and chapulines (salted grasshoppers).
One of the really cool free things to do in Puerto Escondido is to visit Mirador Las Tortugas which is located on the headland behind residential Rinconada.
Mirador Las Tortugas is a great spot for sunset and you can get here via scooter or taxi depending on how far away you’re staying.
If you’re looking for a little bit more of an adventure you can also get here by walking around the headland from either Playa Carrizalillo or Playa Coral though we wouldn’t recommend this unless you’re physically fit and a little more daring.
Located approximately one hour’s drive away from Puerto Escondido, Mazunte and Zipolite are must-visits if you have the time.
Mazunte is a small Oaxacan town that is known for having great surf as well as beautiful views. If you are confident on a bike or scooter we would recommend riding here as it is approximately 60 kilometers away.
Alternatively, you can take a collective here which will cost approximately 80 pesos each way. Punta Cometa is an absolute must-visit while in Mazunte and if you have the itinerary to suit we would recommend spending at least one night down there.
Seeing the dolphins and whales up close has to be one of the best things we would recommend doing in Puerto Escondido.
You’re almost guaranteed to see dolphins on a tour however if you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of a whale your best chance will be between December and March.
Although at times you can catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures from shore, there are a number of we’d normally recommend a boat trip as this will allow you to see them up close.
If you want to get in the water and swim with them we’d highly recommend going on a trip that offers this experience and provides masks.
Being in the water with thousands of dolphins swimming by has to be one of the best things to do in life in general, not only in Puerto Escondido.
Puerto Escondido is one of the top-rated surfing destinations in the world coming in at an impressive 8th position on CNN’s list.
Regardless of your experience level, there are different beaches that have different wave difficulties so you should definitely give it a go while you’re here.
There are a lot of places you can rent boards and they will cost you approximately 150 pesos per hour.
If you’ve never surfed before, you’ll probably want to consider paying for a surf lesson to ensure you pick it up as quickly as possible.
If you’ve ever wanted to release a baby sea turtle Puerto Escondido is a great location to enjoy this experience with the ideal location and the most popular place to release baby sea turtles being Playa Bacocho.
While some debate the ethics of releasing turtles the biggest factor is poachers so in order to give the turtles the best chance of making it to adulthood protective enclosures have been made that have 24-hour security.
Horseback riding in Puerto Escondido is definitely one of our top recommendations and we would suggest doing it at sunset for the optimal experience.
There are a number of locations it can be experienced however we would recommend the horseriding at Laguna Manialtepec for the best nature experience.
Located a little further north from the crowds it is a great way to enjoy the sunset while exploring virgin and tranquil beaches.
Laguna de Manialtepec or otherwise known as Manialtepec Lagoon is absolutely stunning and visiting here while in Puerto is a must.
Oaxaca has 60% of the birds that can be found in Mexico so if you’re into bird watching this will be the highlight of your trip as these mangroves are home to over 270 different species of birds.
The best months to visit for bird fanatics are between December and March whereas if you’re looking to catch a glimpse of a crocodile they can be found here all year round.
The stunning waterfall known as Cascada La Reforma can be found approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes north of Puerto Escondido.
If you’re looking to cram in as many things to do while you’re here this is a great little half-day activity and one that should not be missed.
If you have your own method of transport or are considering renting a scooter while you’re here you can drive here yourself and the entry fee to the waterfall only costs 10 pesos.
Alternatively, there are tours that will take you here so you can just sit back and enjoy the journey as the road getting there can be a little rough at times especially after it has been raining.
Chacahua National Park is located approximately 50 kilometers west of Puerto Escondido and we would highly recommend visiting if you have time.
The most popular way to get here is via boat via lagoons that are connected with small channels making for a fantastic journey there.
Although there are day trips to Chacahua if you have enough time we would highly recommend spending at least one night here as there is an awesome lighthouse walk you can do for sunset and Chacahua has a lot of great accommodation options.
San Juan Lachao is around an hour and a half outside of Puerto Escondido but if you have the time it is well worth a visit.
On a Ziplining tour, you’ll be able to hike and swim at the base of a gorgeous waterfall as well as glide down the mountain on five different ziplines.
This organized excursion allows you to get a rush while being amongst some gorgeous Oaxacan nature.
This is another organized activity that takes guests along the Oaxacan coast to explore less frequented beaches.
On a snorkeling trip, you’ll be able to see three gorgeous less-frequented beaches.
These are Estacahuite beach, la Mina beach, and la Boquilla beach.
To experience the best Puerto Escondido fishing scene, we highly recommend getting out on a full-day or half-day fishing charter.
With that being said if you have a rod and reel or want to buy one while in town there are some excellent shore fishing spots in town as well.
One of the most tranquil experiences but one that few people know about is kayaking in Puerto Escondido.
The best place to experience this and where this activity takes place is in Laguna Manialtepec as there are a number of great mangrove labyrinths to explore.
While doing this guided activity, hundreds of bird species can be spotted in addition to other gorgeous wildlife.
Another thing to do in Puerto Escondido that many people haven’t heard of is the Playa Principal coastal walk.
Wrapping around the headland from Playa Principal up to Mirador Un Sueno Posible (a cool little lookout point) is a fabulous cobblestone walkway.
From the lookout, you’ll then have the option to walk back around the headland or you can walk down and check out Playa Manzanillo, another one of Puerto’s best beaches.
Mezcal is a famous Mexican drink and what better place to enjoy it than on a Mezcal tasting tour.
This activity takes you out to the mezcal distillery where you get the opportunity to try a bunch of different mezcal while learning about the history of the drink.
Even if you’re not the biggest drinker it is still an awesome opportunity to learn about the process of how Mezcal is made.
Puerto Escondido has a lot of different areas to stay however the main areas and the ones that are included in this guide are Zicatela, La Punta, Playa Principal/Central, and Rinconada/Playa Carrizalillo.
This guide will break down why certain areas are better to stay in depending on who you are traveling with and what you are looking for from your time in Puerto Escondido.
If you’re looking for the best hotel recommendations and the best hostel recommendations for each of the areas mentioned in this guide, we have compiled separate guides for each as per the links.
Zicatela is renowned for having the town’s most notorious and famous beach, Playa Zicatela. This is where to stay in Puerto Escondido if you’re looking to be amongst the action and within walking distance from the beach.
Playa Zicatela attracts some of the best surfers from all around the world so if you’re an experienced surfer this is where you will want to be.
If you’re looking for more reasons to stay in Zicatela, in addition to being right next to the beach, Zicatela is also where a lot of the most well-known bars and restaurants are located making for the perfect waterfront venues to enjoy food or drinks while witnessing one of the best sunsets in Oaxaca.
Zicatela is also notorious for its late nightlife action so if you’re looking to dance and party this is yet another reason why you may want to stay in this area of Puerto.
La Punta, otherwise known as Punta Zicatela is where to stay in Puerto Escondido if you’re looking to chill out and relax. This is the most recent area of Puerto that’s really taking off and this can be noted by the fact that all the roads are unsealed dirt.
La Punta Zicatela Beach is right by all the different accommodation options here so if you’re looking to chill, play beach volleyball, or surf this is a great place to do so.
Although it is connected to Zicatela via the long stretch of beach, the La Punta headland is generally calmer so if you’re an intermediate surfer this is a much more suitable option than Zicatela.
The area is full of great cafes and restaurants as well as plenty of bars. The La Punta area generally shuts down at 11 pm so it is by no means an area for late-night partying.
If you’re looking to get amongst the Zicatela nightlife it’s only a 30-minute walk or a 50 peso taxi away so you can still get amongst it if that’s what you’re looking for.
The Rinconada/Playa Carrizalillo region is located a little to the West of central Puerto Escondido and this is one of the best places to stay in Puerto Escondido for families and couples that want to get away from the noise.
Although Playa Carrizalillo itself can get fairly crowded there are multiple other beach options close by such as Playa Manzanillo and Playa Angelito.
All of the beaches mentioned above are a lot calmer and a lot more suitable for families and inexperienced swimmers. Playa Carrizalillo is one of the BEST places to be located if you are trying to learn to surf due to the protection of the cove.
If you’re looking for nightlife this is definitely not where you want to be, however for restaurants and bars the Rinconada strip has a lot to offer however it is by no means a place to party.
It is, for this reason, that we highly recommend the area for families or couples that want to be away from the noise of La Punta and Zicatela.
The Playa Principal/central area is where to stay in Puerto Escondido if you’re a Mexican holidaymaker or simply looking to be in the center of everything. Playa Principal is renowned for having nice calm waters as well as a gorgeous headland walk.
There is no surfing here and the beaches are way more family-orientated than that of Playa Zicatela and La Punta.
It is important to note that this area is where all the fishing and dolphin-watching tours depart from so for cleaner and calmer waters we’d still recommend Playa Carazilillo over here.
If a more authentic Mexican vibe and food experience are what you’re looking for however this may be the place for you.
The other advantage is of course the fact that you are right in the heart of Puerto Escondido so it is pretty easy to get almost anywhere from here via the colectivo transport system or taxi.
The town center also offers a market in addition to a plethora of other stores. At night the Adoquin area behind Playa Principal shuts the street down and there are some gorgeous night markets.
It is also worth mentioning that if you’re a remote worker or digital nomad looking for the best wifi connection possible central is generally renowned for better internet.
In our opinion, Puerto Escondido has some of the best food in all of Oaxaca, even Mexico. This can make choosing where to eat while you’re here a difficult task which is why we’ve compiled an in-depth guide on the best restaurants.
If you’d prefer to scroll through the restaurant options on your own you may wish to navigate to the venues section on our site.
Here at Puerto Escondido Guide, we want you to get the best out of your Puerto Escondido experience and as much as we’d like you to stay on our website as long as possible we also would highly recommend joining a few Facebook communities.
If you’re looking for a general Puerto group and want to communicate with other people in the area to ask questions or even organize to meet up we’d recommend the Puerto Escondido People group.
If you’re looking for a group that connects digital nomads there is a Facebook group called Puerto Escondido Digital Nomads / Co-working.
If you’re staying in Puerto Escondido long-term and are looking for a weekly or monthly accommodation option we’d recommend the Roomies Puerto Escondido group.
For some of the most common questions regarding Puerto Escondido, we have written more comprehensive guides.
The Oaxacan shoreline boasts some of Mexico’s finest beaches, making it a renowned global surfing hub. Puerto Escondido offers a plethora of captivating destinations and exciting adventures to embark upon. It’s a versatile and idyllic locale suited for all occasions.
In brief, indeed, Puerto Escondido stands as a secure destination for visitors. However, it’s important to acknowledge that, like any place, your personal safety largely hinges on your own actions and choices. We have put together a full safety guide if you’re looking to research further.
Thanks to Puerto Escondido’s thriving community of long-term travelers, you’ll come across establishments operated by non-Mexicans. Moreover, it’s common to find English-speaking individuals, particularly in areas such as Zicatela and La Punta, where basic English proficiency is more prevalent.
To explore Puerto Escondido in depth we would recommend at least spending 5 days here. With that being said we realize not everyone has 5 days to spare so we have put together ideal itineraries based on how long you have to visit starting from 3 days.
The optimal time to explore Puerto Escondido is during the winter and dry season, spanning from November to March. During this period, you’ll enjoy ideal temperatures, minimal rainfall disruptions, and a relatively low presence of bothersome bugs.
Swimming in the ocean is generally possible at most of Puerto Escondido’s beaches however some beaches are safer than others so we would recommend reading our beaches guide.
Hopefully, within this guide, you’ve got more of an idea to start planning your Puerto Escondido adventure.
We have plenty more guides that you may wish to scroll through to get inspiration for your upcoming trip.
If you have any questions about your upcoming adventure or need any help planning your holiday don’t hesitate to contact us and we’ll be more than happy to help.
