Playa Principal is regarded as one of the best beaches in Puerto Escondido however the Playa Principal coastal walk is a stunning adventure that can take you most of the way to Playa Manzanillo.
Where is the coastal walk
The coastal walk follows the headland in Central Puerto Escondido. We’ve marked the points of interest on the map so you can see the places worth visiting on the walk.
The route
To experience this walk properly we would highly recommend starting in either Playa Manzanillo or Playa Principal.
If starting from Playa Manzanillo there will be a short road walk that goes past Mirador Un Sueno Posible before following a path down to the coastal walk and if starting from Playa Principal it will be the opposite.
Playa Principal Coastal walk
The coastal walk has a lot of stunning spots to take pictures along the way. In fact, the odds are you won’t even need to put your camera away.
The walk itself takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour depending on how many times you stop to relax and take pictures.
A lot of locals fish along this path so it can be enjoyable to watch them while on the walk. Make sure to bring a water bottle and a pair of shoes/sandals as the path can be harsh on the feet and sometimes there is some broken glass so it’s best not to go barefoot.
Bridge washed away
As of 2022, there is a section about halfway along where the bridge has washed away. There is a boulder to the right that you can climb over to get back onto the path on the other side however if you’re not physically mobile this may be difficult.
Regardless if you stop your journey here or climb over, we would still recommend doing this walk.
Mirador Un Sueno Posible
At the point where the coastal walk ends (or begins if coming from Playa Manzanillo) is a gorgeous spot to stop and talk a photo known as Mirador Un Sueno Posible.
Otherwise known as ‘a possible dream lookout’, Mirador Un Sueno Posible overlooks the ocean providing a great vantage point to stare out and watch the fisherman and other tour boats going by.
If you’re lucky you may even spot dolphins or a whale breaching in the distance, however, this is more likely between the months of December and March.
Getting to Mirador Un Sueno Posible is also easily reached via scooter or car if you’d prefer just to enjoy the lookout without doing the coastal walk.
Best time to do the coastal walk
Although you can do the coastal walk at any time of the day we would recommend doing it a few hours before sunset to give yourself time to enjoy both beaches if you plan on walking the whole way.
Although the walk itself is not extremely physically demanding, in the middle of the day it can be quite hot so it is more enjoyable as the sun is going down.
The best part about the coastal walk is that you get to finish off at either Playa Principal or Playa Manzanillo (depending on where you started) and cool off with a nice refreshing swim. Both beaches are more than safe to swim so make sure to take your swimwear.
Playa Principal Coastal Walk Summary
The Playa Principal coastal walk in Puerto Escondido is a stunning adventure that offers breathtaking views of the ocean and a chance to experience the local culture.
Despite the washed-out bridge halfway through, the walk is still highly recommended, with plenty of opportunities to take photos and observe the local fishermen.
The Mirador Un Sueno Posible is a must-visit spot on the walk, providing a great vantage point to enjoy the views of the ocean.
It is best to do the coastal walk a few hours before sunset to avoid the midday heat and finish off at either Playa Principal or Playa Manzanillo for a refreshing swim.
All in all, this coastal walk is a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty of Puerto Escondido.
