There are three main markets that we would recommend visiting while in Puerto Escondido. They are: Mercado Benito Juarez, Mercado Zicatela, and Alfonso Pérez Gasga Night Markets.
Where are the Puerto Escondido markets
Mercado Benito Juarez is located in central Puerto Escondido, Mercado Zicatela in Zicatela and the Alfonso Pérez Gasga Night Markets is located behind Playa Principal.
Mercado Benito Juarez
Mercado Benito Juarez is the biggest and most famous Puerto Escondido market. To get a real sense of the Mexican culture and traditions visiting here is an absolute necessity.
The market itself is located right in the heart of Puerto in the city center and there are a number of parking spaces right outside the market making a visit here easy if you have a scooter rental or a car.
Mercado Benito Juarez has a wide variety of traditional food and clothing making it possible to easily find yourself lost here for a good couple of hours.
A must-try here is an Oaxacan favorite which is roasted and salted grasshoppers (chapulines) which taste surprisingly good.
A visit to Mercado Benito Juarez is high on our list of things to do in Puerto Escondido so whether you’re looking to experience the food, purchase some handmade gifts or just see something new make sure you give it a visit.
Mercado Zicatela
Mercado Zicatela is located overlooking Zicatela Beach from the main road that runs through Puerto Escondido, Acapulco – Selina Cruz.
Navigating here is very straight forward and if you are coming via scooter or car there are a number of parking options available.
You can either park out front or behind the market which can be accessed by a small sideroad on the La Punta side of the market. Alternatively, a taxi or colectivo can drop you right outside the front door.
The market section of the compound is on the roadside of the building and there is a wide range of stores to explore while visiting. Whether you’re looking for some local cheese, coffee or honey, clothing, or even a pharmacy, Mercado Zicatela has it all.
Situated on the ocean side of Mercado Zicatela are a number of amazing restaurants to grab a drink or get some food while enjoying the stunning view overlooking Zicatela beach from a distance.
Situated in front of the restaurants you’ll see the back carpark where there is a children’s playground further making a family visit here well worthwhile.
Alfonso Pérez Gasga Night Markets
Unbeknown to many Puerto Escondido visitors, after sunset the street behind Playa Principal, Alfonso Pérez Gasga closes and turns into a walking street.
The beach itself is a perfect destination for families as it is one of the calmest for swimming in Puerto. After enjoying watching the sun go down we’d recommend exploring these night markets as there are a number of vendors with a wide range of items for sale.
In addition to the stalls offering clothing, handcrafted items, and a lot more, there are a number of bars and restaurants in the area to enjoy food and a nice cold drink to finish the day.
Puerto Escondido Markets Summary
A visit to the markets in Puerto Escondido is a must-do for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the local culture and traditions.
The three markets that come highly recommended are Mercado Benito Juarez, Mercado Zicatela, and Alfonso Pérez Gasga Night Markets.
Each market offers its unique charm, from the wide variety of traditional food and clothing at Mercado Benito Juarez to the amazing restaurants overlooking Zicatela beach at Mercado Zicatela, and the street vendors with a wide range of items for sale at Alfonso Pérez Gasga Night Markets.
A visit to these markets provides an excellent opportunity to try new foods, purchase handmade gifts, and experience the local way of life.