Puerto Escondido Travel Guide: Surf, Sun, and Coastal Soul in Oaxaca
Welcome to Puerto Escondido
Tucked along the rugged Pacific coast of Oaxaca, Puerto Escondido is Mexico’s ultimate hidden beach town — a place where surfers, yogis, backpackers, and travelers-in-the-know come to unwind, explore, and ride world-famous waves.
With a laid-back vibe, golden beaches, excellent seafood, and dramatic sunsets, Puerto Escondido blends raw natural beauty with authentic local culture.
At MexicoTravel.info, we’ll guide you through everything you need to plan the perfect trip to Puerto Escondido — including the best beaches, hotels, surf spots, tours, and insider tips.
Why Visit Puerto Escondido?
Puerto Escondido remains one of Mexico’s best-kept coastal secrets, with a down-to-earth energy and fewer crowds than destinations like Cancun or Los Cabos. Here’s what makes it special:
- 🏄 Legendary Surf: Zicatela Beach is home to the Mexican Pipeline — a magnet for pros and big-wave lovers.
- 🏖️ Diverse Beaches: From surfer-charged waves to calm family-friendly coves, each beach has its own vibe.
- 🌅 Incredible Sunsets: Every night, the sky lights up with vibrant colors over the Pacific horizon.
- 🌿 Nature and Wildlife: Bioluminescent lagoons, turtle releases, dolphin tours, and lush tropical landscapes.
- 🍤 Authentic Oaxacan Cuisine: Enjoy fresh seafood, mezcal cocktails, and regional dishes by the ocean.
- 💆 Wellness & Community: A thriving scene of yoga, co-living spaces, and creatives make it ideal for long-term travelers.
Where to Stay in Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido is spread along several distinct beach zones, each offering its own atmosphere and accommodation style.
🏨 Best Areas to Stay:
- Zicatela Beach: Ideal for surfers and nightlife lovers. Lined with beach bars, hostels, and surf schools.
- La Punta: A boho-chic area popular with backpackers and digital nomads. Offers boutique stays, yoga studios, and casual eateries.
- Playa Carrizalillo: A peaceful cove perfect for swimming and learning to surf. Nearby you’ll find mid-range hotels and beautiful ocean-view rentals.
- Centro / Rinconada: Central town area with local restaurants, shops, and access to quieter beaches like Playa Bacocho and Coral.
🌟 Top Hotel Picks:
- Best Boutique Hotels in La Punta and Zicatela
- Top Beachfront Villas and Rentals in Puerto Escondido
- Best Budget Hotels and Hostels for Surfers
Best Things to Do in Puerto Escondido
From catching waves to swimming with dolphins, here are the top experiences in and around Puerto Escondido:
🏄 Surf or Learn to Surf
- Zicatela Beach: For experienced surfers — massive waves and international competitions.
- La Punta: Perfect for intermediate surfers or those looking for mellow breaks.
- Carrizalillo: Best for beginners and surf lessons with local instructors.
🏖️ Visit the Best Beaches
- Playa Carrizalillo: Small, scenic cove with calm waters and a beautiful hike down.
- Playa Bacocho: Long, quiet beach known for turtle releases and sunsets.
- Playa Coral: Secluded, swimmable beach with reef snorkeling.
- Playa Principal: Central beach with fishing boats, markets, and local families.
🐬 Wildlife and Nature Tours
- Bioluminescent Lagoon (Laguna de Manialtepec): Night tours to swim in glowing waters.
- Dolphin and Whale Watching (Seasonal): Morning boat tours to spot marine life.
- Sea Turtle Release: Help baby turtles reach the ocean at Bacocho Beach (seasonal).
💆 Wellness and Retreats
- Join yoga classes and workshops in La Punta or Rinconada.
- Many hotels offer massages, meditation, and sound healing experiences.
🍽️ Taste Local Cuisine
- Try tlayudas, mole negro, and fresh ceviche.
- Dine with your feet in the sand at local favorites like Almoraduz, Espadín, or Lychee Thai.
Best Time to Visit Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido enjoys a tropical climate year-round, with warm ocean temperatures and consistent surf:
| Season | Weather | Travel Tips |
|---|---|---|
| November – April | Dry season, sunny skies | Best time for surfing, wildlife tours, and swimming |
| May – October | Green season with rain showers | Fewer crowds, lush landscapes, but humid and hot |
Tip: Surfing season peaks between May and August for experienced riders. Turtle releases are common from August to January.
How to Get to Puerto Escondido
✈️ By Air:
- Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM): Direct flights from Mexico City, Guadalajara, Tijuana, and seasonal flights from the U.S. and Canada.
- Huatulco Airport (HUX): An alternate airport about 2 hours away by car or shuttle.
🚍 By Bus:
- ADO buses and minivans connect Puerto Escondido with Oaxaca City (10–12 hours via mountain roads).
🚖 Getting Around:
- Local taxis, motorbike rentals, and collectivos (shared vans) are inexpensive and convenient.
- Walking and biking are great options in La Punta and Zicatela.
Puerto Escondido Travel Tips
- Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN). Bring cash — many places don’t accept cards.
- Language: Spanish is widely spoken; English is common in tourist zones.
- Safety: Very safe for tourists. Be cautious swimming in rough waters.
- Packing Essentials: Reef-safe sunscreen, swimsuit, hat, bug spray, sandals, and light layers.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi is widely available, though not always super fast. Great for digital detox or slow work.
Book Your Puerto Escondido Adventure
Ready to ride the waves, sip mezcal at sunset, and discover Oaxaca’s Pacific gem?
Let us help you plan an unforgettable journey — with the best surf spots, beach hotels, nature tours, and local tips.
🌟 Plan Your Trip:
- Find the Best Hotels in Puerto Escondido
- Top Surf, Wildlife, and Bioluminescence Tours
- Book Flights to Puerto Escondido (PXM)
🌟 Travel Smarter:
- Puerto Escondido Travel Tips and Safety Guide
- What to Pack for Puerto Escondido
At MexicoTravel.info, we believe Puerto Escondido is where nature, adventure, and relaxation converge — a true escape for free-spirited travelers.
Your coastal Oaxaca adventure starts here.