33 Superb Issues to Do in Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Puerto Escondido is the sort of place that pulls you in and doesn’t let go. The browsing tradition is welcoming, the seashores are world-class, and it doesn’t get extra healthful than the nightly gathering of strangers on the seashore for sundown.
After spending 6 weeks in Puerto Escondido, I used to be not prepared to depart and was nonetheless discovering new actions to pique my curiosity. I explored the city’s wildlife on dolphin excursions and child turtle releases, discovered group surfskate courses, surfed, salsa danced, and attended the well-known Thursday open mic night time – it nonetheless wasn’t sufficient!
On this information to the 33 finest issues to do in Puerto Escondido, you’ll find a complete record tried and examined over my month and half there. You’ll discover the favored musts, mouthwatering eating places, and people hidden gems that may solely be discovered by spending method an excessive amount of time there (and those that learn this information 😉).
How Many Days to Spend in Puerto Escondido?
It is best to spend at the very least 3 – 5 full days in Puerto Escondido to expertise its highlights. If you’re seeking to guide your complete Mexico journey in Puerto Escondido, then I’d advocate between 7 – 10 days.
How you can Get to Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido is on the Pacific coast within the Mexican state of Oaxaca. The city has a global airport and is a well-liked vacation spot for bus routes. Right here is one of the simplest ways to get to Puerto Escondido from different fashionable spots in Mexico:
Cancun: Over 1,500 km aside, one of the simplest ways between Cancun and Puerto Escondido is to fly. There are not often direct flights between these cities and more often than not there’s a layover in Mexico Metropolis first. It nonetheless stays probably the most cost-effective and time-efficient strategy to journey between them.
Merida: Merida is just like Cancun in its distance from Puerto Escondido, however Viva Aerobus typically has direct flights between Merida and Puerto Escondido. There’s normally one per day and the flight takes about 4 hours.
Oaxaca Metropolis: Oaxaca Metropolis is simply 3 hours drive from Puerto Escondido since they opened the brand new freeway in 2024. There are direct buses and vans working between them a number of occasions per day on a regular basis. ADO has one of the best coach buses and Lineas Unidas is a good choice for colectivo vans.
Mexico Metropolis: Mexico Metropolis is about 650 km from Puerto Escondido and gives direct flights to and from. The flights are sometimes low cost and solely take 1.5 hours.
The 33 Greatest Issues to Do in Puerto Escondido, Mexico
1. Chill out on La Punta Seaside
La Punta is the primary seashore in Puerto Escondido. It has expansive sandy shores with distinct rock formations and palm tree hills on the southern facet. La Punta is a energetic seashore, with seasoned and newbie surfers within the water, distributors strolling the shores promoting snacks, and pleasant canine taking part in within the sand. You’ll be able to simply spend hours lounging on the tender sand watching the exercise round you or enjoyable.
Like most seashores in Puerto Escondido, La Punta’s waters are sturdy and tough. Solely sturdy swimmers ought to enter the water, and it is best to keep away from it altogether if the waves are significantly excessive.
2. Dolphin Watching Tour
A dolphin-watching tour is a MUST when visiting Puerto Escondido. I’ve by no means skilled anyplace else on this planet the place you may get so near dozens of dolphins. From the entrance of the boat, I may have leaned down and touched the spinner dolphins that danced and performed within the currents created by the boat.
Excursions depart from Playa Angelito shortly after dawn. Relying on the circumstances, you might even get to leap within the water with the dolphins. Our tour didn’t get this opportunity as a result of there have been too many jellyfish current within the water at the moment.
Lots of the excursions can even carry you whale watching to identify humpback and even blue whales! You’ll additionally seemingly spot sting rays leaping a number of toes into the air (I had no concept they did that till this tour).
3. Watch the Sundown
There’s an unstated settlement in Puerto Escondido that everybody stops what they’re doing to collect on the seashore and watch the sundown each night time. At the very least, it feels that method with crowds of vacationers and locals exhibiting up earlier than sundown to sit down on the sand and benefit from the present.
Any of the seashores in Puerto Escondido will work, however La Punta and Playa Zicatela are particularly good. They’re wide-open seashores with unobstructed views and there’s a normal camaraderie.
Just a few locals stroll the seashore promoting snacks freshly made out of enormous containers, reminiscent of empanadas, muffins, and even sushi. The spontaneous picnic provides to your entire expertise.
3. Sundown Hike at Mirador Las Tortuga
Mirador Las Tortugas is a brief hike over the cliffs between Playa Carrizalillo and Playa Coral. The path lasts solely about 20 minutes, however has incredible views over the shoreline. It’s also an unbelievable spot for sundown, with massive sandy spots and rocks to sit down on and watch the sky explode with color. The path is a bit steep, sandy, and rocky in locations so ensure you put on sturdy sneakers.
4. Seize Breakfast and Benefit from the Vibes at Malagua
Malagua was my favorite breakfast spot in La Punta due to its Spirulina Pancakes, recent smoothies, and classy outside setting. The restaurant is health-driven and has a hip earthy ambiance. It’s value visiting to both seize one thing to eat or just sit and revel in a drink within the stunning cafe.
5. Discover the Hidden Seashores of La Punta
To discover a bit off-the-beaten-path, head to the far south facet of La Punta to find a hidden path over the rock formations. When the tide is low, you’ll find secluded seashores on the opposite facet freed from the crowds. That is additionally an incredible spot to strive bouldering on the seashore in case you are curious about mountaineering.
Scrambling to the highest of those rock formations additionally offers a view over La Punta and its surfers. You’ll really feel such as you’ve found a secret paradise.
6. Lunch on the Household Restaurant Cocofam
Cocofam is a small family-owned restaurant in central Puerto Escondido. It’s truly situated inside the household’s dwelling with a eating space inside or on their small outside patio. The household is extremely form and the meals is unforgettable.
Cocofam is a vegetarian restaurant, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a should for meat-eaters too. The meals is probably the most flavourful I skilled in Puerto Escondido, with scrumptious tacos and sandwiches. You additionally should strive their particular agua fresca!
7. Go to Mercado Benito Juarez in Centro
Visiting Mercado Benito Juarez is among the finest methods to immerse your self in native Mexican tradition. You will get a real style of Oaxaca from the quite a few distributors promoting all the things from tacos, Oaxacan cheese, and recent meat to handmade crafts and souvenirs.
If you’re feeling adventurous, strive the native delicacy, chapulines (roasted grasshoppers). Mercado Benito Juarez has a vibrant ambiance to discover and seize one thing to eat.
8. Snorkel at Playa Carrizalillo
One in all my favorite experiences in Puerto Escondido was when a gaggle of pals and I bought low cost snorkel kits from the Chedraui (the Walmart-esque superstore) and snorkelled at Playa Carrizalillo. This is among the most stunning seashores in Puerto Escondido, identified for its U form and calmer waters. It’s also an incredible spot for recognizing sea turtles.
After snorkelling for about quarter-hour, my good friend shouted out that she had noticed an enormous sea turtle. We had been in a position to swim and dive beside it because it glided gracefully via the water. I had noticed a sea turtle whereas browsing at Carrizalillo beforehand, so you may have excessive probabilities of seeing them. Afterwards, spend a while lounging on the seashore having fun with Carrizalillo’s distinctive pure magnificence.
9. Take a Surf Lesson
Browsing is a large a part of the tradition in Puerto Escondido. You gained’t go far with out seeing surfers within the water, carrying their board via the streets, or with their scooters/bikes rigged to hold a surfboard on the facet. If you happen to’ve ever wished to strive browsing, that is the place to do it.
Surf classes are held at both La Punta seashore or Playa Carrizalillo, relying on the circumstances. La Punta is among the finest spots for brand new surfers however the waves can get actually tall there, so on these days you’ll head to Carizallilo the place the waves are softer and fewer intense. Native photographers sit on the seashore taking high-quality photographs. If you’re curious about buying some, let your teacher know they usually’ll talk it to them.
I extremely advocate reserving your surf lesson with Javier from Ponte Chingon. I did my first lesson with him after which ended up doing them twice every week for your entire 6 weeks I used to be there. He’s keen about browsing, so affected person, and probably the most encouraging man. I’d typically hear him whooping and cheering once I caught a wave.
10. Dinner with Sundown Views at Espadín Restaurante
Espadin Restaurante is situated on one of many tall cliffs overlooking Playa Carrizalillo. It’s an open-air fine-dining restaurant with gorgeous views and delectable meals. The ambiance is laid-back, but subtle.
Sundown is a very superb time to go to, as you take pleasure in your scrumptious, aesthetically plated dish accompanied by the pink sky. All of their dishes are unbelievable however ensure to strive the fervour fruit cheesecake for dessert.
11. Child Turtle Launch at Playa Bacocho
One of the crucial unforgettable experiences in Puerto Escondido is taking part within the child turtle launch at Playa Bacocho. Each night at 5 pm, you may be a part of the native conservation group, Vive Mar, to launch tiny child sea turtles into the ocean.
You’ll be handed a child turtle in a coconut cup to take photos with earlier than promptly releasing them to make their journey to the ocean. You’ll watch as they hobble slowly in direction of the waves.
Child turtle releases are rising in popularity in Puerto Escondido, so I like to recommend exhibiting up at Playa Bacocho at 4 pm to get in line. You don’t must guide something upfront or any excursions. Playa Bacocho is on the far west facet of city, a few 20 – 30 minute experience from La Punta (relying on site visitors).
12. Chill out at Playa Bacocho
Playa Bacocho is a big, quiet seashore on the westernmost facet of Puerto Escondido. It has a large expanse of sentimental white sand so you may unfold out with out being too near different folks.
The swimming at Playa Bacocho is just like La Punta, the place you ought to be a robust swimmer to enter its shores. The waves swell fairly excessive at Bacocho particularly, however it may be enjoyable to leap excessive into the waves as they arrive.
Bacocho can be dwelling to Seaside Membership Bacocho. For an entrance payment, you may calm down on their seashore loungers, swim within the pool, and eat at their on-site restaurant.
13. Horseback Trip to Hidden Scorching Springs
A lesser-known exercise to do close to Puerto Escondido is horseback using to hidden sizzling springs in San Jose Manialtepec. The experience ventures an hour via a forested space, throughout rivers, and winding scenic trails. The recent springs are in a forest with seven swimming pools to calm down in and benefit from the forest sounds.
You’ll be able to be a part of a tour or take a 30-minute taxi to San Jose Manialtepec the place you’ll discover indicators providing horseback using.
14. Watch Surfers at Playa Zicatela
Playa Zicatela is a well-known seashore in Puerto Escondido identified for the “Mexican Pipeline.” It’s a extensive and expansive seashore that surfers journey throughout the globe to expertise. It has highly effective and difficult waves with large breaks. With that being stated, it’s an absolute no-swimming seashore. Vacationers have been identified to die by being dragged out to sea by riptides.
Why go to Playa Zicatela then? To observe professional surfers and body-boarders experience the exhilarating waves. The perfect time to observe is early within the morning between 6 – 9 am or within the late afternoon earlier than sundown. Distributors additionally stroll this seashore, promoting snacks round sundown.
15. Take a Yoga Class at Spirulina
Spirulina is among the finest health-focused eating places in Zicatela, however additionally they host enjoyable yoga courses. The open-air studio is above the restaurant and has the sound of crashing waves because the backdrop. Lessons run a number of occasions each day (apart from Tuesday after they’re closed) and you should buy a single-day cross.
Afterwards, seize a chunk downstairs. Their fish tacos are scrumptious, however my private favorite (and one among their hottest menu objects) is the crispy hen sandwich on a baguette. Ensure to strive one among their smoothies or freshly squeezed juices too.
16. Take a Surf Skating Class
If you wish to strive one thing new and vibey in Puerto Escondido, be a part of a surf skating class. Surf skating is just like skateboarding, however within the form of a longboard with extra easy, fluid actions that resemble browsing. If you happen to’ve ever tried browsing or snowboarding earlier than, the actions resemble carving on concrete.
Be part of the Surf Skate Society for a enjoyable social session. They’re open to finish rookies or extra skilled skate boarders. There’s a social huddle at first to interrupt the ice. In addition they have a number of instructors to interrupt up the group in keeping with degree of expertise. It’s a enjoyable strategy to strive one thing new in a relaxed setting.
17. Dance at Mar y Wana or Cactus
Puerto Escondido has a spectacular nightlife scene. Two of one of the best spots to bounce the night time away are Mar y Wana and Cactus. Mar y Wana is an outside bar underneath tree branches and canvas with a enjoyable reggaeton vibe. Cactus gives digital music with a sand dance ground proper on the seashore. There’s a cowl payment for each, however if you happen to present up round 10 it’s typically free. Events in Puerto Escondido final till dawn.
19. Go to Playa Coral
Playa Coral is a lesser identified seashore in central Puerto Escondido. The one strategy to entry it’s to take a hike from the Mirador Las Tortugas cliffs right down to the seashore (which is steep) or to pay an inexpensive entry payment to stroll down via Resort Villa Mexicana. As soon as on the seashore, it’s a lot quieter than the others in Puerto Escondido.
Playa Coral is encased between two cliffs that jut out on both facet into the ocean. The cliffs palm bushes on them and make the seashore extremely scenic. The water is much more calm right here so it’s good for swimming, nevertheless, I like to recommend bringing water sneakers for the rocky floor. There’s an outdated deserted water park beside the seashore which many individuals get a kick out of.
20. Swim in Bioluminescent Waters
Bioluminescence is a pure phenomenon that causes water to glitter with gentle at night time. It’s attributable to plankton that glow when they’re disrupted by motion. There are some extraordinary excursions that carry you to see this magic from Puerto Escondido.
There’s a lagoon solely 20 minutes from the town that almost all excursions carry guests to. You’ll get to swim within the glowing water, whereas seeing the sky shine with precise stars above you.
21. Go to Peaceable Chacahua
Chacahua is a tropical “island” city finest accessed from Puerto Escondido. Whereas not technically an island, it is just accessed by boat. The city has pristine white seashores surrounded by lush jungle and mangroves. It’s the most peaceable place on earth with the primary actions revolving round napping in hammocks on the seashore, taking part in seashore volleyball, and browsing.
If you’re staying in Puerto Escondido for greater than a few days, then I like to recommend making the journey to Chacahua. It’s technically do-able as a day journey however higher to spend one night time there. If you happen to do spend the night time ensure to ask locals on the town how one can get to Chacahua’s rock arch to observe the sundown.
22. Take a Salsa Dancing Class and Be part of a Social at Nectar
There’s a wealthy dancing scene in Puerto Escondido, you simply have to hunt it out. Among the finest locations to hitch a category of salsa or bachata is on the lodge/coworking area Nectar in La Punta.
Nectar hosts a category, adopted by a social, each Saturday night time of their open-air studio. The courses are excellent for all ranges and also you’ll dance with quite a lot of companions all through the night time. If you’re feeling courageous or have some dancing expertise, keep afterwards for the social the place the dance ground fills with dancing duos.
23. Spend a Day by the Pool at Selena Hostel
If you’re not the strongest swimmer and really feel extra comfy in domesticated water, spend a day at Selena’s coworking area in Zicatela. Selena gives day passes to take pleasure in their massive pool, solar loungers, pool tables, and extra. In addition they have a restaurant and bar on-site. Selena is among the hottest social gathering hostels in Puerto Escondido so additionally it is an incredible place for socializing.
24. Eat Genuine Road Tacos at Taqueria Uno y Más
Taqueira Uno y Mas is a tiny taco stand on the facet of Puerto Escondido’s fundamental highway. It has plastic chairs with no bells or whistles however you get to observe them cook dinner your tacos proper on the stand.
Taqueria Uno y Mas is occupied nearly solely by locals, so you recognize the meals is genuine to native tradition. This ended up being my favorite spot to get tacos in Puerto Escondido and really feel immersed in actual native life.
25. Take a Boat Journey to Laguna de Manialtepec
Laguna de Manialtepec is a lagoon wealthy in vegetation and wildlife solely 14 km from Puerto Escondido. The setting is crammed with mangroves and freshwater that homes crocodiles, parrots, herons, and different fascinating species.
There are excursions that carry vacationers on hen watching excursions via the mangroves of Laguna de Manialtepec. If you’re a nature-lover, it is a nice strategy to get off-the-beaten path in Puerto Escondido.
26. Take a Day Journey to Mazunte
Mazunte is one other coastal city about 1.5 hours from Puerto Escondido. It’s value visiting as a day journey from Puerto Escondido as a result of it has fully totally different vibes. Mazunte’s attraction revolves round pure magnificence and hippy tradition.
Strolling the dust streets in Mazunte, you’ll discover yoga courses, chakra readings, dawn meditations, and extra. The city is considerably smaller so may be explored in a day journey. The perfect issues to do there are:
- Hike to Punta Cometa – A viewpoint on the rocky cliffs overlooking the ocean shoreline. That is particularly fashionable for sundown.
- Get pleasure from Mazunte’s seashores – The seashores right here have forest coated cliffs behind it, lined with palm bushes, and distinctive rock formations within the water. The primary seashores are Playa Mazunte and Playa Rinconcito. There’s additionally Playa Agustinillo in case you are up for a km stroll in trade for much less folks.
- Take a yoga or meditation class – A number of the finest studios in Mazunte embody Meditation Station and Hridaya Yoga. They each have drop in school choices.
27. Take a Deep-Sea Fishing Journey
If you happen to like to fish, there are some incredible sportfishing excursions out of Puerto Escondido. You can catch Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Bonitos, and extra. There are group or non-public tour choices and all of the wanted tools is included.
Screaming Reels Sport Fishing is among the finest excursions to go together with. They’ve a sixth sense relating to discovering one of the best fishing spots and can assist get an area restaurant to cook dinner the fish for you afterwards.
28. Go Purchasing in La Punta
La Punta’s fundamental strip is lined with retailers promoting clothes, jewellery, surf apparel, and souvenirs. The dust highway is a occurring a part of city, with vacationers, surfers, locals, and pleasant canine hanging round. Spend a while merely wandering the road, popping out and in of shops that pique your curiosity.
29. Attend the Well-known Thursday Open Mic Night time
Each Thursday, Punta Origen Meals Park hosts an iconic open mic night time at 8 pm. The sandy ground fills with an enormous crowd having fun with meals from the totally different stands, drinks, and immaculate vibes. The open mic night time hosts actual artists who wish to showcase their expertise. They get accredited and added to the roster beforehand, so this isn’t a ‘sit and watch drunk pals karaoke collectively’ kind of occasion.
The music is carried out on a stage and the viewers typically will get concerned singing alongside. My favorite second was when a girl’s guitarist had bailed final minute, so a stranger from the viewers volunteered to carry out together with her.
If you happen to occur to be in Puerto Escondido on a Thursday night time, that is the place to be. Attempt to get there as early as doable to get a seat as a result of they replenish quick. Most individuals find yourself standing or sitting on the bottom.
30. Watch Skate boarders Whereas You Eat on the Boneyard
The Boneyard is among the coolest bars in Puerto Escondido and a unique idea. A big skateboarding bowl sits centrefold within the restaurant with tables surrounding it. When you eat superb pizza, you may watch native skate boarders whipping round doing tips contained in the bowl. It’s a actually enjoyable vibe to be part of.
31. Have a Drink with Your Ft within the Sand at La Mariinera
La Mariinera is a restaurant on the seashore in Zicatela. There are common tables or extra lounge-like ones that sit low to the bottom so that you can calm down within the sand. The meals is de facto good, particularly their tostadas, however it’s fully value visiting for the expertise of eating on the seashore alone.
I extremely advocate visiting for sundown. You’ll be able to face your chairs in direction of the water and sip a drink whereas the solar dips beneath the horizon.
32. Play Volleyball on the Seaside
Seaside volleyball is one other enjoyable exercise to strive in Puerto Escondido. Playa Zicatela is one of the best spot for it, with a couple of nets unfold out all through the seashore. You will get a gaggle of pals collectively to play or if you happen to’re alone, I’ve by no means come throughout a extra welcoming crowd than these in Puerto Escondido. Most video games go on after work hours in the course of the week.
33. Take a rescue canine for a stroll at on the seashore
If you’re staying in Puerto for longer than a couple of days and love animals, strive volunteering for Huellitas de Acero. Huellitas de Acero, also called Little Metal Prints on Google, is an animal shelter with over 130 rescue canine. The shelter is all the time in search of extra volunteers to play with and stroll the canine. A good friend of mine volunteered strolling shelter canine in Puerto Escondido and stated it was probably the most rewarding expertise.
If you’re curious about volunteering, they’ve a type on their web site the place you may enter your Whatsapp quantity or message them straight on the Whatsapp quantity discovered on their Fb web page.
Different Superb Eating places in Puerto Escondido:
We’ve already coated a number of the must-try eating places within the record above, however Puerto Escondido has dozens of scrumptious eating places ranging in delicacies from Center Jap, Asian fusion, Vietnamese, American BBQ, Italian, and extra. Listed below are a number of the different top-notch eating places to strive in Puerto Escondido:
- Meals Market La Punta – To not be mistaken for Punta Origen Meals Park, it is a separate meals park on the primary strip in La Punta. There’s a hip hang around area within the centre with massive tables to collect with pals. A number of meals stands line the outer perimeter providing Thai meals, pizza, tacos, and extra. The meals is nice irrespective of which vendor you go together with and it’s enjoyable to have your group combine and match the totally different choices.
- Fish Shack – Among the finest locations to get recent fish tacos, the Fish Shack is situated in an alley within the centre of La Punta. Their declare to fame is their coco-fried fish and shrimp tacos that are candy and savoury on the identical time. The seating traces the alley’s sandy floor.
- La Olita – There are two La Olita areas in Puerto Escondido, one in Zicatela and the opposite in La Punta. The meals is remarkably flavourful, providing recent seafood and tacos with health-focused elements. The perfect half is the free chips they carry to you earlier than your meal with three totally different selfmade salsas.
- Pepe’s Tacos – If you happen to’re within the temper for outside eating, scrumptious coco-friend tacos, and a view over Puerto Escondido, make your method uphill in central Puerto Escondido to Pepe’s Fish Tacos. No matter you do, solely order one taco when you have a standard urge for food as a result of they’re HUGE!
- Chili Backyard – Chili Backyard is an Asian fusion restaurant in Puerto Escondido. Their Chana Masala dish immediately grew to become a favorite of mine and I ate there a number of occasions. Their outside seating is cozy with tree branches overtop they usually have a cushioned ground seating space. In addition they make selfmade ice cream that’s well worth the steeper worth.
- Savanna – I can not vouch for the meals right here, though I’ve heard it’s fairly good, however I extremely advocate visiting for the view. Savanna has a rooftop patio overlooking La Punta seashore. It’s the excellent spot to seize a snack, a ardour fruit drink, and watch the surfers.
The place to Keep in Puerto Escondido
La Punta – If you wish to be within the centre of Puerto Escondido’s vacationer scene, then I like to recommend staying in La Punta. You’ll be near the primary procuring and restaurant strip plus you may swim or surf at La Punta seashore. The primary strip can get fairly loud within the night with dwell music and events, so maintain that in thoughts.
Zicatela – Zicatela is my private favorite choice for the place to remain in Puerto Escondido. It’s strategically situated between one of the best actions in La Punta and Central/Rinconada and it’s a lot quieter at night time. There are nonetheless the 2 largest golf equipment (Cactus and Mar y Wana) in Zicatela and a number of the finest eating places in Puerto Escondido.
Central – I’d choose to not keep in central until you may have a selected cause for it. Most actions, seashores, and issues to do are within the different three areas of Puerto Escondido.
Rinconada – Rinconada is on the western facet of Puerto Escondido and residential to Playa Carrizalillo, Angelito, and Coral. There are some nice eating places right here as properly. If you wish to be near the good seashores which might be finest for swimming then I like to recommend contemplating Rinconada.
Ultimate Ideas on the Greatest Issues to Do in Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido has one thing for each kind of traveller. I like to recommend spending at the very least 3 – 5 full days there, however you could possibly simply spend 7 – 10 days in Puerto Escondido with out working out of actions. From watching dolphins dance beside your boat, unforgettable sunsets, snorkelling with sea turtles, and salsa dancing the night time away, it’s no surprise folks get hooked on Puerto Escondido. With this record of the 33 finest issues to do in Puerto Escondido, you might be certain to make some lifetime reminiscences.
Creator Bio
Hailey is the proprietor/operator of The Stressed Adventurer, a journey weblog that evokes those that discover themselves stressed in anticipation of their subsequent journey. She is a digital nomad who likes to trek up mountains, sleep in hammocks, and feels rejuvenated by uncertainty. Her favourite locations to go to in Mexico are Puerto Escondido and Bacalar!
