Puerto Escondido, Mexico: travel guide
A surfer's paradise on the Oaxacan Pacific coast, famous for the massive Zicatela Pipeline, bioluminescent bays, turtle nesting, and a laid-back beach-town vibe.
- Country
- Mexico
- Currency
- MXN
- Time zone
- America/Mexico_City
- Nearest airport
- PXM
Top places to visit in Puerto Escondido
Laguna de Manialtepec
Wildlife · about 3 h
Coastal lagoon west of town known for bioluminescence and birdwatching boat tours.
Playa Zicatela
Beach · 4.8 rating · about 3 h
One of the world's premier surf beaches — the "Mexican Pipeline" produces hollow barrelling waves up to 10m during peak season. Watching is thrilling; swimming is extremely dangerous.
Mazunte & Turtle Center
Wildlife · about 4 h
Beach village east of town with the national Mexican Turtle Centre and Punta Cometa cape.
Bahías de Chacahua National Park
Wildlife · about 6 h
Lagoon-and-beach national park west of town with mangroves, crocodiles and surf.
Playa Carrizalillo
Beach · about 2.5 h
Sheltered cove beach down a stairway, ideal for swimming and beginner surfing.
Playa Puerto Angelito
Beach · about 2 h
Calm twin-bay beach with snorkelling and palapa seafood, near town.
Playa La Punta Zicatela
Beach · about 2 h
Bohemian southern end of Zicatela with gentler waves and beginner surf schools.
Adoquín (Av. Pérez Gasga)
Market · about 1 h
Pedestrianised tourist strip in old town with craft shops, bars and seafood.
Things to do
- Surf Lesson at Zicatela Water Sports · 3 h · from MXN 600 per person
- Bioluminescence Night Tour Tour · 3 h · from MXN 700 per person
- Turtle Release at Mazunte Tour · 5 h · from MXN 650 per person
- Dolphin & Sunset Boat Tour Water Sports · 2.5 h · from MXN 600 per person
Day trips and tours
- Bioluminescence & Lagoon Tour 3 h · from MXN 700
- Mazunte Turtles & Punta Cometa 6 h · from MXN 650
Where to stay in Puerto Escondido
- Zicatela about MXN 2,000 per night
Surf-town beach strip with hotels facing the famous break.
- La Punta about MXN 1,200 per night
Bohemian southern end with hostels, yoga and gentle waves.
Hotels
- Villas Carrizalillo 4-star · MXN 2,200 to MXN 4,500 per night
- Hotel Escondido 5-star
- Hotel Santa Fe 4-star
- Selina Puerto Escondido 2-star
Where to eat
- El Cafecito mexican, café · about MXN 150 per person
- Almoraduz Mexican, Oaxacan · about MXN 500 per person
- Espadín Mexican, Seafood · about MXN 450 per person
- El Sultán Mexican, MiddleEastern · about MXN 180 per person
- Mercado de Mariscos Zicatela Seafood, Mexican · about MXN 220 per person
- Barra Vieja Mexican, Seafood · about MXN 200 per person
Getting around
- Bicycle main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Taxi main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Walking main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.