33 Wonderful 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 seaside 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 will discover 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 approach an excessive amount of time there (and people who learn this information 😉).
How Many Days to Spend in Puerto Escondido?
You must spend at the very least 3 – 5 full days in Puerto Escondido to expertise its highlights. If you’re seeking to e book your whole Mexico journey in Puerto Escondido, then I’d suggest 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 best ways to get to Puerto Escondido from different fashionable spots in Mexico:
Cancun: Over 1,500 km aside, one of the best 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 essentially the most cost-effective and time-efficient solution to journey between them.
Merida: Merida is just like Cancun in its distance from Puerto Escondido, however Viva Aerobus usually has direct flights between Merida and Puerto Escondido. There may be often one per day and the flight takes about 4 hours.
Oaxaca Metropolis: Oaxaca Metropolis is barely 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 instances per day on a regular basis. ADO has the perfect 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 Finest Issues to Do in Puerto Escondido, Mexico
1. Calm down on La Punta Seaside
La Punta is the principle seaside in Puerto Escondido. It has expansive sandy shores with distinct rock formations and palm tree hills on the southern aspect. La Punta is a full of life seaside, with seasoned and newbie surfers within the water, distributors strolling the shores promoting snacks, and pleasant canines enjoying within the sand. You possibly can 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 robust and tough. Solely robust swimmers ought to enter the water, and it’s 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 wherever else on the planet the place you may get so near dozens of dolphins. From the entrance of the boat, I might 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, it’s possible you’ll 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.
Most of the excursions will even convey you whale watching to identify humpback and even blue whales! You’ll additionally doubtless spot sting rays leaping a number of ft into the air (I had no thought they did that till this tour).
3. Watch the Sundown
There may be an unstated settlement in Puerto Escondido that everybody stops what they’re doing to collect on the seaside and watch the sundown each night time. At the least, it feels that approach with crowds of vacationers and locals displaying 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 common camaraderie.
A couple of locals stroll the seaside promoting snacks freshly made out of huge containers, corresponding to empanadas, desserts, and even sushi. The spontaneous picnic provides to all the 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. Additionally it is an unimaginable 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 be sure you put on sturdy footwear.
4. Seize Breakfast and Benefit from the Vibes at Malagua
Malagua was my favorite breakfast spot in La Punta due to its Spirulina Pancakes, contemporary smoothies, and stylish out of doors setting. The restaurant is health-driven and has a hip earthy ambiance. It’s price 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 aspect 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 aspect freed from the crowds. That is additionally an amazing spot to attempt bouldering on the seaside if you’re concerned with mountain climbing.
Scrambling to the highest of those rock formations additionally supplies 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 really positioned inside the household’s residence with a eating space inside or on their small out of doors patio. The household is extremely variety and the meals is unforgettable.
Cocofam is a vegetarian restaurant, nonetheless it’s nonetheless a should for meat-eaters too. The meals is essentially the most flavourful I skilled in Puerto Escondido, with scrumptious tacos and sandwiches. You additionally must attempt 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 every little thing from tacos, Oaxacan cheese, and contemporary meat to handmade crafts and souvenirs.
If you’re feeling adventurous, attempt 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
Certainly one of my favorite experiences in Puerto Escondido was when a bunch 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. Additionally it is an amazing 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 have been capable of swim and dive beside it because it glided gracefully by the water. I had noticed a sea turtle whereas browsing at Carrizalillo beforehand, so you will have excessive probabilities of seeing them. Afterwards, spend a while lounging on the seaside 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 received’t go far with out seeing surfers within the water, carrying their board by the streets, or with their scooters/bikes rigged to hold a surfboard on the aspect. Should you’ve ever needed to attempt browsing, that is the place to do it.
Surf classes are held at both La Punta seaside 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 seaside taking high-quality images. If you’re concerned with buying some, let your teacher know and so they’ll talk it to them.
I extremely suggest 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 all the 6 weeks I used to be there. He’s keen about browsing, so affected person, and essentially the most encouraging man. I’d usually hear him whooping and cheering after I caught a wave.
10. Dinner with Sundown Views at Espadín Restaurante
Espadin Restaurante is positioned on one of many tall cliffs overlooking Playa Carrizalillo. It’s an open-air fine-dining restaurant with beautiful views and delectable meals. The ambiance is laid-back, but subtle.
Sundown is a very wonderful time to go to, as you take pleasure in your scrumptious, aesthetically plated dish accompanied by the pink sky. All of their dishes are unimaginable however be sure to attempt the eagerness fruit cheesecake for dessert.
11. Child Turtle Launch at Playa Bacocho
One of the crucial unforgettable experiences in Puerto Escondido is collaborating within the child turtle launch at Playa Bacocho. Each night at 5 pm, you possibly can 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 the direction of the waves.
Child turtle releases are rising in popularity in Puerto Escondido, so I like to recommend displaying up at Playa Bacocho at 4 pm to get in line. You don’t must e book something prematurely or any excursions. Playa Bacocho is on the far west aspect of city, a couple of 20 – 30 minute journey from La Punta (relying on site visitors).
12. Calm down at Playa Bacocho
Playa Bacocho is a big, quiet seaside on the westernmost aspect of Puerto Escondido. It has a large expanse of soppy white sand so you possibly can 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 specifically, however it may be enjoyable to leap excessive into the waves as they arrive.
Bacocho can also be residence to Seaside Membership Bacocho. For an entrance price, you possibly can loosen up on their seaside loungers, swim within the pool, and eat at their on-site restaurant.
13. Horseback Journey 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 journey ventures an hour by a forested space, throughout rivers, and winding scenic trails. The new springs are in a forest with seven swimming pools to loosen up in and benefit from the forest sounds.
You possibly can 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 seaside in Puerto Escondido identified for the “Mexican Pipeline.” It’s a extensive and expansive seaside that surfers journey throughout the globe to expertise. It has highly effective and difficult waves with huge breaks. With that being stated, it’s an absolute no-swimming seaside. Vacationers have been identified to die by being dragged out to sea by riptides.
Why go to Playa Zicatela then? To look at professional surfers and body-boarders journey the exhilarating waves. The very best time to look at is early within the morning between 6 – 9 am or within the late afternoon earlier than sundown. Distributors additionally stroll this seaside, promoting snacks round sundown.
15. Take a Yoga Class at Spirulina
Spirulina is among the finest health-focused eating places in Zicatela, however in addition they host enjoyable yoga courses. The open-air studio is above the restaurant and has the sound of crashing waves because the backdrop. Courses run a number of instances every day (except for Tuesday once they’re closed) and you should purchase a single-day move.
Afterwards, seize a chew downstairs. Their fish tacos are scrumptious, however my private favorite (and one in every of their hottest menu gadgets) is the crispy rooster sandwich on a baguette. Ensure to attempt one in every of their smoothies or freshly squeezed juices too.
16. Take a Surf Skating Class
If you wish to attempt 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. Should you’ve ever tried browsing or snowboarding earlier than, the actions resemble carving on concrete.
Be a part of the Surf Skate Society for a enjoyable social session. They’re open to finish newcomers or extra skilled skate boarders. There’s a social huddle in the beginning to interrupt the ice. In addition they have a number of instructors to interrupt up the group based on stage of expertise. It’s a enjoyable solution to attempt one thing new in a relaxed setting.
17. Dance at Mar y Wana or Cactus
Puerto Escondido has a spectacular nightlife scene. Two of the perfect spots to bounce the night time away are Mar y Wana and Cactus. Mar y Wana is an outside bar below tree branches and canvas with a enjoyable reggaeton vibe. Cactus gives digital music with a sand dance flooring proper on the seaside. There’s a cowl price for each, however for those who present up round 10 it’s usually free. Events in Puerto Escondido final till dawn.
19. Go to Playa Coral
Playa Coral is a lesser identified seaside in central Puerto Escondido. The one solution to entry it’s to take a hike from the Mirador Las Tortugas cliffs all the way down to the seaside (which is steep) or to pay an affordable entry price to stroll down by Lodge Villa Mexicana. As soon as on the seaside, it’s a lot quieter than the others in Puerto Escondido.
Playa Coral is encased between two cliffs that jut out on both aspect into the ocean. The cliffs palm timber on them and make the seaside extremely scenic. The water is much more calm right here so it’s good for swimming, nonetheless, I like to recommend bringing water footwear for the rocky floor. There may be an outdated deserted water park beside the seaside which many individuals get a kick out of.
20. Swim in Bioluminescent Waters
Bioluminescence is a pure phenomenon that causes water to glitter with mild at night time. It’s brought on by plankton that glow when they’re disrupted by motion. There are some extraordinary excursions that convey you to see this magic from Puerto Escondido.
There’s a lagoon solely 20 minutes from the town that the majority excursions convey 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’s only 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 principle actions revolving round napping in hammocks on the seaside, enjoying seaside 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. Should you do spend the night time be sure to ask locals on the town the best way to get to Chacahua’s rock arch to look at the sundown.
22. Take a Salsa Dancing Class and Be a part of a Social at Nectar
There’s a wealthy dancing scene in Puerto Escondido, you simply have to hunt it out. The most effective locations to affix 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 a wide range 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 flooring 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 snug 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 it is usually an amazing place for socializing.
24. Eat Genuine Road Tacos at Taqueria Uno y Más
Taqueira Uno y Mas is a tiny taco stand on the aspect of Puerto Escondido’s fundamental highway. It has plastic chairs with no bells or whistles however you get to look at them cook dinner your tacos proper on the stand.
Taqueria Uno y Mas is occupied nearly solely by locals, so you already know 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 atmosphere is full of mangroves and freshwater that homes crocodiles, parrots, herons, and different attention-grabbing species.
There are excursions that convey vacationers on chook watching excursions by the mangroves of Laguna de Manialtepec. If you’re a nature-lover, this can be a nice solution 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 price visiting as a day journey from Puerto Escondido as a result of it has utterly totally different vibes. Mazunte’s attraction revolves round pure magnificence and hippy tradition.
Strolling the filth 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 very best 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.
- Take pleasure in Mazunte’s seashores – The seashores right here have forest coated cliffs behind it, lined with palm timber, and distinctive rock formations within the water. The principle seashores are Playa Mazunte and Playa Rinconcito. There may be additionally Playa Agustinillo if you’re up for a km stroll in alternate 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 at school choices.
27. Take a Deep-Sea Fishing Journey
Should you like to fish, there are some incredible sportfishing excursions out of Puerto Escondido. You possibly 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 the perfect 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 filth highway is a occurring a part of city, with vacationers, surfers, locals, and pleasant canines 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 flooring 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 need to showcase their expertise. They get authorised 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 usually will get concerned singing alongside. My favorite second was when a lady’s guitarist had bailed final minute, so a stranger from the viewers volunteered to carry out along with her.
Should you 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 refill 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 wonderful pizza, you possibly can watch native skate boarders whipping round doing methods 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 seaside in Zicatela. There are common tables or extra lounge-like ones that sit low to the bottom so that you can loosen up within the sand. The meals is actually good, particularly their tostadas, however it’s utterly price visiting for the expertise of eating on the seaside alone.
I extremely suggest visiting for sundown. You possibly can face your chairs in the direction of the water and sip a drink whereas the solar dips under the horizon.
32. Play Volleyball on the Seaside
Seaside volleyball is one other enjoyable exercise to attempt in Puerto Escondido. Playa Zicatela is the perfect spot for it, with just a few nets unfold out all through the seaside. You will get a bunch of pals collectively to play or for those who’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 seaside
If you’re staying in Puerto for longer than just a few days and love animals, attempt volunteering for Huellitas de Acero. Huellitas de Acero, also referred to as Little Metal Prints on Google, is an animal shelter with over 130 rescue canines. The shelter is at all times searching for extra volunteers to play with and stroll the canines. A good friend of mine volunteered strolling shelter canines in Puerto Escondido and stated it was essentially the most rewarding expertise.
If you’re concerned with volunteering, they’ve a kind on their web site the place you possibly can enter your Whatsapp quantity or message them immediately on the Whatsapp quantity discovered on their Fb web page.
Different Wonderful 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 attempt in Puerto Escondido:
- Meals Market La Punta – To not be mistaken for Punta Origen Meals Park, this can be a separate meals park on the principle 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 – The most effective locations to get contemporary fish tacos, the Fish Shack is positioned 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 strains the alley’s sandy floor.
- La Olita – There are two La Olita places in Puerto Escondido, one in Zicatela and the opposite in La Punta. The meals is remarkably flavourful, providing contemporary seafood and tacos with health-focused components. The very best half is the free chips they create to you earlier than your meal with three totally different selfmade salsas.
- Pepe’s Tacos – Should you’re within the temper for out of doors eating, scrumptious coco-friend tacos, and a view over Puerto Escondido, make your approach uphill in central Puerto Escondido to Pepe’s Fish Tacos. No matter you do, solely order one taco when you’ve got 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 instances. Their out of doors seating is cozy with tree branches overtop and so they have a cushioned flooring seating space. In addition they make selfmade ice cream that’s definitely worth the steeper value.
- Savanna – I can’t vouch for the meals right here, though I’ve heard it’s fairly good, however I extremely suggest visiting for the view. Savanna has a rooftop patio overlooking La Punta seaside. 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 principle purchasing and restaurant strip plus you possibly can swim or surf at La Punta seaside. The principle strip can get fairly loud within the night with stay 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 positioned between the perfect actions in La Punta and Central/Rinconada and it’s a lot quieter at night time. There are nonetheless the 2 greatest 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 will have a selected purpose for it. Most actions, seashores, and issues to do are within the different three areas of Puerto Escondido.
Rinconada – Rinconada is on the western aspect of Puerto Escondido and residential to Playa Carrizalillo, Angelito, and Coral. There are some nice eating places right here as effectively. If you wish to be near the good seashores which can be finest for swimming then I like to recommend contemplating Rinconada.
Last Ideas on the Finest 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 possibly can 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 marvel folks get hooked on Puerto Escondido. With this record of the 33 finest issues to do in Puerto Escondido, you’re certain to make some lifetime recollections.
Creator Bio
Hailey is the proprietor/operator of The Stressed Adventurer, a journey weblog that conjures up 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!
