33 Wonderful Issues to Do in Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Puerto Escondido is the form 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 go away 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 lessons, surfed, salsa danced, and attended the well-known Thursday open mic evening – it nonetheless wasn’t sufficient!
On this information to the 33 finest issues to do in Puerto Escondido, you will see that 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?
You must spend at the least 3 – 5 full days in Puerto Escondido to expertise its highlights. In case you are seeking to guide your total Mexico journey in Puerto Escondido, then I’d suggest between 7 – 10 days.
How one can Get to Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido is on the Pacific coast within the Mexican state of Oaxaca. The city has a world airport and is a well-liked vacation spot for bus routes. Right here is the easiest way to get to Puerto Escondido from different well-liked spots in Mexico:
Cancun: Over 1,500 km aside, the easiest way between Cancun and Puerto Escondido is to fly. There are hardly ever 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 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 normally one per day and the flight takes about 4 hours.
Oaxaca Metropolis: Oaxaca Metropolis is just 3 hours drive from Puerto Escondido since they opened the brand new freeway in 2024. There are direct buses and vans operating between them a number of instances per day on a regular basis. ADO has the perfect coach buses and Lineas Unidas is a superb possibility for colectivo vans.
Mexico Metropolis: Mexico Metropolis is about 650 km from Puerto Escondido and presents direct flights to and from. The flights are usually low cost and solely take 1.5 hours.
The 33 Finest Issues to Do in Puerto Escondido, Mexico
1. Calm down on La Punta Seashore
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 aspect. La Punta is a energetic seashore, with seasoned and newbie surfers within the water, distributors strolling the shores promoting snacks, and pleasant canines taking part in within the sand. You’ll be able to simply spend hours lounging on the comfortable 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 you must keep away from it altogether if the waves are notably 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 situations, chances are 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.
Lots of the excursions can even convey you whale watching to identify humpback and even blue whales! You’ll additionally seemingly spot sting rays leaping a number of ft into the air (I had no concept 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 seashore and watch the sundown each evening. Not less than, it feels that method 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 normal camaraderie.
A number of locals stroll the seashore promoting snacks freshly made out of huge containers, resembling empanadas, muffins, and even sushi. The spontaneous picnic provides to the complete 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 giant 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 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, contemporary smoothies, and classy out of doors 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 aspect of La Punta to find a hidden path over the rock formations. When the tide is low, you could find secluded seashores on the opposite aspect freed from the crowds. That is additionally a terrific spot to strive bouldering on the seashore in case you are serious about 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 truly 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 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 likely one of 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 part from tacos, Oaxacan cheese, and contemporary meat to handmade crafts and souvenirs.
In case you are feeling adventurous, strive the native delicacy, chapulines (roasted grasshoppers). Mercado Benito Juarez has a vibrant environment 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 bunch of associates and I bought low cost snorkel kits from the Chedraui (the Walmart-esque superstore) and snorkelled at Playa Carrizalillo. This is likely one of the most stunning seashores in Puerto Escondido, identified for its U form and calmer waters. Additionally it is a terrific spot for recognizing sea turtles.
After snorkelling for about quarter-hour, my pal 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 could have excessive possibilities 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 big 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 aspect. Should you’ve ever needed 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 situations. La Punta is likely one of 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. In case you are serious about 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 per week for the complete 6 weeks I used to be there. He’s captivated with browsing, so affected person, and probably the most encouraging man. I’d usually hear him whooping and cheering once 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 refined.
Sundown is a very superb time to go to, as you get pleasure from your scrumptious, aesthetically plated dish accompanied by the pink sky. All of their dishes are unimaginable however make sure that to strive the eagerness fruit cheesecake for dessert.
11. Child Turtle Launch at Playa Bacocho
One of the unforgettable experiences in Puerto Escondido is collaborating within the child turtle launch at Playa Bacocho. Each night at 5 pm, you’ll be able to be 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 guide something upfront or any excursions. Playa Bacocho is on the far west aspect of city, a couple of 20 – 30 minute trip from La Punta (relying on site visitors).
12. Calm down at Playa Bacocho
Playa Bacocho is a big, quiet seashore on the westernmost aspect of Puerto Escondido. It has a large expanse of sentimental white sand so you’ll be able to unfold out with out being too near different individuals.
The swimming at Playa Bacocho is just like La Punta, the place you need 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 residence to Seashore Membership Bacocho. For an entrance charge, you’ll be able to chill out on their seashore loungers, swim within the pool, and eat at their on-site restaurant.
13. Horseback Experience to Hidden Sizzling Springs
A lesser-known exercise to do close to Puerto Escondido is horseback driving to hidden sizzling springs in San Jose Manialtepec. The trip 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 chill out in and benefit from the forest sounds.
You’ll be able to be part of a tour or take a 30-minute taxi to San Jose Manialtepec the place you’ll discover indicators providing horseback driving.
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 look at professional surfers and body-boarders trip the exhilarating waves. One of the 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 seashore, promoting snacks round sundown.
15. Take a Yoga Class at Spirulina
Spirulina is likely one of the finest health-focused eating places in Zicatela, however additionally they host enjoyable yoga lessons. The open-air studio is above the restaurant and has the sound of crashing waves because the backdrop. Lessons run a number of instances each day (aside from Tuesday once they’re closed) and you should purchase a single-day go.
Afterwards, seize a chunk downstairs. Their fish tacos are scrumptious, however my private favorite (and one in all their hottest menu objects) is the crispy hen sandwich on a baguette. Make sure that to strive one in all 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 part of a surf skating class. Surf skating is just like skateboarding, however within the form of a longboard with extra clean, fluid actions that resemble browsing. Should you’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 firstly to interrupt the ice. Additionally they have a number of instructors to interrupt up the group in response to stage of expertise. It’s a enjoyable solution 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 the perfect spots to bounce the evening away are Mar y Wana and Cactus. Mar y Wana is an out of doors bar underneath tree branches and canvas with a enjoyable reggaeton vibe. Cactus presents digital music with a sand dance ground proper on the seashore. There’s a cowl charge for each, however should you 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 seashore in central Puerto Escondido. The one solution 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 charge to stroll down via Lodge 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 aspect 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, nonetheless, I like to recommend bringing water sneakers for the rocky floor. There may be an previous 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 mild at evening. It’s attributable to 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 town that almost all 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 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.
In case you are 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 evening there. Should you do spend the evening make sure that to ask locals on the town learn how to get to Chacahua’s rock arch to look at 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. The most effective 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 evening of their open-air studio. The lessons are good for all ranges and also you’ll dance with quite a lot of companions all through the evening. In case you are 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
In case you are not the strongest swimmer and really feel extra snug in domesticated water, spend a day at Selena’s coworking area in Zicatela. Selena presents day passes to get pleasure from their giant pool, solar loungers, pool tables, and extra. Additionally they have a restaurant and bar on-site. Selena is likely one of the hottest social gathering hostels in Puerto Escondido so it is usually a terrific 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 primary street. It has plastic chairs with no bells or whistles however you get to look at them prepare dinner your tacos proper on the stand.
Taqueria Uno y Mas is occupied nearly completely 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 surroundings is stuffed with mangroves and freshwater that homes crocodiles, parrots, herons, and different attention-grabbing species.
There are excursions that convey vacationers on fowl watching excursions via the mangroves of Laguna de Manialtepec. In case you are a nature-lover, it is 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 value visiting as a day journey from Puerto Escondido as a result of it has utterly totally different vibes. Mazunte’s appeal revolves round pure magnificence and hippy tradition.
Strolling the dust streets in Mazunte, you’ll discover yoga lessons, chakra readings, dawn meditations, and extra. The city is considerably smaller so might be explored in a day journey. One of the best issues to do there are:
- Hike to Punta Cometa – A viewpoint on the rocky cliffs overlooking the ocean shoreline. That is particularly well-liked for sundown.
- Get pleasure from Mazunte’s seashores – The seashores right here have forest lined cliffs behind it, lined with palm bushes, and distinctive rock formations within the water. The primary seashores are Playa Mazunte and Playa Rinconcito. There may be additionally Playa Agustinillo in case you are up for a km stroll in alternate for much less individuals.
- Take a yoga or meditation class – Among the finest studios in Mazunte embrace 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 may 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 likely one of the finest excursions to go together with. They’ve a sixth sense in the case of discovering the perfect fishing spots and can assist get a neighborhood restaurant to prepare dinner the fish for you afterwards.
28. Go Purchasing in La Punta
La Punta’s primary strip is lined with outlets promoting clothes, jewellery, surf apparel, and souvenirs. The dust street is a taking place 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 Evening
Each Thursday, Punta Origen Meals Park hosts an iconic open mic evening 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 evening hosts actual artists who need to showcase their expertise. They get authorized and added to the roster beforehand, so this isn’t a ‘sit and watch drunk associates 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 girl’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 evening, that is the place to be. Attempt to get there as early as potential 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 likely one of the coolest bars in Puerto Escondido and a unique idea. A big skateboarding bowl sits centrefold within the restaurant with tables surrounding it. Whilst you eat superb pizza, you’ll be able to 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 chill out within the sand. The meals is absolutely good, particularly their tostadas, however it’s utterly value visiting for the expertise of eating on the seashore alone.
I extremely suggest visiting for sundown. You’ll be able to 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 Seashore
Seashore volleyball is one other enjoyable exercise to strive in Puerto Escondido. Playa Zicatela is the perfect spot for it, with a couple of nets unfold out all through the seashore. You will get a bunch of associates collectively to play or should you’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 through the week.
33. Take a rescue canine for a stroll at on the seashore
In case you are 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 canines. The shelter is at all times searching for extra volunteers to play with and stroll the canines. A pal of mine volunteered strolling shelter canines in Puerto Escondido and stated it was probably the most rewarding expertise.
In case you are serious about volunteering, they’ve a kind on their web site the place you’ll be able to enter your Whatsapp quantity or message them straight on the Whatsapp quantity discovered on their Fb web page.
Different Wonderful Eating places in Puerto Escondido:
We’ve already lined among 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 here are among 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 giant tables to collect with associates. A number of meals stands line the outer perimeter providing Thai meals, pizza, tacos, and extra. The meals is nice regardless 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 substances. One of the best half is the free chips they convey to you earlier than your meal with three totally different home made 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 method uphill in central Puerto Escondido to Pepe’s Fish Tacos. No matter you do, solely order one taco in case you have a traditional 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 turned 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 ground seating space. Additionally they make home made ice cream that’s definitely worth the steeper worth.
- 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 seashore. It’s the good 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 purchasing and restaurant strip plus you’ll be able to swim or surf at La Punta seashore. The primary strip can get fairly loud within the night with dwell music and events, so preserve that in thoughts.
Zicatela – Zicatela is my private favorite possibility 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 evening. There are nonetheless the 2 greatest golf equipment (Cactus and Mar y Wana) in Zicatela and among the finest eating places in Puerto Escondido.
Central – I’d decide to not keep in central except you could have a particular motive 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.
Remaining 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 least 3 – 5 full days there, however you can simply spend 7 – 10 days in Puerto Escondido with out operating out of actions. From watching dolphins dance beside your boat, unforgettable sunsets, snorkelling with sea turtles, and salsa dancing the evening away, it’s no surprise individuals 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!