If you’re looking for a place so idyllic it feels like you’re in paradise, look no further than Puerto Escondido. Nestled along the Pacific coast of Mexico, this small coastal town is one of the most enchanting places I have ever visited. It offers a laid-back atmosphere, with a blend of bohemian charm and coastal beauty. Whether you’re a surfer seeking the perfect wave, a sun junkie looking for gorgeous beaches to relax on, or a foodie craving authentic Mexican cuisine, Puerto Escondido has something for everyone. In this blog post, I will share with you the best things to do, see and eat in Puerto Escondido, as well as some tips on when to visit, how long to stay, and where to stay.

What to Do and See in Puerto Escondido

Visit the Beautiful Beaches

The greatest lure to Puerto Escondido is undoubtedly its beautiful beaches. It is home to several beaches, each with its own unique charm. The three most popular are: 

• Playa Zicatela, known for its world-class surfing waves. This beach is home to the Mexican Pipeline, one of the biggest waves in the world which attracts surfers from all over the globe. If you are not a surfer, you can still enjoy watching the action from the shore, sipping on a cold cerveza from one of the many bars and restaurants that line the beach. 
• Playa Carrizalillo, a picturesque cove ideal for swimming and snorkelling. My boyfriend and I instantly fell in love with Playa Carrizalillo and visited every day we were in Puerto Escondido. We couldn’t get enough of the soft golden sand, sparkling turquoise sea, and towering cliffs that enclose the beach. You can rent a sunbed and an umbrella, or find a shady spot under a palm tree. There are also some cafes and restaurants nearby to grab a bite or a drink.
• Playa Bacocho: This is a long and wide beach, ideal for walking, running, or horseback riding. The water is deep and rough, so swimming is not recommended here.

If you are a beginner or intermediate surfer, it’s best to visit Puerto Escondido in the dry season from November to April, when the waves are smaller and more suitable for learning. There are plenty of surf schools and instructors in the town centre, which can teach you how to catch some waves. More experienced surfers will prefer the waves from May to October, when they are consistently massive.

Do an Ocean Boat Tours

One of the best ways to explore the coast and the local marine life is by taking a boat trip. I joined a sunrise tour and was lucky enough to see wild dolphins, turtles and stingrays. We even saw part of a whale (does it count as whale-spotting if you don’t see the head or tail?). It was wonderful being so close to these magnificent animals, while keeping a respectful distance. You can book the tour online via Viator, Get Your Guide or Airbnb Experiences, but I strongly recommend booking in-person at a local travel agency (or through your hostel/hotel) for a much lower price.

Release Baby Turtles

One of the most popular activities in Puerto Escondido is releasing baby sea turtles into the ocean. Head to Bacocho Beach to take part in this wholesome, rewarding project, organised by Vive Mar. For only $100 peso per person, you can assist a baby turtle in its journey from the turtle camp to the sea, greatly increasing its chance of survival. The activity starts at 5pm every day. Every turtle that hatches that day will be released, but it’s best to get there before 5pm as a queue will form, and Vive Mar could run out of fresh hatchlings.

Visit Laguna Manialtepec

Just 15 km from Puerto Escondido is a gorgeous mangrove-lined lagoon called Laguna Manialtepec. You can join a boat tour, rent a kayak or paddle board to explore the mangroves. It’s worth hiring a guide (through a tour agency) who will be able to point out well-hidden animals you might otherwise miss. If you’re lucky, you could see sloths, monkeys, snakes, and a wide variety of birds. For an unforgettable experience, visit Laguna Manialtepec on a night tour. You can swim in the lagoon, surrounded by plankton which glow in the dark when the water around them is disturbed. It’s truly magical watching the plankton sparkle with every movement.

Browse the Street Markets 

Shopaholics will be very happy in Puerto Escondido. There are lots of cute boutiques and stores through the town, but the best place to shop is the vibrant Mercado Benito Juárez. It’s the town’s main market, where you can find everything from fresh produce, meat, cheese, and bread, to clothes, souvenirs, and locally-made handicrafts. It’s a lively and colourful market, where you can sample tasty street food, mingle with the locals, and get a glimpse of their culture and daily life.

What to Eat in Puerto Escondido

Given its location, it’s no surprise that fish and seafood feature heavily on Puerto Escondido’s menus. You can find tons of restaurants selling fresh catch of the day and grilled fish tacos. My boyfriend and I had an incredible seafood soup at Las Juquileñas – it was almost overflowing with fresh crab, prawns, cockles, mussels and squid. 

Puerto Escondido is part of the Oaxaca region in Mexico, and restaurants in the town are influenced by the Oaxacan cuisine. The further you walk from the beach, the cheaper the food becomes and the more Mexicans you see tucking into traditional Mexican grub. Not sure where to start? Here are some unmissable local specialties:

• Ceviche – raw fish or seafood, marinated in lime juice, onion, coriander and chilli. It is served cold, usually with tortilla chips, avocado, and salsa. Very refreshing on a hot, sunny day!
• Mole – a traditional Oaxacan sauce, made with chocolate, chilli, spices, nuts, and seeds. Mole is thick, rich, and complex, and can be served with meat or vegetables. 
• Pozole – a traditional soup or stew made from hominy (dried corn kernels), meat, shredded lettuce or cabbage, chilli peppers, radishes, avocado, salsa and lime. 
• Tlayuda – Mexico’s version of pizza; a flatbread covered in refried beans, stretchy Oaxacan cheese and a variety of toppings (grilled meat, chorizo and avocado being some of the most popular)

How to Get to Puerto Escondido 

Most people reach Puerto Escondido by bus from Oaxaca City (the biggest nearby city). There are two bus companies operating this route – OCC and ADO – and the journey time is only 3 hours. Ticket prices range from MXN$ 299 and MXN$ 349. You can book tickets in-person at Oaxaca bus station or online through transport sites like 12go, Clickbus, Busbud and Get By Bus. I personally prefer using these sites as you can search in multiple languages, compare prices and pay online via your credit/debit card. After payment, you will receive an e-ticket to show the bus driver.

Once you’re in Puerto Escondido, you’ll be able to reach a lot of places on foot. For longer distances, you could rent a scooter or use colectivos like my boyfriend and I did. Colectivos are shared taxis which run up and down the main roads in Puerto Escondido. You stand at the side of the road, with your arm out (hitchhiking-style) then wait for the van to pull in. Hop aboard, greet any other passengers already inside and when you’re close to where you want to get off, ring the bell on the inside of the van. The driver will pull over so you can get out and pay him (cash only – normally 12 pesos per person, per journey. A real bargain!)

Where to Stay in Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido has a range of accommodation options to suit every budget. From beachfront bungalows and boutique hotels to low-cost hostels, there’s something for everyone. If you want to stay close to the beach, look for accommodation in the La Punta neighbourhood. For more affordable options, look in the downtown / town centre for a variety of accommodation within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and attractions. My boyfriend and I enjoyed our stay at Casa Santaella (you can also find it on Airbnb and Booking.com). It has a gorgeous, luscious garden which makes you feel like you’re on a tropical island, not in the town centre. There are also adorable cats who live on the property! 

When to Visit Puerto Escondido

The best time to visit Puerto Escondido is during the dry season, from November to May when there’s plenty of sunny weather and ideal surfing conditions. December to March tends to be the busiest period, so consider visiting during the shoulder months of April and May for fewer crowds and lower prices. The rainy season is from June to October; you can expect intense rain showers and high humidity during that time. 

If you want to experience some of the local culture, you should visit during some of the major festivals, such as the Day of the Dead in November, the Virgin of Guadalupe in December, and Carnival in February. Puerto Escondido also hosts sport events in the summer, like the Zicatela Pro and the Puerto Escondido Cup.

Staying Safe in Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido is generally safe to visit, but you should use common sense and take basic precautions. You should avoid walking alone at night, especially on the beach or along empty streets (trust your instincts if a situation feels creepy!). Keep an eye on your belongings and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. You should also be careful when swimming or surfing, as the currents and waves can be strong and dangerous. Always check the conditions and follow the advice of the lifeguards and locals.

How Long to Stay in Puerto Escondido

While Puerto Escondido can be explored in a few days, consider staying for at least a week to fully immerse yourself in the laid-back lifestyle and give yourself ample time for swimming, beach hopping, tours and excursions, and indulging in the local cuisine without feeling rushed. Even a week might not be longer enough; Within days of arriving, I told my boyfriend “I could easily live here for six months without getting bored!”.

I hope this blog post has given you lots of ideas about what to do, see, eat and experience in Puerto Escondido. It’s a fantastic destination for anyone seeking sun, sand, and surf, and I suspect you’ll fall head over heels in love with it, just as I did! While you’re planning your Mexico holiday, make sure to check out my 4-week backpacking itinerary for Mexico, featuring Puerto Escondido, Guanjuato, Mexico City, Oaxaca, Merida and much more. 

Ciao for now

Izzie, the Curious Sparrow