The moment you set foot in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, it will arrest you with its beauty of eight beaches, each with its distinct charisma. In these corners of the Mexican Pacific, days vanish during riding wild waves on surfboards, releasing turtles, honoring the Sunset, or simply laying Naked in the Sun, as the way you were born.
Puerto Escondido is one of the prominent destinations on the Oaxacan coast. Due to the lack of large resort chains, its rustic and reclaimed atmosphere is evidence. You can rent cabins to sleep, family-inns near the beach, or echo-chic boutique hotels that incite the romance. You can also bring tents and camp on the shore.
What to do at Puerto Escondido?
Perez Gasca:
One of the myriad rings you can do in this town is to walk along the first paved street called Perez Gasca of Adoquin, Puerto Escondido. This street is filled with invigorating amateur musicians, surf and handicraft shops, small bars to offer Mojito, and restaurants offering traditional seafood and wood-fired pizzas. At night, the visitors can take relaxing strolls as the street is pedestrianized.
Beach Hopping:
It is the most popular activity in Puerto Escondido as boats depart from the main beach in search of sea turtles and dolphins.
Zicatela is known for its given size waves for mecca surfing and is even known for its best ambiance.
For couples, Bachoco beach is ideal to explore on horseback.
Waterfalls:
Backpackers and nature enthusiasts looking for hiking excursions in search of waterfalls, then Puerto Angel is a match made in paradise. Even those who prefer snorkel in calm water can visit Puerto Angel.
Pueblo Magico (Magical Town):
In the Pueblo Magic of Mazunte and its sister beach, Zipolite has year-round camps to protect turtles.
Lagunas:
At night, the most popular tour takes place to experience the phenomenon of bioluminescence at the Laguna de Manialtepec and Lagunas de Chacahua. These Lagunas are close to Puerto Escondido.
When to visit?
Puerto Escondido is located at a distance of 180 miles from the city of Oaxaca. Certainly, the best time to visit the Jewel of the Mexican Pacific is from January to May and October to December, to enjoy sunny weather. March, April, and May are the coldest months of the year. If you want to avoid the crowds then you can visit during the spring break and Christmas Break in Mexico.
Best Nearby Puerto Escondido Places For Swim & Surf
You can choose the beach from the following according to what you seek.
Playa Manzanillo/Puerto Angelito
The same bay houses these two calm beaches separated by rocks. As the bay is not that big it becomes packed. A good spot for snorkeling.
Beaches offer lots of palapas to rest under, chilled beers, and cozy places to stake out with a mat or towel.
You can even rent the lounge chair with plastic pillows and the shade of the big umbrella.
Playa Zicatela
Surfers love Zicatela as it offers a far too strong undertow for swimming in safety. It is even well known for its giant waves crashing its shore.
Surfing events like the World Surfing Leagues are held in Puerto during peak season with waves of 6-15 feet.
Playa Zicatela offers a stack of food, bars at the beachside, beer joints with fish tacos, and weekends with late-night party leisure.
La Punta de Zicatela
The main backpacker area with a lot of younger crowd than Zicatela, Playa Zicatela located at the east at the water’s edge. The place with fewer tourists and more hostels, with thatched roads and dirt roads.
Playa Carrizalillo
Carrizalillo is a hidden gem, which can be stepped in with 167 steps from the cliff down to the sea, you’ll get to this miniature beach. It is located about 5 km north of the Zicatela. Mild waves, elegant inlet, palapas with margaritas, and much more. If you desire to overlook the Sunset with a drink at the shore.
Puerto Escondido Restaurants:
Here is a short tour where you can eat different types of good food.
Fresh Restaurant and Lounge: For Medley of Seafood
Fresh Restaurant and Lounge offers casual seafood and generous main courses. The other offerings are also so delicious that the crowd of tourists cannot help but step in again. Mexican traditional dish Guacamole is also very tasty.
Costeñito Cevichería: Best Grilled Fish
They prove their name by serving fresh and delicious Ceviches. Costenito Cevicheria is known for their grilled fish served with potatoes, salad with enough quantity. They even give you the choice of oregano and butter or parsley, garlic, and lime.
El Cafecito: For The Best Pocket-friendly Breakfast/Brunch
El Cafecito offers delicious food with enough quantity. Their special dish huevos Oaxaqueños consists of eggs cooked in spicy tomato sauce and topped with quesillo. These are served with refried beans, some totopo chips, and a side of tortillas. Those who like bread can visit the bakery which really offers delicious baked items. The cafe has two locations, one in the town and another on Zicatela beach. Both are famous for their authentic food and services.
Espadin: Best Sunset Margaritas
If you wanna witness the beautiful view of the Sunset with a drink, Espadin is a wise choice. After you are done with Swimming on Playa Carrizalillo, you can grab the appetizing guacamole in a wonderful place. If you still starve and feel like a splurge, you can pick up grilled octopus.
Note: Due to COVID-19 they prefer reservations over walk-ins, so make sure you do the same.
Best Seafood: Bungalows Zicatela
If you are a seafood lover then don’t forget to take a visit to Bungalows Zicatela. They serve delightful paella with a huge portion of rice, octopus, fish, mussels, and more. And chicken lots of chicken.
Bounty: Daily they serve 2×1 margaritas pizza, between 6 pm to 11 pm.
Taste of Middle Eastern Food
El Sultan is a reasonable restaurant on Boulevard Benito Juarez, next to the Minisuper 69. This offers falafel, hummus, salads, and those who love to eat bread can have lots of Pan Arabe(pita) for sopping up the leftovers on your plate.
Place to Stay in Puerto Escondido
There are many places available online with their unique service to offer. You can compare the services and review for the same and decide one for you. We recommend Bungalows Zicatela which has two pools, a restaurant, a lovely view, free wifi, and even they allow pets if you have one.
They have polite staff, clean pools, and a wonderful view from the top floor over the water. These all they provide at affordable prices.
If you are sensitive to loud noise then you should avoid booking seaside inns. As the bars on the weekend boom the music till late night.
You can even check out these inns for private rooms, or dorms near Zicatela beach Casa Daikiri, Casa Losodeli. Readers recommended Hostal Frutas y Verduras for a laid-back barefoot vibe.
In a nutshell:
We have tried to cover everything one needs as a guide to travel to Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico for their best experience. You can share your experience too so readers can have more information from different perspectives. Happy Traveling!