Things To Do
in Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido, Mexico is a laid-back beach town located on the Pacific coast. Known for its incredible surf spots such as Zicatela Beach, it attracts surfers from around the world. The town also offers a vibrant nightlife with beachfront bars and restaurants serving delicious seafood.
Visitors can explore nearby attractions like the beautiful Carrizalillo Beach and the stunning rock formations at Playa Bacocho.
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
- "Hasta luego" - See you later
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $80
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a relaxing breakfast at a beachside café. Afterward, enjoy a morning stroll along Zicatela Beach, feeling the soft sand between your toes.
Lunch at a seafood restaurant with fresh catches of the day is a must. Spend the afternoon sunbathing or swimming in the ocean's warm waters.
As the sun sets, grab a drink at a beachfront bar and enjoy the vibrant sunset views. Consider dining at a local restaurant where traditional Oaxacan dishes are served.
Kick off your day with a surfing lesson at the famous Playa Zicatela. Enjoy the thrill of catching a wave with expert instructors guiding you.
After surfing, refuel with lunch at a trendy beach club. Spend the afternoon exploring nearby beaches or shopping for souvenirs in local boutiques.
In the evening, join a local beach bonfire for a fun social atmosphere. Sample some exotic cocktails while mingling with fellow travelers.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful beaches with excellent surf conditions
- Laid-back and relaxed atmosphere
- Affordable cost of living
- Rich cultural heritage and vibrant local markets
- Various outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, and whale watching
- Limited access to healthcare facilities
- Seasonal tourism fluctuations may affect local economy
- Some areas may experience issues with water quality
- Road conditions can be challenging, especially in the rainy season
- Potential for natural disasters such as hurricanes
Best Activities in Puerto Escondido
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Puerto Escondido is famous for its big waves, making it a popular destination for experienced surfers. There are also options for beginners to take lessons and enjoy the surf.
Explore the beautiful beaches in Puerto Escondido, such as Playa Zicatela, Playa Carrizalillo, and Playa Principal, each offering its unique charm and activities.
With its rich marine life, Puerto Escondido offers great opportunities for deep-sea fishing adventures. Charter a boat and try your luck at catching fish like marlin, sailfish, dorado, and tuna.
Discover the natural beauty of Puerto Escondido by engaging in activities like birdwatching, turtle releases, and visiting the Manialtepec Lagoon to see bioluminescent organisms.
Tours
Uncover the best of Puerto Escondido with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Puerto Escondido
Visit one of these nice places.
Known for its big waves and stunning sunsets, this beach offers great views for both surfing enthusiasts and photographers.
A beautiful and tranquil spot where you can capture breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and enjoy the picturesque sunsets.
This pristine beach offers panoramic views and is a favorite spot for photographers looking to capture the beauty of the coastline.
Food in Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A large, crispy tortilla topped with refried beans, meat, cheese, avocado, and salsa. Can be found at local markets and street food vendors like 'Mercado Benito Juarez' or 'Pasillo de Humo.'
Must-Try!
Grilled fish marinated in a spicy chili and garlic paste, often served with rice and salad. Try it at 'El Fish Market' or 'Restaurant Espadin.'
A luscious sauce made with yellow chilies, herbs, and spices, typically served over chicken. Head to 'Fonda Dona Licha' for an authentic taste.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Puerto Escondido better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market is a treasure trove of local flavors, offering everything from fresh produce and spices to ready-to-eat delights like tamales, empanadas, and fresh fruit juices.
The evening food stalls at Adoquín offer a delightful array of street food options, including grilled meats, tacos, and seafood dishes. Don't miss the Tlayudas and aguas frescas.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Puerto Escondido, it's important to be mindful of personal space and avoid standing too close to others, especially when engaging in conversations or interactions.
Greetings are important in Puerto Escondido, and it's customary to greet people with courtesy, such as saying 'Buenos días' (good morning), 'Buenas tardes' (good afternoon), or 'Buenas noches' (good evening) when appropriate.
It's essential to show respect for local customs and traditions in Puerto Escondido, such as observing and participating in cultural celebrations, and being mindful of local etiquette and behavioral norms.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Puerto Escondido with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Puerto Escondido
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary in Puerto Escondido, Mexico. In restaurants, a tip of 10-15% of the total bill is generally expected. It's also common to tip hotel staff, tour guides, and taxi drivers.
Credit cards are widely accepted in Puerto Escondido, especially in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. However, it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller vendors and markets, as well as for tipping. ATMs are also readily available for cash withdrawals.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Puerto Escondido.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for sunny and dry weather, ideal for surfing and beach activities. Expect higher tourist numbers and higher prices.
Expect higher temperatures, humidity, and occasional heavy rain showers. Good for budget travelers, as prices may be lower. Ideal for experienced surfers due to bigger waves.
Puerto Escondido at Night
Hiking in Puerto Escondido
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic hiking trail that offers beautiful views of the coastline and lush vegetation, perfect for nature lovers.
An elevated natural area providing a challenging hike with rewarding panoramic views of Puerto Escondido and the Pacific Ocean.
A coastal hike that connects two popular beaches, featuring stunning ocean views and opportunities for wildlife sightings.
A tranquil area where hikers can explore natural wetlands, observe diverse flora and fauna, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
A bit further out, this national park offers hiking trails through diverse ecosystems, including mangroves, beaches, and lagoons.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Puerto Escondido through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Puerto Escondido by plane.
The main airport serving Puerto Escondido, offering domestic flights and some international connections.
Located approximately 30 kilometers from Puerto Escondido, this airport provides domestic and limited international flights.
Situated around 200 kilometers from Puerto Escondido, this airport serves as the main gateway for international travelers to Oaxaca and nearby regions.
Located about 300 kilometers from Puerto Escondido, this airport offers international flights and is a larger hub in the region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Puerto Escondido, consisting of people of mixed Indigenous and Spanish ancestry.
Includes various Indigenous groups that reside in and around the region, maintaining distinct cultural and linguistic identities.
A smaller group that includes descendants of Spanish colonizers and immigrants from various European countries.
A demographic group with African ancestry, present in the coastal areas, contributing to the cultural diversity of the region.
Includes expats from the United States, Canada, and other countries, who live in Puerto Escondido, often attracted by its climate and lifestyle.
The Soul of Puerto Escondido
Discover the essence of Puerto Escondido through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Puerto Escondido is famous for its surf beaches, particularly Zicatela Beach, known for its powerful waves.
With numerous beaches available, beach volleyball is a popular activity among both locals and tourists.
Fishing is a common sport in Puerto Escondido, including sport fishing and traditional methods.
Many visitors and locals engage in yoga, taking advantage of the scenic beach views and tranquil environment.
Skimboarding is popular on the sandy shores and is enjoyed by beachgoers of all ages.
The coastal waters offer great opportunities for diving and snorkeling, attracting scuba enthusiasts.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Puerto Escondido.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Oaxacan cuisine heavily features meat and dairy, many restaurants in Puerto Escondido offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes, such as enfrijoladas (bean-filled tacos), grilled nopales (cactus), and fresh fruit bowls.
For those with gluten sensitivities, look for corn-based dishes like tamales, tacos dorados, and ceviche, which are naturally free of gluten. Restaurants like 'La Olita' and 'Café Porfirio' also offer gluten-free alternatives.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Puerto Escondido with these cultural adventures.
