I almost skipped Puerto Escondido on my Mexico trip. Big mistake that would have been. This place completely changed how I think about beach vacations.
Instead of fancy resorts, I got authentic tacos from street carts. Instead of pool bars, I watched surfers tackle some of the heaviest waves in the world.
Instead of tourist crowds, I hung out with locals at the market and actually practiced my broken Spanish. Puerto Escondido isn’t trying to impress anyone, and that’s exactly why it’s so damn good.
Let me walk you through everything that made me fall hard for this spot.
Top Things to Do in Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido sits on Oaxaca’s Pacific coast and offers something different from typical Mexican beach towns. The vibe here is laid-back and unpretentious.
Surfers flock to Zicatela Beach for world-class waves, while families prefer the calmer waters at Carrizalillo. If you’re into authentic experiences rather than all-inclusive resorts, you’ll fit right in.
The town attracts backpackers, digital nomads, and travelers who want to eat incredible food, catch waves, spot dolphins, and hang out where locals actually live. It’s raw, real, and refreshingly uncommercialized.
List of Things to Do in Puerto Escondido
From world-class surf breaks to bioluminescent lagoons, Puerto Escondido packs adventure, culture, and relaxation into one coastal town.
1. Puerto Escondido’s Best Beaches
Puerto Escondido has beaches for every mood. Zicatela is famous for powerful surf and people-watching.
Carrizalillo offers protected swimming in a small bay surrounded by cliffs. Manzanillo is quiet and perfect for snorkeling.
Bacocho stretches for miles with fewer crowds. Puerto Angelito stays calm and family-friendly. Each beach has its own personality, so spend time trying different spots to find your favorite.
2. Go Surfing in Puerto Escondido
Zicatela Beach hosts the Mexican Pipeline, one of the world’s heaviest beach breaks. Experienced surfers come here for the challenge.
Beginners should head to La Punta or Carrizalillo where waves are gentler and surf schools offer lessons. The water stays warm year-round. November through March brings the biggest swells.
Rent a board from beachfront shops or bring your own. Watching sunrise sessions is incredible even if you don’t surf.
3. Enjoy Water & Nature Experiences
Book a boat tour to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and manta rays in their natural habitat. Between November and March, you might see humpback whales migrating.
The bioluminescent lagoon at Manialtepec glows at night when you disturb the water. It’s a surreal experience. Snorkeling at nearby reefs reveals colorful fish and coral.
Kayaking through mangroves gives you a different perspective. These tours usually run in small groups with local guides.
4. Find the Local Culture & Town Life
Walk through the Benito Juarez Market to see local life in action. Vendors sell fresh produce, handmade tortillas, and Oaxacan crafts.
The town’s street art scene is growing, with murals popping up in unexpected corners. Saturday nights bring live music to the Adoquin, the pedestrian strip along the beach.
Chat with shop owners, try street food from carts, and watch how locals spend their evenings. Things move slower here than in tourist hotspots.
5. Best Food & Drink Experiences
Oaxacan food is some of Mexico’s best, and Puerto Escondido delivers. Try tlayudas, moles, and fresh seafood caught that morning.
Beachfront palapas serve grilled fish with ocean views. Street vendors offer tamales and tacos for a few pesos. Mezcal bars let you sample different varieties of this smoky spirit.
Coffee shops roast Oaxacan beans on-site. Markets have fruit stands where you can grab mangoes, papayas, and coconuts. Eating here is affordable and delicious.
6. Relaxation & Wellness Activities
Puerto Escondido’s wellness scene keeps growing. Yoga studios offer classes overlooking the ocean, usually at sunrise or sunset. Beachfront massages let you listen to waves while getting bodywork done.
Temazcal ceremonies provide a traditional sweat lodge experience with local healers. Sound baths and meditation sessions happen regularly at wellness centers.
After days of surfing and exploring, your body will appreciate the downtime. Many places offer drop-in rates so you don’t need advance booking.
7. Adventure Activities
If sitting still isn’t your thing, there’s plenty to get your heart racing. Zip-lining tours take you through the jungle canopy with ocean views.
Cliff jumping at spots like La Bruja gives you an adrenaline rush. ATV tours let you explore beaches and back roads that cars can’t reach. Horseback riding along the shore at sunset is popular with families.
Nearby Chacahua Lagoon offers boat rides through crocodile habitat. Local guides can arrange fishing trips offshore.
Travel Tips for Enjoying Puerto Escondido
- Visit between November and April for the best weather and biggest surf. The rainy season runs May through October, bringing afternoon showers and higher humidity.
- Rent a scooter or bike to get around town since taxis add up quickly. Most beaches and restaurants are within a 10-minute ride from the main areas.
- Respect the red flags at Zicatela Beach because the currents are seriously strong. Swim at calmer beaches like Carrizalillo or Puerto Angelito if you’re not a confident swimmer.
- Bring cash since many small restaurants and shops don’t take cards. ATMs are available but sometimes run out during busy weekends and holidays.
- Learn basic Spanish phrases because English isn’t widely spoken outside tourist areas. Locals appreciate the effort and you’ll get better recommendations and prices.
Final Thoughts
I’ve been to plenty of Mexican beach towns, but Puerto Escondido hits different. It’s not polished or overdeveloped, and that’s exactly why it works.
You can surf world-class waves in the morning, eat incredible tacos for lunch, and watch bioluminescence at night. The locals are genuine, the prices are fair, and the vibe stays chill even during high season.
If you want Instagram-perfect resorts, go somewhere else. But if you want to actually experience coastal Mexico without the tourist traps, book your ticket.
This place gets under your skin in the best way possible. You’ll leave planning your return trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Puerto Escondido safe for tourists?
Yes, Puerto Escondido is generally safe for travelers. Stick to well-lit areas at night, don’t flash expensive items, and use the same common sense you would anywhere else.
How many days do you need in Puerto Escondido?
Plan for at least 4-5 days to really get a feel for the place. This gives you time to hit different beaches, take a boat tour, surf, and soak up the local vibe without rushing.
Do I need to speak Spanish in Puerto Escondido?
Basic Spanish helps a lot since English isn’t widely spoken outside tourist spots. Locals really appreciate when you try, even if it’s just ordering food or asking directions.
What’s the best beach for families in Puerto Escondido?
Puerto Angelito and Carrizalillo are your best bets for families. Both have calm, protected waters that are safe for kids and easier swimming conditions than the bigger surf beaches.
Can beginners surf in Puerto Escondido?
Absolutely, just avoid Zicatela Beach where the waves are intense. La Punta and Carrizalillo have gentler breaks and several surf schools that cater specifically to beginners with lessons and rentals.