This submit was written by Emily Becker, who’s a Mexico-based freelance author for BMTM.
Puerto Escondido captured my coronary heart from the very first time I dipped my toes within the water at Playa Carrizalillo, my now-favorite seaside on the town. A far cry from the resort-speckled shores of Cancún and Puerto Vallarta, Puerto Escondido gives a way more chill ambiance, with a greater number of seashores.
This up-and-coming vacation spot is beloved by surfers, backpackers, and solo vacationers like myself. It’s touristy sufficient to have every little thing you possibly can presumably want, however nonetheless quaint sufficient to provide you a style of genuine Mexico.
Stick round for my full information to Puerto Escondido; what to do, the place to remain, how you can get there, and extra:
Issues to Do in Puerto Escondido, Mexico
1. Chill in La Punta
La Punta is the world on the japanese aspect of Puerto Escondido through which Playa Zicatela lies. It’s simply the trendiest spot on the town and filled with younger individuals who come for the nightlife, eating places, and browsing. The primary time I went to Puerto Escondido, I received massive Tulum vibes from La Punta, however had a change of coronary heart the second time round.
It’s just like Tulum’s resort zone due to its stunning surroundings and quintessential beach-chic decor, however I noticed throughout this second go to that La Punta — and Puerto basically — is way more laid-back and genuine than Tulum. It’s additionally extra inexpensive and is extra geared towards browsing and different sports activities.
In any case, La Punta is a superb spot to window-shop, seize a chunk, ebook a surf lesson, or sip a cocktail on the seaside. It’s additionally a cool space to remain in: there are tons of hostels, resorts, and Airbnbs which can be fairly inexpensive. I stayed in this little bungalow for simply $40/night time proper within the coronary heart of La Punta.
2. Launch turtles at Playa Bacocho
Earlier than my journey I had seen tons of Instagram photographs of individuals releasing turtles at Playa Bacocho, and I used to be fairly skeptical of how moral it might be to take action. To be sincere, I’m nonetheless not sure about whether or not or not human intervention like that is 100% okay for the animals, as a result of I’ve seen credible articles on-line for and towards it.
I opted out of really releasing a turtle myself as a result of I used to be not sure, however I feel it’s a type of issues that everyone is able to making an knowledgeable choice about on their very own.
On Playa Bacocho, there’s a giant construction the place conservationists hatch the eggs of sea turtles in a secure and managed setting. Each night round 5pm, they provide guests an opportunity to launch a turtle utilizing a hollowed-out coconut. All people can get their turtle, go to the designated space, and let the little creature make its harrowing journey to the ocean.
It’s a free exercise, and regardless that I didn’t launch a turtle myself, I nonetheless loved sitting shut by and watching the little guys waddle to the ocean. Plus, the sunsets at Playa Bacocho are attractive, so it’s value going at the moment regardless.
3. Dolphin and whale watching
A preferred exercise in Puerto Escondido goes out to see dolphins and whales off the Oaxacan coast. Humpback whales migrate to this a part of the Pacific between December and March annually, so that you’ll have a very good probability of seeing them when you go to throughout this season. Pods of dolphins are seen any time of yr, so it’s undoubtedly value taking a ship out to see them.
This dawn dolphin- and whale-watching tour is a superb choice.
4. Take a surf lesson
Playa Zicatela is the place to surf in Puerto Escondido, and also you’ll even see an enormous statue of a surfer on the freeway close to the turnoff that results in the seaside. The complete city is thought for being a surfer’s paradise, so taking a lesson is the proper method to actually get into the spirit of Puerto Escondido.
There are many locations to take action, however the one one I’ve tried myself is the Pacific Surf Academy. Don’t be deterred by its no-frills web site. It’s legit, and the instructors are skilled, pleasant, and bilingual in English and Spanish. I went out early within the morning for my lesson and had a blast paddling out, catching waves, and attempting (and principally failing) to face up on my board. My teacher was encouraging, and dealing with my worry of the ocean waves was an empowering expertise.
5. Take a look at Playa Carrizalillo
Playa Carrizalillo is my favourite seaside in Puerto Escondido, arms down. I really like how it’s important to descend a bunch of stairs to get to the seaside, since you get a beautiful view of the rocky shores from above on the best way. It is usually one other widespread browsing spot, however I used to be intimidated by what number of massive rocks there have been within the water, so I made a decision to sit back on the seaside as an alternative.
Playa Carrizalillo has extra of a household vibe, and it tends to get fairly crowded within the afternoons and on the weekends. If you wish to have the seaside principally to your self, get there early within the morning on a weekday.
6. Hire a scooter or ATV
You’ll discover straight away in Puerto Escondido that most individuals get round on both a scooter, motorbike, or ATV. Lots of the seashores in Puerto are unfold out, so renting one among these to bop round in is a good way to see as a lot as potential with out counting on taxis.
Leases can differ in worth relying on whether or not you select a two-wheeler or a four-wheeler. Scooters and bikes are round $20/day with insurance coverage, and ATVs are round $40/day. Robert’s Eco Excursions is a dependable place to lease a scooter on a weekly foundation, providing a beneficiant low cost from the same old each day charges. Model X Moto Excursions additionally has a wide range of automobiles to select from at first rate costs.
7. Catch an epic sundown
There are lots of secret spots in Puerto Escondido to catch an attractive sundown, a few of which I’ll can help you uncover by yourself as to not upset any locals by spilling the beans. For a low-key sundown, although, head to Playa Bacocho, the place you’ll discover volleyball gamers, sea turtle releases, and many picnics on the seaside.
One other incredible place to look at the sundown is at Camino al Faro, the place you possibly can comply with some previous stone steps to a spot proper above the place the waves crash. You’ll discover the doorway at Mirador Un Sueño Posible (see the map under). Get there round 5:30pm to assert a great spot. Carry some refreshments and snacks, however be sure to not go away something behind.
8. Stand-up paddleboard
If browsing isn’t your factor however you continue to wish to get out on the water, attempt a stand-up paddleboard! SUP is a bit simpler than browsing, and means that you can benefit from the waves extra peacefully. Though Playa Zicatela is thought for its thundering waves, noon gives calmer circumstances which can be nice for paddleboarding.
Go Do It at Playa Zicatela gives SUP lessons and likewise rents paddleboards. You’ll additionally discover paddleboards for lease at Playa Carrizalillo.
9. Dance on the seaside at Playa Manzanillo
Playa Manzanillo is a small seaside in an inlet close to Playa Carrizalillo. Nearly half of the shore is rocky, with the opposite half boasting mushy sand and delicate waves good for swimming. The primary attraction right here, nevertheless, isn’t the water itself. It’s La Isla Seaside Membership, which is a chill restaurant and bar that pumps out stay music nearly each afternoon.
La Isla is value a cease if you wish to get your groove on with out staying out late or immersing your self in Puerto’s nighttime get together scene, as a result of the stay music normally begins round 1pm every day. I frolicked right here for a pair hours after they had a reggae band enjoying and had a blast.
10. Day journey to Zipolite
Should you’re up for an journey nearly an hour away from Puerto Escondido, head to Mexico’s solely legally nude seaside, Playa Zipolite. That is one among my favourite seaside cities in Oaxaca due to its carefree ambiance and ’70s vibe. Sit back on the seaside, immersing your self Zipolite’s laid-back tradition. This little city can be filled with road artwork, so it’s value taking a stroll to see the murals.
Take a look at my information to Zipolite to start out planning your go to.
11. Discover a hidden seaside in Mazunte
Simply 10 minutes from Zipolite by automotive is Mazunte, one other hippie seaside city on Oaxaca’s coast. Similar to Zipolite, I like to recommend testing Mazunte whilst you go to Puerto Escondido.
Should you make it there, don’t miss out on a cease to Playa Mermejita, a protracted seaside with little or no infrastructure and 0 resorts. You will get there by driving to the car parking zone for Punta Cometa (a well-liked sundown spot in Mazunte) and turning proper on the fork, the place you’ll see an indication pointing to a car parking zone for Playa Mermejita.
The mushy sand coupled with the crashing waves on the massive rocks makes this place dreamy and idyllic. I beloved that there have been only a few individuals there earlier than the sundown, with some trickling in for what seemed like a giant seaside bash later within the night.
My good friend and I beloved organising store within the sand to look at the sundown, having ventured all the best way to the westernmost a part of the seaside, the place there was a peaceable rocky cove.
12. Strive the very best fish tacos on the town
Does your coronary heart flutter while you reminisce a couple of pleasant meal, or is it simply me? I first tried Pepe’s fish tacos once I visited Puerto in 2021. Pepe, the uber-friendly proprietor, used to have his restaurant in La Punta. These days this rugged roadside taco joint is a bit additional away from the seaside however nonetheless simply as scrumptious as ever.
Pepe’s is right down to earth and about as no-frills because it will get. You’ll discover chickens working across the property, sneaking up beneath the desk to catch any fallen taco crumbs, and Pepe’s rescued road canine will probably be wanting to greet you.
The tacos are both fish or shrimp, coming beer battered and coconut crusted. They’re served with a mouth-watering pineapple pico de gallo and do-it-yourself salsa on the aspect. So flavorful, filling, and as contemporary because it will get!
The place to Keep in Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Despite the fact that it has turn into extra widespread over time, Puerto Escondido stays one of many least expensive seaside locations in Mexico. In any case, it’s a backpacker’s paradise! Even when you’re searching for one thing a bit extra personal and upscale than a hostel, you received’t have to interrupt the financial institution on lodging in Puerto and also you’ll get lots of bang to your buck.
Finances: Puerto Desires, $15/night time (dorm)
Should you’re going to do Puerto Escondido, Mexico on a backpacker’s finances, Puerto Desires is my high choose for you. I stayed right here final yr and had a stellar time. Not solely was my four-person dorm mattress very comfy, however the employees at Puerto Desires had been extraordinarily pleasant and accommodating. It was social, however quiet at night time and didn’t have a heavy get together scene contained in the hostel.
There have been free organized actions, and the widespread areas had been clear and ethereal. Puerto Desires can be an amazing spot when you’re a digital nomad, because the hostel has locations the place you possibly can arrange your pc and work with quick Wi-Fi and little or no noise.
Guide your keep at Puerto Desires right here.
Mid-range: Bikini Seaside Home, $40/night time
Bikini Seaside Home is a boutique resort that has 4 suites, simply steps from Playa Zicatela within the coronary heart of La Punta. This breezy spot is good if you need La Punta to be your base and don’t thoughts a bit noise. At simply $40 an evening (plus Airbnb’s charges), it’s a complete steal and features a king-sized mattress and gorgeous seaside views.
Guide your keep at Bikini Seaside Home right here.
Luxurious: Villas Carrizalillo, $185-216
Overlooking attractive Playa Carrizalillo is that this knockout boutique resort that includes a pool, a personal eating space in each room, and a restaurant on-site. Many rooms also have a terrace that opens to a beautiful ocean view.
Right here you’ll take pleasure in peace and quiet with completely no road or get together noise, simply the crashing of the waves under. I’d select this resort if I used to be visiting with a gaggle of mates, as there are suites with a number of bedrooms.
Guide your keep at Villas Carrizalillo right here.
Map of Puerto Escondido
How you can Get to Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Attending to Puerto Escondido, Mexico has turn into progressively simpler because it has elevated in reputation, significantly amongst foreigners. A brand new freeway connecting it to Mexico Metropolis is underway and can additional improve site visitors right here upon its completion.
For now, the simplest method to get to Puerto Escondido is to fly there from Mexico Metropolis. It’s a fast one-hour flight, and tickets are low cost, normally round $100 USD. You can too go to Oaxaca Metropolis and lease a automotive for a daring street journey by means of the sierras that separate town from the coast. I did this and it was an superior journey that I’d undoubtedly do once more.
Pin me for later:
I’ve been charmed by Puerto Escondido and can at all times be searching for an excuse to enterprise there. I’m preserving my fingers crossed that it doesn’t turn into overtouristed like so many different seaside locations in Mexico, as a result of I nonetheless see Puerto as a salty surf city with a giant character.
Should you’re heading to Oaxaca’s coast quickly, what different locations are you excited to go to?
