Puerto Escondido, Mexico: travel guide
Oaxaca coast surf town of Zicatela waves, calm coves and lagoons
A surfer's paradise on the Oaxacan Pacific coast, famous for the massive Zicatela Pipeline, bioluminescent bays, turtle nesting, and a laid-back beach-town vibe.
About Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido is a laid-back beach town on the Oaxacan Pacific coast, internationally known among surfers for the powerful waves of Playa Zicatela. Away from the big swell, it is a relaxed place of small hotels, fishing boats and beach cafés.
Playa Carrizalillo and Puerto Angelito offer calm water for swimming and snorkelling, and Adoquín, the pedestrian street, fills with restaurants in the evening. A boat trip on the Laguna de Manialtepec lets you see birds and, on some nights, glowing bioluminescence. Further along the coast, Mazunte is home to a turtle centre and quiet beaches.
Puerto Escondido suits surfers, beach lovers and independent travellers. It is hot throughout the year, and the drier months from November to April are the most comfortable, with the largest waves typically arriving in summer.
- Country
- Mexico
- Currency
- MXN
- Time zone
- America/Mexico_City
- Nearest airport
- PXM
Last updated
Top places to visit in Puerto Escondido
Laguna de Manialtepec
lagoon · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
Coastal lagoon west of town known for bioluminescence and birdwatching boat tours.
Playa Zicatela
Beach · 4.8 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
One of the world's premier surf beaches — the "Mexican Pipeline" produces hollow barrelling waves up to 10m during peak season. Watching is thrilling; swimming is extremely dangerous.
Mazunte & Turtle Center
beach-village · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate
Beach village east of town with the national Mexican Turtle Centre and Punta Cometa cape.
Bahías de Chacahua National Park
national-park · about 6 h · check the fee at the gate
Lagoon-and-beach national park west of town with mangroves, crocodiles and surf.
Playa Carrizalillo
beach · about 2.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Sheltered cove beach down a stairway, ideal for swimming and beginner surfing.
Playa Puerto Angelito
beach · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Calm twin-bay beach with snorkelling and palapa seafood, near town.
Playa La Punta Zicatela
beach · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Bohemian southern end of Zicatela with gentler waves and beginner surf schools.
Adoquín (Av. Pérez Gasga)
promenade · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Pedestrianised tourist strip in old town with craft shops, bars and seafood.
Things to do
- Surf Lesson at Zicatela Water Sports · 3 h · from MXN 600 per person
- Bioluminescence Night Tour Tour · 3 h · from MXN 700 per person
- Turtle Release at Mazunte Tour · 5 h · from MXN 650 per person
- Dolphin & Sunset Boat Tour Water Sports · 2.5 h · from MXN 600 per person
Day trips and tours
- Bioluminescence & Lagoon Tour 3 h · from MXN 700
- Mazunte Turtles & Punta Cometa 6 h · from MXN 650
Where to stay in Puerto Escondido
- Zicatela about MXN 2,000 per night
Surf-town beach strip with hotels facing the famous break.
- La Punta about MXN 1,200 per night
Bohemian southern end with hostels, yoga and gentle waves.
Hotels
- Villas Carrizalillo 4-star · MXN 2,200 to MXN 4,500 per night
- Hotel Escondido 5-star
- Hotel Santa Fe 4-star
- Selina Puerto Escondido 2-star
Where to eat
- El Cafecito mexican, café · about MXN 150 per person
- Almoraduz Mexican, Oaxacan · about MXN 500 per person
- Espadín Mexican, Seafood · about MXN 450 per person
- El Sultán Mexican, MiddleEastern · about MXN 180 per person
- Mercado de Mariscos Zicatela Seafood, Mexican · about MXN 220 per person
- Barra Vieja Mexican, Seafood · about MXN 200 per person
Getting to Puerto Escondido
Airport: Puerto Escondido (PXM)
Getting around
- Bicycle
- Taxi
- Walking
More in Mexico
Frequently asked questions about Puerto Escondido
- What are the main places to visit in Puerto Escondido?
- Places covered in our Puerto Escondido guide include Laguna de Manialtepec, Playa Zicatela, Mazunte & Turtle Center, Bahías de Chacahua National Park, Playa Carrizalillo.
- Where should I stay in Puerto Escondido?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Puerto Escondido: Zicatela, La Punta.
- How do I get around Puerto Escondido?
- Ways to get around Puerto Escondido covered in our guide: Bicycle, Taxi, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Puerto Escondido?
- The nearest airport to Puerto Escondido has the code PXM.