Puerto Escondido, Mexico is a lively coastal town tucked along the Pacific shores of Oaxaca, cherished for its wild surf scene, laidback spirit, and scenic beaches. Known by surf enthusiasts across the globe, it’s famous for the powerful waves at Playa Zicatela, often called the “Mexican Pipeline.” Aside from its legendary surf, Puerto Escondido draws travelers for its unpretentious charm, turquoise waters, and friendly local atmosphere.
The town brims with activity, from bustling market scenes to open-air cafés serving up fresh seafood. Playa Carrizalillo and Playa Bacocho promise gentler waters for swimming and sunbathing, while the bioluminescent Manialtepec Lagoon offers magical nighttime kayak adventures. Exploring the lively Adoquín strip in the evenings brings music, street art, and flavors of Oaxacan cuisine—and visitors find both tacos on the corner and inventive chefs crafting fusion fare.
Puerto Escondido embraces a mix of local Zapotec culture and international influences, making it a crossroads for adventurers, artists, and digital nomads. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with yoga studios, beach bars, and independent boutiques spread throughout town. Life slows down here, with daily rhythm marked by surfing at sunrise, hammock naps in the heat, and sunset gatherings on the sand.
Visitors have a range of accommodation choices, from rustic hostels to boutique hotels and beachfront cabanas. Getting around is easy: taxis are plentiful, collectivo minivans run the main roads, and most central areas are walkable. Street food is as rewarding as sit-down dining, and plenty of cafés double as coworking spaces. The dry season (November to April) is best for sunshine and beach days, but surfers flock year-round for changing wave conditions.
The town brims with activity, from bustling market scenes to open-air cafés serving up fresh seafood. Playa Carrizalillo and Playa Bacocho promise gentler waters for swimming and sunbathing, while the bioluminescent Manialtepec Lagoon offers magical nighttime kayak adventures. Exploring the lively Adoquín strip in the evenings brings music, street art, and flavors of Oaxacan cuisine—and visitors find both tacos on the corner and inventive chefs crafting fusion fare.
Puerto Escondido embraces a mix of local Zapotec culture and international influences, making it a crossroads for adventurers, artists, and digital nomads. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with yoga studios, beach bars, and independent boutiques spread throughout town. Life slows down here, with daily rhythm marked by surfing at sunrise, hammock naps in the heat, and sunset gatherings on the sand.
Visitors have a range of accommodation choices, from rustic hostels to boutique hotels and beachfront cabanas. Getting around is easy: taxis are plentiful, collectivo minivans run the main roads, and most central areas are walkable. Street food is as rewarding as sit-down dining, and plenty of cafés double as coworking spaces. The dry season (November to April) is best for sunshine and beach days, but surfers flock year-round for changing wave conditions.
Expected Weekly Budget
$800–$1200 USD (per person, excluding flights)
Known For
Things to Do
- Surf world-class waves at Playa Zicatela
- Swim and snorkel at Playa Carrizalillo
- Experience bioluminescence at Laguna de Manialtepec
- Release baby turtles at Playa Bacocho
- Stroll the Adoquín pedestrian street for shopping and nightlife
- Try Oaxacan cuisine at beachside restaurants
- Take a dolphin and whale-watching tour
- Join a sunset yoga class overlooking the ocean
Notable Sites
- Playa Zicatela
- Playa Carrizalillo
- Laguna de Manialtepec
- Playa Bacocho
- Adoquín
- Punta Zicatela
- Mercado Benito Juárez
- Puerto Angelito
General Advice
Puerto Escondido is a destination that suits both laidback travelers and adventure seekers. Bring sun protection and casual attire; the dress code is beachy all day long. While the town has grown in popularity, it still retains a welcoming, small-town feel, but book accommodations ahead in high season. Most people speak some English, though a little Spanish goes a long way. Tap water isn’t safe to drink, so buy bottled water and stay hydrated in the hot coastal climate.
Security & Safety
Puerto Escondido is generally safe for travelers, but standard precautions apply. Watch your belongings at the beach and in crowded areas, especially at nightclubs or busy markets. Avoid isolated stretches of beach after dark and use registered taxis instead of hailing rides from the street. ATM scams can happen, so use machines inside banks or major hotels. As with any surf town, keep an eye on local advice about strong currents and only swim at beaches with lifeguards if you’re unsure.
Travel Tips
- Bring plenty of sunscreen and light clothing—temperatures can be high year-round.
- Withdraw enough cash; not all places accept cards and ATMs sometimes run dry.
- If learning to surf, book a lesson with a certified instructor for safety.
- Public transport is mostly shared vans (collectivos), which are budget-friendly and frequent.
- Arrange airport shuttles ahead of time, as taxis from the airport can be expensive.
- Mosquito repellent is useful, especially near mangroves and at dusk.
- Don’t miss sampling local Oaxacan specialties such as tlayudas and mezcal.
- Book surfboard rentals and boat tours in advance during holiday periods.
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Traveler Comments
Visited in April 2024
I spent two weeks surfing Zicatela and soaking up the sun at Carrizalillo. The waves are definitely not for beginners, but the vibe is super friendly and chill. Loved watching the sunsets from a beach bar every night. Only wish there were more ATMs—had to hunt for cash a few times.
Traveled here in December 2023
Went with my husband and kids and we all had a fantastic time! The turtles at Playa Bacocho were the highlight for our 8-year-old. Food stalls around the Adoquín are delicious and affordable. It’s laidback and never felt too busy.
Stayed in February 2024
Great spot for solo travelers. I met other backpackers at my hostel and joined a bioluminescent lagoon tour, which was unreal. Bringing insect spray helped near the water at night. Wish I spent more time exploring the markets.
Visited in July 2023
Super friendly locals and fresh seafood everywhere. I surfed during the morning and enjoyed mezcal tasting after dark. Be prepared for heat and humidity—my fan was my best friend during siesta hours.
Traveled here in January 2024
Carrizalillo is a swimmer’s paradise—gentle waves and such clear water! We ate delicious mole and even found vegan options in town. Only issue was some crowds on the main beaches on weekends, but plenty of space further down.
Visited in November 2023
The turtle release project was the most special part of our family vacation. Puerto Escondido is laidback but there’s always something going on. My teens loved the surf lessons, and we felt safe walking everywhere we went.
Traveled here in March 2024
I loved the vibe around Punta Zicatela—so many cool cafés and live music at night. The town felt authentic, not overrun by tourists. Just keep an eye on your belongings at the beach, as a friend had his towel swiped.
Visited in May 2024
If you love sunsets, this is the place! We rented a scooter to check out all the different beaches and every one was stunning. Meals on the beach cost a bit more, but the view is worth it.
Stayed in June 2023
We joined a dolphin-spotting boat and saw tons of dolphins jumping right by us. Foodies will love the mercado—very local and colorful. Only downside was some street noise near our hostel at night.
Visited in August 2023
Puerto Escondido has a relaxed energy that made it easy to unwind after long travels. Yoga on the rooftop at sunrise was a highlight for me. It can get a bit hot in the afternoons, so plan beach time early.
Traveled here in October 2023
Beautiful beaches and great fish tacos! I went during the rainy season, so a few afternoons were washed out. Still, found plenty to explore and locals were happy to give recommendations.
Visited in February 2024
Stayed at a boutique hotel near the market—absolutely loved waking up to fresh fruit and coffee every day. The lagoon tour with bioluminescence was magical, like nothing I’ve experienced before. Highly recommend it for couples.
Traveled here in March 2024
Came here for surfing but found myself exploring local art and the evening street markets. Public transportation is easy, and I felt pretty safe walking at night. My only tip: pack more cash than you think you need.
Stayed in January 2024
I’m not a surfer but still found so much to do—stand-up paddleboarding at Puerto Angelito, yoga every morning, and the food was unreal. Some beaches are steep to walk to, but worth the climb for the views.
Visited in December 2023
Holiday season was incredible—music everywhere and people celebrating until late. We loved trying all the Oaxacan dishes and supporting small artisan shops. Felt really connected to the local culture.
Traveled here in September 2023
My partner and I enjoyed exploring Manialtepec Lagoon and were amazed by the glowing waters at night. The surf at Zicatela was way too strong for us, but we liked watching the pros from a safe distance.
Visited in February 2024
We traveled with a group of friends and sampled mezcal at a local bar—so much fun! The only slight hassle was airport taxis; booking ahead online made things smoother. Would love to come back for longer.
Traveled here in May 2024
Retired and tried fishing and beach walks most days. Very peaceful, especially on the quieter ends of Playa Bacocho. WiFi can be hit or miss, so not ideal if you need to work. Otherwise, a great slow-paced getaway.
Stayed in March 2024
Fell in love with the laidback mornings and delicious coffee everywhere. The night market was vibrant and full of life. Watch out for uneven sidewalks, but easy enough to get around on foot.
Visited in July 2023
Puerto Escondido had all I wanted: surf, sun, and street food. I’d recommend going outside of peak season for fewer people and a quieter experience. The local mezcal is a must-try!
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