Puerto Escondido Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Puerto Escondido featuring fashion, shopping and markets

Internationally famous for its beaches and surf scene, this seaside town is also a gateway for tours to coffee plantations and ecotourism activities.

Popular among backpackers, families, honeymooners and surfers, Puerto Escondido is one of Mexico’s finest Pacific coast beach towns. Soak up the sun on pretty bays, ride big waves and spot colorful sea life. In the evening, choose from bohemian bars, seafood restaurants and friendly nightclubs. Puerto Escondido is also a great jumping-off point for eco-adventures and coffee tours.

The beaches, which spread in both directions from central Playa Principal, are the town’s major attraction. Reach them on foot or take taxis and water taxis. Watch experienced surfers riding big waves at the renowned Zicatela Beach or learn to surf in the mellow waves at La Punta.

West of the town center, Puerto Angelito Bay shelters two small, family-friendly beaches. Snorkel, join dolphin-spotting excursions and relax in casual beachfront restaurants at Puerto Angelito Beach. Enjoy the tranquil ambiance and calm water of neighboring Manzanillo Beach. West of these are the secluded, cliff-enclosed Carrizalillo and Bacocho beaches, both great spots to watch magnificent sunsets.

Engage with nature on kayaking and birdwatching tours of mangrove-framed lagoons. Manialtepec Lagoon is just 11 miles (18 kilometers) from Puerto Escondido while Chacahua Lagoon National Park is about an hour’s drive west of town.

Discover ancient fishing customs and sample traditional needlefish dishes in the village of Mazunte. Visit the National Mexican Turtle Center, which is devoted to the conservation of sea turtles. Other common daytrips include tours of nearby coffee plantations such as Finca El Faro and Finca El Pacifico.

Back in town, explore the bars, clubs and restaurants of El Adoquín. Browse artisan shops and pause to watch street performers. The area around Zicatela Beach is another busy nightlife district and a favorite with the surfer crowd.

Fly to Puerto Escondido International Airport, which is less than 10 minutes’ drive from the city center. This region is warm and sunny year-round and is particularly lively during the Fiestas de Noviembre (November Festivals), a month-long celebration of music, dance, food and surfing.

Where to stay in Puerto Escondido

Carrizalillo Beach which includes rugged coastline, swimming and a beach

Carrizalillo

Carrizalillo might not have many top sights, but Zicatela Beach and Carrizalillo Beach are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Carrizalillo
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Bacocho

If you're spending some time in Bacocho, Bacocho Beach and Playa Coral are top sights worth seeing.

Bacocho
Puerto Angelito Beach which includes tropical scenes, a beach and a coastal town

Hidalgo

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Hidalgo and surrounding area, you can visit Zicatela Beach and Puerto Angelito Beach.

Hidalgo
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Bahía Principal

While visiting Bahía Principal, you might make a stop by sights like Zicatela Beach and Commercial Walkway.

Bahía Principal
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Los Tamarindos

While there might not be top attractions in Los Tamarindos, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Zicatela Beach and Punta Zicatela.

Los Tamarindos
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El Faro

El Faro might not have many top sights, but Zicatela Beach and Puerto Angelito Beach are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

El Faro
Caracol Plaza
Caracol Plaza
3.5 out of 5
Calle Septima Oriente, esq. 1a Sur, Sector Reforma, Puerto Escondido, OAX
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$145 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
AU$145
per night
9 Apr - 10 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Puerto Escondido. Enjoy free parking, breakfast, and a children's pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.4/10 Good! (241 reviews)
"Very nice hotel located very close to the beach of Puerto Escondido, walking distance to "El Adoquin" comercial zone, with a great view to the sea from their restaurant, nice and clean rooms, nothing espectacular but with a nice balcony."

Reviewed on 28 Feb. 2024

Caracol Plaza
Posada Real Puerto Escondido
Posada Real Puerto Escondido
3.5 out of 5
Blvd Benito Juarez 1, Fraccionamiento Bacocho, Puerto Escondido, OAX
The price is AU$242 per night from 29 Apr to 30 Apr
AU$242
per night
29 Apr - 30 Apr
Stay at this beach resort in Puerto Escondido. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.4/10 Good! (577 reviews)
"It's a beautiful place, it has a sea view, I didn't like the hotel doesn't have elevator and or ramps"

Reviewed on 19 Oct. 2023

Posada Real Puerto Escondido
Hotel Rockaway
Hotel Rockaway
3.5 out of 5
Calle del Morro s/n, Playa Zicatela, Puerto Escondido, OAX
The price is AU$152 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
AU$152
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Puerto Escondido. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (473 reviews)
"Would stay again"

Reviewed on 23 Mar. 2024

Hotel Rockaway
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Casamar Suites
Casamar Suites
2.5 out of 5
Calle Puebla #407, Col. Brisas de Zicatela, Puerto Escondido, OAX
Stay at this spa aparthotel in Puerto Escondido. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Zicatela Beach and Puerto Angelito ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (130 reviews)
A community oriented hotel
"Lovely hotel and we loved our icean view room with huge private terrace and separate livig room (Cocos). The only negative was the bed was a bit hard. On Tues, the resort puts on a free dinner forguests with entertainment. This time we had an Indigenous singer - she was amazing. In Thurs there was ..."

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 2024

Casamar Suites
Tabachin H
Tabachin H
1 out of 5
4 Av. Del Morro Playa Zicatela, Puerto Escondido, Oax.
Stay at this aparthotel in Puerto Escondido. Enjoy free WiFi, a terrace, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Zicatela Beach and Puerto Angelito Beach ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (8 reviews)
"I LO~OVE this place! Large rooms with high ceilings, aged wood, old stone floors, and old Spanish tile work, a leafy courtyard with big old wood tables and ceiling fans in shaded areas, and a stone fountain – as well as a common rooftop patio to watch the sunset. There are only seven suites, so every ..."

Reviewed on 26 Jan. 2024

Tabachin H
Tal Vez Boutique Hotel
Tal Vez Boutique Hotel
3.5 out of 5
C. Pelícano, La Barra, Puerto Escondido, OAX
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Puerto Escondido. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Zicatela Beach and Puerto Angelito ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (13 reviews)
Peace in nature
"Tucked away with incredible ocean and nature views, but still close enough to dip into the action if you want. A beautiful walk to the beach through the tropical vegetation takes you to a quiet and expansive beach. Punta Zicatela is a quick drive away or 30 min walk. This place is perfect if you ..."

Reviewed on 2 Jan. 2024

Tal Vez Boutique Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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