What to do in Puerto Escondido?

Of course, enjoying life is one of the main activities for everyone visiting this destination, but let’s see concretely what to do in Puerto Escondido?

1. Discover the beaches

With no doubt, it is the main attraction in Puerto Escondido. The village has several beaches where to enjoy the sea pleasures.

Playa Manzanillo

Nestled in a scenic bay, Playa Manzanillo is sheltered from strong waves, making it an ideal spot for swimming. Loved by locals, this tranquil beach offers calm waters perfect for a relaxing dip.

Playa Puerto Angelito

Located next to Playa Manzanillo, Playa Angelito is another tranquil beach cherished by locals. With calm waters and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to unwind. Plus, its beachfront restaurants offer a great place to enjoy a meal with a stunning ocean view.

Playa Carrizalillo

To reach Playa Carrizalillo, you’ll need to descend a long flight of sloping stairs, but the effort is well worth it. Known for its stunning beauty, this picturesque cove is also the perfect spot for beginners to take surf lessons, thanks to its gentle, rolling waves.

Playa Coral

Playa Coral can be accessed in two ways: from Bacocho Beach, though this route can be risky, or through Hotel Villa Mexicana, which charges 80 pesos for entry—this fee includes a burger and a drink. This secluded beach offers a peaceful escape, with soft sand and crystal-clear waters perfect for relaxation.

Bahia Principal

Bahía Principal is a favorite among locals, thanks to its calm waters that make it ideal for swimming. Located in the heart of Puerto Escondido, this lively beach is also a great spot to experience the town’s vibrant atmosphere.

Playa Bacocho

Playa Bacocho is a vast, scenic beach where swimming and surfing are not recommended due to its strong waves. However, it offers a unique experience—visitors can participate in baby sea turtle releases, making it a special and memorable spot to visit.

Playa Zicatela

Playa Zicatela is world-famous among surfers, offering the perfect conditions for those looking to ride its powerful waves. Beyond surfing, it’s also a fantastic spot to watch the sunset and enjoy a meal or a drink at one of the many beachfront restaurants.

La Punta

La Punta is the most touristy beach in Puerto Escondido, attracting travelers and digital nomads alike. It’s a popular spot for surfing, watching breathtaking sunsets, and enjoying the lively atmosphere of its beachfront bars and restaurants.

ALSO READ: 8 Beautiful Puerto Escondido Beaches

2. Surf

If you try just one sport in Puerto Escondido, make it surfing. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’ll love riding the waves against a stunning backdrop of golden beaches and turquoise waters.

The town is renowned as one of the best surf destinations in Mexico, attracting wave riders from around the world.

There are several beaches where you can surf, each offering schools and instructors to help you improve your skills, along with equipment rentals for a hassle-free experience.

Playa Carrizalillo is perfect for beginners with its gentle waves, while La Punta offers a great challenge for intermediate surfers. For the pros, Zicatela—known as the “Mexican Pipeline“—delivers world-class waves and powerful barrels.

No matter your level, Puerto Escondido has the perfect spot to catch some waves.

3. Visit the city center

When I read blog posts about Puerto Escondido, I often see people dismissing the city center as not worth visiting. It frustrates me that some travelers believe staying only in touristy areas is enough to truly know a place.

Exploring the city center—strolling through its streets, visiting its bars, and shopping at local stores—offers a chance to connect with Puerto’s residents and get a glimpse into their daily lives.

Wandering around without a set plan might lead you to a hidden gem, whether it’s a small local event or the best tacos in town. Visiting the center isn’t just worthwhile—it’s essential to experiencing the real Puerto Escondido.

4. Eat in Benito Juárez market

Mexico is undoubtedly one of the countries with the best cuisine, and its markets are the perfect place to enjoy authentic, affordable, and delicious food while immersing yourself in the local culture.

While there is a market in Zicatela, I highly recommend visiting Benito Juárez Market, the largest and most vibrant in the city center. Here, you can savor incredible dishes, from fresh seafood to traditional tlayudas, all prepared by local vendors.

After indulging in a delicious meal, take some time to explore the market’s many stalls. You’ll find everything from handmade crafts and souvenirs to fresh produce and spices—plus, shopping here is a great way to support the local economy!

5. Release turtles

I remember that in 2017, we were not enough to release all the baby turtles, so we had the opportunity to release 2 instead of 1. Nowadays, there are queues to join this activity. I understand why, it is a pretty magical moment.

In exchange for some pesos, you can release a baby whose egg has been kept safe by the volunteers of the Vive Mar association during the nesting period. You will have the chance to help them to reach the sea and start their lives!

I remember that in 2017, there weren’t enough people for all the baby turtles, so I had the chance to release two instead of just one. Nowadays, this activity has become so popular that there are queues to take part—and I completely understand why. It’s a truly magical experience.

For a small donation, you can release a baby turtle whose egg has been carefully protected by the volunteers of the Viva Mar association during the nesting period.

You’ll get to guide these tiny creatures toward the ocean, giving them the best possible start to their journey in the wild.

ALSO READ: Puerto Escondido Tours You Can’t Miss

6. Enjoy the sunsets

While most people head to La Punta or Zicatela to admire Puerto Escondido’s breathtaking sunsets, my favorite spot for this experience is Bacocho Beach.

Far less touristy, it offers plenty of space to fully immerse yourself in the moment. Here, surrounded by the sound of crashing waves and the vastness of the ocean, you can enjoy a truly peaceful and meditative sunset experience.

Bonus: A urban getaway to Oaxaca

After several days or weeks of relaxing by the sea, you may start craving a change of scenery and a taste of city life. Oaxaca is by far the best option for that!

With its stunning colonial architecture, vibrant arts scene, world-renowned gastronomy, and deep-rooted indigenous culture, Oaxaca offers an experience that goes beyond typical city life. Stroll through its charming streets, explore its bustling markets, visit world-class museums, and immerse yourself in local traditions.

Whether you’re a foodie eager to try mole and tlayudas, a history lover fascinated by ancient Zapotec ruins, or an art enthusiast drawn to colorful alebrijes and street murals, Oaxaca has something for everyone.

Click here to read about my favorite Mexican city!

How to get to Puerto Escondido?

Obviously, you can get to Puerto Escondido by car or bus. The city also has an airport.

How to get to Puerto Escondido from Oaxaca?

Taking the bus seems like the most logical option, but keep in mind that the road is winding—so if you’re prone to motion sickness, be prepared!

Another option is traveling by colectivo, a shared minibus. While it’s a budget-friendly choice, it’s not ideal if you need comfort or struggle with motion sickness, as the ride can be quite rough.

Flying from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido is also possible, but it’s significantly more expensive and far from being an eco-friendly option.

How to get to Puerto Escondido from San Cristóbal de las Casas?

You can take a bus from San Cristóbal de las Casas to Puerto Escondido, but since the journey is quite long, traveling overnight is the best option.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, it’s a good idea to take medication beforehand, as the road is winding and can be challenging. Believe me, it is!

How to get to Puerto Escondido from Ciudad de México?

In Mexico, no matter where you’re headed, there’s always a bus to take you there. So, of course, you can travel to Puerto Escondido by bus from the capital—but be prepared, as the journey is incredibly long.

If you’re short on time, flying is a much faster option. The flight from Mexico City to Puerto Escondido takes around two hours, saving you a lot of travel time.

How to move in Puerto Escondido?

Puerto Escondido is a sprawling city, making it difficult to explore everything on foot. Fortunately, taxis and colectivos are available to help you get around efficiently.

However, the city center is quite compact, so once you’re there, walking is the best way to explore its streets, shops, and local markets.

By colectivo

These shared minivans are an affordable way to get around Puerto Escondido, taking you almost anywhere for just a few pesos. However, since there are no official stops, the best way to find one is to ask a local.

By taxi

Getting around by taxi in Puerto Escondido is easy, but there’s something important to keep in mind! Many drivers prioritize tourists over locals to charge higher fares. Since most visitors come from the U.S. or Europe, they often find the prices reasonable and agree to pay them, which encourages drivers to overcharge.

To travel ethically, don’t accept the first price they give you. A standard ride should cost around 35 pesos, and for longer trips (20-30 minutes), you shouldn’t pay more than 50 pesos.

When to go to Puerto Escondido?

You can visit Puerto Escondido year-round, but the best time to go is from October to May.

During these months, you’ll enjoy warm, sunny weather with little to no rain, making it perfect for exploring the city, relaxing on the beaches, and experiencing the vibrant local culture.

If you’re a surfer, the best waves roll in from April to September, with Zicatela Beach offering world-class swells for experienced surfers.

However, if you’re a beginner, the calmer conditions from November to March at spots like La Punta or Carrizalillo Beach are ideal.

Early November is also a great period with the Fiestas de Noviembre, a month-long celebration featuring music, dance, and surfing competitions.

While summer (June to September) brings heavy rains, especially in the afternoons and evenings, it’s still a great time to visit if you don’t mind the humidity and occasional storms.

Where to stay in Puerto Escondido?

I personally avoid the most touristy areas, as I prefer to connect with locals when I travel.

However, if you’re short on time in Puerto Escondido and want to make the most of the beach, these areas are your best bet.

Here are some top hotel recommendations!

Hotels in Puerto Escondido

Puerto Dreams Hostel ($): This hostel enchants its guests with stunning decor, and as the icing on the cake, it boasts a rooftop to enjoy. It’s the perfect budget-friendly choice for those looking to stay in shared dorms.

Madre Tierra ($$): This hotel also serves as a coworking space, making it a perfect spot for digital nomads. Guests can enjoy spacious, comfortable rooms and an incredible rooftop with stunning views.

Surf Olas Altas ($$): Just steps from the sea, this hotel also boasts a pool, perfect for both couples and families. The rooms, with their simple yet cozy decor, offer all the comfort you need for a relaxing stay.

Ennea Hotel – Adults Only ($$$): This might be the most stunning hotel in La Punta. Nestled in the heart of nature and adorned with exquisite decor, it’s the perfect retreat for couples looking for relaxation and tranquility.

What to Do in Centro?

Take a guided tour: Uncover all the secrets of downtown to make the most of it.
Explore the Benito Juárez market: Find fresh products, local spices, and handmade souvenirs.
Taste local specialties: Try tlayudas at the small street stalls.
Go shopping: Buy clothes, hammocks, and handcrafted items in the local stores.
Experience local life: Watch the locals in their daily routines while enjoying a refreshing agua fresca on Oaxaca Avenue.

ALSO READ: Best Hotels Puerto Escondido

Is Puerto Escondido safe?

Honestly, I never felt unsafe in Puerto Escondido. My hosts would leave the house door open, whether we were inside or even when we were out—something unthinkable in many places in Europe.

That being said, like anywhere in the world, it’s always best to take basic precautions: avoid walking alone too late at night and don’t display valuable items openly.

Being a digital nomad in Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido has become a popular destination for digital nomads, with most of them staying in La Punta or Zicatela—areas designed for tourists, where they can find a strong community of like-minded travelers.

There are several colivings, including a Selina, as well as a few coworking spaces that offer good working conditions. However, these places are quite detached from Mexican culture and local life.

Personally, I travel to truly experience a place, its culture, and its people, rather than surrounding myself with others like me. That’s why I chose not to stay in La Punta or Zicatela, which made my experience as a digital nomad quite different.

The hot weather and high humidity were real challenges to my productivity. Additionally, it’s important to note that Wi-Fi is unreliable across much of the city, and power and water outages are fairly common.

If you need to work 7-8 hours a day, Monday to Friday, Puerto Escondido may not be the best place for you. Instead, I’d recommend visiting when you can fully enjoy it as a proper holiday destination.

Travel responsibly in Puerto Escondido

One of the biggest challenges in tourism is that we all tend to visit the same places, which impacts prices, local living conditions, access to resources, and the environment. This is a real issue in Puerto Escondido, where tourism has grown significantly since the pandemic. Additionally, most travelers stay in the same neighborhoods, further exacerbating the situation.

If you decide to visit Puerto Escondido, there are several ways you can travel more sustainably:

Opt for a more authentic experience by staying in less touristy neighborhoods.
Avoid overpaying for taxis and insist on fair prices.
Use colectivos or walk whenever possible.
Always clean up after yourself and avoid leaving trash on the beach.
Conserve water, as it’s a valuable resource.
Support the local economy by eating at locally owned restaurants and bars.

There are plenty of ways to be a responsible traveler, but this list is a great place to start!

I hope I answer the question What to do in Puerto Escondido with this blog post and that it will help you to prepare for your next trip. If you have any questions, you can write them in the comments.