My Guide to Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca: Mexico's Surf Paradise (2024) (2024)

Puerto Escondido isone of my all time favorite beach destinations in Mexico. Blessed with stunning beaches, epic sunsets, and world-class surfing yet Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca still manages to retain the laid-back vibes of an authentic Mexican beach town.

This gem on Mexico’s Pacific coast is a paradise for surfers, beach lovers, yogis, backpackers, and anyone who wants to experience stunning nature and an authentic Mexican beach town. It’s also becoming increasingly popular with digital nomads despite the sometimes erratic internet.

Want to know why Puerto Escondido is becoming so popular? In my complete Puerto Escondido guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know to plan your trip and make the most of your vacation here.

Puerto Escondido Guide (2024)

Where is Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca

Puerto Escondido is a charming, surf mad, coastal town located in the state of Oaxaca which is south of Mexico City on the Pacific coast of Mexico.

Its name translates to “Hidden Port,” and while no longer a secret, Puerto Escondido still maintains its small-town charm and authentic Mexican beach town atmosphere despite its growing popularity as Mexico’s best surf destination.

Puerto Escondido Airport receives daily flights from Mexico City, which take about one hour, as well as other destinations in Mexico. The airport makes Puerto Escondido easily accessible by air and a great gateway to explore the stunning Oaxaca Coast including the laidback beach towns of Mazunte and Zipolite and even the resorts in Huatulco.

The town is also connected by bus to other Mexican cities including Oaxaca City. It’s about a five-hour drive from Oaxaca City, the capital city of Oaxaca. I’ll go into more detail about how to get here and how to get around later on in this Puerto Escondido travel guide.

What is Puerto Escondido Famous for

While Puerto Escondido remains more off the beaten track as a tourist destination the town is most famous for surfing due to the legendary waves known as the Mexican Pipeline on Zicatela Beach. In recent years the surf mad town has also become popular with yogis, backpackers and digital nomads.

Besides surfing, there’s also a wide range of activities and experiences for all types of travelers with numerous beaches to enjoy and a vibrant local culture, cuisine and nightlife to explore. It’s also a great base for taking day trips to explore the nearby natural wonders. So there’s something for everyone to enjoy when visiting Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca.

Another thing that makes Puerto Escondido so special is that it is situated between two distinct ecosystems: the tropical beaches and lagoons of the Pacific Coast and the lush mountainous jungles of the Sierra Madre del Sur mountain range which makes it rich in natural beauty.

A Puerto Escondido vacation is a great choice if you want to explore Mexican culture and cuisine as well as enjoy the beautiful beaches and unique nature. It’s a lot less overdeveloped, touristy and crowded than famous Mexican beach resorts like Cancun so it has a much more authentic and laid back feel and is more affordable for budget travelers.

Where to Stay in Puerto Escondido – Best Beaches and Areas

As you can see there’s plenty of reasons to book your trip to Puerto Escondido, but first it’s important to do a bit of research into the different beaches, neighbourhoods and areas to stay in Puerto Escondido so that you choose the best place to stay.

Even though Puerto Escondido is a small beach town it’s quite spread out and not really very walkable, it can take an hour to walk the 4 miles between Playa Carrizallio and La Punta in the Mexican heat. So choosing the right location where to stay in Puerto Escondido and the right accommodation is essential to make the most of your time here.

Puerto Escondido Map

Here’s a map to help you get acquainted with the area:

There’s several choices and each beach and area offers a wide range of accommodation options, from backpacker hostels and surf camps, to boutique resorts and yoga retreats, and everything in between, so whatever your budget and preferences you’ll find something to suit.

Refreshingly there’s not many huge luxury resorts or big chain hotels yet which adds to the authentic charm.

Here is a quick guide to the best beaches, neighborhoods and areas to stay in Puerto Escondido, as well as my top hotel recommendations for each budget category.

The Best Beaches in Puerto Escondido

Exploring the many stunning, sandy beaches is definitely one of the highlights of a trip to Puerto Escondido. Each has a unique charm and atmosphere, so make sure to allow time in your Puerto Escondido itinerary to visit at least a few, but for the best experience you’ll probably want to stay near your favorite beach.

Here are the top Puerto Escondido beaches and areas to stay in:

Playa Zicatela – For Epic Surf and Nightlife

Famous for its powerful waves, Zicatela Beach is home to one of the best surf spots in the world. The consistently huge (over 10 feet high!) world-class waves that come barrelling in from ‘the Mexican Pipeline’ are for experienced surfers only but are a spectacle to watch and international surfing competitions are held here.

While you can swim at other beaches in Puerto Escondido, Zicatela is not safe for swimming due to strong currents and huge waves. But the long, sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing and the sunsets are as epic as the waves.Watching the surfers conquer the waves and enjoying sunset and co*cktails at the lively beach clubs is one of my favorite things to do in Puerto Escondido.

Best Places to Stay in Zicatela

Playa Zicatela is the best place to stay for experienced surfers and those looking for a lively atmosphere and lots of nightlife.

Zicatela offers numerous accommodations, beach clubs, bars, and beachfront restaurants and plenty of accommodation to suit all budget from surf hostels to more upmarket beach resorts.

Here’s my top picks for where to stay in Zicatela:

• Luxury: Casa Joseph Zicatela – Stunning beachfront adults only 5 star resort with seaview rooms – some with private pools.
• Mid-Range: Selina – Laidback friendly resort with a variety of rooms for all budgets just across the road from the beach. Perfect for digital nomads and solo travelers.
• Budget: La Playita Beach House – Amazing value hotel with pool and shared kitchen just steps from the beach
• Backpacker: One Love Hostal – Friendly backpacker hostel with dormitories, bungalows and yoga classes located in between Zicatela and La Punta

Playa La Punta – For Laidback Vibes

Located at the far southern end of Playa Zicatela, La Punta offers a more laid-back and bohemian atmosphere and smaller waves suitable for intermediate surfers making it a popular place for surf lessons.

There’s also some rustic beach bars with sun loungers making it a perfect spot for a relaxing day by the ocean. Just behind the beach the sandy lanes are full off boutique shops, cool cafes, vegan restaurants and a growing low key nightlife scene.

Sunsets are great here too and there’s more of a bohemian, community vibe with people playing volleyball and expats walking their dogs.

Best Places to Stay in La Punta

La Punta is the best place to stay in Puerto Escondido if you are looking for a slice of the laid back beach lifestyle. The sandy lanes, palm trees and abundance of smoothie bowls makes you feel like you could be on a tropical island and the waves are much more suitable for beginner surfers.

Offering a more laid-back vibe, La Punta is perfect for travelers seeking a quieter beach experience with easy access to laid back beach bars, surf breaks for beginners and intermediates.

• Luxury: Casa Kuaa – Stunning new hotel with a great pool right on the beach.
• Mid-Range: Casa de Olas Boutique Hotel – Beautiful boutique hotel with a pool and stunning terrace for yoga classes.
• Budget: Bikini Beach House – Great value budget hotel in the heart of the action in La Punta.

Playa Carrizalillo – The Most Beautiful Beach

Nestled in a picturesque cove, Playa Carrizalillo is the most beautiful beach in Puerto Escondido and my personal favorite.

The calm turquoise waters make it an excellent spot for swimming and snorkelling. It’s also a good place for beginner surfers looking to learn how to surf.

Carrizalillo beach is not far from the main downtown area but is only accessible via a steep set of stairs which adds to it’s secluded charm. From above, this blissful bay of turquoise water and palm trees is a view I could happily gaze at for hours.

There’s a couple of laid-back palapas (thatched beach bars) where you can eat delicious fish tacos and sip refreshing mojitos. There are restaurants, bars and shops in the Rinconda area and the town is not far away.

Best Places to Stay near Playa Carrizalillo and Rinconda

The beaches in this area offer the calmest waters perfect for swimming and learning to surf and a more tranquil atmosphere with beautiful beaches. The sheltered bays of Playa Puerto Angelito and Playa Manzanillo and the small bay of Playa Coral are within walking distance.

The area just above Playa Carrizalillo is called Rinconda and it’s the best place to stay in Puerto Escondido for families and those looking for a peaceful vacation. Its close to the town and the airport and there are some shops and restaurants but not much nightlife in this area.

• Luxury: Villas Carrizalillo – Luxury villas and suites with a pool, tropical gardens and spectacular views over Carrizalillo beach.
• Mid-Range: Hotel Villa Mozart y Macondo – Lovely bungalows and suites nestled in tropical gardens with friendly hosts super close to the beach
• Budget: Carri Surf Studio – Comfortable studios is a central location with a nice rooftop patio.

Playa Puerto Angelito and Playa Manzanillo – For Calm, Sheltered Bays

These two neighboring bays within walking distance from Playa Carrizalillo and the downtown area are perfect for families and those looking for a calm swimming spot. With shallow, clear water and a handful of beachside eateries Puerto Angelito beach and Manzanillo beach are the perfect places to relax.

Playa Bacocho – To Release Sea Turtles

Playa Bacocho is a wild and undeveloped beach located in the north end of Puerto Escondido town home to a turtle release center.

Here you can participate in rescuing sea turtle eggs or releasing baby sea turtles into the ocean for the ultimate feel good experience. Usually the sea turtle release happens at around sunset time.

The best resort in this area is Posada Real Puerto Escondido – a 4 star beach resort with all everything you could ever want including 2 outdoor swimming pools and private beach club. If you have a smaller budget Hotel Suites Villasol is a great choice.

The Bacocho neighborhood is a slightly away from the beach but a good area for digital nomads and expats looking to stay more long term.

Playa Principal – The Main Town Beach

No mention of Puerto Escondido beaches is complete without Playa Prinicpal. Located in the downtown Centro area of Puerto Escondido, Playa Principal is a popular spot for locals and fishermen and home to some local seafood restaurants.

While it’s close to the Centro, or downtown area, and all the amenities of town the the main beach isn’t the best or cleanest of the Puerto Escondido beaches for swimming as it is usually filled with fishing boats. But it is a good spot of people watching and for being in the middle of everything so it’s a good choice for long stayers and budget travellers.

Just behind Playa Principal is the main street or El Adoquín which is a long beachfront boardwalk where you’ll find plenty of shops, restaurants, bars, and nightlife and all the ATMs.

Best Places to Stay in Centro near Playa Prinicpal

There’s not any luxury resorts in the Centro area but it’s a good place to stay for digital nomads, budget travelers or longer stayers who want to be close to all the amenities of downtown.

Mid Range: Casa Losodeli – Sociable tropical resort with apartments, private rooms and dormitories complete with pool, tropical gardens and coworking

Budget: Colorada House – Great value private rooms and dorms around a beautiful tropical swimming pool area close to Centro.

Backpacker: El Coyote Hostel – Cheap air conditioned dormitory rooms in a popular and sociable backpacker hostel.

This is brief overview check out my full where to stay in Puerto Escondido guide for more.

Top Things to Do in Puerto Escondido

If you like your vacation to be a little more active than just beach hopping there’s plenty to do in Puerto Escondido and the surrounding area.

The easiest way to book activities and tours in Puerto Escondido is on Viator – I find being able to read reviews from previous travellers really useful so I know what to expect from the experience.

From surf lessons, boat trips and yoga classes to exploring the local culture, cuisine and nearby natural beauty spots, Puerto Escondido offers a plethora of things to do for all types of travelers.

Here are some of the top things to do in Puerto Escondido:

Take a Surf Lesson

As Mexico’s top surf spot surfing is obviously one of the very best things to do in Puerto Escondido. While the world class waves at Zicatela beach are only suitable for experienced surfers there’s plenty of surf schools offering surfing lessons for beginners at Playa La Punta or Playa Carrizalillo.

You can find plenty of surf schools in Puerto Escondido with professional instructors that can cater to all levels. It’s a good idea to book your surf lessons online in advance in peak season to secure your spot.

If you’re serious about improving your skills and maybe tackling Zicatela one day consider joining a surf camp in Puerto Escondido where you’ll get to learn how to surf safely in a fun and sociable environment.

I spent some time with Oasis Surf School and the package was great value for money including accommodation, surf lessons and equipment, yoga classes and Spanish lessons. Trust me learning some Spanish is a great thing to do while in Mexico and will make your travels much easier and help you connect better with the locals. The surf house is located near Playa Carrizalillo and offers fully equipped apartments complete with a swimming pool, terrace and common area.

Swim in a Bioluminescent Lagoon

14km west of Puerto Escondido is the incredible Manialtepec Lagoon and one of the most magical and unique things to do in Puerto Escondido is to swim with bioluminescent plankton in the Manialtepec Lagoon.

The tiny, glowing organisms light up the water with an ethereal, glitter-like effect whenever they are disturbed. Swimming through the shimmering water feels like swimming in a sea of stars It’s such a magical, other-worldly experience.

You can experience this natural phenomenon on this night time boat tour. The best time to visit is during the new moon as the sky is darker so it’s easier to see the plankton. Witnessing the incredible natural phenomena of phosphorescent plankton is definitely an unforgettable experience. It’s really hard to get a photo of it so you’ll just have to experience it for yourself!

You can also go on a bird watching and kayaking tourto explore more of the Manialtepec Lagoon.

Release a Baby Turtle

Puerto Escondido is an important nesting area for several species of sea turtles, including the endangered Olive Ridley turtle who lay their eggs in the sand of the unspoilt beaches. For the ultimate feel good activity you can participate in sea turtle conservation efforts helping to release baby turtles into the seaat Playa Bacocho.

The conservation organization runs the turtle release project where, every day at 5 pm, you can ensure a newly hatched sea turtle finds its way safely into the Pacific ocean giving them a better chance of survival.

This turtle release experience is not only fun and educational, it’s also an incredible opportunity to contribute to the conservation of these amazing creatures and one of the very best things to do in Puerto Escondido. If you are an animal lover it’s sure to be one of the highlights of your Puerto Escondido trip!

Go on a Boat Trip to Spot Dolphins or Whales

There’s plenty of opportunities to take a boat trip out to explore the ocean to go snorkelling, spot sea turtles, dolphins, and (depending on the season) whales or just enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Oaxaca coast.

The waters around Puerto Escondido are home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles, and migrating whales which makes it is a fantastic destination for wildlife enthusiasts. If you visit from November through April, you can embark on a whale watching tour to witness the majestic humpback whales as they travel through the area with their calves.

You can also join this dolphin watching boat trip any time of the year for the chance to see these playful creatures up close. Be sure to choose a responsible tour operator that follows ethical practices to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both you and the animals.

Join a Yoga Class

Where there are surfers, yoga is not far behind! Surfing and yoga are a great combination and are often combined into one perfect retreat helping to build strength and flexibility and soothing sore muscles and so most surf camps also offer yoga classes as part of the package.

For daily drop in yoga classes try One Love Hostel near La Punta which hosts yoga classes on the terrace overlooking the ocean for a serene and blissful experience. Jardín Ganesha in Zicatela also offer excellent yoga and meditation sessions.

There’s also some great yoga retreats in Puerto Escondido, my favorite is Barbarenas. It’s located in a beautiful, sustainable and eco friendly resort near Zicatela beach with a swimming pool , tropical gardens and gorgeous cabanas and yoga shala with mesmerising views over the ocean. The yoga retreat package includes personalised yoga classes, meditation and pranayama sessions as well as delicious vegan food.

Afterwards you could also indulge in a rejuvenating massage, facial, or spa treatment at one of the town’s many spas and wellness centers and go for smoothie bowl or vegan tacos and make a wellness day out of it.

Try Oaxacan Food and Drink andVisit the Benito Juárez Market

Join the locals and experience the colors, smells and tastes of an authentic Mexican market by visiting Benito Juárez Market (also known as Mercado Principal.) Don’t miss the chance to taste some of Puerto Escondido’s delicious local dishes, such as tlayudas, mole, and fresh seafood.

You can take a food tour to sample the most authentic Oaxacan food in the best local restaurants or cooking class to learn more about the region’s rich culinary traditions and flavors.

And as you’re in Oaxaca don’t miss the chance to visit a Mezcal distillery just 15 minutes from Puerto Escondido where you can learn about and sample this classic Oaxacan tipple.

These are just a few suggestions for what to do in Puerto Escondido. Activities like fishing, horseback riding, visiting hot springs, zip-lining and more. Check out my full things to do in Puerto Escondido guide for the complete list.

Day Trips from Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido also makes a great base to take day trips and tours to discover even more of Oaxaca’s stunning coastline and lush landscapes. There are several fantastic day trips from Puerto Escondido. Some of the best options include:

Chacahua Lagoon National Park

This sprawling national park, located about an hour and a half from Puerto Escondido, offers abundant wildlife and natural beauty and a variety of activities, including birdwatching, boat tours through the mangroves, and swimming in lagoons, surfing and even a reptile conservation centre. You can experience the best of this natural paradise on this private Chacahua Lagoon guided tour.

Mazunte

Just an hour’s drive west of Puerto Escondido this tiny, laid-back Mexican beach town and ‘pueblo magico‘ is a great place to visit for a day of relaxation, sunbathing, and swimming.

Mazunte is home to the Mexican Turtle Center, a conservation facility that offers educational exhibits and the chance to see several species of sea turtles up close. Also don’t miss the short hike to Punta Cometa, it’s especially magical at sunset time.

Mazunte is also one of Mexico’s yoga hotspots and offers many classes and workshops in all sort of alternative therapies.Read my Mazunte Guide for more.

Zipolite

Just 15 mins away from Mazunte is the free spirited, bohemian small beach town of Zipolite so you can easily visit them both in one day trip from Puerto Escondido.

Playa Zipolite is famous for being clothing optional and is the only official nude beach in Mexico. It’s a stunning, laid back beach lined with rustic beach shacks and relaxed bars and popular with the LGBTQ community.Read my Playa Zipolite Guide for more.

Huatulco

This beautiful coastal resort area, located about two hours south of Puerto Escondido, is known for its pristine beaches, clear blue bays and lush national park. You can spend the day relaxing on the beach, snorkeling, or taking a boat tour to explore the area’s many hidden coves and bays.

The best way to reach these places in with a rental car as public transport can a bit tricky and irregular, or by taking a tour like this excellent Oaxacan Coast adventure which takes you to visit the lagoons of Ventanilla, visit Mazunte and Zipolite beach, have lunch at Puerto Angel and a stop at a Mezcaleria!

This is just a small selection of the very best places to visit near Puerto Escondido. With so many amazing destinations within easy reach of Puerto Escondido, you’ll never run out of exciting places to explore during your vacation. Check out my full article on things to do in Puerto Escondido for more inspiration and tips.

The Best Restaurants and Nightlife in Puerto Escondido

Delicious Oaxacan cuisine and a vibrant nightlife scene await you in Puerto Escondido. From traditional local markets to fine dining, casual cafes and beachfront bars to lively nightclubs, you’ll never run out of options to satisfy your taste buds and quench your thirst.

Here are some top recommendations for cafes, beach bars, restaurants and nightlife in Puerto Escondido:

Restaurants

• El Cafecito: A popular spot for breakfast or brunch, with two locations in town and on Zicatela.
• El Espadin: Located at Playa Carrizalillo, this restaurant boasts stunning sunset views and fresh seafood dishes.
• Cayuco: Serving up unique variations of classic Oaxacan dishes and an extensive mezcal selection in a beachfront setting.
• Almoraduz: Experience fine dining with a twist on traditional Oaxacan cuisine and creative co*cktails, like a hibiscus margarita with mezcal.
• Benito Juarez Market: The local market offers fresh produce, as well as a variety of affordable and delicious food vendors.

Nightlife

• Zicatela Beach Bars: The beachfront strip offers numerous bars and restaurants, perfect for a night out with ocean views.
• Sativa: Located just steps from Zicatela Beach, this two-story bar offers a relaxed vibe with comfortable seating, swinging hammocks, and DJ sets on weekends.
• La Palapita Bar: For a more lively party scene, head to La Palapita Bar, where you can dance the night away, sip on delicious co*cktails, and enjoy a fun, youthful atmosphere.
• Bar Fly: Dance the night away at this energetic club located on Playa Zicatela.
• Congo Bar: Enjoy live music, cheap drinks, salsa dancing and a lively atmosphere at this popular spot.

FAQ’s and Travel Tips for Planning Your Trip to Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico

Here’s some essential travel tips for to help you plan and get the most of your visit to Puerto Escondido:

Best Time to Visit Puerto Escondido

The ideal time to visit Puerto Escondido is during the dry season, which runs from November to April.

During this period, you’ll enjoy warm temperatures, sunny days, and minimal rainfall. This is the best time to visit for beginner surfers but its also the peak tourist season and the best hotels get fully booked up so it’s a good idea to book in advance if you plan to visit during this time.

The months of May to October are considered the rainy season in Puerto Escondido, with a higher chance of tropical storms and hurricanes. The legendary waves get even bigger between May and August making it the best time to visit for experienced surfers looking for a challenge or those who want to watch the surf competitions.

November is also a great month to visit, as the town hosts the Fiestas de Noviembre, a month-long celebration featuring various events, including fishing tournaments, surfing competitions, and food festivals. You could also combine your visit with celebrating Dias Dos Muertos in Oaxaca City.

How to Get to Puerto Escondido

Getting to Puerto Escondido is easy thanks to the airport and bus services that connect it to Mexico City, Oaxaca City and the rest of the world. There’s several options for traveling to Puerto Escondido:

By Flight

Puerto Escondido may be a small town but it has an airport! Puerto Escondido Airport (PXM) is a great gateway to the Oaxaca Coast. There are cheap direct flights from Mexico City that take about 1 hour.

Mexico City Airport (MEX) has many international connections from all over the world so you can fly into Mexico and easily connect in Mexico City from an international flight to reach Puerto Escondido. This is definitely the quickest way to get to Puerto Escondido. Check Skyscanner to find the best deals.

Puerto Escondido airport also has direct flights to Guadalajara. Huatulco Airport (HUX) is about 100 km away and has direct flights to Canada.

You can also fly from Oaxaca City by taking a 30 minute scenic flight in a small plane. You’ll get great views over the mountains but this is the most expensive options and flights often get booked up way in advance.

By Bus from Oaxaca City

A popular route to get to Puerto Escondido is by bus from Oaxaca City but, if you suffer from motion sickness, be aware that this route does involve traveling along windy mountain roads.

The best and most comfortable route is to take the ADO or OCC bus which travels overnight and takes about 11 hours. It’s a popular route so you should book your bus online in advance.

Another option is to take a 7 hour mini bus from Oaxaca City to Pochutla. This is the quickest route but also the most windy although personally I didn’t find it too bad but then I don’t normally suffer from travel sickness. From Pochutla you can take a local bus, taxi or transfer to Puerto Escondido which will take 1 – 2 hours.

There are also ADO buses from Mexico City to Puerto Escondido but at 17 hours it’s a long journey and normally not much cheaper than taking a flight.

How to Get Around Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido is quite spread out so give some thought to where you want to base yourself and how you will get around the town. There’s a couple of options depending on your budget:

• Taxis: Taxis are readily available and affordable for getting around town. Uber is not available in Puerto Escondido yet so you’ll have to hail a cab on the street or ask your hotel to call one. There are plenty of taxis and shared shuttles at the airport too. A typical taxi ride within the town costs 30-35 pesos ($1.50-2) Most don’t have meters so agree on a price before setting off.
• Public Transportation: Collectivos and camionetas are the primary forms of local public transportation, running from sunrise to around 8:30 PM and costing 8 pesos (less than $0.50) per ride. There are also buses connecting Puerto Escondido with the nearby towns like Pochutla but if you want to visit Mazunte and Zipolite you’ll have to get off half way and switch to a local collectivo.
• Car or Motorbike Rental: Renting a car or motorbike is also a good option, especially if you want to have the freedom to explore the surrounding area and nearby attractions.

Is Puerto Escondido Safe?

Yes, Puerto Escondido is generally a safe destination, and one of the safest places in Mexico but it’s still wise to take precautions and stay aware of your surroundings. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

• Avoid walking alone on the beach at night and stay in well-lit areas and avoid getting so drunk that you make yourself vulnerable.
• Be cautious of the water, as strong currents and riptides can be dangerous. Always pay attention to lifeguard warnings and red flags on the beaches.
• When traveling to or from Puerto Escondido, consider flying instead of taking overnight buses through Guerrero, a state known for its high crime rates.
• Be discreet with your valuables, don’t leave your stuff unattended on the beach and don’t carry too much cash with you.

Puerto Escondido is much safer than other places in Mexico. By following these safety tips and using common sense, you’ll likely have no problems visiting Puerto Escondido even as a solo female traveller.

Can you Swim in Puerto Escondido?

Some beaches in Puerto Escondido like Zicatela are famous for surfing, the huge waves and strong currents mean they are not safe for swimming. However the sheltered shallow bays of Playa Carrizalillio, Playa Puerto Angelito and Playa Manzanillo are home to much calmer water and are safer for swimming, families, and learning to surf.

Final Thoughts on Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico

So I think I’ve just about covered everything for this Puerto Escondido travel guide. I hope it’s helped you plan your Puerto Escondido vacation and made you see that it’s really worth visiting sooner rather than later while it still retains it’s traditional and laid back vibes and beautiful uncrowded beaches.

I hope that you’ll fall in love with Oaxacan Coast as much as I did. If you want to explore further check out my other travel guides and blog posts like my 2 week Mexico City and Oaxaca itinerary, my guides to Mazunte, Zipolite and Oaxaca. If you’re heading to the capital make sure you research the safest areas to stay in Mexico City too.