Puerto Escondido, Mexico: 12 places to see on the route
Discover Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca's premier beach destination on Mexico's Pacific coast. This laid-back town attracts surfers and backpackers with its stunning coastline, authentic cuisine, and relaxed atmosphere - perfect for a 3- to 5-day visit.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Beach walkway
- End
- Playa Bacocho
- Stops
- 12
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Beach walkway — Scenic coastal promenade offering ocean views, local restaurants, and direct beach access along Puerto Escondido's main shoreline.
- Laguna Manialtepec — Bioluminescent lagoon where nocturnal dinoflagellates create glowing waters, best experienced during nighttime boat tours in calm conditions.
- Mazunte
- Puerto Escondido
- Playa Principal
- Playa Manzanilla — Tranquil beach destination reachable via scenic 1.5–2 hour coastal hike from Playa Principal, featuring calm waters and local refreshment spots.
- Playa Zicatela — Premier surf beach in Puerto Escondido hosting the world's biggest waves April–October, beachfront restaurants, and vibrant beach club scene.
- Manialtepec Lagoon — Serene lake sanctuary 20 minutes from Puerto Escondido, home to diverse bird species and bioluminescent plankton, best explored by kayak or boat tour.
- Punta Cometa
- Playa Carrazalillo — Crescent-shaped beach in Puerto Escondido ideal for beginner and intermediate surfers, offering gentler wave conditions than Zicatela.
- La Punta — Bohemian beach in Puerto Escondido featuring gentler surf conditions, bohemian atmosphere, and scenic coastal landscapes.
- Playa Bacocho — Large expansive beach in Puerto Escondido hosting daily baby sea turtle releases through the VIVEMAR conservation project at 5 PM.
Useful for your trip
- Timing
- Spend at least 3 to 5 days in Puerto Escondido to enjoy all the main activities.
- Tip
- Take the beach hike from Playa Principal to Playa Manzanilla, which takes 1.5 to 2 hours. The trail is by the water with panoramic views.
- Food
- Try fish tacos at a local taqueria or beachfront restaurant in Playa Zicatela. He also eats Oaxacan cheese, mole and other typical dishes.
- Transport
- To get to Mazunte from Puerto Escondido, take a local bus to Pochutla to San Antonio, then a taxi or local colectivo.
- Tip
- Visit the Manialtepec Lagoon 20 minutes by car from Puerto Escondido. Rent kayaks during the day to explore the mangroves, or take a night tour to see the bioluminescent plankton.
- Timing
- The best surfing conditions are between April and October at Playa Zicatela. For beginners, practice at Playa Carrazalillo or La Punta.
- Save money
- Release a baby sea turtle at Playa Bacocho for 100 pesos ($5) at 5 p.m. daily. The money goes directly to the conservation project.
- Timing
- Between December and March you can see humpback whales. Dolphin watching tours are available year-round.
- Tip
- Explore Mazunte, a small town with beach bays, hippie vibes, and views of the Pacific Ocean. Hike through Punta Cometa for an ecological reserve with landscapes and birds.
- Where to stay
- Playa Bruja Zicatela is an accommodation option in Puerto Escondido.
Video on this route
PUERTO ESCONDIDO, MEXICO | 6 Things You MUST DO in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca