Annual Leave Explorers

Puerto Escondido, a vibrant coastal town on Mexico’s Pacific coast, has become a must-visit destination for travelers seeking the perfect mix of laid-back charm, thrilling surf spots, and stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re here for the world-renowned waves of Playa Zicatela, the crystal-clear waters of Playa Carrizalillo, or the vibrant beach town vibes of La Punta, Puerto Escondido offers something for every type of traveler. Beyond the beautiful beaches, you can explore exciting activities like surfing, hiking through mangroves, swimming with dolphins, or heading out on a boat to spot the famous bioluminescence at night.

This ultimate guide will take you through the best places to stay, top restaurants you can’t miss, and ways to get around Puerto Escondido. From delicious seafood tacos at Fish Shack La Punta to the adventure-filled mangrove swamps at Rancho Las Margaritas, Puerto Escondido is filled with hidden gems waiting to be explored. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or on a romantic getaway, Puerto Escondido’s laid-back charm and natural beauty will capture your heart.

In this guide, you’ll learn all about the best neighborhoods to stay in, the top things to do in Puerto Escondido—like hiking, exploring caves, and discovering wildlife—and practical tips on how to get around the town. If you’re planning a trip to Puerto Escondido, this blog will help you make the most out of your adventure in one of Mexico’s most beloved beach destinations!

Where to Stay in Puerto Escondido

Where to Stay in Puerto Escondido:
There are four main places to stay in Puerto Escondido, each offering a unique vibe. In this guide, I’ve highlighted the best areas for travelers, so you can choose the one that fits your style. It’s worth noting that while Puerto Escondido is a beautiful destination, it does have some quirks. The town has quite a bit of undeveloped land (or building sites) scattered throughout, some of which are abandoned or can be eyesores. Puerto Escondido is slightly run down and rough around the edges, particularly between the three main areas I’m going to describe. Don’t let this put you off—it’s still an amazing place to visit, and I just want to give you a realistic picture, as you might not see this on Instagram!

La Punta is easily my favorite area to stay in Puerto Escondido! This vibrant neighborhood is a paradise for beach lovers and backpackers, offering a laid-back atmosphere where you can enjoy the beautiful beach, stunning sunsets, and relaxed vibe. La Punta is home to amazing restaurants, charming cafes, unique shops, and a lively nightlife scene. The beach here is perfect for swimming and surfing, with lifeguards usually on duty. Even when Playa Zicatela is too rough for swimming, La Punta’s beach is always safe to enjoy. The area also offers beautiful caves on the left corner of the beach, perfect for a little adventure. One of the best features of La Punta is its walkability—everything you need is just a short 10-minute stroll away, making it incredibly convenient for travelers looking to unwind and experience the best of Puerto Escondido.

Recommended places to stay:

Frutas y Verduras: a great choice for travelers looking for a relaxed stay with easy access to Zicatela Beach, just steps away. With an outdoor swimming pool, on-site restaurant, shared kitchen, and comfortable rooms equipped with free WiFi, it’s the perfect spot for those seeking convenience and a laid-back vibe in Puerto Escondido.

Casa de Olas: A more affordable place, Casa de Olas Boutique Hotel offers a stylish and inviting escape nestled on a hill by the sea in the charming La Punta Zicatela neighborhood. Perfectly located in Puerto Escondido’s renowned surfing hub, this boutique hotel combines elegance and a playful vibe, providing a peaceful retreat with easy access to the beach and local attractions.

Where to Stay Near Playa Carrizalillo
If you’re looking for a more laid-back and relaxing spot, the Playa Carrizalillo area offers a charming retreat. This neighborhood is home to one of the most swimmable beaches in Puerto Escondido, with relatively calm waters and stunning surroundings. It’s the perfect place for visitors who want a quieter beach experience, with fewer crowds and no crazy party scene. While the beach does require a bit of a steep walk down, the calm waters and scenic beauty make it well worth the effort. There are also plenty of cute restaurants and cafes in the area, so you can easily enjoy a delicious meal with a view of the ocean.

Quinta Lili: Quinta Lili Hotel is a boutique hotel for travelers seeking style, comfort and excellent personal service.

Where to Stay in Centro, Puerto Escondido
Staying in Centro offers a more local atmosphere, but it’s farther from the beach and nightlife of Zicatela and La Punta. Visitors staying in this area will need to rely on taxis, colectivos, or scooters to get to the beach, making it less convenient for those who want quick access to the shore. While Centro offers a more authentic experience of Puerto Escondido, it might not be ideal for travelers looking to be close to the coast and vibrant beachside activities.

Casa Losodeli & Coworking: A great and affordable hostel in centro, this is an oasis off the busy streets

Where to Stay in Playa Zicatela
For travelers who want a more classic holiday vibe, Playa Zicatela is the place to stay. This area is known for its lively atmosphere, with a wide selection of hotels, beach clubs, and restaurants lining the beach. Zicatela is the hub of Puerto Escondido’s nightlife, with techno clubs and pool bars like Esmeralda offering a fun, energetic vibe. During the day, visitors can relax at the beach clubs, which offer comfortable shaded areas to unwind as long as you make a purchase from the bar or restaurant. The only downside is that when the surf is too rough, Playa Zicatela is red-flagged, meaning swimming is not allowed. This was the case for the entire week I was there, but the beach clubs and restaurants still make it a great place to hang out.

Hotelito Swiss Oasis: Another affordable option, this place was ideal location, great vibe and such a beautiful oasis from the nightlife metres away!

Siete Mares: offers a garden and beautiful garden views, just 1.5 km from Marinero Beach and 2.7 km from Principal Beach. The property features a year-round outdoor pool with a pool bar and is only 400 meters from Zicatela Beach. Each unit includes a private bathroom and free WiFi, with some rooms also offering a terrace for added relaxation.

How to Get Around Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido is relatively small, but getting around efficiently can make a big difference.

• Walking: If you’re staying in La Punta or Zicatela, you can easily explore on foot. Most places are within a 10-30 minute walk.
• Scooters and Quads: If you plan to spend a few days in Puerto Escondido and want the flexibility to explore various areas, renting a scooter or quad is a fantastic option. Scooters cost around 300 pesos per day, while quads are about 900 pesos for a day. Rentals tend to be cheaper the longer you hire, and you’ll often find better deals in Zicatela compared to La Punta. It’s a great way to get around and enjoy the open roads. A quad especially makes for a fun adventure, giving you more stability on rugged or uneven terrain. They also come in handy for heading out to remote spots, like Rancho Las Margaritas, where you might want to take in the sights along the way.
• Colectivos and Taxis: Colectivos are a quintessential Puerto experience. These are shared trucks with bench seating in the back, covered by a blue canvas. Just stand by the highway, flag one down, and hop in the back. It costs a mere 10 pesos no matter how far you’re going. When you’re ready to get off, ring the bell, and they’ll stop right away. They run until about 8-9 PM and are a laid-back way to travel, complete with the freedom to sip on a beer while you ride. It’s an experience in itself, as you meet locals and other travelers along the way.
• Taxis For a quicker and more direct option, taxis are plentiful and slightly more expensive but offer flexibility in choosing your destination. Whether you’re headed to a beach or a restaurant off the beaten path, taxis are a reliable and efficient choice. Taxis are particularly helpful if you need to get to more remote spots or want to save time, offering door-to-door convenience. They are also great if you’re planning a trip to places like the bio-reserve, where transport can be less frequent.

Where to Eat in Puerto Escondido

The food scene in Puerto Escondido is incredible, especially if you love fresh seafood and tacos. Here are some top picks:

Fish Shack La Punta:
Located down a side street, this bustling restaurant is an absolute must-visit! The food here is incredible. If you stop by, you have to try the coco-fried shrimp taco—it’s a standout. I also had the ceviche, which was delicious, fresh, and perfectly seasoned. Don’t forget to pair it with a mezcalita for the perfect combo!

Smoke Shack La Punta:
This place serves up good burgers and juicy pork belly. If you’re in the mood for a more hearty, satisfying meal, this is a solid option. It’s relaxed and has a great vibe, making it a nice stop after a day of exploring.

Pepe’s Fish Tacos:
For more coco-fried shrimp tacos, head over to Pepe’s Fish Tacos. The tacos are just as delicious, and the owner is a real gem—he adds a special touch to the restaurant’s atmosphere. His passion for food and service makes the experience even better.

La Olita:
La Olita is another must-visit! The tacos here are absolutely delicious, and the portion sizes are huge—you’ll definitely get your fill. Every dish I tried was mouth-wateringly good, so it’s perfect if you’re hungry and want to enjoy lots of yummy food.

Chicama:
This restaurant truly shines as a must-visit spot in Puerto Escondido. It serves flavorful, unpretentious Peruvian-inspired dishes, and the beachy, relaxed vibe makes it a favorite for both locals and tourists. The communal tables add to the cozy atmosphere. Don’t miss the arroz chaufa (a flavorful fried rice), ceviches, and mezcal cocktails—it’s all delicious and pairs perfectly with the laid-back environment.

Rancho Las Margaritas:
For a fun and unique experience, head to Rancho Las Margaritas, a lagoon-side lunch spot located just outside of town. We took our quad bikes to get there, and honestly, the drive was a beautiful adventure on its own! This café is located on an actual working farm, and you get there by walking through a makeshift walkway that leads through the swamp and mangroves. The rustic setting is totally charming and offers a completely different side of Puerto Escondido. While you enjoy your meal, keep an eye out for crocodiles—they pop out of the water as you eat, making this a one-of-a-kind experience.

Best Things to Do in Puerto Escondido

Activities: Puerto Escondido offers a wide variety of activities to enjoy. Here’s a list of the best things to do and a few activities to skip. I have also attached good guided tours where necessary

1. Surfing:

Surfing:
Surfing is a must-do in Puerto Escondido, especially if you’re staying in Punta. It’s hard to walk around without seeing someone carrying a surfboard—often in some inventive ways, like attached to bikes or scooters. There are plenty of shops offering surf lessons, which I’d recommend if you have the budget, as the waves can be pretty high! I didn’t have enough funds for a lesson, so I rented a board from a place next to Hostal Punta Mar. They were great, didn’t require pre-booking, and it was cheap to rent by the hour. I underestimated the size of the waves, so I only surfed in the white water, but even as a novice, I had a blast. There’s definitely fun for everyone!

2. Releasing Baby Turtles:

Releasing Baby Turtles:
One of my favorite experiences in Puerto Escondido was releasing baby turtles. Although it’s a very touristy activity with around 100 people involved, it’s run by a wonderful non-profit organization. The baby turtles are absolutely adorable. While it may not be the raw nature experience, it’s a lovely sunset activity, and it’s a great way to support conservation efforts. Here’s everything you need to know about releasing baby turtles:

• Location: This takes place on Bacocho Beach, home to two lovely beach bars. In my opinion, it’s one of the best spots to catch a sunset in Puerto Escondido, so even if you’re not releasing turtles, it’s worth a visit.
• When: It happens every night, and turtles lay their eggs every night of the year!
• Why It Matters: Turtles are still illegally hunted here, making this conservation project essential to preventing the extinction of these incredible creatures. You’ll learn a lot about turtles while there.
• How to Participate: Vivemar, the non-profit behind the project, runs the turtle release every evening at 5 pm, with newly hatched turtles ready to head to the ocean. No reservation is needed—just show up at Playa Bacocho. Look for the small building on the right with a sign explaining the importance of turtles in Oaxaca.
• Cost: 150 pesos to help support Vivemar’s work, volunteers, and the turtle rescue program.
• Volunteering with Vivemar: If you’re interested, Vivemar also has a volunteer program that lets people from around the world share experiences and develop conservation skills.

How to Release a Turtle:
When you release a baby turtle, it will be given to you in a container. When instructed, lower the container to the sand facing the ocean, and allow the turtle to crawl out on its own. It will slowly make its way into the sea.

3. Whale Watching:

Whale Watching:
Whale watching was truly magical! We spotted whales from the beach every day. We could see their spouts, their backs as they surfaced, and their tails as they dove back down. While I think they were humpback whales, it was hard to be sure from so far away. A great way to spot them is by watching the whale-watching boats. When the whales enter the harbor, the boats will head out and congregate, and that’s when you’ll likely see the whales. We didn’t go on a whale-watching tour, but I highly recommend doing so. The boats get incredibly close to the whales (safely and humanely), and I regret not taking a tour myself. Many of the better tours operate online and maintain contact with each other to ensure a good service. You’ll find tour guide offices all over Puerto Escondido, so booking one from anywhere in the area is easy.

4. Bioluminescent Plankton:

Bioluminescent Plankton:
This is another popular tour option from Puerto Escondido. We didn’t go on this tour, and here’s why—though don’t let this stop you if you’re keen on experiencing it yourself:

Safety: Above all, please go with a reputable company. This area is known for crocodiles, and there was an incident a couple of years ago where two teenagers were attacked after going on an unlicensed tour. It’s incredibly rare, but this is not the place to cut corners on safety.

Distance: The tour is about an hour outside of the city, factoring in both the taxi ride and the boat trip. We weren’t in the mood for such travel in the evening.

Plankton Conditions: In December, the plankton isn’t as strong. It relies on specific conditions, and December wasn’t ideal for that. There’s another location where the plankton is stronger year-round, but it’s 2 hours away.

Expectations vs. Reality: Having done plankton tours before, I’ve found the photos rarely live up to the real experience—the glowing blues just aren’t as vivid in person. Given the time of year, we weren’t as interested.

5. Visit Hidden Caves at La Punta

Head to the far left of La Punta beach to explore beautiful rock formations and hidden caves.

6. Sunset at Playa Bacocho

This is one of the best spots for a sunset, with stunning ocean views and a relaxing beach bar.

7. Day Trip to Chacahua

Chacahua is a stunning national park featuring lagoons, mangroves, and untouched beaches. You can take a boat tour to see crocodiles and birds or just relax on the pristine shores.

8. Visit Punta Cometa in Mazunte

A short trip from Puerto Escondido, Punta Cometa offers breathtaking ocean views, especially at sunset. The hike is short but rewarding.

Final Thoughts

Puerto Escondido is an incredible destination that balances adventure, relaxation, and vibrant local culture. Whether you’re here to surf, eat amazing seafood, or just soak up the sun, this town will steal your heart. Just be prepared for a few rough-around-the-edges areas between its neighborhoods—real beach town charm comes with a little grit!